This advanced GC course will explore how to properly develop a method utilizing and applying GC theory, software programs and common sense. Attendees will get a chance to test their newly acquired skills in a practical yet brief laboratory experiment. They will be given a standard, then be allowed to choose a column (dimensions and stationary phase type), optimize the carrier gas and temperature conditions and tweak their method until separation is optimized. Prizes will be awarded to the team that achieves the best optimization based on speed, resolution, and ruggedness. The course will be split up evenly between lecture and lab exercise along with a comprehensive final discussion. Class size is limited to maximize interaction with instructors and involvement in the laboratory exercise. Analysts should come away with the necessary skills to optimize existing and future methods for faster run times, better resolution, and/or overall robustness.

• Review of GC Theory
• Carrier Gas Considerations (Type, Flow rate, EPC)
• Maximizing Sample Introduction Efficiency
• Effect of Dimensions (Internal diameter, length, and film thickness) and Effects of Phase Type (Selectivity)
• Effect of Temperature
• Method Translation Software Considerations
• Maximizing Resolution vs. Fast GC
• Practical Laboratory Exercise
• Evaluations of Results
• Conclusions, Discussion, Q&A

Daron Decker works for Agilent Technologies as a technical specialist within the Consumable and Accessories organization. Prior to joining Agilent he performed the same role with Chromatography Inc. a contractor of technical support for Agilent GC and HPLC columns and supplies. He spent ten years working for J&W Scientific, Inc. also in the area of technical support. Daron has given hundreds of seminars, courses and technical papers on GC (both domestic and international). Daron started his career at an environmental lab in south central Minnesota (MVTL) and worked there for two and half years as an analytical chemist. He received his BS in Chemistry (ACS Degree) from the University of South Dakota in 1987. Daron has been a long time proponent of the MCF and member since 1987. Daron currently lives in Pearland, TX (south of Houston) with his wife of 14 years and their 4 children.