Spurenbestimmung von Vergaser- und Dieselkraftstoffen im Wasser mittels Capillar-Gas-Chromatographie/automatischer Mustererkennung

A method for trace analysis determination of carburetor and diesel fuels in water is described. The isolation and concentration of fuel traces is carried out by microextraction with n-hexane using a suitable micro-separator. After their separation by capillary gas chromatography fuels provide typically structured chromatographic patterns and, therefore, a chromatogram (sample pattern) of the extract is generated. The sample pattern is searched for fuel patterns by comparing the chromatogram with reference chromatograms of these fuels in a library. An automatic pattern recognition algorithm is applied, using elements of the fuzzy set theory. As preliminary interpretation the computer delivers a list of identification proposals which have to be assessed and submitted to a final interpretation by the analyst.