The Effect of Random Noise on the Precision and Accuracy of the Measurements of the Peak Area and the Retention Time in Chromatography

Abstract

Any further improvement in the overall precision of chromatographic measurements beyond the 10⁻³ level previously reached needs an improvement in the measurement system and in the methods used to handle the data. A digital system for data acquisition on punched tape has been built using a quartz clock and a digital voltmeter and connected to high precision chromatographic equipment. The data are evaluated on a computer. Studies have been made on the various numerical methods used to evaluate the data and on the parameters of the data acquisition system. A simulated signal is generated by addition of an analytical function to noise sequences of various origins, which are numerical or experimental. The results are compared to those derived from statistical analysis of the data obtained in various experimental conditions. It is shown that a precision of 10⁻⁴ on retention times or peak areas may be obtained provided some stringent conditions are met.