The Varigrad and similar apparatus in gradient liquid chromatography: A systematic computational approach. Part 1: Theoretical development

Different methods for producing a pre‐assigned gradient in liquid chromatography are presented. A systematic approach to the calculations involved is given. The derived equations are mostly Poisson and Poisson summation distributions which are tabulated in the literature. The incremental method of gradient elution developed by Scott has been modified. In the modified apparatus two mixing chambers are used instead of one. This leads to an appreciable decrease in the number of reservoirs needed for the same precision in fitting a desired gradient. The application of the derived equations, together with other Varigrad modifications, will be given in Part 2 of this paper (to be published shortly in this Journal).