New Cylinder-free Auto-GC-FID Range

Reliable and certified results from an all-in-one unit without gas cylinders: this was the design challenge that Chromatotec achieved to satisfy market expectations for VOCs/Hydrocarbons monitoring.

Gas Chromatography (GC) analysers with Flame Ionisation Detection (FID) allow the speciation of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) with exceptional sensitivity and linear response for wide concentration ranges (ppt to %) in automatic routine mode. When comparing lab GC-FID with auto-GC-FID used in the field for online monitoring systems, users may be concerned with the on-site use of hydrogen (H2) and the complexity of cylinder management. Indeed, FID detectors require a H2/air flame and, in the case of cylinders, must be changed before exhaustion, or else risk interrupting analyses while also decreasing the usable amount of gas. In terms of safety, gas cylinders are bulky and heavy so personnel must be trained on how to move and secure them.

To solve these problems, H2 and zero air gas generators are used, instead of cylinders, in the first fully- automatic, standalone, cylinder-free, auto-GC-FID system manufactured by Chromatotec.

Designed for industrial applications, the performance of the cylinder-free auto-GC-FID system is highlighted by its many valuable features. The system offers low ownership cost as only distilled water and ambient air are needed. The integrated generators provide the FIDs total gas consumption requirement. (30 mL/min H2 and 180 mL/min air).

No compressed hydrogen cylinders are required guaranteeing improved safety. The FID can be operated continuously, avoiding the exchange of empty cylinders. ‘Zero grade’ gases without hydrocarbon impurities allows for lower noise level and greater column protection resulting in for greater sensitivity. The system saves space as the analyser and both generators are housed in an all-in-one wall-mounted cabinet.

Multi-streammethod analysis (channelled/surface/ambient) is achieved with a custom-designed analyser and integrated multiplexer sampling device to provide inlet/outlet process monitoring with full traceability for each streammethod type analysed.

The measurement system performance evaluation is completed with internal calibration using NIST traceable permeation tube technology to provide automatic data validation. This fully automatic, user-friendly system does not require specialised personnel to operate. You’ll only need to ensure proper power supply and to set up proper sampling lines to operate.

More information online: www.chromatotec.com