Temperature electrical resistance detector

Thermal Conductivity Detector One of the earliest gas chromatography detectors, which is still widely used, is based on the mobile phase s thermal conductivity (Figure 12.21). As the mobile phase exits the column, it passes over a tungsten-rhenium wire filament. The filament s electrical resistance depends on its temperature, which, in turn, depends on the thermal conductivity of the mobile phase. Because of its high thermal conductivity, helium is the mobile phase of choice when using a thermal conductivity detector (TCD). 

Thermal Methods Level-measuring systems may be based on the difference in thermal characteristics oetween the fluids, such as temperature or thermal conductivity. A fixed-point level sensor based on the difference in thermal conductivity between two fluids consists of an electrically heated thermistor inserted into the vessel. The temperature of the thermistor and consequently its electrical resistance increase as the thermal conductivity of the fluid in which it is immersed decreases. Since the thermal conductivity of liquids is markedly higher than that of vapors, such a device can be used as a point level detector for liquid-vapor interface. 

Thermal Conductivity Detector In the thermal conductivity detector (TCD), the temperature of a hot filament changes when the analyte dilutes the carrier gas. With a constant flow of helium carrier gas, the filament temperature will remain constant, but as compounds with different thermal conductivities elute, the different gas compositions cause heat to be conducted away from the filament at different rates, which in turn causes a change in the filament temperature and electrical resistance. The TCD is truly a universal detector and can detect water, air, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, nitrogen, sulfur dioxide, and many other compounds. For most organic molecules, the sensitivity of the TCD detector is low compared to that of the FID, but for the compounds for which the FID produces little or no signal, the TCD detector is a good alternative. 

On working flowsheets the detectors, transmitters, and controllers are identified individually by appropriate letters and serial numbers in circles. Control valves are identified by the letters CV- followed by a serial number. When the intent is to show only in general the kind of control system, no special symbol is used for detectors, but simply a point of contact of the signal line with the equipment or process line. Transmitters are devices that convert the measured variable into air pressure for pneumatic controllers or units appropriate for electrical controllers. Temperature, for instance, may be detected with thermocouples or electrical resistance or height of a liquid column or radiant flux, etc., but the controller can accept only pneumatic or electrical signals depending on its type. When the nature of the transmitter is clear, it may be represented by an encircled cross or left out entirely. For clarity, the flowsheet can include only the most essential information. In an actual design... 

Sensors based on platinum are used in temperature measurement because of the substantial change of electrical resistivity with temperature. CO detectors are common safety features in homes and industrial buildings. Oxygen sensors, known as Lambda or Exhaust Gas Oxygen (EGO) sensors, use platinum and are a central component of the engine control system in a catalyst-equipped vehicle. 

The thermal conductivity detector (TCD) is based on changes in the thermal conductivity of the gas stream brought about by the presence of separated sample molecules. The detector elements are two electrically heated platinum wires, one in a chamber through which only the carrier gas flows (the reference detector cell), and the other in a chamber that takes the gas flow from the column (the sample detector cell). In the presence of a constant gas flow, the temperature of the wires (and therefore their electrical resistance) is dependent on the thermal conductivity of the gas. Analytes in the gas stream are detected by temperature-dependent changes in resistance based on the thermal conductivity of each separated molecule the size of the signal is directly related to concentration of the analyte. 

Operationally, both packed and capillary columns require careful control of the column, injector, and detector temperatures. Control of the column temperature is achieved when the column is placed in an oven or when the column is heated directly by resistive heating.Injector and detector temperatures usually are controlled by electrical resistance... 

The thermal conductivity detector (TCD), which was one of the earliest detectors for gas chromatography, still finds wide application. This device consists of an electrically heated source whose temperature at constant electric power depends on the thermal conductivity of the surrounding gas. The heated element may be a fine platinum, gold, or tungsten wire (Figure 31 -9a) or, alternatively, a small thermistor. The electrical resistance of this element depends on the thermal conductivity of the gas. Twin detectors are ordinarily used, one located ahead of the sample injection chamber and the other immediately beyond the column alternatively, the gas stream can be split. The detectors are incorporated into two arms of a simple bridge circuit (see Figure 31 -9) such that the thennal conductivity of the carrier gas is... 

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