For the analysis of low concentrations of carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2) a more sensitive FID is used instead of common for this gases katharometer, at that, oxides of carbon turn into methane (CH4) with the help of reaction gas chromatography. Device that realizes conversion reaction is called methanator, i.e. a device with special catalyst that converts CO, CO2 into methane (CH4) in hydrogen flow meanwhile the latter is gas-carrier itself or is blown together with gas-carrier into methanator through the tee. Methanator ensures highly effective conversion reaction herewith detection limit of carbon oxides reaches 0,1 ppm.
Photo: Methanator
Methanator is a U-shaped pipe made of stainless steel with fittings on each end for packed column connection. Methanator volume is 1 ml. Methanator is filled with catalyst – spherochrom, treated with nitrate nickel or any other that ensures the reaction of conversion. Catalyst restoration during work is obtained by several insertions of air sample into methanator at working temperature of about 330°C (from 3 to 5 times).
Technical characteristics
- Methanation temperature — 330 °C
- Methanation ratio — no less than 95 %
- Effective volume of methanator — 1 ml.
