Detector Principle
Analytical sensing technology measures organic hydrocarbon ions produced in a hydrogen air flame following chromatographic separation of sample volatile components. Testing laboratories employ flame ionization detection to measure residual printing solvents and mineral oil hydrocarbons extracted from paperboard packaging. Standard methods follow ISO 11890 and EN 13628 protocols for volatile organic compound analysis.
The technique does not detect inorganic gases or water vapour.
Quantification Mechanism
Eluted compounds exit the gas chromatography capillary column and enter a high-temperature hydrogen flame zone. Pyrolysis of organic molecules generates positive ions and free electrons within the flame gap. An applied electric potential between the burner tip and a collector electrode drives these charged particles toward the collector plate.
The resulting electric current directly correlates with the mass flow rate of carbon atoms passing through the burner tip. Amplification electronics convert minute nanoampere currents into digital signal peaks. Linear response spans six orders of magnitude, enabling simultaneous measurement of major solvent peaks and trace contaminants.
Flame stability requires constant delivery rates of ultra-high purity hydrogen and synthetic air.
Sensitivity Boundary
Chlorinated compounds and highly oxygenated solvents produce lower response factors per carbon atom than aliphatic hydrocarbons. Moisture condensation in the detector burner tip creates signal instability and increases background noise levels.
