CASES
Accurately Detect Sulfur and Phosphorus Signals! A Comprehensive Guide to the Operation and Maintenance of FPD Flame Photometric Detectors
In the large family of gas chromatography, the flame photometric detector (FPD) is a highly specialized “hunter.” With its uniquely high selectivity and sensitivity toward sulfur- and phosphorus-containing compounds, it plays an irreplaceable role in fields such as environmental monitoring, petrochemicals, and food safety.
However, this “expert” has a distinct personality and requires careful nurturing and proper handling to consistently deliver accurate data. Core usage guidelines for the FPD detector have been carefully compiled by Core Chromatography to help you achieve twice the results with half the effort.
I. Before starting and igniting: Make absolutely thorough preparations.
1. Checking the air circuit is an “iron rule.”
Safety First: Be sure to check the air circuit for leaks. Strictly prevent gas leakage. In particular, for hydrogen, the operating site must be well-ventilated and kept away from sources of ignition.
Gas purity Must use High-purity grade nitrogen as the carrier gas, High-purity grade Hydrogen serves as the fuel gas, while clean, dust-free air acts as the supporting gas. Impurities can contaminate the detector, leading to increased baseline noise, reduced sensitivity, and a shortened detector lifespan.
Airflow is stable. Ensuring the cleanliness and unobstructed flow of gas pipelines, as well as stable pressure and flow rates, is fundamental to flame stability.
2. The “Golden Three Minutes” Before Ignition ”
Before ignition, please at least... 10-15 minutes in advance Open the air valve and thoroughly purge the inside of the detector with air to remove any residual air, dust, or moisture. This step effectively prevents ignition failure and protects the detector.
II. During Ignition and Operation: Master the Core Techniques
1. The firing order is key.
The correct procedure is: first vent the system, then power it on, then control the temperature, and finally ignite it to apply high voltage. Be sure to ensure a stable supply of hydrogen and air flow, and only after the measured temperature reaches the set temperature, proceed with ignition and apply high pressure.
Corey's Tip Our FPD employs a fluid design that minimizes the likelihood of fire suppression. However, following the correct ignition sequence is essential for ensuring successful single-time ignition and long-term safe operation.
2. “Looking, Listening, Asking, and Feeling” for Flame Conditions
After ignition, the flame should be observed through the viewing window. A healthy flame should be: Stable light blue If the flame flickers, has an unusual color (such as yellow), or is accompanied by a sudden increase in noise, you should immediately check the gas flow rate and proportion.
The gas ratio is the soul. The ratio of hydrogen gas to air needs to be optimized based on the specific analyte being analyzed. An improper ratio can directly lead to insufficient sensitivity or quenching effects.
3. Be wary of the “quenching” phenomenon.
In FPD detection, if a large amount of solvent or a high-concentration analyte enters the flame, it may cause quenching of the luminescent signal, leading to a reduction or even complete disappearance of the signal and compromising the accuracy of quantitative analysis.
How to avoid:
Inject a sample with an appropriate concentration.
For complex matrix samples, it is recommended to perform pretreatment or dilution.
Corey’s advantages: Our FPD, through the special design of key components, has minimized the likelihood of quenching to the greatest extent, broadened the method’s linear range, and made your analysis more hassle-free.
3. Daily Maintenance and Care: Determining the Instrument’s Lifespan
1. Keep the “core” clean
Quartz Window: FPD’s “Eyes.” After prolonged use, condensation or solid residues may accumulate on its surface, leading to reduced light transmittance and decreased sensitivity. Regular cleaning or polishing should be performed according to the manual instructions.
Burner/nozzle: the “exit” of the flame. Blockages can cause flame instability or prevent ignition altogether. They should be inspected regularly, and any blockages found must be carefully cleared using specialized tools (such as fine wires).
2. Properly shutting down your device is “the way to health and well-being.”
When shutting down, first turn off the hydrogen gas to extinguish the flame. Then, turn off the temperature control, allow the equipment to cool completely, and finally turn off the carrier gas and air. This measure can prevent the accumulation of moisture and residues inside the detector.
3. Consumables should be replaced promptly.
The filter elements and sealing gaskets of gas filters are consumables that need to be replaced periodically based on the frequency of use, to prevent diseases from entering through the mouth.
4. What should I do if I encounter a problem?
When baseline instability, high noise levels, reduced sensitivity, or failure to ignite occur, please follow the troubleshooting steps below:
Check the gas source Is the gas pure? Are the pressure and flow rate accurate and stable?
Check the air circuit Is there a leak?
Check the core components Is the quartz window clean? Is the nozzle clogged?
Refer to the manual Refer to the detailed operating manual provided by Core Chromatography for troubleshooting.
The FPD is a powerful and sensitive companion, and proper use and careful maintenance are key to unlocking its optimal performance. Corning’s FPD detector, with its unique design, exceptional stability, and lower detection limits, is becoming a reliable choice for numerous industry users analyzing sulfur- and phosphorus-containing compounds.
If you encounter any challenges in using FPD, or would like to learn about solutions tailored to your specific application, feel free to contact Coray Chromatography’s team of technical experts at any time!
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