Shimadzu Tracera GC detector for trace analysis

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Thermal conductivity detectors (TCD) and flame ionisation detectors (FID) are general-purpose detectors used in conventional gas chromatographs. A TCD is a universal detector but with low sensitivity. An FID is capable of detecting trace components at the ppm level but can only detect organic compounds.

With this in mind, Shimadzu has launched an innovation in universal and trace compound detection by gas chromatography, investigating the basics of plasma detection technology as a means for increasing sensitivity stability and the detectable concentration range. The company’s Tracera GC incorporates the barrier discharge ionisation detector (BID), capable of the high-sensitivity detection of both organic and inorganic compounds while providing good durability.

The BID responds to all compounds except He and Ne. It is said to have 100x the sensitivity of a TCD and 2x the sensitivity of an FID response.