Hydrocarbons, C1 – C3 - Analysis of hydrocarbons C1-C2 and vinyl chloride in air

Significance of the Topic

Monitoring light hydrocarbons and vinyl chloride in air is critical for environmental compliance and safety assessment. Rapid, accurate analysis supports regulatory requirements and workplace health.

Study Objectives and Overview

The goal of this application note is to showcase a gas chromatography method using an Agilent CP-Al2O3/Na2SO4 column that separates five C1–C3 hydrocarbons and vinyl chloride in under 14 minutes. This work demonstrates method efficiency and resolution for trace-level air monitoring.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Technique: Capillary gas chromatography
• Column: Agilent CP-Al2O3/Na2SO4, 0.53 mm × 50 m fused silica PLOT (df=10 µm)
• Temperature program: 70 °C (2 min) ramp to 200 °C at 10 °C/min
• Carrier gas: Helium at 100 kPa (14 psi), linear velocity 30 cm/s
• Injector: Split 1:35 at 240 °C
• Detector: Flame ionization detector at 300 °C
• Sample size: 1 mL gas sample
• Concentration ranges: Up to 100 ppm for most analytes; cyclopropane 50 ppm; vinyl chloride 15 ppm

Main Results and Discussion

• The method achieved baseline separation of eight analytes—methane, ethane, ethylene, propane, cyclopropane, propylene, acetylene, and vinyl chloride—in 14 minutes.
• Peak identification was unambiguous under the specified conditions, demonstrating robust selectivity of the Al2O3/Na2SO4 stationary phase for light hydrocarbons.
• The fast analysis time and clear resolution support high sample throughput in environmental monitoring laboratories.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Rapid turnaround enables routine air quality assessments in industrial and environmental settings.
• High sensitivity and reproducibility make it suitable for QC/QA processes and regulatory compliance.
• Minimal sample preparation and straightforward GC-FID configuration streamline laboratory workflows.

Future Trends and Possible Applications

• Integration with mass spectrometric detection to lower detection limits and enhance analyte confirmation.
• Development of portable GC systems for on-site monitoring of hydrocarbons and volatile contaminants.
• Adoption of automated sampling and data processing for large-scale environmental surveillance.

Conclusion

The described GC-FID method using an Agilent CP-Al2O3/Na2SO4 column provides a fast, reliable approach for separating and quantifying light hydrocarbons and vinyl chloride in air. Its performance and ease of use make it a valuable tool for environmental and industrial analytical laboratories.

Reference

Agilent Technologies, Application Note A00580, 2011