High Sensitive CO, CO2, CH4 Analysis Nexis GC-2030CCC4 GC-2014CCC4

Significance of the Topic

Precise measurement of trace carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) in inert gas matrices is essential for environmental monitoring, industrial process control, and quality assurance. Even at low parts-per-million levels, these gases can affect catalyst performance, product purity, and regulatory compliance.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note describes a gas chromatographic system designed to quantify CO, CO2, and CH4 at trace concentrations (1 ppm to 100 ppm) in carrier gases such as He, H2, N2, and Ar. The system aims to combine high sensitivity, clear separation, and a fast analysis cycle of 13 minutes.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Automated samples are introduced via a 10-port valve. A Porapak-N pre-column backflushes higher hydrocarbons and moisture, directing target analytes onward. CO2 is diverted through a Porapak-Q column while CO and CH4 move to an MS-13X column for separation. Downstream, a methanizer converts CO and CO2 to CH4 over a nickel catalyst, and all CH4 species are detected by a flame ionization detector (FID). Operating oxygen levels must remain below 0.1 % to protect catalyst integrity.

Used Instrumentation

• Nexis GC-2030CCC4 or GC-2014CCC4 gas chromatograph
• 10-port automated injection valve
• Porapak-N and Porapak-Q packed columns
• MS-13X packed column
• Methanizer with nickel catalyst
• Flame Ionization Detector (FID)
• LabSolutions GC workstation software

Key Results and Discussion

The configured system achieves baseline resolution of CO2, CH4, and CO within 13 minutes. Detection limits reach 1.0 ppm across a 1 ppm–100 ppm dynamic range. Representative chromatograms show CO2 eluting first, followed by CH4 and CO peaks with clear separation. The pre-column backflush effectively removes potential interferences, ensuring stable and accurate quantification.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High sensitivity and selectivity for trace gas analysis
• Rapid sample throughput with 13-minute cycles
• Compatibility with various inert carrier gases
• Protection of critical catalyst components
• Integrated data handling via LabSolutions software

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Future developments may integrate mass spectrometric detection for enhanced compound identification, deploy micro-GC platforms for field-based monitoring, and advance methanizer catalysts for extended lifespan. Applications could expand into continuous emissions surveillance, on-line process analytics in semiconductor manufacturing, and certification of ultra-high-purity gases.

Conclusion

This analytical configuration provides a robust, sensitive, and efficient method for quantifying CO, CO2, and CH4 in inert gas streams. Its combination of pre-columns, selective packed columns, methanizer conversion, and FID detection addresses critical needs in environmental, industrial, and quality-control laboratories.

References

No specific literature references were provided in the original document.