Introduction to the Pulsed Discharge Detector (PDD) for gas chromatography

Gas chromatography (GC) is one of the most important analytical technologies, but its power relies on the availability of sensitive detectors, able to quantify a range of analytes as extensive as possible. This eLearning session will show the Pulsed Discharge Detector (PDD) to meet this demand by combining true universality in detection, with a broad dynamic range, and sensitivity down to the ppm and ppb range.

After setting the PDD in relation to other detectors for GC, generally regarded as universal, a brief explanation of its physical basics will make its capabilities understandable. Different operation modes, providing selectivity where required, are shown as well as how a PDD can replace an Electron Capture Detector and help to eliminate radioactive material from the lab.

Different models of the PDD are introduced, adapted to a range of widely used GC systems. Together with application examples from a broad field of analytical tasks, the eLearning session will show how the potential of this detector can be easily applied and made productive in every GC laboratory

Presenter: Peter Nastold (Product Specialist Gas Chromatography, Technical Support team of VICI AG International)

Peter Nastold is Product Specialist Gas Chromatography in the Technical Support team of VICIAG International, in Schenkon, Switzerland. In this role he is the contact person for questions regarding detectors for GC. Being a chemist by training, he gained expertise in instrumental analytics in the fields of environmental monitoring, academia, and pharmaceutical industry. With his hands-on experience in a wide range of analytical techniques, in solving analytical problems, and instrument maintenance, he joined VICI in 2015.

Moderator: Tom Lynch CChem FRSC (Independent Analytical Consultant, International Labmate)

Tom has 35 years of experience in the petroleum industry, specialising in the delivery of forensic and problem solving /method development capabilities for BP Fuels and Lubricants businesses globally. He was also a member of the BP Science Council representing Analytical Science and led a BP wide Analytical Science network.Tom has published over 30 citable papers, 4 book chapters and has given over 60 presentations at conferences. He is a past Vice President of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Analytical Division and a past Chairman of the RSC Separation Science Group. In addition, Tom is a recipient of the Silver Jubilee Medal by the Chromatographic Society and a technical achievement award by the Energy Institute.