Ambient HC monitor

November 2005 Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring

The APHA-360 ambient HC monitor from Horiba, uses a combination of the flame ionisation detection method and selective-combustion. This gives it the advantages of the single-detector method plus the ability to do continuous, zero-drift free measurements of THC, NMHC, and CH₄. The design gives great stability and high sensitivity (LDL 0,022 ppm). The APHA-360 has a relative-sensitivity correction function for CH4 and NMHC. A catalytic unit for generating reference gas and auxiliary combustion air is provided as standard equipment.

All the necessary features are built into a single rack sized instrument, including a catalytic unit for selective combustion (ie, an NMHC cutter), a catalytic unit for generating reference gas and auxiliary combustion air, and a sampling pump. The only supplemental gas required is hydrogen.

The flame ionisation detection method (FID) used in combination with the selective-combustion system utilises the ionisation that occurs as the result of the high-temperature energy from combustion at the tip of the burner jet when organic carbon compounds are introduced into the hydrogen flame. The hydrogen flame is located between two electrodes. When an electrical voltage is applied across these electrodes a minute ion current proportional to the hydrocarbon concentration is produced. This current is monitored by a low leakage amplifier, giving a voltage readout for THC. To measure CH4 the sample gas is passed through the selective catalytic combustion unit (the NMHC cutter), which oxidises NMHC without oxidising CH4.

The sensitive, accurate, and minimal-maintenance APHA-360 provides precise atmospheric pollution monitoring data. The APHA-360 has TA-Luft approval. Horiba is represented locally by OEN Enterprises.

For more information contact Noel Bauchop, OEN Enterprises, 011 675 4447, [email protected], www.oenenterprises.co.za

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