Total hydrocarbon analysis with a planar micro flame ionization detector

This paper discusses the possibility of total hydrocarbon analysis (THA) with a planar micro flame ionization detector (¿FID). Because of reduced fuel gas consumption, the ¿FID allows for portable applications, which are numerous in the case of THA. Although, the minimum detectable limit (MDL) and fuel gas consumption are still relatively high compared to commercially available portable devices, these first investigations are promising and it is believed that similar or better performance with respect to MDL, linear range and fuel gas consumption can be achieved. Especially, the novel approach of sampling from atmospheric pressure and simultaneously improving flame stability by evacuating the flame chamber is promising.