ABSTRACT
Solute property detectors have much higher sensitivities than bulk property detectors. This chapter introduces a number of improved ionization detectors and discusses the function and use of these detectors. There are seven major detector specifications that are important to the analyst and that should be provided by the manufacturer. The basic detector specifications necessary to permit a prudent choice of detector are: detector linearity; linear dynamic range; detector noise level; detector sensitivity, or minimum detectable concentration; pressure sensitivity; flow sensitivity; and temperature sensitivity. Some detectors are more sensitive to temperature changes than other. In contrast, the flame ionization detector is relative insensitive to significant temperature changes providing the temperature is always high enough to prevent solute condensation. The flame ionization detector (FID), electron capture detector (ECD), nitrogen phosphorus detector (NPD) and the katherometer are employed in probably over 90% of all GC applications.
