ABSTRACT
The katherometer detector [sometimes spelt catherometer and often referred to as the thermal conductivity detector (TCD) or the hot wire detector (HWD)] is the oldest GC detector still in use and commercially available. Unfortunately, it is a relatively insensitive detector and has survived largely as a result of its catholic response. In particular, it is sensitive to the permanent gases that are not easily detected by other means. The frequent need for permanent gas analysis in industry probably accounts for it becoming the fourth most commonly used GC detector despite its relatively low sensitivity. Besides its use in gas analysis, the katherometer is at times also used for general GC analysis. It is simple in design and requires minimal electronic support and, as a consequence, is also relatively inexpensive compared with other detectors, which may also account for its somewhat surprising popularity. Universities providing programs on separation science commonly use the katherometer in their practical GC courses.
