An improved flame photometric detector for gas chromatography

A simple modification in the flame photometric detector is reported. This modification enables liquid sample injections of up to 50 μl without solvent flame out. The signal to noise ratio is also increased, the baseline has increased stability and dynamic working range and linearity are improved. No loss in specificity is reported for either the phosphorus (526 nm) or sulfur (394 nm) modes. Detection of picogram quantities of chromium is possible using this detector and a 520 nm filter. The modification now allows automatic analysis of pesticide extracts and liquid samples without the use of flame autoignitors.