Micro-flame ionization detector with a novel structure for portable gas chromatograph

A micro-flame ionization detector (μ-FID) for portable gas chromatograph (GC) based on conventional mechanical fabrication techniques was developed and evaluated. Structure was redesigned and dimensions were optimized for best performance. Air is introduced from upper part of the detector, flowing downwards into the burning chamber along a narrow round gap between the collection electrode and the inner wall of the detector body, forming a uniform flow field around the burning jet. The lowest detection limit of the μ-FID was 5 × 10⁻¹³ g/s for n-decane, with a linear response range of five orders of magnitude. The consumption of gases is only 10 ml/min for hydrogen, and 120 ml/min for air, that is about 1/3 of the gases required for conventional FIDs. A comparative study between the μ-FID and commercial FID was also performed that proved the advantages of the μ-FID. The μ-FID is simple in structure, low heating power, and low consumption of gases that not only decrease the cost of running, but also increase the portability of GC for filed applications.