An instrument to provide on-site analyses utilizing a combination cryotrap and absorbent traps in the extraction of constituents from the sample gas stream consistent with the requirements of 40 CFR Pt. 60 App. A Method 25.
The air sample is passed through a cryotrap system which is maintained at the temperature of dry ice ˜72° C.). Heavier molecular weight constituents in the gas sample are condensed on the cold surfaces of the trap. The lighter molecular weight constituents are retained in the absorbent trap, while also acting as a column to separate methane, carbon dioxide, and carbon monoxide from each other and the remain carbon compounds.
After separation, all of the sample constituents are oxidized to carbon dioxide and reduced to methane prior to being introduced to a Flame Ionization Detector, which measures the concentration of each against known calibration standards.