Flame Ionization Detector - FID
The Flame Ionization Detector responds to any molecule with a carbon-hydrogen bond, but its response
is either poor or nonexistent to compounds such as H
2
S, CCl
4
, or NH
3
. Since the FID is mass sensitive, not
concentration sensitive, changes in carrier gas flow rate have little effect on the detector response. It is preferred
for general hydrocarbon analysis, with a detection range from 0.1ppm to almost 100%. The FID’s response
is stable from day to day, and is not susceptible to contamination from dirty samples or column bleed. It is
generally robust and easy to operate, but because it uses a hydrogen diffusion flame to ionize compounds for
analysis, it destroys the sample in the process.
Overview
The SRI FID features a unique ceramic
ignitor which can run hot continuously, and prevent
the flame from extinguishing even with large water
injections or pressure surges from column
backflush. This ignitor is positioned perpendicular
to the stainless steel detector jet and does not
penetrate the flame. Opposite this flame is the
collector electrode. This positively charged metal
tube serves as a collector for the ions released as
each sample component elutes from the column(s)
and is pyrolyzed in the flame; it doubles as a vent
for the FID exhaust gas. The FID is equipped
with an electrometer amplifier which has HIGH,
HIGH (filtered), and MEDIUM gain settings. On
an SRI GC, the hydrogen and air gas flows are
controlled using electronic pressure controllers,
which are user adjustable via the GC’s front panel.
A thermostatted aluminum heater block maintains
a stable detector temperature which is user
adjustable up to 375
o
C. The optional built-in air
compressor may be used to supply the air for the
FID, eliminating bulky air cylinders. The built-in
hydrogen generator is another option: the standard
model can produce 20mL/min for use as both
carrier gas and FID combustion gas at pressures