I want to detect hydrogen gas using GC TCD detector, and the carrier gas is Helium, but the response is very low due to the thermal conductivity of Hydrogen (0.1805 W·m−1·K−1) and Helium (0.1513 W·m−1·K−1) were very near. I search about Argon as a carrier gas . According to some reports the thermal conductivity of Argon 0.017.72 W·m−1·K−1, are very far from Hydrogen thermal conductivity. Is any one have experience using Argon as a carrier gas?
Dear Prof. Muhammad Ashraf
Since they have such a large conductivity difference, you can use a TCD detector with Argon as a carrier gas to detect H2.
I don't have experience of using Ar with the TCD. But according to its thermal conductivity, it must be more sensitive since the key is the unbalance of the wheatstone bridge by the differences in thermal conductivity between the reference gas flow and hydrogen in this case. You may also try with nitrogen with also a quite different thermal conductivity compared to hydrogen.
Without any doubt, helium is the best carrier. It is cheaper, light and produces a good result. However, based on the thermal conductivity difference Argon and N2 are the best options.
Thermal conductivities of different gases in (mW/m·K):
H2 = 186.9
He = 156.7
N2 = 26
Ar = 17.9
Agree with above replies. To detect H2 using TCD detector, Ar or N2 are the best choices. (If you have N2 in your feed gas, then definitely Ar)
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