Hydrocarbons - Comparing the PDD with an FID

A flame ionization detector (FID) is the typical choice for hydrocarbon analysis. The upper chromatogram shows an FID run of C14, C15, and C16. The lower chromatogram shows the same run on a PDD under identical conditions. The PDD offers comparable performance, achieved without the use of flame or combustible gases. And since the PDD's response is universal, it detects permanent gases, aldehydes, and inorganic compounds like H2S and COS, which cannot be detected by the FID.

comparing an FID with a VICI PDD

Courtesy of Dow Chemical, Canada
Western Canada Operations, Analytical Sciences, Jim Luong

Run conditions
Sample 1 µl of a test mixture of C14, C15, and C16 in hexane
Injector 80:1 split
Detector mode Helium photoionization
Discharge gas Helium
Dopant gas None
Detector temp PDD 350°C
FID 250°C
Column 100% dimethylpolysiloxane, 30m x 0.32mm x 0.25µl
Column temp 150°C
Attenuation 1