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Determination of methane in ambient air by multiplex gas chromatographyA multiplex gas chromatographic technique for the determination of methane in ambient air over extended periods is reported. A modest gas chromatograph which uses air as the carrier gas was modified by adding a silver oxide sample modulator for multiplex operation. The modulator selectively catalyzes the decomposition of methane in air. The resulting analytical system requires no consumables beyond power. A profile of the methane concentration in this laboratory was obtained for an 8-day period. During this period, methane concentration varied with an approximately daily period from a low of 1.53 + or - 0.60 ppm to a high of 4.63 + or - 0.59 ppm over the entire 8 days. Some of the measured concentrations are higher than those reported elsewhere indicating the presence of some local source or sources for methane. This work has demonstrated the utility of a relatively simple multiplex gas chromatograph for the analysis of environmental samples. The technique should be applicable to other trace components in air through use of other selective modulators.
Document ID
19850066339
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Valentin, J. R.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Carle, G. C.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Phillips, J. B.
(NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: Analytical Chemistry
Volume: 57
ISSN: 0003-2700
Subject Category
Inorganic And Physical Chemistry
Accession Number
85A48490
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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