Building a thermal conductivity detector

[osp001]

I found an old DIY paper on the subject (A Simple-to-Build Thermal-Conductivity GC Detector, from J. Chem Ed in 1994), but I was hoping for a rather more sensitive detection method. That paper uses a 1N914 signal diode, while I'd prefer to make one using rhenium/tungsten wire for sensitivity purposes.

Anyone ever go about this? I'd be interested in details.

[AICMM]

osp001,

What do you want to measure? How hot? Look at thermistors. Small, very sensitive but only at low temperatures and NO, NO to hydrogen.

Be aware that tungsten/rhenium versions are highly coiled to get sufficient resistance to get decent current drop.

Best regards,

AICMM