Alkynes methanizer-FID

[nick576]

Hi,
We use agilent 6890 FID with methanizer with Hayesep Q packed column to routinely measure CH4 and CO2 in air samples. We are getting some air samples in the near future that contain octyne. Will octyne casue an issue with the methanizer ie "choking/poisoning" the catalyst? Will it better to try and vent/backflush octyne from the column (or precolumn) to prevent octyne getting near the methanizer? Have read (but cannot remember where) that high C hydrocarbons will reduce catalyst efficiency.

Also would anyone know the ~reative retention time of octyne on a Hayesep Q column?
Cheers, Nick

[AICMM]

I would guess (based on what I know) that octyne would not be good for catalyst. One, because unsaturated and two because heavy although if at low concentration? The good news, it should be really late so it should be easy to backflush off the Q if you are configured as such. I would recommend going that route if you can.

Best regards,

AICMM

[nick576]

Thanks for your reply, confirms my suspicion. We are configured to backflush the Q column, so will go down that route to be safe.
Regards, Nick