Instrumental Gas Analysis (IGA)

In instrumental gas analysis high temperature furnaces are used to rapidly heat a sample and thereby convert some common chemical species to volatile forms in order to separate and measure them. Carbon and sulfur mass fractions are evaluated based on combustion and infrared technology. The analytical method is based on the complete and instantaneous oxidation of the solid sample by "combustion" in oxygen (above 2000 °C). The sample is placed in a ceramic crucible in a high frequency induction furnace where it is heated at a programmable temperature. The combustion of the sample releases gases, which are then measured by four infrared detectors, after dust and moisture removal. The analysis of SO₂ determines the sulfur mass fraction. The analysis of low and high CO₂ and CO, respectively determine the carbon mass fraction.

Nitrogen, Oxygen and Hydrogen mass fractions in solid samples are evaluated using the principles of inert gas fusion or solid carrier gas heat extraction. The sample is placed in a graphite crucible and inserted into an electrode furnace. The crucible is maintained between the upper and lower electrodes of impulse furnace. A high current passes through the crucible after purging with inert gas (He or Ar) creating and increase of the temperature (above 2500 ºC). Gases generated in the furnace are released into flowing inert gas stream. The gas stream is then sent to the appropriate infrared (O as CO by NDIR) or thermal conductivity (N and H by TCD) detectors for measurement. Instrument calibrations are performed using known reference materials.

Ideal Uses for IGA Analysis		Relevant Industries for IGA Analysis
H, C, S, N and O determination in solids, powders or particulate materials Fractional gas analysis		Sputter targets Semiconductor materials manufacturing Steel industry Powder metallurgy Chemicals (Catalysts)
Strengths of IGA Analysis		Limitations of IGA Analysis
Provides accurate determinations of gas forming elements Wide detection range from sub-ppm to wt%		Requires several tens of mg to g of sample amount