Development of an acetylene monitor at the part per billion level

Instrumentation was developed for the collection and analysis of atmospheric acetylene at the part per billion level. The approach used was an automated concentration technique whereby one liter of air was collected in a 1-1/2 x 1/8 inch tube filled with molecular sieve. The trapped contents were then automatically flushed into a gas chromatograph for separation and assay of acetylene. This system was designed to automatically perform three acetylene analysis per hour at acetylene concentrations ranging from .03 to 250 PPB. A portable collection device was developed for the collection of acetylene in locations far removed from the analyzer. The collection devices used in the portable sampler were identical to the collection device on the gas chromatograph.