Importance of the Topic
The reliable analysis of permanent gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, methane and carbon monoxide plays a vital role in petrochemical, environmental and industrial process monitoring. Accurate gas separation and quantification support quality control, safety, and regulatory compliance across applications ranging from feedstock evaluation to emissions testing.
Objectives and Study Overview
This document evaluates the performance of Mol Sieve 5 A PLOT capillary columns produced by Supelco for gas chromatography applications. The primary goal is to demonstrate separation efficiency, inertness and operational stability when resolving permanent gases under isothermal conditions.
Methodology
Mol Sieve 5 A PLOT columns utilize aluminosilicate zeolite particles with a fixed 5 A pore diameter bonded to the capillary wall using patented high temperature adhesive technology. The adhesive prevents particle shedding during standard operation and rapid temperature programming up to the particle limit of 360 C. Columns are individually tested for inertness, efficiency and retention characteristics prior to shipment.
Used Instrumentation
- Column dimensions: 30 m x 0.53 mm ID (Cat. No. 25463) or 30 m x 0.32 mm ID (Cat. No. 24243)
- Gas chromatograph oven: isothermal at 65 C
- Injector: direct valve injection at 200 C, 10 µL sample volume
- Carrier gas: helium at 10.0 mL/min
- Detector: thermal conductivity detector at 230 C
Main Results and Discussion
Under 65 C isothermal conditions, baseline resolution of oxygen, nitrogen, methane and carbon monoxide was achieved with retention times spanning approximately 0.5 to 3.5 minutes. The hydrophilic 5 A zeolite surface adsorbs water and carbon dioxide strongly, requiring periodic thermal conditioning at 280 C to 320 C to regenerate column capacity. Larger molecules may clog pores if contaminants are not removed routinely.
Benefits and Practical Applications
- Strong adsorption strength for rapid permanent gas analysis
- High thermal stability determined by particle properties rather than the adhesive
- Demonstrated inertness and reproducibility in QA/QC workflows
- Short analysis times suitable for process control and environmental testing
Future Trends and Opportunities
Subambient operation below 15 C can enhance selectivity for challenging separations such as argon from oxygen. Emerging detector technologies and miniaturized PLOT formats may enable portable systems for real-time monitoring. Novel mixed-pore adsorbents could expand analyte coverage while preserving column stability.
Conclusion
Supelco Mol Sieve 5 A PLOT capillary columns provide a robust, high-resolution solution for permanent gas chromatography. Patented adhesive bonding ensures long column life with minimal particle loss. Routine thermal conditioning maintains performance, supporting diverse industrial and environmental applications.
References
- Supelco. Mol Sieve 5 A GC PLOT Capillary Columns Product Information Sheet. Sigma-Aldrich Co; 2003.
Content was automatically generated from an orignal PDF document using AI and may contain inaccuracies.
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ProductInformation
W e a r e c o m m i t t e d t o t h e s u c c e s s o f o u r C u s t o m e r s , E m p l o y e e s a n d S h a r e h o l d e r s
t h r o u g h l e a d e r s h i p i n L i f e S c i e n c e , H i g h T e c h n o l o g y a n d S e r v i c e .
Mol Sieve 5A GC PLOT Capillary Columns
Supelco PLOT Columns
Supelco PLOT columns are an ideal choice for many permanent
gas and light hydrocarbon analyses in the petrochemical/chemical
industry. Supelco PLOT columns are prepared using a proprietary
patented adhesive technology that firmly bonds the adsorbent
particles to the wall of the capillary column. The adhesive also
bonds the particles to each other, eliminating particle loss during
routine analysis or rapid temperature programming. A significant
feature of the adhesive is its high temperature limit, greater than
360°C, which makes the operating temperature of the column a
function of the particles used, not the adhesive.
Supelco PLOT columns are individually tested for efficiency,
inertness, and retention. Each column is shipped with a chromato-
gram demonstrating column performance that can be expected.
Mol Sieve 5A PLOT Columns
Mol Sieve 5A PLOT columns are useful for the separation of
oxygen, nitrogen, carbon monoxide, and methane. More difficult
separations, such as argon from oxygen, can be achieved by using
subambient temperatures (15°C or below).
Supelco Mol Sieve 5A PLOT columns are prepared from granular
zeolite (aluminosilicate) particles. These particles possess the
strongest adsorption strength of all the columns in the Supelco
PLOT column line due to their 5Å monopore diameter.
Because the surface chemistry of the Mol Sieve 5A PLOT column
is hydrophilic, water and/or carbon dioxide present in samples will
strongly adsorb to the inner pore walls, reducing the pore capacity
of the PLOT column, and resulting in a decrease in analyte
retention. Carbon dioxide and larger molecules will also clog the
pores because of their molecular size and should not routinely be
analyzed with this column. If water, carbon dioxide, or other large
molecules are introduced into the PLOT column, then removal of
these contaminants must be routinely performed by thermal con-
ditioning of the column at temperatures between 280°C and 320°C
for extended times.
Figure A. Mol Sieve 5A PLOT Column Permanent Gas Analysis
Column:
Mol sieve 5A PLOT, 30m x 0.53mm ID
Cat. No.:
25463
Oven:
65°C isothermal
Inj.:
200°C
Det.:
TCD, 230°C
Flow:
Helium, 10.0mL/min
Inj.:
10.0µL direct valve injection
Sample:
Permanent gases
795-0367
1.
Oxygen (1.0%)
2.
Nitrogen (bulk)
3.
Methane (1.0%)
4.
Carbon monoxide (1.0%)
Min
1
2
3
4
0
1
2
3
4
T403147
GFG
© 2003 Sigma-Aldrich Co. Printed in USA. Supelco brand products are sold through Sigma-Aldrich, Inc. Sigma-Aldrich, Inc. warrants that its products conform to the
information contained in this and other Sigma-Aldrich publications. Purchaser must determine the suitability of the product(s) for their particular use. Additional terms
and conditions may apply. Please see reverse side of the invoice or packing slip.
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Ordering Information:
Mol Sieve 5A PLOT
1
Dimension
Max. Temp.
Cat. No.
30m x 0.32mm ID
300°C
24243
30m x 0.53mm ID
300°C
25463
1 A proprietary procedure fixes particles to the fused silica tubing and ensures
they will not be dislodged in normal use. Manufactured under US patents
5,599,445; 5,607,580; 5,609,756; 5,620,603; and 5,630,937.
