Special Catalysts for Analytical Devices

Modern analytical devices are being used more and more in the area of environmental protection, for instance in the analysis of impurities in water, soil and air. For this, methods are employed whereby organic materials are completely oxidized and the total parameters (e. g. TOC) can be recorded via the oxidation products. Special Pt catalysts are used to support combustion and to increase precision. Catalytically supported combustion processes are also used in equipment for materials analysis and elemental analysis.

For this field Heraeus offers both standard catalysts and solutions designed on customer demand for specific devices.

Heat develops when combustible gases or vapors of combustible liquids react with oxygen in the atmosphere on special precious metal catalysts. The increase in temperature caused by the catalytic oxidation is recorded by a thermocouple and the resulting voltage can be evaluated for measurement or control functions.

The sensor can be used everywhere for measurement and control tasks when combustible gases or vapors can arise together with (atmospheric) oxygen. Typical areas of application are test equipment for the determination of the flammability point of organic solvents or oils, organically polluted exhaust gases, stationary engines, etc.