Low level ethylene detection using preconcentrator/sensor combinations

Two new preconcentrator based measurement systems for ethylene gas concentration in the ppbv range for the fruit logistic industry have been developed and examined. Two different detection principles have been applied: non dispersive infrared (NDIR)-detection and gas chromatography. A silicon based miniaturized gas chromatographic column was combined with a miniaturized silicon preconcentrator and a commercially available metal oxide sensors for the ethylene peak measurement. An NDIR-Detector for ethylene concentration measurement was combined with an aluminum preconcentrator device for the first time. For these two measurement systems, two newly developed aluminum and silicon based preconcentrators using Carbosieve S-II and S-III as adsorption material were applied. In addition, the adsorption and desorption processes were examined for both approaches.