1.1 This practice is intended to serve as a guide for the testing of the performance of a thermal conductivity detector (TCD) used as the detection component of a gas chromatographic system.

1.2 This practice is directly applicable to thermal conductivity detectors which employ filament (hot wire) or thermistor sensing elements.

1.3 This practice is intended to describe the performance of the detector itself independently of the chromatographic column, in terms which the analyst can use to predict overall system performance when the detector is coupled to the column and other chromatography system components.

1.4 For general gas chromatographic procedures, Practice E260 should be followed except where specific changes are recommended herein for the use of a TCD. For definitions of gas chromatography and its various terms see Practice E355.

1.5 For general information concerning the principles, construction, and operation of TCD see Refs. (1-4).

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. For specific safety information, see Section 4.