Hydrocarbon traps are basically used in GC for carrier gas purification, as the name suggests they are primarily used for trapping hydrocarbons. Some hydrocarbon traps, like the Supelpure HC Hydrocarbon Trap, contain a carbon molecular sieve that also restricts the elution of moisture and oxygen. Surges of moisture and oxygen that enter the gas line during the installation of a new gas cylinder enter the Supelpure HC Hydrocarbon Trap and are released slowly, diluted by the clean carrier gas from the new cylinder. It particularly removes C3 and other higher hydrocarbons.
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