Hydrocarbon traps are basically suitable 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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