Replacing a Polyarc reactor is a relatively simple task. The most time-consuming steps will be cooling down the system and conditioning the catalyst. Luckily, these do not require operator time to complete.

User time is spent mostly disconnecting and reconnecting the Polyarc, which can be completed in as little as 5 minutes. The first step for replacing the Polyarc is to determine when it needs to be replaced. See the two previous blog posts When Does the Polyarc Need Replacement and Signs a Polyarc Replacement is Due for making this determination. Laboratories with regular GC maintenance have benefitted from having a regular subscription of replacement reactors sent every 6 or 12 months. Not only does this reduce the possibility of using a damaged reactor but allows for replacement to be completed at the same time as your other GC maintenance.  

The failure to appropriately identify a replacement is required can lead to a variety of issues. Completing analysis with incorrect quantification can lead to time lost, potentially poor product quality, or making incorrect research decisions. An inaccurate analysis may not only impact your laboratory, but your customers as well. Knowing the signs and causes of replacements will severely reduce the likelihood of this. Accurate results are of the utmost importance at ARC. While the Polyarc does add minor complexity to the GC system, it also fully removes the variable response of the FID. Without variable response to analytes, you can gain new insight into sample introduction and inlet conditions. This is one reason that the Polyarc System is an invaluable tool for method development. 

Using a Polyarc reactor that needs replacement can have negative laboratory impacts, there are easy ways to avoid it. For critical applications, a spare reactor can be purchased to allow for immediate replacement when needed. There is no shelf life for the catalyst, so a spare reactor can be purchased and kept in the facility until required.

The goal from this blog post series on replacements has been to explain why and when the Polyarc reactor needs to be renewed. A Polyarc user with an understanding of the causes for damage to the reactor can assist in extending the life of the reactor. Some analysis cannot avoid sulfur and silicon. This is why it is important to know when to change the reactor. If you ever have any questions regarding a replacement, reach out to contact@activatedresearch.com with your questions. 

BY CONNOR BEACH – SALES ENGINEER
April 25, 2022