The CATS instruments have been in continuous
operation at the NOAA baseline observatories since 1999. While the CATS
instruments measure the same compounds as their predecessor, the Radiatively
Important Trace Species (RITS) instruments; the new gas chromatographs
(GCs), depending on location, also measure several additional trace
gases including carbonyl sulfide (COS), halon-1211 (CBrClF
2),
HCFC-22 (CHClF
2),
methyl chloride (CH
3Cl), methyl bromide (CH
3Br),
methane (CH
4), carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H
2). The CATS GCs are
custom built instruments with four separate channels. Each channel is
comprised of a pair of separation columns, flow controllers, an air selection
valve, and an electron capture detector. More information on the ESRL/GMD
in situ programs and chromatography techniques can be found at this
link.
Engineering
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