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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