Fresenius Instruments

Thermal Conductivity Gas Analysis (TCD)

Gas analysis based on thermal conductivity: The FTC300 measures H₂, CH₄, CO₂, O₂, NH₃ and other gases via their thermal conductivity profile – versatile and robust.

Thermal Conductivity Gas Analysis (TCD)
175+ Years Experience
24-48h Response Time
10+ Years Spare Parts
30+ Years Lifespan

TCD – The Universal Measurement Principle

The thermal conductivity principle (TCD – Thermal Conductivity Detection) is based on a fundamental physical property of all gases: each gas conducts heat differently. A sensor compares the thermal conductivity of the sample gas with a reference gas and determines the gas concentration from this comparison. The method is particularly universal because it also works with gases that do not absorb infrared radiation and thus remain invisible to NDIR analyzers – above all hydrogen (H₂), helium (He), argon (Ar) and ammonia (NH₃).

The FTC300 from Fresenius Instruments is our specialized TCD analyzer. It measures H₂, He, Ar, NH₃, CH₄, CO₂, O₂ and other gases in a robust, low-maintenance device. In multi-gas mode, the FTC300 can capture multiple gas components with a single sensor – an economical solution for applications where separate single-gas analyzers for each component are not warranted.

Typical applications for the FTC300 include hydrogen monitoring in electrolysis plants and fuel cell test benches, helium leak testing in vacuum technology, ammonia monitoring in fertilizer production and SCR denitrification, argon purity control in welding technology, and CH₄ measurement in landfill gas plants. The interfaces Modbus TCP, Ethernet, RS232 and 4-20 mA outputs enable seamless integration into any process control system.

Like all Fresenius analyzers, the FTC300 is manufactured in Germany and benefits from 30+ years device lifespan, 10+ years spare parts guarantee and worldwide on-site service. The Cloud Connect Kit enables real-time remote monitoring – so you always have the measurement values in view, even when the analyzer is installed at a hard-to-access process location.

From Process to Analysis – How Gas Measurement Works

Sample Gas Flow Industrial Process Gas Sampling Gas Cooling Gas Analysis Cloud Monitoring 1 2 3 4 5

Our Service Advantages

Why Fresenius Instruments is your partner for thermal conductivity gas analysis (tcd) – with over 175 years of experience in analytical chemistry.

Fast Response Times

Our service technicians are with you on average within 24–48 hours. Minimal waiting times and efficient processes ensure rapid restoration of your operations.

Dedicated Contact Person

Your personal service technician knows your devices and their history. This means problems are identified faster and resolved in a targeted manner – without lengthy familiarization.

Worldwide Field Service

Service deployments throughout Europe – from Scandinavia to the Mediterranean. Our technicians are thoroughly familiar with regional requirements and regulations.

Experienced Technicians

Our technicians bring years of practical experience in gas measurement technology and are continuously trained on new device types and analysis methods.

Over 120 Measurable Substances

From standard gases to exotic compounds – our analyzers cover a wide spectrum.

Remote Diagnostics with Cloud Connect Kit

Our Cloud Connect Kit enables remote monitoring of your devices via mobile network. Faults are automatically detected and reported – for fast diagnosis and minimal downtime.

Cloud Connect Kit

Premium Components & Spare Parts Supply

German quality components form the foundation for the exceptional longevity of our devices. With over 30 years of lifespan and 10+ years spare parts guarantee, you invest sustainably.

Longevity & Accuracy

Through regular maintenance and calibration, your devices maintain their precision for decades. Measurement accuracy meeting the highest industry standards.

Spare Parts 10+ Years

Long-term supply security with guaranteed spare parts supply for over 10 years. No production downtime due to missing spare parts.

Lifespan 30+ Years

Significant extension of device lifespan through regular professional maintenance. Investment protection and lower total cost of ownership over the entire lifecycle.

Customer Reviews

4,8 of 5 (127 reviews) — Fresenius Instruments

“Reliable maintenance of our gas analyzers for over 15 years. The devices run as good as new.”

Dr. Sandra K., Quality Management Chemical Industry NRW

Frequently Asked Questions

TCD measures the ability of a gas to conduct heat. Since each gas has a characteristic thermal conductivity, it can be identified and quantified.

TCD is particularly suitable for H₂, He, Ar and NH₃ – gases that do not absorb in the infrared and therefore cannot be measured with NDIR.

The FTC300 measures H₂, CH₄, CO₂, O₂, NH₃ and other gases. In multi-gas mode, multiple components can be measured with a single sensor.

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Contact us for individual consultation about our products. Our experts will help you find the optimal solution for your application.

About Fresenius Instruments

With over 175 years of experience in chemical analytics, Fresenius Instruments is a leading provider for the measurement and continuous analysis of more than 120 substances. Our measurement technologies – including NDIR, EC, NDUV, zirconium oxide, TLDAS, and Raman laser spectroscopy – enable precise extractive process measurement. Rooted in the Institut Fresenius, founded by Carl Remigius Fresenius, we build on a rich tradition of innovation in chemical analytics.

Measuring What Matters

GAS ANALYZERS · MADE IN GERMANY · SINCE 1848