UNIVERSITY OF DELAWARE, DE, USA. A new chemical-analyzing device was created by a team of researchers from the University of Delaware’s Catalysis Center for Energy Innovation (CCEI). This device is called Quantitative Carbon Detector (QCD). It measures and analyzes chemical compounds quicker than before which takes a lot of time to do. The device is also able to measure complex mixtures like medicines, food, fuels, oil and more.

The QCD is going to be very useful especially for uncovering new advances needed for production of renewable fuels like raw material on the Earth for the production of bio-fuels. It is also more economic to use as compared to the current chemical calibrations. In a normal fuel laboratory, it takes a lot of time for a researcher to analyze a chemical. After identifying each of the compounds, it must also be accurately measured. The QCD makes that process very easy which makes them focus on more important matters.

This device was developed by Paul J. Dauenhauer, an associate professor of chemical engineering and materials science at the University of Minnesota and co-director of CCEI together with Alex Paulsen, a CCEI researcher and co-inventor. According to Dauenhauer, this device is the holy grail of determining chemical compounds. By using combined microreactor design, researchers are able to separate complicated chemical mixtures into their individual state. This device aids in identifying and allows an individual to examine the chemicals. Microchannels that surround a built-in heating system allow for high-resolution chemical detection as well as integration of hardware and software within existing chemical analysis devices.

As of now, the center accepts pre-orders. Activated Research Company, a new start-up based in Minnesota is now working on the development of the Polyarc QCD.

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