Agilent Sulfur Chemiluminescence Detector and Nitrogen Chemiluminescence Detector Specification Guide

Importance of Chemiluminescence Detection

Chemiluminescence detection for sulfur and nitrogen offers ultra-trace sensitivity and high selectivity in gas chromatography. This approach is critical for environmental monitoring, pharmaceutical quality control, and petrochemical analysis, where accurate quantification of trace sulfur and nitrogen compounds ensures compliance with regulatory limits and process integrity.

Objectives and Overview

This specification guide outlines performance parameters, operating conditions, and physical characteristics of two Agilent detectors: the 355 Sulfur Chemiluminescence Detector and the 255 Nitrogen Chemiluminescence Detector. The document aims to inform users about sensitivity, selectivity, linearity, stability, and practical usage considerations for each detector.

Methodology

Chemiluminescence detection relies on the reaction between analyte-derived species and ozone for sulfur or reactive nitrogen intermediates, producing light measured by a photomultiplier. Key parameters include ozone flow through the post-ozone restrictor, reaction cell pressure controlled by oil-sealed or dry pumps, burner temperature and pressure, and gas flows of air, hydrogen, and oxygen. In the SCD, a burner at 800 °C generates sulfur chemiluminescence, while the NCD operates at 900 °C for nitrogen detection.

Instrument Configuration

• Detectors: 355 SCD and 255 NCD with dual plasma controllers
• Vacuum systems: oil-sealed and dry piston pumps
• Gas supplies: ozone generator, air, hydrogen, and oxygen flow controllers
• Signal interfaces: selectable 0–1 V or 0–10 V outputs

Key Performance Metrics

• Sensitivity: SCD <0.5 pg S/s noise ratio 3.3:1; NCD <3 pg N/s noise ratio 3:1
• Selectivity: >2×107 mass analyte per mass carbon in both detectors
• Linearity: dynamic range exceeding four orders of magnitude
• Precision: RSD <2% over 2 hours for SCD; <1.5% over 8 hours for NCD

Practical Benefits

These detectors deliver reliable quantification of trace sulfur and nitrogen, supporting stringent environmental regulations and enhancing laboratory throughput. Rapid temperature ramping and stable operation facilitate high sample throughput and reproducible results across extended runs.

Future Trends and Applications

Emphasis is shifting towards miniaturized chemiluminescence modules, enhanced automation, and integration with advanced data analytics. Emerging applications include real-time process monitoring and coupling with multidimensional chromatography for complex matrix analysis.

Conclusion

Agilent sulfur and nitrogen chemiluminescence detectors combine exceptional sensitivity, broad dynamic range, and robust stability, making them indispensable tools for trace element analysis in diverse sectors.

Reference

Agilent Technologies 5989-6122EN December 2006