Hydrocarbons, C2 – C4 - Analysis of C1 + C2 impurities in ethylene
Applications | 2011 | Agilent TechnologiesInstrumentation
Trace-level C1–C2 impurities in ethylene impact polymerization catalysts, product quality and process safety. Fast, reliable analysis is essential for industrial quality control and regulatory compliance.
This study presents a gas chromatography method for separating methane, ethane and acetylene from an ethylene matrix in under eight minutes, demonstrating high resolution at elevated column temperatures.
An Agilent CP-Al2O3/Na2SO4 PLOT UltiMetal column (0.53 mm×50 m, 10 μm) was employed.
Temperature program: hold 70 °C for 5 min, ramp to 170 °C at 10 °C/min.
Carrier gas: N2 at 5 mL/min, 10 kPa.
Injector: split mode at 150 °C; detector: FID at 250 °C.
Sample volume: 2000 μL; analyte concentrations ranged from 10 ppm to balance.
The method delivers rapid, robust quantitation of light hydrocarbons in ethylene feedstreams, supporting catalyst protection and product purity monitoring in petrochemical operations.
Developments in faster PLOT columns, coupling with mass spectrometry for enhanced specificity and integration into process analytical technology (PAT) platforms will further optimize real-time monitoring.
An optimized GC-FID method using a CP-Al2O3/Na2SO4 column provides efficient, high-throughput analysis of C1–C2 impurities in ethylene, meeting industrial QC demands.
Application Note A01514, Agilent Technologies, October 2011.
GC, GC columns, Consumables
IndustriesEnergy & Chemicals
ManufacturerAgilent Technologies
Summary
Importance of the Topic
Trace-level C1–C2 impurities in ethylene impact polymerization catalysts, product quality and process safety. Fast, reliable analysis is essential for industrial quality control and regulatory compliance.
Objectives and Study Overview
This study presents a gas chromatography method for separating methane, ethane and acetylene from an ethylene matrix in under eight minutes, demonstrating high resolution at elevated column temperatures.
Methodology
An Agilent CP-Al2O3/Na2SO4 PLOT UltiMetal column (0.53 mm×50 m, 10 μm) was employed.
Temperature program: hold 70 °C for 5 min, ramp to 170 °C at 10 °C/min.
Carrier gas: N2 at 5 mL/min, 10 kPa.
Injector: split mode at 150 °C; detector: FID at 250 °C.
Sample volume: 2000 μL; analyte concentrations ranged from 10 ppm to balance.
Instrumentation
- GC system: wide-bore configuration
- Column: Agilent CP-Al2O3/Na2SO4 PLOT UltiMetal
- Detector: Flame ionization (FID)
Main Results and Discussion
- Complete baseline separation of methane, ethane, ethylene and acetylene achieved in eight minutes.
- Detection limits down to 10 ppm for acetylene and 20 ppm for methane.
- Elevated column temperatures improved cycle time without sacrificing resolution.
Benefits and Practical Applications
The method delivers rapid, robust quantitation of light hydrocarbons in ethylene feedstreams, supporting catalyst protection and product purity monitoring in petrochemical operations.
Future Trends and Opportunities
Developments in faster PLOT columns, coupling with mass spectrometry for enhanced specificity and integration into process analytical technology (PAT) platforms will further optimize real-time monitoring.
Conclusion
An optimized GC-FID method using a CP-Al2O3/Na2SO4 column provides efficient, high-throughput analysis of C1–C2 impurities in ethylene, meeting industrial QC demands.
References
Application Note A01514, Agilent Technologies, October 2011.
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