Evaluation of the performance of various universal and selective detectors for sulfur determination in natural gas

In the present contribution, the performance of a number of commercially available selective and universal detectors that can be used in the analysis of sulfur components in natural gas is evaluated in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, reproducibility, quenching effect, stability, and compound dependence of the sulfur response. Investigated detectors include the sulfur chemiluminescnce, the flame photometric, the electron capture, the mass spectrometric, the thermal conductivity, and the flame ionization detector. The sulfur chemiluminescence detector was found to have the best overall performance, e.g., low picogram amounts of sulfur can be detected accurately and the linear dynamic range is more than five orders of magnitude. After careful optimization, the sulfur response of this detector was found to be almost compound independent. All other detectors, including the flame photometric and the electron capture detector, have more or less compound dependent responses.     

Critical appraisal of the flame photometric detector in petroleum analysis

Summary This paper summarises experience gained at the British Petroleum Limited Research Centre, Sunbury-on-Thames, with sulphur selective gas chromatography (GC) detectors. A single flame photometric detector (SFPD) has been in use for three years for research and routine applications. Three areas of interest are described demonstrating in turn different characteristics of the detector. Firstly, a determination of trace levels of individual organo-sulphur compounds in the 15–65°C cut of crude oils illustrates the complexity of using an SFPD in a rigorously quantitative manner. Secondly, the use of an SFPD as a qualitative tool for the comparison of the sulphur distribution of crude oils up to the temperature limit of GC is cited. Finally, a third section describes the properties of a dual flame photometric detector (DFPD) which are compared and contrasted with those of the SFPD.     

Determination of sulphur compounds in beer using headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatographic analysis with pulsed flame photometric detection

A simple and sensitive method for the analysis of volatile and semi-volatile sulphur compounds in beer at trace levels was developed using headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and gas chromatography with pulsed flame photometric detection. Different SPME fibres were tested and a Carboxen-polydimethylsiloxane coated fibre was found to be the most appropriate. The adsorption and desorption conditions were optimised. The effect of ethanol concentration in the sample on the extraction of analytes was examined. A 60 m non-polar capillary column preceded by a 10 m length of a polar column was found to be capable of separating a wide range of C1-C6 sulphur compounds. The pulsed flame photometric detector enabled increased sensitivity to be obtained over previous methods, such as dynamic headspace followed by conventional flame photometric detection or sulphur chemiluminescent detection, with high sulphur selectivity. Two sulphur compounds, 2-methyl-1-butanethiol and 3-methylthiophene, were identified in beer for the first time.     

Glass capillary gas chromatography with simultaneous flame ionization (FID) and Hall® element-specific (HECD) detection

Two glass capillary gas chromatographic systems were equipped with inert effluent splitters which allowed simultaneous data acquisition using nonspecific and element-specific detectors. Simultaneous detection was achieved using the nonspecific flame ionization detector (FID) and the Hall^® electrolytic conductivity detector (HECD) operated in either the sulfur-or the nitrogen-specific mode. Typical application of the simultaneous detection system as applied to analysis of petroleum residues is briefly described. The Hall electrolytic conductivity detector can be made element specific for halogen-, sulfur-, or nitrogen-containing compounds. Simultaneous detection enhances the information yield from a single sample injection and proves to be a powerful complementary technique when used with computerized gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.     

Optimization of an electrolytic conductivity detector for determination of toxic nitrogen-containing food contaminants separated by open tubular column gas chromatography

The combination of open tubular column gas chromatography with electrolytic conductivity detection has been evaluated for the determination of nitrogen-containing pesticide residues in food extracts. Optimization of the column position at the column-detector interface was crucial to the successful operation of the detector. The signal-to-noise ratio and response stability of the detector are greatly influenced by the composition of the electrolyte solvent. Large volume splitless injections using retention gaps and optimized detector operating conditions enabled pesticide residues in food extracts to be determined at sub parts-per-million levels. Although the electrolytic conductivity detector is less sensitive than the thermionic ionization detector, its greater nitrogen selectivity can he crucial to the determination of nitrogen-containing contaminants in food extracts, particularly in complex mixtures where phosphorus-containing contaminants or matrix compounds are also present.     

Analysis of medazepam, diazepam, and metabolites in plasma by gas-liquid chromatography with electrolytic conductivity detection.

An improved electrolytic conductivity detector allowed the gas-liquid chromatographic analysis of medazepam, diazepam, and major metabolites in 2 ml plasma at concentrations of 20 microgram/l. The detector had a sensitivity limit of less than 1 ng (or 100 pg nitrogen) when operated in the nitrogen-selective mode and a nitrogen/carbon elemental selectivity ratio of greater than 100,000 compared to octadecane and cholesterol. Detector response when operated in various element-selective chemical modes was investigated, and its application to the analysis of the title compounds was compared to electron capture and flame ionization detection systems.     

Identification and assay of organophosphates in organic oranges by gas chromatography with pulsed flame photometric detection and ion-trap mass spectrometry

Multiresidue analysis for organophosphates in organic oranges grown in Calabria (Italy) is performed by the combined use of a pulsed flame photometric detector and an ion-trap mass spectrometer simultaneously coupled to a gas chromatograph through a double-hole ferrule. The method provides the retention times (RTs) of the phosphorus-containing analytes only. The extracted ion chromatograms at the previously determined RTs are used for full identification of the species through a mass spectra library search and for quantitative evaluation of each species in the natural matrix. The banned pesticide ronnel was used as an internal standard because of its chemical structure, which is perfectly suited to the performance of both detectors.     

Characteristics and performance of gas chromatographic detectors with glass capillary columns

A comparison of the characteristics and Performance of the flame ionization, electron capture, and flame photometric detectors with capillary columns is described. Factors which may affect the limits of detection, linearity, chromatographic peak shape, and other detector performance characteristics are discussed and compared with the results of a model derived for the behavior of concentration and mass flow-rate dependent chromatographic detectors used with capillary GC systems. Examples are given of highly complex and labile mixtures such as pesticide residues and products from coal hydrogenation.     

Method for analysis of heavy sulphur compounds using gas chromatography with flame photometric detection

A method for analysis of heavy sulphur compounds in wines, based on gas chromatography (GC) with flame photometric detection, is reported. Wine samples preparation includes a dichloromethane liquid-liquid extraction followed by concentration under a nitrogen atmosphere. The extracted fraction was also analysed by GC-mass spectrometry. The method enables high recovery of sulphur compounds in wine and satisfies the requirements of repeatability and sensitivity. Applications of the method to red, white and Port wines are reported.     

Analysis of sludge extracts by high resolution GC with selective detectors

Combination of various GC detectors by using a Varian effluent splitter with glass capillary columns has been found to be a rapid procedure for profiling organics extracted from sludges and river sediments. The selectivity and the increased sensitivity of the thermionic nitrogen-phosphorus detector (TSD), the electron capture detector (ECD), and the flame photometric detector (FPD) over the flame ionization detectors (FID) or mass spectrometers allow the detection of compounds present at trace levels without need for extensive sample cleanup. Furthermore, the combination of two selective detectors may supplement the information with regard to the chemical functionalities required for structure elucidation.     

Thiosteroids in sewage sludge and its post-treatment products

Different sulphur compound derivatives from steroids were detected and quantified in the analysis of the lipidic fraction of sewage sludge and its post-treatment products, including thermally dried sludge and compost. Some steroid thiols: 5α-cholestane-3β-thiol, 24-methyl-5α-cholestane-3β-thiol and 24-ethyl-5α-cholestane-3β-thiol were detected in the gas chromatography with mass spectrometry detector (GC-MS) analysis. These three compounds, related to the thiostanol family, have only been encountered in previous studies in sea sediments. Gas chromatography with sulphur-selective flame photometric detector (GC-FPD) was used with the objective of detecting other related compounds in sludge. It allowed the detection of other compounds, whose mass spectra could correspond with the one of the steroid enethiols. The research focused on detecting the formation point of these sulphur compounds in the sludge treatment process, as well as their biodegradation resistance in the post-treatment processes. The amount of these products in the sludge was quantified using gas chromatography with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The result of this study confirms that the identified compounds are not easily biodegradable.     

Monitoring of odorant components in British natural Gas

Summary The individual sulphur compounds that make up the odorant in natural gas are analysed with purpose-made equipment, using chromatographic separation and a flame photometric detector. Presented at the 15th International Symposium on Chromatography, Nürnberg, October 1984     

气相色谱法测定桂皮中毒死蜱农药残留量

介绍了用气相色谱法检测毒死蜱农药在桂皮中的残留方法,选用Agilent 6890N气相色谱仪,DB-1701和HP-5双柱法、火焰光度检测器(FPD)和电子俘获检测器(ECD)双检测器来定性,外标法定量,并采用中性氧化铝柱净化样液,效果良好,节约检测成本,回收率为86.7%～93.4%,各项指标均满足有关要求.     

A photometric detector driven by beta radiation

It was recently found that typical Chromatographic carrier gases such as argon or nitrogen could be used in a modified flame photometric detector for general or selective determination of eluted molecules. The detector was powered not by a flame but by a radioactively stimulated, mild discharge. The luminescence arose from the second positive system of nitrogen (in argon), and various emissions from aroyl-containing molecules (in nitrogen).This study describes experiments that take away not only the flame but also the discharge: The energy that produces the luminescence is derived solely from the beta decay of⁶³Ni. Because of this low power input, the sensitivity of the present beta-driven photometric detector (-PD) is limited to about 25 ppm of nitrogen (in argon), and to about 5 pg/s for benzaldehyde and other well-responding aroyl compounds (in nitrogen). In accordance with mechanisms postulated earlier, other types of molecules do not produce significant responses in the absence of an electrical field.Material taken from doctoral thesis     

Analysis of pesticide residues in fruits, vegetables, and milk by gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry.

A method for detection, quantitation, and confirmation of more than 100 pesticides by gas chromatography (GC) with ion trap mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has been developed. The sensitivity of this method for many analytes is equal to or lower than those of selective GC detectors such as flame photometric detectors and electrolytic conductivity detectors. Using MS/MS, very low detection limits and good confirmation (1 precursor ion and 2 or more product ions) are achieved simultaneously. The entire list of pesticides is screened with 2 injections per sample. Samples are introduced onto the column by a temperature-programmed cold injection to maximize response. Each pesticide is run with its own unique set of parameters, which fragment the compound, retaining only the precursor ion. This ion is then refragmented to create a product spectrum. The selectivity of MS/MS gives a very clean spectrum, making compound identification and confirmation clear, even with a relatively dirty food matrix. If care is taken to maintain the injection port and guard column, this method can reliably identify and confirm more than 100 pesticides at the low parts-per-billion range.     

The Use of the Helium Ionization Detector for Gas Chromatographic Monitoring of Trace Atmospheric Components

Two different gas chromatographic detectors, the helium ionization detector (HID) and the more commonly used flame ionization detector (FID), were used in parallel to compare their responses to a number of organic compounds. Atmospherically important oxygenated species were analyzed, as well as hydrocarbons and chlorinated and sulfur containing organics. The HID exhibited the better response to all compounds investigated, most notably to formaldehyde and higher oxygenates. A gas chromatographic system was developed to trap and analyze atmospheric organic compounds with HID detection. This required careful choice of the adsorbent material and removal of inorganic components (namely nitrogen and oxygen) before analysis. Real air samples were then taken and analyzed qualitatively for a range of olefinic and aromatic compounds.     

Determination of triphenyltin hydroxide derivatives by capillary GC and tin-selective FPD

A new method for the determination of triphenyltin hydroxide using capillary column gas chromatography with a tin-selective flame photometric detector has been developed. Triphenyltin hydroxide and its potential metabolites are converted to methyl derivatives and separated on glass capillary columns coated with OV-101. Derivatization of triphenyltin hydroxide, triphenyltin chloride, diphenyltin dichloride, phenyltin trichloride, and bis-triphenyltin oxide is nearly quantitative with a minimum of redistribution products. The selectivity of the flame photometric detector is cearly demonstrated by the comparison of chromatographic profiles obtained from using both the flame photometric and flame ionization detectors. The use of this chromatographic system in the analysis of triphenyltin hydroxide in a fortified water sample demonstrates the potential use of this system in organotin residue chemistry.     

气相色谱仪检定装置的使用方法

依据JJG 700–1999《气相色谱仪检定规程》介绍气相色谱仪检定装置的使用方法。检定项目包括载气流速稳定性、柱箱温度稳定性和程序升温重复性、衰减器换挡误差以及检测器的灵敏度。给出了热导检测器(TCD)、火焰离子化检测器(FID)、火焰光度检测器(FPD)、电子俘获检测器(ECD)和氮磷检测器(NPD)检定时的色谱条件及使用注意事项。正确使用气相色谱仪检定装置能保证仪器测量数据的准确可靠。     

裂解色谱法研究渣油中硫化物的结构及组成特征

采用裂解气相色谱(PY-GC)方法研究重油中的大分子硫化物。实验考察了裂解时间和裂解温度对裂解反应的影响,在此基础上确定了裂解色谱条件,并分析了渣油裂解产物的组成。通过对大港、俄罗斯、前郭、孤岛及俄罗斯-大庆混合减压渣油等5种渣油的裂解实验,发现不同来源的渣油裂解产物中硫化物的组成和含量存在较大差异。实验中所得到的裂解产物中硫化物的组成为渣油中硫化物的组成提供了重要信息。     

A Dual-Channel Flame Photometric Detector with a Seperate Combustion Chamber

A new version of the dual-channel flame photometric detector is described for compounds containing phosphorus and sulphur. The sample is mixed with hydrogen before introduction into the detector. The burner is formed as a specific combustion chamber, which is separated from the emission chamber of the detector. Interference signals in the P-channel, caused by sulphur-containing compounds (crosstalk signals) are damped electrically. Thus the selectivity to hydrocarbons is increased by a factor of up to 10⁷, crosstalk signals are reduced by a factor of 10³ and flame stability is guaranteed (there are no flame-outs caused by amounts of up to 50 μl of liquid samples).