GC detector selection? I have a stream of ethylene with a lot of traces of impurities in it. For all of them except ammonia I use a gas chromatograph with a FID (Flame Ionization Detector). In the case of ammonia from a FID will not work. What type of detector is best suited for ammonia (range 5 to 0.1 ppmv). I also watched a NPD (Nitrogen Phosphorus Detector), but it seems to be good for the nitrogen containing organic compounds. Any help (and sources) would be appreciated.
It is best to contact a local college, even going to junior college and ask to speak to the faculty of chemistry. President or one of the organic Chem. teachers on staff. I think you give the most reliable results, and probably Safier to ask a professional for something as expensive as a GC.
I think you can use the IR sensor to detect the peaks of ammonia
You may want to try an ECD (Electron Capture Detector) or TOF (Time of Flight) detector .....
Ammonia should not be analyzed by GC at all. There are other tests that can be used for the determination of ammonia. HPLC or IC can work.
Posted on June 5, 2010.
