Mass selective detector measures sulphur compounds in various hydrocarbon matrices at parts per billion levels, making it of interest to fuel cell developers working on reforming systems
Agilent Technologies Europe says that its mass selective detector (MSD) is able to measure trace levels of sulphur compounds in various hydrocarbon matrices.
Measurement sensitivity is in the low parts-per-billion range.
This level of sensitivity will be of particular interest to fuel cell developers involved with reforming systems.
In addition to sensitivity, the mass selective detector (MSD) also provides structural information, allowing positive identification of questionable components. Time-programmed selected ion monitoring (SIM) allows sensitive and selective measurement of a number of sulphur components, using structure-specific ions for each one.
It also permits measurement in the presence of a coeluting hydrocarbon. Applications in addition to fuel cell gases include fuel feedstocks characterisation, petrochemical stream analysis, and monitoring of catalyst-poisoning impurities.
For further information, request application note 'Use of GC/MSD for determination of volatile sulphur: Application in natural gas fuel cell systems and other gaseous streams', publication number 5988-4453EN.
This is available without charge from any Agilent sales office or the company#s website (details above).
