Trace Analysis of Ammonia in Ethylene by Gas Chromatography and Nitrogen Chemiluminescence Detection Application Note Energy & Chemicals, Polymers Author Abstract Kelly Beard A gas chromatography method was developed for the measurement of trace Agilent Technologies, Inc. ammonia in ethylene by capillary gas chromatography (GC) and nitrogen chemiluminescence detection. This method determined the concentrations of ammonia in the parts per billion volume (ppbv) to parts per million volume (ppmv) range. Due to the reactivity problems associated with ammonia, the discussion focuses on low-level linearity and precision. Introduction Experimental (Valve 1) was switched on to inject sample. After 0.25 minutes, Valve 1 The measurement of trace ammonia in The instrument consists of an was switched off. During the analysis, ethylene is important in the production Agilent 7890B GC configured with an the oxidizer flow was set to remain at of polymers and other petroleum-based Agilent 8255 NCD, and a 6-port gas the maximum flow of 30 mL/min. The chemical products. To reach the sub-parts sample valve. The gas sample valve uses high oxidizer flow prevents catalyst per million volume (ppmv) detection limits a 1-mL gas sample loop, directly injected coking when the matrix hydrocarbons required for this industry, the use of a on a megabore column, (p/n CP8590, pass through the detector. Just before nitrogen chemiluminescence detector Select Low Ammonia). All sample-wetted ammonia eluted to the detector, the (NCD) is required. In the past, NCDs surfaces were stainless steel deactivated oxidizer flow was automatically set to have experienced coking on the internal with an Agilent UltiMetal Plus treatment. 4 mL/min. This allowed the ammonia catalyst tube due to high-concentration Instrument control, data acquisition, and to be analyzed under optimum flow hydrocarbon matrices. Over time, this data analysis were performed using the conditions. After ammonia elution, caused a decrease in detector response. Agilent OpenLAB CDS data system. the high 30 mL/min oxidized flow was As a result, complex valve configurations re-established to prevent further coke were necessary to either vent the The ammonia analysis procedure began formation. Figure 1 shows an example hydrocarbon matrix so it did not reach the by purging the sample loop with standard chromatogram. detector, or increase the oxidizer gas to or sample. After the sample introduction the detector to decoke the catalyst tube. purge, the 6-port gas sample valve The Agilent 8255 NCD uses electronic pressure control (EPC), giving it the ability to automatically adjust the oxidizer flow Chromatographic conditions rate, and decoke without the use of a Temperatures complex valve system. This Application Note discusses a fast and simple GC Valve/valve box 125 °C configuration to analyze ammonia gas to Column oven 100 °C (hold 0.25 minutes), ramp 25 °C/min to 150 °C (hold 2.75 minutes) low parts per billion volume (ppbv) levels NCD Base 200 °C in light hydrocarbons. NCD Burner 900 °C Flows Column 1 10 mL/min NCD Oxidizer flow 30 mL/min NCD Hydrogen flow Off Valve timing Valve 1 (6-port) On at 0.01 minutes, off at 0.25 minutes ×101 Ammonia 1.0 1.958 0.95 0.9 0.85 Ethylene disruption 0.8 0.75 0.7 0.65 0.6 Response (pA) 0.55 0.5 0.45 0.4 0.35 0.3 Oxidizer flow set to 30 mL/min Oxidizer flow set to 4 mL/min Oxidizer flow set to 30 mL/min 0.25 0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.8 3.0 3.2 3.4 3.6 3.8 4.0 4.2 4.4 4.6 4.8 Retention time (min) Figure 1. Example chromatogram, 50 ppbv ammonia. 2 6 Results and Discussion ×10 Concentration 12 (ppbv) Area Linearity 10 00 To establish an R2 value, trace level 8 50 1,279,093 R2 = 0.999 ammonia linearity was investigated by 6 100 2,547,019 analyzing four different concentrations, 4 Area response 200 4,927,718 with the addition of the origin. Figure 2 2 400 10,597,983 shows the results. The analysis resulted 0 2 0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 in an R value of 0.999 from 50 to Concentration 400 ppbv, including the origin. A 500 ppbv ammonia in ethylene gas standard with Figure 2. Ammonia linearity. a dynamic dilution system was used to generate the various concentration levels. Ammonia Run Area 90 1 261.41 Precision 2 251.84 Precision was investigated by analyzing 3 269.22 six consecutive replicates of a 50 ppbv 80 4 272.67 standard to establish relative standard 5 262.20 deviation (RSD). RSD was reported at 70 6 264.08 2.73 %. Figure 3 shows the results. Average 263.57 60 STD 7.20 Conclusion Response (pA) RSD 2.73 % The Agilent 7890B GC configured with 50 the Agilent 8255 NCD provides a simple and fast way to analyze trace ammonia in 40 light hydrocarbons. Automated changes to the NCD oxidizer flow optimize 1.0 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.0 2.2 2.4 2.6 2.8 3.0 ammonia response and reduce adverse Retention time (min) matrix effects in the detector. Over time, Figure 3. Precision: ammonia 50 ppbv. this technique maintains system uptime by reducing maintenance. The approach provides the sensitivity, reproducibility, and linearity required for the hydrocarbon industry. Note that performance improvements can be obtained using all UltiMetal Plus sample tubing including regulators and fittings. 3 www.agilent.com/chem This information is subject to change without notice. © Agilent Technologies, Inc., 2017 Published in the USA, May 5, 2017 5991-8061EN.