Presentation Profile
Nitrogen Chemiluminescence Detection (NCD) coupled with Gas Chromatography (GC) for NH3 and NOx Analysis
Main Author
Alan Cummings - Lummus Technology
Abstract:
In the petrochemical industry, trace nitrogen compounds such as ammonia (NH₃), amines, nitriles, pyridines, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) can poison catalysts, interfere with polymerization reactions, and reduce product quality. Accurate measurement of these contaminants is therefore essential for process optimization, catalyst protection, quality assurance, and quality control.
Nitrogen Chemiluminescence Detection (NCD) coupled with Gas Chromatography (GC) has become the preferred analytical technique for the determination of trace nitrogen species in hydrocarbon streams. The technique is highly selective, sensitive, and capable of measuring nitrogen-containing compounds at concentrations ranging from parts-per-billion to parts-per-million levels.
A key advantage of NCD-GC is its near-equimolar response to nitrogen, allowing accurate quantification of a wide range of nitrogen-containing compounds using a single calibration standard. Combined with excellent resistance to hydrocarbon matrix interference, GC-NCD provides a robust and reliable method for monitoring NH₃, NOx, amines, nitriles, and other nitrogen contaminants in petrochemical feedstocks and products.
