Sievers Instruments, Inc.

Sievers Research, Inc.

Neil Johansen

Richard D Godec

Donald Hugh Stedman

John D Ray

An improved method and apparatus for the measurement of sulfur compounds is described. The system comprises a dual burner assembly for the conversion of sulfur-containing compounds to form sulfur monoxide and subsequent detection of sulfur monoxide by ozone-induced chemiluminescence. The dual burner assembly also provides for the conversion of hydrocarbons and other chemical constituents of the sample to simple molecules that do not interfere in the formation or detection of sulfur monoxide. The dual burner assembly eliminates the interference observed in the measurement of sulfur compounds from the sample matrix using flame-based or single burner devices for the production of sulfur monoxide and detection by ozone-induced chemiluminescence.

Method and apparatus for chemiluminescent detection of sulfur

The present invention describes the process and apparatus for the simultaneous measurement of sulfur-containing compounds and organic compounds with or without sulfur in their structures. A detector cell is described that allows simultaneous measurement of compounds that can be ionized in a flame and thereby cause the electrical conductivity of the flame to increase, and the selective measurement of sulfur-containing compounds which simultaneously form sulfur monoxide. Sulfur monoxide, upon mixing with ozone, emits light from 240 to 450 nm. The intensity of the light can be measured and related to the concentration of sulfur in the sample, while changes in electrical conductivity of the flame measured by imposing a voltage across the cell quantifies the organic compounds irrespective of whether or not they contain sulfur. Ratios of the signals of light intensity and electrical conductivity are different for each compound and, when the detector is coupled with a chromatographic separation column and process, this ratio facilitates the identification of unknown constituents in a mixture.

Process and apparatus for simultaneous measurement of sulfur and

A process and apparatus for the simultaneous measurement of sulfur-containing compounds and organic compounds with or without sulfur in their structures. A detector cell allows simultaneous measurement of compounds that can be ionized in a flame and thereby cause the electrical conductivity of the flame to increase, and the selective measurement of sulfur-containing compounds which simultaneously form sulfur monoxide. Sulfur monoxide, upon mixing with ozone, emits light from 240 to 450 nm. The intensity of the light can be measured and related to the concentration of sulfur in the sample, while changes in electrical conductivity of the flame measured by imposing a voltage across the cell quantifies the organic compounds irrespective of whether or not they contain sulfur. Ratios of the signals of light intensity and electrical conductivity are different for each compound and, when the detector is coupled with a chromatographic separation column and process, this ratio facilitates the identification of unknown constituents in a mixture.

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Boulder, CO, United States of America

Neil Johansen