Nitrogen/Sulfur Analyzer (NS Analyzer)

**Elemental Analysis / Petrochemical Testing / Environmental Analysis**

Starting from৳12,702

The NS Analyzer is a high-precision analytical instrument used to determine the total nitrogen and total sulfur content in various sample types. It operates on the combustion principle, where the sample is burned at high temperatures to convert nitrogen and sulfur into measurable gases. These gases are then detected using highly sensitive detectors. This analysis is essential for quality control, process optimization, and environmental compliance across multiple industries. The NS Analyzer works on the **oxidative combustion principle**. The sample is introduced into a high-temperature furnace (approximately 1000–1100°C) in an oxygen-rich environment. During combustion, nitrogen is converted to nitric oxide (NO), and sulfur is converted to sulfur dioxide (SO₂). The resulting gases are then carried by an inert carrier gas (like helium or argon) to the detection system: - **Nitrogen Detection (Chemiluminescence):** NO gas reacts with ozone (O₃), producing a chemiluminescent light. The intensity of this light is directly proportional to the nitrogen concentration and is measured by a photomultiplier tube. - **Sulfur Detection (UV-Fluorescence):** SO₂ gas is excited by ultraviolet (UV) light, emitting fluorescence. The intensity of this fluorescence is measured and correlated to the sulfur concentration. Modern NS analyzers can measure both nitrogen and sulfur simultaneously in a single run, saving time and resources. The entire process is automated through dedicated software, and results are displayed in real-time with high accuracy.

Test specification

Methodology: 1. **Sample Preparation:** The sample is accurately weighed or injected into a sample boat or capsule (tin or silver). Solids are typically 20–50 mg
liquids are injected using a micro-syringe. 2. **Autosampler Loading:** Prepared samples are placed into the autosampler tray for automated sequential analysis. 3. **Combustion:** The sample boat is pushed into the high-temperature furnace (1000–1100°C) under a flow of oxygen. Complete combustion converts nitrogen to NO and sulfur to SO₂. 4. **Gas Conditioning:** The combustion gases pass through a drying tube and a reducer (copper) to remove moisture and convert any NOx to NO for consistent detection. 5. **Detection:** - NO gas is sent to the chemiluminescence detector for nitrogen measurement. - SO₂ gas is sent to the UV-fluorescence detector for sulfur measurement. 6. **Data Processing:** The detector signals are compared against calibration curves generated from certified standards. Results are automatically calculated and displayed in weight percent (wt%), ppm, or ppb units. 7. **Reporting:** A detailed test report is generated with sample identification, measured values, and quality control data.
Standards followed: - **ASTM D5453** – Standard Test Method for Determination of Total Sulfur in Light Hydrocarbons, Spark Ignition Engine Fuel, Diesel Engine Fuel, and Engine Oil by Ultraviolet Fluorescence. - **ASTM D6667** – Standard Test Method for Determination of Total Volatile Sulfur in Gaseous Hydrocarbons and Liquefied Petroleum Gases by UV-Fluorescence. - **ASTM D7184** – Standard Test Method for Ultra-Low Nitrogen in Aromatic Hydrocarbons by Chemiluminescence. - **ASTM D4629** – Standard Test Method for Trace Nitrogen in Liquid Petroleum Hydrocarbons by Chemiluminescence. - **ISO 20784** – Petroleum products – Determination of sulfur and nitrogen content. - **ISO 16591** – Petroleum products – Determination of sulfur content by oxidative combustion and UV-fluorescence.
Equipment used: - High-temperature horizontal or vertical furnace (up to 1100°C) - Autosampler for liquid/solid/gas injection - Chemiluminescence detector (CLD) for nitrogen - UV-fluorescence detector (UVF) for sulfur - Gas drying and conditioning modules - Computer with dedicated NS analysis software - Precision microbalance for solid sample weighing
Parameters measured: - **Total Nitrogen (TN)** - **Total Sulfur (TS)** - Individual nitrogen/sulfur species are **not** measured
only total elemental content is reported.
Measurement range: - **Nitrogen:** 0.1 ppm – 10,000 ppm (depending on sample type and instrument configuration) - **Sulfur:** 0.05 ppm – 10,000 ppm (can be extended with dilution)
Accuracy / detection limit: - **Detection Limit (Nitrogen):** ≤ 0.1 ppm (100 ppb) for most liquid matrices - **Detection Limit (Sulfur):** ≤ 0.05 ppm (50 ppb) for most liquid matrices - **Accuracy:** ± 2–5% of measured value, depending on concentration range and matrix - **Repeatability:** RSD (Relative Standard Deviation) < 2% for standard samples

Suitability

Applications: - **Petroleum & Fuel Industry:** Analysis of gasoline, diesel, naphtha, jet fuel, crude oil, and other petrochemical products to meet regulatory sulfur limits. - **Chemical Industry:** Purity assessment of solvents, chemicals, and polymers. - **Environmental Monitoring:** Measurement of nitrogen and sulfur pollutants in water, soil, air, and wastewater. - **Food & Agriculture:** Analysis of fertilizers, food products, and organic matter for nutrient content. - **Pharmaceuticals:** Quality control of raw materials and intermediates. - **Research & Development: ** Fundamental research in geochemistry, material science, and catalyst development.
Industries served: - Oil refineries and petrochemical plants - Chemical manufacturing companies - Environmental testing laboratories - Food and beverage processing industries - Pharmaceutical manufacturers - Fertilizer production companies - Research and academic institutions - Power generation and utility companies
Advantages: - Extremely high sensitivity (ppb-level detection) - Simultaneous measurement of both nitrogen and sulfur - Suitable for a wide range of matrices (liquid, gas, solid) - Fast analysis time (5–10 minutes per sample) - Fully automated process – reduces human error - Minimal sample preparation required - Environmentally friendly – no hazardous reagents - High precision and reproducibility - Meets international ASTM/ISO standards
Limitations: - Cannot differentiate between organic and inorganic nitrogen/sulfur species - Sample must be combustible
non-combustible samples require pretreatment - High salt or halide content may cause detector interference - Volatile samples may require special handling to avoid loss - Initial instrument and maintenance cost is relatively high - Standards and reference materials are required for accurate calibration - Not suitable for very high concentration (>10,000 ppm) without dilution

Submitting a sample

Sample requirement: - **Liquid samples:** Minimum 2–5 mL required. Sample should be homogeneous and free from visible particulates. - **Gas samples:** Collected in gas-tight containers or sampling bags
minimum volume depends on concentration. - **Solid samples:** 10–50 mg of finely ground, homogeneous powder is typically required. Samples must be dry and combustible. - **General:** Samples must not contain explosive or highly volatile components unless special handling is arranged.
Turnaround time: - **Routine analysis:** 1–3 working days (depending on sample load) - **Urgent/Express analysis:** 24 hours (available upon request with prior notice) - Actual instrument run time per sample: approximately 5–10 minutes
Deliverables: - Official test certificate/report with detailed results - Raw data files (if requested) - Graphical representation of calibration curve and sample peaks - Comparison with applicable standard limits (if specified)

Request this test

Send us your sample details and we'll confirm scope and timing.

Contact UCRL