Sulfur compounds - Fast analysis of MES in natural gas

Importance of the topic

The detection of sulfur compounds such as methyl ethyl sulfide (MES) in natural gas streams is critical for process monitoring, environmental compliance and quality control.

Study objectives and overview

This application note demonstrates the rapid separation and quantification of MES in a natural gas matrix using a micro gas chromatography system. The goal is to achieve a full analysis within 100 seconds while maintaining high sensitivity at the 10 ppm concentration level.

Methodology

The study uses fast gas chromatography with a PLOT column optimized for sulfur compounds. Key conditions include:

• Column temperature: 80 °C
• Carrier gas: Helium at 150 kPa
• Pressure program: 70 kPa
• Heated injector temperature: 110 °C
• Injection time: 255 ms
• Sensitivity setting: High
• Sample: Natural gas spiked with 10 ppm decane and 10 ppm MES

Instrumentation

• Gas chromatograph: Agilent 490 Micro GC
• Column type: Agilent MES module PLOT (part no. CP739783)

Main results and discussion

The optimized method separates natural gas components, decane, and MES within 100 seconds. Peak identification was confirmed by retention times for:

1. Natural gas baseline
2. Decane standard
3. Methyl ethyl sulfide (MES)

High sensitivity settings enable reliable quantification at 10 ppm. The rapid cycle time allows for high-throughput screening in industrial environments.

Benefits and practical applications

• Sub-two-minute analysis of sulfur contaminants in gas streams
• Enhanced process monitoring and quality control for energy and fuels industries
• Minimal sample preparation and reduced carrier gas consumption

Future trends and potential applications

• Extension to other trace sulfur species and volatile organics
• Integration with field-portable micro GC systems for on-site analysis
• Hybrid coupling with mass spectrometry for structural confirmation

Conclusion

The rapid micro GC method with an Agilent PLOT column offers a fast, sensitive approach for detecting MES in natural gas. Its high throughput and reliable quantification at low ppm levels make it suitable for routine industrial monitoring and quality control.

References

No specific literature references were provided in the original application note.