Select Low Sulfur

Select Low Sulfur Column

Application-Specific GC Columns

Agilent J&W Select Low Sulfur GC columns are engineered to address the demanding analytical requirements of petrochemical laboratories that must quantify sulfur impurities in propylene and other light hydrocarbon streams at extremely low concentrations. These columns are built on a highly permeable PLOT (Porous Layer Open Tubular) stationary phase designed for exceptional inertness toward reactive, volatile sulfur species.

The superior inertness and optimized surface chemistry of the Select Low Sulfur phase minimize adsorption, degradation, and tailing—common issues that compromise quantitative accuracy when analyzing trace-level sulfur components. As a result, the column delivers significantly lower detection limits, sharper peak shapes, and highly reproducible response factors essential for compliance-driven sulfur monitoring in petrochemical processes.

Select Low Sulfur columns are particularly suited for applications involving propylene feedstocks, polymer-grade olefins, and refinery gas streams where sulfur impurities can interfere with downstream catalysis or product quality. Their rugged PLOT construction ensures mechanical stability, dependable retention behavior, and long operational lifetimes even under high-throughput or challenging sample conditions.

Whether implemented for routine QA/QC, plant optimization, or regulatory sulfur certification, Agilent J&W Select Low Sulfur GC columns provide the sensitivity, reliability, and analytical confidence petrochemical chemists require for precise trace-sulfur determination.

Key Definitions â–¸
PLOT (Porous Layer Open Tubular) Column
A type of GC column in which a porous adsorbent layer is deposited directly on the inner wall of the tubing. PLOT columns are ideal for separating light gases and volatile components. In the Select Low Sulfur column, the PLOT phase is optimized for extremely inert behavior toward reactive sulfur species.
Trace Sulfur Analysis
The measurement of sulfur-containing impurities at very low concentrations, often at parts-per-million or parts-per-billion levels. Petrochemical processes require accurate quantitation of sulfur to prevent catalyst poisoning and ensure product quality.
Volatile Reactive Sulfur Compounds
Sulfur-containing analytes such as hydrogen sulfide, carbonyl sulfide, or mercaptans that readily degrade or adsorb on active surfaces. Select Low Sulfur columns are engineered to minimize these interactions and deliver accurate, repeatable quantitation.
Inertness
The degree to which a column avoids interacting chemically with sample components. High inertness is essential for preventing adsorption and decomposition of sulfur analytes, leading to lower detection limits and more accurate results.
Polymer-Grade Olefins / Propylene Feedstocks
Highly purified olefin streams used in polymer production. These materials must meet strict sulfur specifications to prevent catalyst deactivation. Select Low Sulfur columns provide the sensitivity needed to verify sulfur levels in these critical feedstocks.
Frequently Asked Questions â–¸
What applications are Select Low Sulfur columns designed for?
Select Low Sulfur columns are specifically engineered for quantifying trace sulfur impurities in propylene, polymer-grade olefins, and other light hydrocarbon streams. Their high inertness enables accurate measurement of reactive sulfur components that are difficult to analyze on standard GC phases.
How does Select Low Sulfur differ from standard PLOT columns?
While standard PLOT columns are suitable for many light-gas separations, Select Low Sulfur columns feature a specially optimized porous layer engineered to reduce adsorption and degradation of volatile sulfur compounds. This leads to significantly lower detection limits and more reliable quantitation.
Why is inertness so important for sulfur analysis?
Sulfur species often react with active surfaces inside a GC column, resulting in signal loss, distorted peak shapes, or poor reproducibility. Select Low Sulfur columns provide exceptionally inert surfaces that preserve sulfur analytes, ensuring accurate low-level detection.
Are Select Low Sulfur columns compatible with petrochemical QA/QC methods?
Yes. These columns are commonly used in refinery, polymer, and petrochemical quality control workflows for monitoring trace sulfur in feedstocks and process streams. Their stability and reproducibility make them well-suited for routine use in regulated testing environments.
How durable are Select Low Sulfur columns in high-throughput environments?
Select Low Sulfur columns use robust PLOT construction that offers excellent mechanical stability and long operational life. Their inert layer resists degradation from repeated exposure to reactive sulfur species, ensuring consistent performance over hundreds of injections.
Why purchase Select Low Sulfur columns from Chrom Tech?
Chrom Tech is an authorized distributor of Agilent GC columns, providing competitive pricing, fast shipping, and expert support for petrochemical workflows. Our technical specialists regularly assist laboratories analyzing trace sulfur in olefins and refinery feedstocks, ensuring you receive the right column and reliable troubleshooting guidance.