The Sievers® 255 Nitrogen Chemiluminescence Detector (NCD) builds on GE Analytical Instruments expertise in chemiluminescence detection technology. The NCD is a nitrogen specific detector that produces a linear and equimolar response to nitrogen compounds. This is accomplished by using a Dual Plasma™ Burner to achieve high temperature combustion of nitrogen containing compounds to form nitric oxide (NO). A photomultiplier tube detects the light produced by the subsequent chemiluminescent reaction of NO with ozone. Because of the specificity of the reaction, complex sample matrices can be analyzed with little or no interference.

In addition to detecting organic nitrogen compounds, the NCD responds to ammonia, hydrazine, hydrogen cyanide and NOx. With the introduction of the Dual Plasma Burner and Controller, the NCD now has an embedded nitrosamines option.

Another application is the analysis of nitrogen-containing species, such as nitroaromatics and related explosive compounds, by GC with NCD detection.

Advantages the NCD has over other nitrogen detectors include equimolar response, higher selectivity, lack of quenching due to matrix effects, and greater reliability.

The NCD can be used as a single detector or coupled in series with a Flame Ionization Detector (FID) adaptor, allowing for chromatographic traces to be acquired from both detectors simultaneously. The NCD has applications in the petroleum, chemical and petrochemical, food and beverage, flavor, and environmental industries.