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Impurities in Polymer Grade Propylene

Purity in the production of polyethylene and polypropylene affects the highly sensitive and costly polymerization catalysts that are fundamental to the production process.

Precise measurement of low level impurities in the production stream can increase the yield and extend the life expectancy of these expensive catalysts. Additionally, producers will be amazed by how fast and cost-effective the analysis is.

The state-of-the-art inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) (when used as a gas chromatographic detector) enables detection limits at single digit part-per-billion levels for sulfur and phosphorus compounds, and detection of many other species at part-per-trillion levels. This sensitivity enables determination of product quality with a confidence level heretofore not obtainable. Furthermore, unlike other detectors, there is virtually no interference from the hydrocarbon matrix.

 

CONSCI's detection limits (DLs) of propylene impurities are significantly lower than the typical maximum amount allowed by the polymerization catalyst.

Impurity Typical Max Allowed Our Detection Limit Technique
Arsine20 ppb0.05 ppbGC-ICP-MS
Carbon dioxide3 ppm0.1 ppmGC-PDD
Carbon monoxide1 ppm0.1 ppmGC-PDD
Carbonyl sulfide1 ppm5.0 ppbGC-ICP-MS
Hydrocarbon contaminants30 ppm0.1 ppbGC-FID
Hydrogen30 ppm0.1 ppbGC-FID
Hydrogen sulfide1 ppm5.0 ppbGC-ICP-MS
Oxygen5 ppm0.1 ppmGC-PDD
Phosphine20 ppb0.2 ppbGC-ICP-MS
Water vapor5 ppm0.1 ppmQuartz Microbalance
 

Every producer should require detection limits of single digit ppb levels for sulfur and phosphorus compounds and detection of many other species at part per trillion concentrations to determine product quality with a confidence level heretofore unobtainable.

Start getting better results today! Call Consolidated Sciences for a quote on your next project: (800) 240-3693

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