Gas Chromatography Detectors: Nitrogen Phosphorus Detector (NPD)

The NPD sensor differs from that of the FID by a rubidium or cesium chloride bead contained inside a heater coil situated close to the hydrogen jet. The bead is situated above a jet and heated by a coil, over which the nitrogen carrier gas mixed with hydrogen passes. If the detector is to respond to both nitrogen and phosphorus, then the hydrogen flow should be minimal so that the gas does not ignite at the jet. If the detector is to respond to phosphorus, only, however, a large flow of hydrogen can be used and the mixture burnt at the jet. The heated alkali bead emits electrons by thermionic emission which are collected at the anode and provides background current through the electrode system. When a solute that contains nitrogen or phosphorusiseluted, thepartiallycombustednitrogenandphosphorusmaterials are adsorbed on the surface of the bead.

Figure 22. The Nitrogen Phosphorus Detector