Agilent's enhanced FPD demonstrates a five-fold improvement in sensitivity for sulfur and a ten- to fifteen-fold improvement for phosphorus compared to the previous design (see table below). This is due to an innovative optics package that includes both a lens and wide-band optical filter set. Compared to other manufacturers' standard FPDs, the Agilent detector is now more sensitive for both sulfur and phosphorus. In fact, it is more sensitive for phosphorus than a pulsed FPD.    
    
Table 1. Comparison of the performance of the Agilent FPDs, as represented in the documented detector specifications.*    
* See specifications section.    
    
In addition to the tremendous sensitivity improvements for both sulfur and phosphorus, the enhanced FPD also demonstrates an order of magnitude improvement for sulfur selectivity over carbon.     
    
Design Improvements    
    
Agilent has designed a new single-piece transfer-line assembly, replacing three of the four soft seals and effectively eliminating the possibility for leaks to develop during repeated thermal cycling in temperature-programmed chromatography. This reduces the chances of detector flame-outs and variable results. Final testing for this detector exhibited excellent chemical inertness and was proven to be completely leak-free with temperature cycles to 250 degrees Centigrade.    
    
Upgrade Kits Available    
    
If you currently have the previous version of Agilent's FPD installed on your GC, you can take advantage of the improved performance by ordering an enhanced FPD upgrade kit. Kits are available for both the single and dual-wavelength detectors.     
    
If you currently have the previous version of Agilent's FPD installed on your GC, you can take advantage of the improved performance by ordering an enhanced FPD upgrade kit. Kits are available for both the single and dual-wavelength detectors.