Agilent Technologies Introduces Flame Photometric Detector with 5X Improved Sensitivity for Sulfur, 10X for Phosphorous.

PALO ALTO, Calif. -- Detector Makes Petrochemical, Environmental and Homeland Security Applications Easier, Less Costly

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today introduced a new, more sensitive flame photometric detector, ideal for the petrochemical- and hydrocarbon-processing industries and environmental and homeland security applications. With a fivefold improvement in the ability to detect sulfur and a tenfold improvement in phosphorous detection, the Agilent Flame Photometric Detector (FPD) provides a user-friendly, cost-effective alternative to expensive, specialty detectors for these compounds.

Sulfur compounds can be particularly significant contaminants in various catalytic processes involved in hydrocarbon and fuels processing. Monitoring these low-level toxins can lead to improved yields, increased catalyst lifetime and higher-quality products. Sulfur fuel contaminants can also degrade the performance of fuel cell systems and fuel processors powered by natural gas or hydrogen.

Agilent's new instrument provides an alternative to the more complex and expensive specialty detectors that have traditionally dominated these applications. In comparison, the Agilent FPD provides equivalent sensitivity and selectivity at a lower cost without requiring high-level expertise for calibration, tuning and maintenance to achieve optimal performance.

The improvements in the Agilent FPD come from an innovative optics package that includes both a patent-pending lens and wideband optical filter set. In addition to making the sensitivity improvements, Agilent has redesigned the transfer line assembly, eliminating three of the four soft seals and effectively reducing the leaks that can develop during repeated thermal cycling. This new FPD exhibits excellent chemical inertness and has proven to be completely leak-free at temperature cycles up to 250 degrees Celsius.

Availability

Agilent's new flame photometric detector will be available for order in March 2005.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) is a global technology leader in communications, electronics, life sciences and chemical analysis. The company's 28,000 employees serve customers in more than 110 countries. Agilent had net revenue of $7.2 billion in fiscal year 2004. Information about Agilent is available on the Web at www.agilent.com.

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