Agilent 490 Micro GC Natural Gas Analyzers - Data Sheet

Significance of the Topic

The precise analysis of natural gas composition and calorific value is crucial for pricing, quality assurance, and safe operation across the supply chain. Fast and reliable chromatographic methods support regulatory compliance and optimize economic returns for producers, transporters, and end users.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

This document presents the Agilent 490 Micro GC Natural Gas Analyzers as an integrated solution for on-site and laboratory analysis. Key goals include:

• Delivering a factory-tuned, ready-to-operate system with validated methods.
• Offering configurable analyzer variants to match diverse natural gas matrices.
• Providing optional software for accurate calorific value (BTU) calculations.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The Agilent 490 Micro GC platform features one to four independent micro-GC channels, each consisting of a micro-machined injector, narrow-bore column, and micro-thermal conductivity detector (µTCD). Instrumentation highlights:

• Column options: CP-Molsieve 5A, PoraPLOT U, CP-Sil 5 CB, HayeSep A for targeted separation of permanent gases, C1–C12 hydrocarbons, and H₂S.
• Heated injectors and sample lines (up to 110 °C) to prevent condensation and maintain sample integrity.
• Backflush-to-vent functionality on select channels to remove moisture, CO₂, and heavy hydrocarbons, preserving column performance.
• Retention Time Stability (RTS) option with additional in-line filters to ensure consistent carrier gas purity and stable retention times.
• UltiMetal deactivation layer for H₂S analysis, yielding inert flow paths and improved detection limits.
• Optional EZReporter software supporting GPA 2172-09, ASTM D3588, ISO 6976 methods, with LIMS connectivity and trend reporting.

Main Results and Discussion

Performance metrics demonstrate the analyzer’s capability to deliver high-precision results within minutes:

• Analysis times: 75 s up to C6, 100–400 s for extended hydrocarbon ranges.
• Repeatability: RSD < 0.5% across measured components.
• Configuration variants (A, A Extended, B, B Extended) enable tailored analysis of methane, higher hydrocarbons (up to C12), CO₂, N₂, O₂, He, H₂, and H₂S.
• Stock availability ensures rapid deployment; factory calibration and checkout sample support fast commissioning.

Instrumental robustness is achieved through heated pathways, backflush functions, and carrier gas control, minimizing retention shifts and extending column lifetime.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Agilent 490 Micro GC Natural Gas Analyzers provide:

• Rapid, reliable compositional analysis for bulk natural gas and related streams (LNG, LPG).
• Low operator skill requirement and straightforward startup.
• Optional calorific value calculation integrated with existing data systems.
• Portability options for field deployment with dual or single carrier gas configurations.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging directions include:

• Integration with IoT platforms for continuous, real-time monitoring of gas networks.
• Enhanced detectors and advanced chemometric algorithms for trace impurity detection.
• Adaptation for renewable gas analysis (biogas, hydrogen blends).
• Development of compact, autonomous micro-GC units for remote or inline process applications.

Conclusion

The Agilent 490 Micro GC Natural Gas Analyzers offer a comprehensive, flexible, and high-performance solution for precise natural gas composition and calorific value determination. Its modular design, rapid analysis times, and robust features make it suitable for both laboratory and field environments, meeting the evolving needs of the energy sector.

References

• Remko Van Loon; Fast Analysis of Natural Gas Using the Agilent 490 Micro GC Natural Gas Analyzer; Application Note; April 2012; 5991-0275EN.