Agilent 990 Mobile Micro GC - Data Sheet

Importance of Mobile Gas Chromatography

The ability to perform high-quality gas analysis at the point of sampling transforms environmental monitoring, process control and safety checks across industries. A portable micro gas chromatograph combines the precision of laboratory instrumentation with field-ready ruggedness, reducing sample degradation, transport delays and logistics costs while delivering timely, actionable data.

Objectives and Overview

This datasheet introduces the Agilent 990 Mobile Micro GC, a battery-powered, gas-canister-equipped system designed to host one to four GC channels in a single field case. It aims to replicate lab-grade gas chromatography performance outdoors, offering rapid, repeatable analyses with wireless connectivity and configurable alarms for true/false or quantitative reporting.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The system supports micro-machined injectors without moving parts, delivering 1–10 µL injection volumes with heated transfer lines up to 110 °C and optional backflush. A column oven holds WCOT capillaries (CP-Sil 5 CB, 13 CB, 19 CB, WAX) and PLOT or micropacked columns (Molsieve 5A, PoraPLOT, Hayesep, Carboxene) at isothermal temperatures up to 180 °C. Detection relies on a dual-channel thermal conductivity detector (TCD) with four filaments, 200 nL internal volume and typical detection limits of 0.5–10 ppm depending on column type.
The field case integrates two high-performance batteries and two 150 mL, 124 bar gas modules for up to 16 hours of autonomous operation. External power is accepted at 100–240 VAC for fast/trickle charging. Each channel features independent pneumatic, injector and detector controls. Carrier gases (He, H₂, N₂, Ar) at 550 kPa feed the system through compression fittings. Sample enters via a 1/16″ Valco inlet with 5 µm filter at up to 100 kPa and 110 °C.
Communications include Ethernet, RS-232/422/485, CAN, USB, HDMI and optional Wi-Fi. The unit is controlled by Agilent OpenLab CDS software suites and supports advanced reporting and physical property calculations for natural gas.

Main Results and Discussion

Testing demonstrates sub-ppm detection for capillary columns, linear dynamic ranges spanning five orders of magnitude and <0.5 % RSD repeatability for propane. The rugged field case with wheels and quick-release levers ensures rapid deployment and maintenance. Wireless connectivity and tablet control eliminate cable clutter and laptop dependency.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• On-site, lab-quality analysis reduces sample handling errors and turnaround time.
• Modular channel design allows tailored configurations for environmental, petrochemical or industrial gas monitoring.
• Battery and gas independence support remote or emergency response deployments.
• Configurable alarms and true/false outputs streamline decision-making in process control.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances in microfabrication and detector technology may further shrink footprint and power consumption. Integration with IoT platforms and AI-driven diagnostics will enhance predictive maintenance, real-time data analytics and networked monitoring. Expansion to multi-dimensional GC or coupling with miniaturized mass detectors could broaden compound coverage and selectivity.

Conclusion

The Agilent 990 Mobile Micro GC delivers robust, flexible and high-performance gas analysis in a field-portable format. Its modular design, extended autonomy and wireless operation make it an ideal solution for diverse applications requiring rapid, lab-equivalent chromatographic results outside the laboratory.

Reference

No external literature references were provided in the source document.