The Vital Answers You Need, in the Lab or in the Field - Agilent 990 Micro gas chromatography systems

Significance of Topic

Fast, reliable gas analysis is essential across industries ranging from energy exploration and chemical processing to environmental monitoring. Compact, low-power solutions that deliver lab-quality results in the field enable better decision making, improved safety, and reduced operational costs.

Objectives and Study Overview

This work presents the Agilent 990 Micro GC family, focusing on real-world challenges faced by laboratory and field managers. An independent survey identified key pain points—portability, space constraints, energy and gas consumption, sample integrity, and ease of use. The goal was to demonstrate how micro gas chromatography addresses these issues with innovative system designs.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Three configurable micro GC platforms were developed:

• 990 Micro GC system: Modular channels with electronic gas control, narrow-bore columns, detectors, and independent injection volume and temperature control.
• 990 Express Micro GC system: Field-ready, self-contained unit in a rugged case with onboard gas cylinders and rechargeable batteries.
• 990 PRO Micro GC system: Integrated with PROstation software for unattended operation, automated reporting, and full compliance.

Sample preparation accessories extend capabilities:

• Micro-Gasifier for LPG/LNG evaporation and high-pressure reduction
• Syringe injection inlet for small or diverse sample volumes
• Genie membrane filter to remove particulates and droplets
• Stream selection valve for automated multi-stream monitoring
• Precision pressure reducers and optional touch screen interface

Main Results and Discussion

Agilent 990 Micro GC systems achieve separation in seconds with cycle times from 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Key performance outcomes include:

• Compact footprint using half the bench area of standard GCs
• Reduced carrier gas consumption (~10 mL/min per channel) and lower power draw (150 W)
• Continuous unattended operation with self-diagnostics to preempt errors
• Plug-and-play modular channels for rapid reconfiguration and onsite maintenance
• Seamless data handling via OpenLab CDS or PROstation software

Benefits and Practical Applications

The systems support a wide range of applications:

• Energy and Chemical: Natural gas calorific value, mud logging, THT and odorant analysis, refinery gas, biogas composition, hydrogen impurities
• Environmental: Hot spring gas surveillance, sulfur dioxide, CO2 reduction product analysis, trace sulfur species, BTEX

These solutions enable faster decision cycles, lower operational expenses, and enhanced data quality.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Future developments may integrate micro GC platforms with the Internet of Things and cloud analytics, enabling real-time remote monitoring and predictive maintenance. Expanded use of alternative carrier gases, advanced detectors, and AI-driven method optimization will broaden the scope of field-deployable gas analysis.

Conclusion

The Agilent 990 Micro GC family offers a versatile, high-performance approach to gas chromatography both in the lab and in the field. By addressing key operational challenges—portability, speed, reliability, and sustainability—these systems empower scientists and engineers to obtain critical gas analysis data faster and more efficiently than ever before.