Agilent Natural Gas Analyzers

Importance of the Topic

Natural gas is a key global energy resource used for power generation, heating, and transportation. Ensuring accurate analysis of its composition, purity, and calorific value is essential for meeting regulatory standards, optimizing combustion efficiency, and safeguarding pipeline integrity. Reliable analytical methods support exploration, production, and distribution operations by providing rapid, accurate data for quality control and process optimization.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note presents the capabilities of Agilent Natural Gas Analyzers (NGAs) built on the 8890 GC and 990 Micro GC platforms. It aims to demonstrate how factory-configured systems deliver reproducible measurements of hydrocarbons (C1–C12/C14), permanent gases, and impurities, and how they integrate into existing workflows without disruption.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Each NGA is factory configured and tested to ensure consistent performance. Key methodological features include:

• Dual detection channels (TCD/FID) for simultaneous analysis of permanent gases and hydrocarbons
• Packed and capillary GC columns tailored to analyte volatility ranges
• Electronic pneumatic control with microchannel EPC to protect against contaminants
• Isothermal Micro GC operation for ultrafast separations (complete hydrocarbon profiling in under two minutes)

Instrumentation Used

Agilent 8890 GC–based NGAs:

• Extended NGA: C1–C12 by FID, permanent gases (O2, N2, CO, CO2) by TCD
• 2-Channel NGA: dual-TCD for expanded permanent gas profiling

Agilent 990 Micro GC analyzers:

• Four dedicated µ-TCD channels configured for hydrocarbons and permanent gases
• WCOT and PLOT columns with backflush for rapid separation

Supporting sample preparation and data systems:

• QuEChERS and SPE kits for clean extract preparation
• Agilent 7696A automated sample prep workbench
• OpenLab CDS for instrument control, data acquisition, and lab-wide integration

Main Results and Discussion

Performance benchmarks demonstrate:

• Detection limits down to 0.5 ppm for hydrocarbons and 2–100 ppm for permanent gases
• Complete C1–C12 profiling in 20 minutes (8890 Extended NGA) and sub-120 second runs (Micro GC NGA)
• Robust quality control with factory and onsite checkouts, consumables tracking, and real-time system health alerts

Chromatograms confirm resolution of C3–C12 hydrocarbons on PONA columns and clear separation of key permanent gases. Intelligent diagnostics reduce unscheduled downtime and facilitate remote troubleshooting.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Adopting Agilent NGAs provides:

• Streamlined integration with existing workflows via preconfigured methods and consumables kits
• High throughput for field or lab environments through ultrafast micro GC analysis
• Enhanced uptime with predictive maintenance alerts and remote mobile access
• Compliance with international standards (ASTM, GPA, ISO, GOST) for industry acceptance

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging developments in natural gas analysis include:

• Expansion of ultra-fast GC methods for real-time process monitoring
• Integration of machine-learning algorithms for automated peak identification and anomaly detection
• Miniaturized, portable analyzers for remote field analysis of unconventional gas sources
• Advanced detector materials for ultra-trace sulfur and contaminant quantification

Conclusion

Agilent Natural Gas Analyzers deliver comprehensive, reliable compositional data essential for quality assurance across the natural gas supply chain. Factory-validated configurations, coupled with intelligent diagnostics and robust support infrastructure, minimize downtime and simplify method deployment. These systems enable laboratories and field operators to meet stringent regulatory requirements and adapt to evolving analytical challenges.