Super RGA - Eclipse PGC - Process Gas Chromatography

Significance of the topic

In hydrocarbon processing and related industries, continuous monitoring of gas and liquid streams is critical for maintaining product quality and process efficiency. Process gas chromatography (PGC) provides automated, real-time analysis of complex mixtures, enabling tight control of composition and adherence to safety and environmental regulations.

Objectives and overview

The Eclipse PGC represents a next-generation platform designed to replicate laboratory-grade capillary column chromatography in an online setting. Its design goals include high resolution, rapid cycle times, and the ability to handle multiple streams and broad analyte ranges with minimal manual intervention.

Methodology

The system splits each sample into four aliquots, directing them through parallel chromatographic paths under independent temperature and pressure programs. Two Micro-Convection Ovens (MCOs) provide precise, programmable temperature ramps, while two isothermal ovens maintain constant temperatures for additional separation tasks.

Instrumentation

• Two patented Micro-Convection Ovens with electronic pressure programming
• Two isothermal capillary column ovens
• Up to four capillary columns (covering C1–C20 analytes)
• Two flame ionization detectors (FIDs) for hydrocarbon speciation
• Two thermal conductivity detectors (TCDs) for permanent gases and hydrogen sulfide quantification
• Electronic pressure and flow controllers for reproducible retention times

Main results and discussion

Eclipse generates three chromatograms simultaneously: a combined TCD trace for permanent gases, an FID trace for C1–C7 species, and an FID trace for C8–C20 hydrocarbons. Data demonstrate laboratory-quality separation with excellent retention time and peak area repeatability (low RSD). The integrated multi-detector outputs deliver comprehensive compositional profiles in a single cycle.

Benefits and practical applications

The platform drastically reduces analysis time and equipment footprint by consolidating multiple laboratory GCs into one online unit. It supports up to 16 process streams and offers flexible detector configurations (including MS, VUV, PDHID options). This versatility enhances process control, troubleshooting, and quality assurance across refining and petrochemical operations.

Future trends and applications

Advances may include deeper integration with process control systems, cloud-based data analytics, and artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance. Emerging detector technologies and automated sampling strategies will further expand analyte coverage and lower detection limits.

Conclusion

The Eclipse process gas chromatograph delivers laboratory-level performance in an online format, offering unmatched flexibility, throughput, and data quality. By uniting high-resolution chromatography with robust automation, it sets a new standard for industrial process analysis.