Natural Gas Analyzer Nexis GC-2030NGA1 GC-2014NGA1

Importance of the Topic

Natural gas composition analysis is critical for accurate determination of heating value, density, and process control in energy, petrochemical, and environmental applications. Reliable quantification of light gases and heavier hydrocarbons ensures compliance with industry standards and optimizes process safety and efficiency.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

This application note describes a gas chromatographic method using a Shimadzu System Gas Chromatograph (Nexis GC-2030NGA1) to determine concentrations of key components in natural gas mixtures. The aim is to achieve full compositional profiling (H2, He, O2, N2, CO, CO2, H2S, C1–C5, and C6+) within defined ranges, providing data for physical property calculations and monitoring.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Samples are introduced into three loops and sequentially directed through a pre-column and two analytical columns using a three-valve, six-packed-column configuration. C6+ species are back-flushed as a single peak, followed by elution of C3–C5, CO2, and C2H6 to a thermal conductivity detector (TCD) via a DC-200 column. A second separation on MS-5A isolates O2, N2, CH4, and CO for TCD detection; He and H2 are resolved on MS-5A and detected by a second TCD using N2 as the carrier.

Used Instrumentation

• Shimadzu Nexis GC-2030NGA1 System Gas Chromatograph
• Three automated valves; six packed columns (pre-column, DC-200, MS-5A, and others)
• Dual thermal conductivity detectors (TCD-1 and TCD-2)
• LabSolutions GC workstation software with BTU and specific gravity calculations

Main Results and Discussion

The method completes a full analysis in approximately 20 minutes. Typical chromatograms demonstrate baseline separation of He and H2 on TCD-1, and clear resolution of N2, O2, CH4, CO, CO2, C2–C5 isomers, H2S, and C6+ on TCD-2. Good repeatability and sensitivity are achieved across concentration ranges, with detection limits down to 0.01% for most gases and up to 0.10% for H2S.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Comprehensive compositional profiling for energy billing and quality control
• Calculation of calorific value and relative density directly within GC software
• Regulatory compliance with ASTM-D1945, D3588, and GPA-2261
• Enhanced process monitoring in petrochemical and refining operations

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances in micro-column technology and detector sensitivity may further reduce analysis time and increase resolution for trace contaminants. Integration with real-time process control and IoT platforms will enable dynamic adjustment of operations based on continuous gas composition feedback.

Conclusion

The Shimadzu Nexis GC-2030NGA1 method provides a robust, rapid, and precise solution for natural gas analysis, meeting industry standards and delivering essential data for physical property calculations and process monitoring.

Reference

• ASTM D1945: Standard Test Method for Analysis of Natural Gas by Gas Chromatography
• ASTM D3588: Standard Test Method for Analysis of Natural and Processed Gases and Gaseous Mixtures by Gas Chromatography
• GPA 2261: Standard Practice for Calculation of Heating Value, Relative Density, Compressibility, and Viscosity of Gaseous Hydrocarbon Mixtures