High Speed Refinery Gas Analyzer Nexis GC-2030HSRGA1 GC-2014HSRGA1

Importance of the Topic

Analysis of natural gas composition underpins calculation of key physical properties such as heating value and relative density, informs process control in refineries, supports safety monitoring of hazardous components, and ensures compliance with industry standards.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note describes a high-speed gas chromatographic method for quantifying up to 20 components in natural and refinery gases within six minutes. The approach aims to deliver accurate concentration data to enable rapid calculation of BTU and specific gravity, as well as online monitoring of gas streams.

Methodology

The method employs a gas chromatograph with four selection valves directing sample splits into four loops. C6+ hydrocarbons are back-flushed as a single peak via a pre-column, while C3 to C5 are resolved on an alumina capillary column and detected by FID. A molecular sieve (MS-5A) separates permanent gases (O2, N2, CH4, CO, H2), which are detected by TCD using N2 as carrier. Simultaneously, CO2, C2 hydrocarbons, and H2S are separated on an Rtx-Q Plot column and quantified by a second TCD. Total runtime is approximately six minutes.

Applied Instrumentation

• Shimadzu Nexis GC-2030HSRGA1 and GC-2014HSRGA1 systems
• Configuration: four selection valves; eight capillary and packed columns
• Detectors: dual TCD channels, one FID channel
• Software: LabSolution workstation; BTU and Specific Gravity calculation modules

Main Results and Discussion

Typical chromatograms demonstrate baseline separation of permanent gases and C1–C5 hydrocarbons, as well as grouped C6+ eluted via backflush. The method achieves detection limits as low as 0.01% for most components and covers concentration ranges up to 80% for H2 and CH4. Analysis precision and speed support high throughput.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Complete gas analysis in under six minutes enabling real-time monitoring
• Calculation of heating value and relative density facilitates process optimization
• Dual detector setup allows simultaneous quantification of hydrocarbons and permanent gases
• Flexibility to analyze trace impurities such as H2S

Future Trends and Applications

Integration with online sampling systems and advanced data analytics will enhance process control and predictive maintenance. Coupling with mass spectrometry may extend detection capabilities for ultra-trace components. Further miniaturization and automation could support field-deployable analyzers.

Conclusion

The described GC method provides a rapid, reliable, and comprehensive solution for refinery and natural gas analysis. Its fast turnaround, broad component coverage, and robust performance make it well suited for industrial QA/QC and research applications.

References

1. ASTM International. ASTM D1945 Standard Test Method for Analysis of Natural Gas by Gas Chromatography.
2. ASTM International. ASTM D1946 Standard Test Method for Analysis of Natural Gas and Similar Gaseous Mixtures by Gas Chromatography.
3. ASTM International. ASTM D3588 Standard Test Method for Total Sulfur in Gases by Gas Chromatography.
4. Gas Processors Association. GPA 2261 Standard Practice for Gas Chromatography.
5. Shimadzu Corporation. Application Note SGC-ADS-0043B: System Gas Chromatograph High Speed Refinery Gas Analyzer.