Arun Technology PGC Industrial Online Gas Chromatograph
| Brand | Arun Technology Ltd. |
|---|---|
| Origin | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Product Origin | Imported |
| Model | PGC Industrial Online Gas Chromatograph |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The Arun Technology PGC Industrial Online Gas Chromatograph is a robust, process-integrated analytical system engineered for continuous, real-time compositional analysis of permanent gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in demanding industrial environments. Based on the fundamental principle of gas-phase separation via differential partitioning between a mobile phase (carrier gas) and a stationary phase (capillary or packed column), the PGC delivers high-resolution chromatographic separation under controlled temperature and flow conditions. Its design prioritizes operational continuity and safety compliance—featuring positive-pressure explosion-proof construction certified to IEC 60079-1 and IP54 ingress protection—enabling direct installation in hazardous areas classified as Zone 1 or Zone 2 per ATEX and IECEx directives. The system is typically deployed within analyzer shelters or custom-engineered instrument cabinets, integrating seamlessly with plant DCS/SCADA networks via standard 4–20 mA, Modbus RTU/TCP, or Profibus DP interfaces.
Key Features
- Explosion-proof enclosure rated to IEC 60079-1, Category IIC, Temperature Class T5 (≤100 °C surface temperature), suitable for flammable gas atmospheres containing hydrogen, ethylene, or acetylene.
- IP54-rated internal module architecture ensures dust resistance and protection against water splashing from any direction—critical for outdoor or semi-outdoor installations.
- Modular detector configuration supporting simultaneous or sequential operation of multiple detection technologies: Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD) for universal inorganic gas quantification; Flame Ionization Detector (FID) for hydrocarbon selectivity and sub-ppm sensitivity; Flame Photometric Detector (FPD) for sulfur- and phosphorus-containing compounds; and Pulsed Discharge Detector (PDD) for enhanced electron-capture capability and noble gas analysis.
- Onboard embedded diagnostics continuously monitor column oven temperature stability, carrier gas pressure and flow consistency, detector baseline noise, and valve actuation integrity—generating health status reports with predictive maintenance alerts.
- Pre-calibrated, factory-aligned column sets optimized for specific applications (e.g., natural gas C1–C6 hydrocarbons, syngas H₂/CO/CO₂/N₂, refinery fuel gas, or pharmaceutical residual solvent profiles).
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The PGC accommodates gaseous samples across a wide pressure range (typically 0.1–1.5 bar gauge) and temperature range (−20 °C to +60 °C ambient), with optional heated sample lines and pressure regulation modules for condensable or moisture-sensitive streams. Sample introduction utilizes automated, pneumatically actuated multi-port valves with inert wetted surfaces (electropolished stainless steel or SilcoNert®-treated components) to prevent adsorption or catalytic decomposition. The system complies with key international standards including ISO 8573-1 (compressed air purity), ASTM D1945 (natural gas analysis), ASTM D1946 (analysis of reformed gas), and EN 15470 (LPG composition). It supports GLP/GMP data integrity requirements through configurable audit trails, electronic signatures, and user access levels aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles when integrated with compliant software platforms.
Software & Data Management
The PGC operates with Arun’s proprietary ChromaView™ Process GC Software—a Windows-based application designed for unattended 24/7 operation. The software provides method scheduling, automatic peak integration using iterative Gaussian deconvolution, retention time locking (RTL), and calibration curve management with polynomial or multipoint linear regression. All raw chromatograms, processed results, and system event logs are timestamped and stored in an encrypted SQLite database with optional backup to network drives or cloud repositories. Data export formats include CSV, XML, and ASTM E1394-compliant ASCII for LIMS integration. Remote monitoring and troubleshooting are enabled via secure HTTPS web interface or VNC-based desktop access with role-based authentication.
Applications
- Natural Gas & Biogas: Real-time measurement of methane, ethane, propane, butanes, nitrogen, carbon dioxide, oxygen, and hydrogen sulfide for custody transfer, calorific value calculation, and pipeline quality control per ISO 6974 and GPA 2286.
- Petrochemical & Refining: Continuous monitoring of FCC off-gas, hydrotreater purge streams, and alkylation feedstocks for hydrogen, light hydrocarbons, and sulfur species to optimize catalyst life and reactor efficiency.
- Coal Chemical Industry: Syngas composition tracking (H₂, CO, CO₂, CH₄, N₂) in gasification units and methanol synthesis loops, ensuring stoichiometric balance and preventing catalyst poisoning.
- Power Generation: Turbine inlet gas analysis for hydrogen-cooled generators and combustion turbine fuel gas qualification per IEEE C50.13 and API RP 1172.
- Pharmaceutical Manufacturing: Residual solvent verification in active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) drying and purification steps per ICH Q2(R2) and USP , supporting GMP validation protocols.
FAQ
What hazardous area certifications does the PGC hold?
The PGC carries ATEX II 2G Ex d IIC T5 Gb and IECEx Ex d IIC T5 Gb certifications, confirming suitability for use in gas group IIC environments with maximum surface temperature of 100 °C.
Can the PGC be integrated into existing DCS systems?
Yes—the system provides native support for 4–20 mA analog outputs, Modbus TCP/RTU, and Profibus DP communication protocols, with optional OPC UA gateway for modern control infrastructure.
Is method development supported remotely?
Arun offers remote method optimization services using live chromatogram streaming and shared desktop sessions, supported by application engineers with domain expertise in gas analysis.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for routine operation?
Preventive maintenance is scheduled every 6 months, including detector cleaning, column conditioning, leak testing, and calibration verification against certified gas standards traceable to NIST or UKAS.
Does the PGC comply with cybersecurity standards for industrial control systems?
The embedded controller runs a hardened Linux OS with disabled unused ports, TLS 1.2 encryption for web services, and configurable firewall rules—aligned with ISA/IEC 62443-3-3 Level 1 requirements.
