Agilent 490 Micro Gas Chromatograph
| Brand | Agilent Technologies |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | 490 |
| Instrument Type | Gas Chromatograph |
| Used Duration | 3–4 years |
| Warranty | 6 months |
| Configuration | Fully tested and configured |
| Compliance | Designed for laboratory and field-deployable GC applications |
| Software Platform | Agilent OpenLab CDS |
Overview
The Agilent 490 Micro Gas Chromatograph is a compact, MEMS-enabled benchtop gas chromatography system engineered for high-speed, reliable separation and quantification of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds in gaseous or light liquid matrices. Unlike conventional GC platforms, the 490 leverages microfabricated thermal conductivity detectors (µTCD), silicon-based capillary columns, and integrated micro-electronic pneumatic control (μEPC) to deliver sub-minute analysis cycles without compromising resolution or reproducibility. Its modular architecture supports both laboratory-based routine QC and portable deployment—making it suitable for environmental monitoring, petrochemical process gas analysis, natural gas composition verification, and safety-critical leak detection workflows. The system operates on standard 110–240 VAC power and requires only bottled carrier gas (e.g., helium, hydrogen, or nitrogen), eliminating dependency on complex gas generation infrastructure.
Key Features
- MEMS-based microfluidic flow control with time-programmable backflush capability for rapid column regeneration and extended column lifetime
- Ultra-fast separations using short-length WCOT or PLOT capillary columns (typically 1–5 m, 0.1–0.25 mm ID) or micro-packed columns
- Integrated micro-TCD detector with typical detection limits < 10 ppm for hydrocarbons and permanent gases
- On-board temperature control with oven ramp rates up to 100 °C/min and stable isothermal hold precision ±0.1 °C
- Plug-and-play hardware configuration: pre-aligned columns, calibrated μEPC modules, and factory-verified detector response
- Compact footprint (28 × 23 × 18 cm) and low power consumption (< 120 W) enabling integration into mobile labs or fume hoods
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Agilent 490 is validated for direct injection of gas-phase samples (e.g., ambient air, refinery off-gas, biogas, syngas) and vaporized light liquids (e.g., gasoline fractions, ethanol blends, solvent mixtures). It supports split/splitless injection via heated micro-vial autosampler interfaces or manual septumless valves. Sample introduction may be coupled with optional accessories including stainless-steel sample filters (0.5 µm), pressure-reducing regulators (0–300 psi input), heated micro-vaporizers (up to 250 °C), and multi-port selection valves for automated multi-stream analysis. The instrument conforms to ASTM D1945 (analysis of natural gas), ASTM D1946 (analysis of fuel gases), and ISO 6974 series standards. Data acquisition and audit trails comply with GLP and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when operated with Agilent OpenLab CDS v2.4 or later.
Software & Data Management
The system ships with Agilent OpenLab Chromatography Data System (CDS) software, providing full instrument control, real-time signal visualization, peak integration, calibration curve generation (linear, quadratic, or multipoint), and customizable report templates. OpenLab supports secure user authentication, electronic signatures, and configurable audit trail logging—including method changes, sequence edits, and result reprocessing events. Raw data files (.D format) are stored in vendor-neutral directories, enabling third-party reprocessing via open-source tools such as Chromeleon-compatible parsers or Python-based chromatogram libraries (e.g., pyGC). All firmware and software versions are documented in the delivered instrument qualification package, including IQ/OQ documentation templates aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation frameworks.
Applications
- Routine quality control of industrial process gases (e.g., H₂ purity in PEM electrolyzer feed streams)
- Environmental compliance monitoring: VOC screening in landfill gas, fugitive emission surveys, and indoor air quality profiling
- Petrochemical lab analysis: BTEX quantification in gasoline, C₁–C₅ hydrocarbon speciation in LPG, and sulfur compound detection (e.g., H₂S, mercaptans)
- Academic research: Reaction monitoring in catalytic studies, headspace analysis of polymer degradation products, and breath metabolite profiling (research-use only)
- Field-deployable forensics: Rapid identification of accelerants in fire debris extracts using thermal desorption–microGC coupling
FAQ
Is this unit refurbished or used—and what does “tested and configured” mean?
This Agilent 490 Micro GC is a pre-owned instrument with verified operational history (3–4 years of prior use), fully inspected, cleaned, calibrated, and functionally validated per Agilent’s original service protocols at SpectraLab Scientific’s ISO 17025-accredited facility.
Does the 6-month warranty cover parts, labor, and on-site service?
Yes—the warranty includes all components, firmware updates, remote diagnostics support, and one complimentary on-site preventive maintenance visit within the coverage period.
Can the system be upgraded with newer firmware or OpenLab versions?
All units ship with firmware compatible with OpenLab CDS v2.4+; upgrade paths to v3.x are supported subject to Agilent’s current licensing terms and hardware compatibility matrix.
Are consumables (columns, liners, septa) included in the sale?
A starter kit containing one Agilent HP-PLOT Al₂O₃/KCl column (10 m × 0.25 mm), five inlet liners, and ten septa is provided with each system.
Is regulatory documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ) available upon request?
Standard IQ/OQ documentation is included; PQ protocol development and execution can be arranged separately through our certified validation services team.
