HORIBA PG-350 Portable Multi-Gas Analyzer

Overview

The HORIBA PG-350 Portable Multi-Gas Analyzer is an engineered field-deployable solution for simultaneous, real-time quantification of up to five critical combustion and environmental gases—NOₓ, SO₂, CO, CO₂, and O₂—with optional CH₄ capability. Designed for regulatory-grade compliance and laboratory-level metrological rigor, the PG-350 employs a hybrid optical and electrochemical detection architecture: alternating-flow modulated chemiluminescence (AFCM) for NOₓ; alternating-flow modulated non-dispersive infrared (AF-NDIR) for SO₂, CO, and CH₄; dual-beam non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) for CO₂; and galvanic cell technology for O₂. This multi-principle approach ensures high selectivity, minimal cross-sensitivity, and robust performance across variable stack gas matrices—including humid, particulate-laden, or low-concentration flue streams. Its compact form factor (226 × 265 × 510 mm), 14 kg mass, and integrated shock-absorbing chassis enable reliable operation in mobile monitoring, emergency response, CEMS validation, and research-grade emission profiling without sacrificing analytical fidelity.

Key Features

• Multi-gas capability with configurable channel selection: standard 5-component analysis (NOₓ/SO₂/CO/CO₂/O₂), expandable to include CH₄
• Modular optical detection system with temperature-stabilized NDIR sources and dual-wavelength reference compensation for long-term baseline stability
• Touch-enabled 7-inch color LCD with intuitive GUI, real-time trend plotting, step-by-step on-screen guidance, and alarm-triggered event logging
• Integrated electronic condensate management: automatic/manual drainage and Peltier-cooled dew point control (−5 °C typical) to prevent moisture interference
• Full-system calibration support—including sample probe, heated line, and analyzer—traceable to NIST-certified standards and compliant with ISO 12039, EN 15267, and EPA Method 6C/7E/10
• Onboard data handling: SD card storage with user-defined sampling intervals (1 s to 24 h), time-stamped records, and CSV export compatibility
• Communication interfaces: isolated 4–20 mA analog outputs (per gas), Ethernet (TCP/IP, Modbus TCP), and USB host port for firmware updates
• Power-flexible design: auto-ranging 100–240 VAC input, internal battery backup option (not included), and <30-minute warm-up to ±2.0% F.S. accuracy

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PG-350 is validated for continuous or intermittent measurement of hot, wet, and filtered flue gases from stationary sources including coal-fired boilers, waste incinerators, cement kilns, and catalytic converter test benches. It accommodates sample temperatures up to 180 °C (with optional heated probe), particulate loadings ≤10 mg/m³, and dew points down to −10 °C post-conditioning. Regulatory conformance includes TÜV-certified MCERTS (UK), GOST-R (Russia), KOLAS (Korea), China’s CMA accreditation (CNAS L5918), and Japan’s JIS Z 8808 verification. For GLP/GMP environments, audit-trail functionality—recording calibration events, zero/span checks, maintenance logs, and operator IDs—is enabled via SD card export and supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant data integrity workflows when paired with validated LIMS integration.

Software & Data Management

Firmware v3.2+ supports embedded data acquisition with timestamped, multi-parameter records stored directly to removable SD cards. Each entry includes gas concentration values, flow rate, internal temperature/humidity, pressure, diagnostic flags, and calibration metadata. Exported files are ASCII-encoded CSV with header annotations compliant with ASTM D6522 and ISO 14956 formatting conventions. Remote diagnostics are facilitated through Ethernet-based HTTP server access, enabling configuration changes, live parameter viewing, and log retrieval without physical interface interaction. Optional PC software (PG-Link Suite) provides spectral visualization, drift trending, statistical process control (SPC) charts, and automated report generation aligned with EN 14181 QA/QC requirements.

Applications

• CEMS backup and periodic verification per EN 14181 QAL2 and EPA PS-11 protocols
• Stack testing for regulatory compliance (e.g., EU IED, US Clean Air Act Title V)
• Combustion optimization studies in boiler and furnace R&D
• Catalyst efficiency evaluation under dynamic load conditions
• Fuel cell exhaust characterization and hydrogen reformer off-gas analysis
• Ambient air quality surveys near industrial perimeters or landfill sites
• University and national lab research on emission formation mechanisms and abatement technologies

FAQ

What gas components does the PG-350 measure by default?
The standard configuration measures NOₓ, SO₂, CO, CO₂, and O₂ simultaneously. CH₄ detection is available as a factory-installed option.
Is the PG-350 suitable for high-moisture flue gas applications?
Yes—its integrated Peltier-cooled condensate trap maintains sample dew point below −5 °C, and all optical paths are actively purged to prevent water film deposition on detectors.
How often is calibration required to maintain compliance?
Zero and span checks are recommended daily for regulatory reporting; full multi-point calibration every 30 days is advised for QAL3-level performance under EN 14181.
Can the PG-350 be used for unheated ambient air measurements?
Yes—the instrument operates within 5–40 °C ambient range and supports direct ambient sampling mode with built-in flow control and pressure compensation.
Does the PG-350 meet FDA or pharmaceutical industry requirements?
While not specifically 21 CFR Part 11 certified out-of-the-box, its audit-trail logging, electronic signature readiness, and secure data export support validation for cGMP environments when deployed with documented SOPs and IQ/OQ protocols.