AGC NovaSTREAM 6000 Total Hydrocarbon Analyzer
| Brand | AGC |
|---|---|
| Origin | Ireland |
| Model | NovaSTREAM 6000 |
| Detection Principle | Flame Ionization Detection (FID) |
| Measurement Range | 0–20,000 ppm C₁–C₁₀ (as methane or propane equivalent) |
| Minimum Detectable Level | <10 ppb |
| Linearity Error | ≤±1% F.S. |
| Repeatability | ±30 ppb |
| Span Drift | ±30 ppb (24 h) |
| Response Time (T₉₀) | ≤30 s |
| Operating Temperature | 10–40 °C |
| Display | 6.5-inch TFT LCD touchscreen |
| Data Storage | 10,000 measurement records |
| Communication Interface | RS232 |
| Dimensions (W×H×D) | 483 mm × 450 mm × 400 mm (19″ rack-mount compatible) |
| Alarm Outputs | Dry-contact relays for high/low concentration, system fault, sample gas interruption, zero/span gas loss, and flame-out detection |
| Built-in Diagnostics | 20 standardized fault codes |
| Auto-Calibration | Motorized solenoid valves for automated zero/span calibration cycles |
| Flow Control | Integrated electronic mass flow controllers (MFCs) for sample, hydrogen, air, and zero/span gases |
Overview
The AGC NovaSTREAM 6000 Total Hydrocarbon Analyzer is a benchtop, continuous online gas analyzer engineered for precise, real-time quantification of total hydrocarbons (THC) in industrial process streams, ambient air monitoring systems, and emission control applications. Utilizing flame ionization detection (FID) — a universally accepted, highly sensitive, and carbon-mass-responsive technique — the instrument delivers stable, linear response across a wide dynamic range (0–20,000 ppm, reported as methane or propane equivalent). Its robust architecture integrates digital ignition control, thermally stabilized detector electronics, and closed-loop flow regulation to ensure consistent combustion efficiency and signal integrity under variable environmental and operational conditions. Designed for unattended operation in demanding industrial settings, the NovaSTREAM 6000 complies with core requirements of EPA Method 25A, ISO 8573-5, and EN 15267-3 for fixed-source emissions monitoring, supporting regulatory reporting and process optimization workflows.
Key Features
- Digital FID with microprocessor-controlled ignition sequence and real-time flame status feedback via touchscreen interface
- Integrated electronic mass flow controllers (MFCs) for sample gas, hydrogen fuel, combustion air, zero gas, and span gas — ensuring reproducible stoichiometric ratios and minimizing baseline drift
- Automated calibration system with motorized 3-way solenoid valves for zero and span gas introduction; programmable calibration intervals (e.g., hourly, daily, or event-triggered)
- Comprehensive diagnostic engine with 20 standardized fault codes — enabling rapid root-cause identification for sample line blockage, flame extinction, gas supply failure, or sensor degradation
- Configurable relay outputs (dry contacts) supporting discrete alarm signaling for high/low THC concentration thresholds, system fault, sample gas interruption, zero/span gas depletion, and flame-out events
- Onboard data logger storing up to 10,000 timestamped measurements with UTC synchronization; exportable via RS232 serial interface for integration into SCADA, DCS, or LIMS platforms
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The NovaSTREAM 6000 is optimized for gaseous samples with low particulate loading and minimal condensable organics. It accepts sample streams at pressures between 0.8–1.2 bar (gauge) and flow rates regulated to 50–150 mL/min. Sample conditioning (e.g., filtration, moisture removal, pressure regulation) is recommended upstream when analyzing humid, corrosive, or particulate-laden process gases. The analyzer meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) per IEC 61326-1 and safety requirements under IEC 61010-1. Its design supports adherence to quality assurance frameworks including ISO/IEC 17025 for testing laboratories and 21 CFR Part 11-compliant data integrity protocols when paired with validated third-party software for audit-trail-enabled data handling.
Software & Data Management
Operation is managed through an intuitive 6.5-inch resistive touchscreen interface running embedded Linux-based firmware. All configuration parameters — including calibration schedules, alarm setpoints, data logging intervals, and relay logic — are accessible without external software. Measurement data are stored in non-volatile memory with automatic timestamping (date, time, concentration, status flags). RS232 output supports ASCII-formatted serial transmission at configurable baud rates (9600–115200), enabling direct ingestion into plant historian systems or custom Python/Node-RED scripts for trend analysis and predictive maintenance modeling. Optional OPC UA gateway modules (sold separately) allow seamless integration into Industry 4.0 architectures.
Applications
- Continuous monitoring of THC in flare gas, vent streams, and biogas upgrading units per EPA 40 CFR Part 60 Subpart Ja and EU IED directives
- Process control of catalytic oxidation reactors and thermal oxidizers in chemical manufacturing
- Quality assurance of compressed air systems in pharmaceutical cleanrooms (ISO 8573-5 Class 1–4)
- Leak detection and repair (LDAR) program support in petrochemical refineries and storage terminals
- Environmental compliance verification at wastewater treatment plant off-gas stacks and landfill gas collection systems
FAQ
What detection principle does the NovaSTREAM 6000 use, and why is it preferred for total hydrocarbon measurement?
It employs flame ionization detection (FID), which provides near-uniform molar response across most volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and excellent sensitivity down to sub-ppb levels — making it the reference method for regulatory THC compliance.
Can the analyzer operate without manual intervention for extended periods?
Yes — its automated zero/span calibration, self-diagnostic fault logging, and relay-driven safety interlocks enable fully autonomous operation for up to 30 days between routine maintenance cycles.
Is the instrument suitable for measuring THC in high-humidity sample streams?
Direct analysis is not recommended; installation of a Nafion™ dryer or chilled mirror dew point controller upstream is required to maintain dew point below 5 °C and prevent FID quenching or condensation-related drift.
How is data integrity ensured during long-term deployment?
All measurements include embedded CRC checksums, write-protected memory sectors, and optional audit-trail-enabling firmware extensions compatible with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 validation protocols.
What physical installation options are supported?
The unit is configured for benchtop use or 19-inch rack mounting (EIA-310-D compliant); rear-panel cable glands and DIN-rail mounting brackets are included for industrial panel integration.
