ATARICO AGS-100 Nitrogen Generator
| Brand | ATARICO |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Model | AGS-100 |
| Nitrogen Generation Principle | Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) with Zeolite Molecular Sieve |
| Output Flow Rate | 100–120 L/min |
| Output Pressure | 0.1–0.75 MPa (14.5–108 psi) |
| Nitrogen Purity | 97–99.9% |
| Dew Point | −40 °C to −45 °C |
| Air Purification Capacity | 1200 m³/h |
| Particulate Filtration Efficiency | <0.01 µm |
| Hydrocarbon Adsorption | Integrated hydrocarbon trap (removes VOCs, benzene homologues, formaldehyde, NDMA precursors) |
| Power Supply | 380 V, 50/60 Hz, 3-phase 5-wire |
| Rated Power | 3.5 kW |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1330 × 600 × 1680 mm |
| Weight | 380 kg |
| Operating Ambient | 5–35 °C, ≤80% RH, up to 3500 m altitude |
| Noise Level | ≤58 dB(A) |
| Nitrogen Outlet | Ø6 mm push-to-connect |
| Condensate Drain | Ø10 mm push-to-connect |
| Onboard Purity Monitoring | Real-time electrochemical O₂ sensor with digital display and data logging capability |
Overview
The ATARICO AGS-100 Nitrogen Generator is an integrated, high-capacity laboratory-grade gas generation system engineered for dual-purpose operation: continuous on-site production of high-purity nitrogen for analytical instrumentation and concurrent active purification of ambient laboratory air. Utilizing pressure swing adsorption (PSA) technology with high-selectivity zeolite molecular sieves, the AGS-100 achieves stable nitrogen output at flow rates of 100–120 L/min and purity levels ranging from 97% to 99.9%, depending on operational setpoints and demand profiles. Its design addresses two critical challenges in modern mass spectrometry laboratories: (1) the stringent gas quality requirements of LC-MS systems—including single quadrupole, triple quadrupole, time-of-flight (TOF), and high-resolution hybrid platforms—and (2) chronic exposure risks associated with volatile organic compounds (VOCs), aldehydes, aromatic hydrocarbons, and nitrosamine precursors (e.g., NDMA) commonly released during sample preparation and chromatographic workflows. Unlike conventional standalone nitrogen generators, the AGS-100 incorporates a dedicated air recirculation module rated at 1200 m³/h, equipped with multi-stage composite filtration (pre-filter + activated carbon + HEPA + chemisorbent media) to remove particulates (<0.01 µm), formaldehyde, benzene derivatives, and other airborne contaminants.
Key Features
- Integrated PSA-based nitrogen generation with dual-bed zeolite architecture for high separation efficiency—25–40% greater volumetric N₂ yield per kW compared to equivalent-capacity membrane systems
- Onboard real-time nitrogen purity monitoring via electrochemical oxygen sensor (0.01–5% O₂ range), providing traceable, timestamped purity data with optional USB/RS485 export
- Dedicated hydrocarbon adsorption stage upstream of the final nitrogen outlet, specifically targeting VOCs, benzene homologues, and NDMA-forming precursors to meet ultra-low hydrocarbon specifications for high-sensitivity MS applications
- Active laboratory air purification subsystem featuring 1200 m³/h recirculation capacity, HEPA-grade particulate removal, and catalytic carbon media optimized for formaldehyde and low-molecular-weight organics
- Energy-efficient control logic with adaptive PSA cycle timing and load-responsive compressor modulation—reduces average power consumption by up to 18% versus fixed-cycle competitors
- Modular mechanical layout with service-accessible filter cartridges, quick-disconnect gas fittings (Ø6 mm push-to-connect nitrogen outlet; Ø10 mm condensate drain), and front-panel diagnostic interface
- Customizable exterior housing options (color, logo placement, panel labeling) to align with institutional branding or ergonomic lab integration requirements
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The AGS-100 is validated for continuous operation with all major LC-MS platforms requiring instrument-grade nitrogen, including but not limited to Thermo Fisher Scientific Orbitrap and Q Exactive series, Waters Xevo TQ-S and SYNAPT G2-Si, Agilent 6470/6495 triple quads, and Bruker timsTOF instruments. Its nitrogen output meets ASTM D852-22 specifications for compressed gases used in analytical instrumentation and complies with ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 2:2:2 for particulate, water, and oil content when operated within specified ambient conditions (5–35 °C, ≤80% RH). The integrated air purification function adheres to GB/T 18801–2022 (Chinese national standard for air purifiers) and supports institutional adherence to OSHA permissible exposure limits (PELs) and ACGIH TLVs® for common laboratory VOCs. All firmware and data logging functions are designed to support GLP/GMP-aligned audit trails per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with validated IT infrastructure.
Software & Data Management
The AGS-100 includes embedded microcontroller-based firmware with local LCD interface for real-time monitoring of nitrogen flow, pressure, purity (%N₂), dew point, filter life status, and system temperature. Optional Ethernet or RS485 connectivity enables integration into centralized facility monitoring systems (e.g., LabVantage, Siemens Desigo, or custom SCADA). Logged parameters include cumulative runtime, PSA cycle count, compressor duty cycles, and purity deviation alerts—stored internally for ≥30 days and exportable as CSV files. No cloud dependency or proprietary subscription software is required; configuration and diagnostics are accessible via intuitive menu navigation without external PC software. Firmware updates are performed via USB drive with cryptographic signature verification to ensure integrity and traceability.
Applications
- Primary nitrogen supply for electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) sources in LC-MS, GC-MS, and ICP-MS systems
- Collision/reaction gas delivery for tandem MS/MS experiments requiring consistent purity and low hydrocarbon background
- Blank solvent purge and instrument standby gas for reducing carryover and baseline drift in high-throughput proteomics and metabolomics workflows
- Ambient air quality management in open-bench LC-MS labs, fume hood perimeters, and sample prep areas where solvent evaporation contributes to chronic VOC exposure
- Support for method validation studies requiring documented gas quality history, especially under ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing environments
- Replacement for high-pressure nitrogen cylinders in facilities seeking reduced logistical overhead, safety risk mitigation, and carbon footprint reduction
FAQ
What nitrogen purity levels can the AGS-100 sustain at maximum flow?
At 120 L/min, the system delivers ≥97% nitrogen purity; purity increases to ≥99.5% at flows ≤80 L/min, with full 99.9% achievable at ≤40 L/min.
Does the air purification function operate independently of nitrogen generation?
Yes—the air recirculation fan and filtration modules run continuously or on user-defined schedules, regardless of nitrogen demand state.
Is the hydrocarbon trap replaceable, and what is its service life?
The hydrocarbon adsorption cartridge is field-replaceable and rated for 12 months under typical lab VOC loading (≤1 ppm benzene-equivalent); replacement interval is tracked via firmware and displayed on the control panel.
Can the AGS-100 be installed in non-air-conditioned environments?
Operation is permitted between 5–35 °C and ≤80% RH; sustained operation above 32 °C may reduce PSA efficiency and increase dew point—ambient cooling or HVAC integration is recommended for tropical or high-heat settings.
What regulatory documentation is provided for validation purposes?
Factory calibration certificates, pressure vessel compliance reports (GB/T 150), electrical safety test reports (GB 4793.1), and a complete IQ/OQ protocol template are included with each unit.
