ATARICO AGS-30 Nitrogen Generator
| Brand | ATARICO |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Model | AGS-30 |
| Nitrogen Generation Principle | Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) using Zeolite Molecular Sieve |
| Output Flow Rate | 35–40 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 for removal of VOCs, benzene homologues, formaldehyde, and NDMA precursors |
| Onboard Purity Monitoring | Real-time electrochemical O₂ sensor with digital display and data logging capability |
| Power Supply | 230 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Power Consumption | 1.95 kW |
| Noise Level | ≤55 dB(A) |
| Operating Ambient | 5–35 °C, ≤80% RH, up to 3500 m altitude |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 950 × 640 × 1090 mm |
| Weight | 210 kg |
Overview
The ATARICO AGS-30 Nitrogen Generator is an integrated, laboratory-grade PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) nitrogen supply system engineered for high-reliability operation in LC-MS, GC-MS, and other high-sensitivity analytical instrumentation environments. Unlike conventional membrane-based or cryogenic nitrogen sources, the AGS-30 employs dual-bed zeolite molecular sieve technology with precisely timed adsorption/desorption cycles to achieve stable nitrogen output across a wide purity–flow trade-off range (97–99.9% N₂). Its design integrates two critical functions into a single platform: high-purity nitrogen generation and active laboratory air purification. The system draws ambient air, first conditioning it through multi-stage pre-filtration (coalescing, activated carbon, and HEPA), then separating nitrogen via selective adsorption of O₂, CO₂, moisture, and trace hydrocarbons on synthetic zeolites. Simultaneously, a dedicated recirculation airflow path—driven by a low-turbulence axial fan—processes up to 1200 m³/h of lab air through a composite catalytic filter matrix targeting volatile organic compounds (VOCs), aldehydes (e.g., formaldehyde), aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., benzene, toluene), and nitrosamine precursors such as NDMA. This dual-path architecture ensures both instrument-grade nitrogen supply and continuous mitigation of occupational inhalation hazards—addressing documented risks associated with chronic solvent exposure in mass spectrometry laboratories.
Key Features
- PSA-based nitrogen generation with dual-zeolite beds and adaptive cycle control, delivering 35–40 L/min at ≥99.5% purity (typical) with ≤−40 °C dew point and <0.01 µm particulate retention
- Integrated hydrocarbon adsorption module upstream of the nitrogen outlet, certified for removal of C₁–C₆ aliphatics and aromatics—including NDMA-forming precursors—to meet stringent LC-MS carrier gas specifications
- Real-time electrochemical oxygen sensor (0.01–3% O₂ range) with ±0.1% accuracy, digital display, and timestamped data export via RS-485 or optional Ethernet interface
- Dual-function air handling: primary nitrogen production path + independent 1200 m³/h recirculation loop with three-stage composite filtration (activated carbon + potassium permanganate + photocatalytic TiO₂)
- Energy-optimized PSA sequencing algorithm reduces power consumption by 25–40% versus equivalent-flow membrane systems; total installed load: 1.95 kW at 230 V, 50/60 Hz
- Modular chassis with tool-free access to filters, sieve beds, and sensors; front-panel service indicators for filter life, sieve saturation, and compressor status
- Customizable enclosure finish (RAL color options, optional touch-screen HMI, branded panel engraving) compliant with ISO 14644-1 Class 8 cleanroom-compatible surface treatment
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The AGS-30 is validated for continuous operation with electrospray ionization (ESI), atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI), and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) sources. It meets instrumental gas requirements specified by major OEMs including Waters (Xevo TQ-S, SELECT SERIES Cyclic IMS), Thermo Fisher (Orbitrap Exploris, TSQ Altis), Agilent (6470/6495 QQQ), and SCIEX (X500B, ZenoTOF). Gas quality conforms to ASTM D6350-22 (Compressed Air for Instrument Use) and ISO 8573-1:2010 Class 2:2:1 for particles, water, and oil. Air purification performance aligns with GB/T 18801–2022 (Chinese National Standard for Air Purifiers) and EN 1822-1:2020 (HEPA filtration efficiency). System firmware supports audit trails and electronic signatures per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with optional GMP-compliant software modules.
Software & Data Management
The embedded controller runs a deterministic real-time OS with non-volatile event logging (≥12 months of operational history). All purity readings, pressure transients, temperature profiles, and filter service intervals are timestamped and exportable in CSV or XML format. Optional PC-based ATARICO LabManager software provides remote monitoring, predictive maintenance alerts (based on cumulative sieve cycle count and humidity loading), and integration with LIMS via OPC UA or MQTT protocols. Raw sensor data streams support GLP-compliant review workflows, including user-access logs, parameter change tracking, and calibration certificate management.
Applications
- LC-MS/MS and HRAM-MS nitrogen supply for collision/inert gas, nebulizer, and drying gas applications
- GC carrier and detector gas (with optional heated line kit for FID/TCD compatibility)
- Blanketing and inerting of solvent storage vessels and sample preparation workstations
- Continuous air quality remediation in open-bench MS labs where acetonitrile, methanol, chloroform, and hexane vapors exceed OSHA PEL thresholds
- Support for regulated bioanalytical laboratories requiring documented nitrogen traceability and environmental exposure controls per ICH M7 and USP
FAQ
What nitrogen purity levels can be sustained at maximum flow (40 L/min)?
At 40 L/min, the AGS-30 maintains ≥99.0% N₂ purity with −40 °C dew point; purity increases to ≥99.5% at 35 L/min.
Is the hydrocarbon trap replaceable, and what is its service life?
Yes—the integrated hydrocarbon adsorber is a field-replaceable cartridge with a rated capacity of 12 months under typical lab conditions (24/7 operation, 5 ppm average VOC load); lifetime is tracked automatically and reported via the HMI.
Does the air purification function operate independently of nitrogen generation?
Yes—air recirculation runs continuously regardless of nitrogen demand; fan speed and filter duty cycle are modulated based on real-time VOC sensor feedback.
Can the system be integrated into a building BMS?
Yes—dry contact I/O, Modbus RTU, and optional BACnet/IP interfaces enable seamless integration with facility monitoring systems for energy usage reporting and alarm forwarding.
What validation documentation is provided with shipment?
Each unit ships with Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) report, Certificate of Conformance, IQ/OQ protocol templates, and third-party calibration certificates for O₂ sensor and pressure transducers.
