Gas Chromatographs

AMA Online Gas Chromatographs for Ambient Air and Process Applications

Depending on the specific requirements and the type of application, various configurations are available for monitoring of organic compounds with either FID or PID detectors.

The GC 4000 series features an isothermal column oven. This analyzer series will always be the first choice for monitoring of a single component or just a few components, which can be easily separated in the chromatogram.

The GC 5000 series has especially been developed for demanding applications and incorporates a temperature programmable column oven, which allows for optimized chromatographic separation conditions. Various enrichment modules extend the range of monitoring applications even to concentration levels of just a few ppt.

Our online GC systems have especially been developed for continuous operation under harsh ambient conditions, e.g. in industrial plants or monitoring stations. The instruments are characterized by their rugged and easily accessible design as well as their superior operational safety.

Convenient Handling and Operation
Each GC system features an integrated industrial PC, which allows for easy access to all important analyzer functions. The bright built-in LCD display continually indicates the actual operating status of the gas chromatograph. Optionally a display and control panel with intuitive touch screen operation is available.

The analyzer control software allows for protected access from any external PC via Ethernet or modem connection. This enables the operator to easily modify the instrument set-up or to observe important functions of the gas chromatograph via remote control.

Superior Operational Control and Safety
The control software continuously monitors all important parameters of the gas chromatograph. Any deviation from the normal operating status of the analyzer will be recorded and saved into a log file. In case of permanent malfunctions or a serious instrument failure an error message will be transmitted to the control room.

Customized configuration for a wide range of applications

Differing applications ask for differing configurations of an analytical system in order to meet the specific requirements. Like a construction kit, our gas chromatographs can be configured individually for any field of use.

Detector
All analyzers of the GC 4000 and the GC 5000 series can use either a Flame Ionization Detector (FID) or a Photo Ionization Detector (PID).

The Flame Ionization Detector (FID) is well known for its versatility and provides a linear signal over a wide measuring range. This robust type of detector has proven to be extremely reliable over decades of practical use. Operation of the FID requires additional supply of hydrogen and combustion air.

The Photo Ionization Detector (PID) allows for sensitive detection of aromatic hydrocarbons and other organic compounds characterized by their low ionization potential. As this type of detector does not provide a linear output signal, calibration of the PID requires additional time and effort compared to a FID.

Calibration Gas Selector
This option allows for fully automated calibration or validation of the gas chromatograph during operation. Software controlled solenoid valves will switch as selected between the sample line and two additional gas lines e.g. for zero air and calibration gas.

Stripping Column Device
This option allows the retention and backflushing of high boiling components and/or humidity in a pre-column in order to separate them from the compounds to be analyzed. This protects the analytical column and allows for short analysis cycles.

Enrichment Modules
For determination of organic compounds at extremely low concentration levels – e.g. for ambient air monitoring, purity control of industrial gases or occupational health and safety monitoring – the GC 5000 series can be provided with a single or dual stage enrichment module.

The peltier cooled single stage enrichment module allows for preconcentration of organic components using special adsorbent materials. Subsequently the sample will automatically be introduced by means of thermal desorption technique.

The dual stage enrichment module is specifically designed for determination of very volatile organic compounds. After preconcentration and subsequent release by thermal desorption, the components will be trapped in a second stage. Only now the sample will be transferred to the analytical column by rapid heating up of the focussing capillary in order to start the next analysis run.