Designed for true mobility—the 490-Mobile takes your lab to the sample

Remko van Loon, Agilent GC Applications Specialist

For applications like perimeter monitoring of gases at natural gas drilling and distribution locations, you often need lab-quality results immediately, but you lack the days required to ship a sample to the laboratory for analysis. On-site analysis with direct availability of actionable data enables quicker and better informed decision-making. And elimination of shipping and storage ensures sample integrity. To address the need for remote analysis, the Agilent 490-Mobile Micro GC gives you the power to communicate out-of-spec values directly and take corrective action immediately.

Figure 1. GO MOBILE: Agilent 490 Micro GC (left) can reside in the optional Agilent Portable Field Case (right) for on-location sample analysis.

Figure 2. Agilent Portable Field Case with built-in rechargeable batteries and refillable gas canisters provides all the necessary tools for remote analysis.

Figure 3. Predefined alarms are easily interpreted by an operator with narrow GC skills.

New technologies increase efficiency for gas analysis in remote locations

The Agilent 490-Mobile Micro GC is designed for true out-of-lab use (Figure 1). A wireless connection and an easy-to-use interface allow you to initiate the analysis from a mobile device. Sampling, data acquisition, and data processing are controlled by the 490-Mobile Micro GC. The results are presented on your tablet or phone in an uncomplicated format.

In addition, the optional Agilent Portable Field Case with built-in rechargeable batteries and refillable gas canisters provides all the necessary equipment for remote analysis (Figure 2). Bringing the analyzer to the job site with lab quality results ensures maximum flexibility in meeting your daily gas analysis needs.

The Agilent 490 Micro GC can be customized with up to four unique columns that run in parallel. Each column allows its own method settings and calibration. These features make the 490 Micro GC the most versatile GC available for gas analysis. The micro-machined injector and detector have ultralow internal volumes. When you combine them with the isothermally operated narrow-bore capillary columns, you get results in just 30 to 120 seconds.

Agilent 490-Mobile built-in features for fast, uncomplicated gas sample analysis in the field

• A wireless connection and built-in intelligence allow you to control the system from a mobile device such as a tablet or smart phone.
• For added flexibility, you can store multiple methods on the Agilent 490-Mobile Micro GC. These methods consist of complete solutions that include sampling, data acquisition, result calculation, and report generation.
• Get direct availability of results in an easy-to-access format. Pre-defined alarms can be programmed for easy interpretation by an operator with limited GC skills (Figure 3).
• Chromatograms and results are logged on a mass storage device connected to the instrument, which enables off-line reprocessing.

Portable, simple access to your Agilent 490 Micro GC

The design of the Agilent Portable Field Case gives you full access to the carrier gas canisters, batteries, and sample inlets. It allows you to easily switch from the internal gas and power supply to external carrier gas and main power when you are back in the laboratory. Moreover, the system supports direct connection and manual gas-tight syringe injection of the gas sample.

• Rugged, industry standard case allows (airway) shipping of the 490 Micro GC. Improved ergonomics include a handle and built-in rolling cart.
• The case supplies operational gases with up to two refillable gas canisters. Gases are user-configurable as dual carrier gas or double volume. Quick connectors enable one-click exchange.
• Rechargeable batteries provide up to eight hours of operation, and you can switch to an external power supply when available.
• An LCD screen shows important user information for battery life, carrier gas pressures, and 490 Micro GC status.

Figure 4. Out-of-spec values or exceeded danger levels are clearly reported on your phone or tablet, using the predefined alarm feature.

Optimize your workflow

In the convenience of your laboratory, you can program multiple methods onto the Agilent 490-Mobile Micro GC. Once in the field, the operator can wirelessly connect to the instrument and load the required method using a Web interface on a tablet or other mobile device. Built-in intelligence enables automated sampling, data acquisition, and data processing. The intuitive user interface presents the results on your tablet or phone. Data archiving is accomplished by saving chromatograms and results on a USB mass storage device. This setup also allows for off-line processing when you are back in your laboratory.

On-the-go measurement convenience

When you combine the Agilent 490-Mobile Micro GC with the Agilent Portable Field Case with its refillable gas supply and rechargeable batteries, you have the right tools for fast, on-site gas analysis. GO MOBILE today!

For more information about the Agilent 490-Mobile Micro GC and our other mobile offerings, contact your local Agilent representative.

Stay informed about the applications that are important to you

Subscribe to Access Agilent
Our free customized
monthly eNewsletter

Article Directory – October 2016