The gas chromatographic revolution for gas networks
PicoGC is an automatic gas chromatography solution designed for the continuous and remote determination of the odorants levels in fuel gases. The instrument quantifies the level of THT (tetrahydrothiophene) or TBM (tert-butyl mercaptan) odorants.
The Instrument makes it possible to enhance the efficiency of the natural gas transportation and distribution grid, leading to reduced operating costs, minimized waste, and a significant improvement in safety.
Request informationsAnalysis system for a smart management of gas distribution networks
Currently, most of the work for verifying and controlling the quantity of odorant is carried out via portable micro gas chromatographs installed on specialized mobile vehicles, which periodically analyze the level of odorization at the Odorant Measurement Points. This entails significant operating costs in staff, equipment and consumables (vans, portable μGC, carrier gas and standard cylinders, etc.), but above all a prolongued interval between one measure and the following (every six months) resulting in periods of time when the concentration is unknown.
PicoGC is a micro gas chromatographic solution that automatically collects field data online and enables remote process management. The robust design, ATEX Zone 1 certified, allows the device to be permanently installed at critical points in the natural gas grid to measure the concentration of various odorants (THT or TBM) in the flow. The compounds are analyzed, and the data are transmitted in real-time to the customer’s SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) and/or Cloud system or to our proprietary cloud platform Pollution Guardian.
The high level of automation and remote connectivity capabilities enables the optimization of the entire process, offering numerous advantages over traditional methods, including:
- Higher production efficiency and significant time savings compared to conventional laboratory techniques due to the analysis frequency
- High sensitivity and selectivity to ensure precise and reliable results, even at very low concentrations of odorants, thanks to the proprietary Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD) technology
- Cost savings while maintaining required safety levels
- Prevention of potential overestimation of losses by users, resulting in reduced costs associated with emergency management
- Significant reduction in costs related to the purchase and handling of odorants
- Minimisation of the risk associated with high sulfur content, which could lead to pipe corrosion and air pollution.
The complete solution for measuring odorants quantity in fuel gases consists of two elements:
PicoGC
A micro gaschromatograph, designed for direct installation near the gas grid, thanks to its ATEX Zone 1 certified enclosure. Compact and reliable, it can accurately monitor odorant compounds THT or TBM in real-time and remotely
RCB – Remote Control Box
A system for storing, processing, and trasmitting the field data collected by PicoGC to the customer’s control systems and/or the proprietary cloud platform Pollution Guardian
Technical features
IP66, 450 x 350 x 251 mm, <27 kg
CE ATEX II 2G Ex db IIB+H2 T6 Gb – IECEx Ex db IIB+H2 T6 Gb
IP66 325 x 428,2 x 178 mm, 4 Kg
Helium (He) or Hydrogen (H2):
– duration He gas cylinder 14L @200 barg: 9 years with (4 analysis/hours)
– duration H2 gas cylinder 14L @200 barg: 8 years with (4 analysis/hours)
– quality purity: 5.5; ≥ 99.9995%
– pressure: 3.5 ± 0.5 barg
Range: 0 – 200 mg/Sm3
Detection Limit (S/N = 3): 0.5 ppm – 1.86 mg/Sm3
Range: 0 – 200 mg/Sm3
Detection Limit (S/N = 3): 0.5 ppm – 1.91 mg/Sm3
Retention time: ≤ 0.04%% RSD
THT: <0.6 % %RSD @ 32.0 mg/Sm3 (32 ± 0.5 mg/Sm3)
TBM: <3 %RSD @ 9.3 mg/Sm3 (9.3 ± 0.6 mg/Sm3)
From -35°C a +60°C- Outdoor
35 W @ 0°C; maximum absorption of current 120 W
30-120 seconds (according to the carrier gas)
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Do you want more informations?
Riccardo Boarelli
Product specialist
riccardo.boarelli@pollution.it +39 344 1970481 Request informationsDo you want more information about PICOGC?
To receive more information abot PICOGC or Pollution Analytical Equipment products and services, complete the form below to send us your request or contact the office nearest you using the contact details provided. The request will be immediately processed.
To receive more information abot PICOGC or Pollution Analytical Equipment products and services, contact our product specialist or complete the form below. The request will be immediately processed.
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