ABB MEASUREMENT & ANALYTICS
NGC8209
Natural gas chromatograph
Measurement made easy
The NGC8209. the C9+ natural gas
chromatograph, performs on-site
natural gas analysis and heating
value computation using an
extended analysis.
On-line chromatograph techniques are used to provide
N₂ through C6+ data while a third column train is used
to separate the C6+ fraction. The NGC8209 utilizes the
modular and scaleable XSeries software framework to
integrate data from a third analysis train into the
standard C6+ analysis of the Natural Gas. The extra
chromatographic information is provided as NC6s,
NC7s, NC8s and C9+ to provide this extended analysis.
Heating value (CV), Wobbe, Relative Density (SG) and
other calculations are performed using the combined
analysis data in a similar manner to the NGC 8206.
Hydrocarbon Dew Point (HCDP) and Speed of Sound
(SOS) calculations are available options.
A single computer controller seamlessly processes all
this data for various outputs. It also handles the stream
switching and the timing for the sample. Incorporating
a built-in 32 bit digital controller, three electronic
carrier pressure regulators, oven-mounted sensors and
advanced low-noise digital electronics, the NGC8209
performs with unparalleled repeatability and
sensitivity. The NGC8209 provides custody transfer/
metrology quality Chromatography for heating value
and composition measurement. It provides the user
with a GC that is lower in cost, easier to install and
commission, and less costly to operate
Standard features
Modular design includes
• Three analysis trains, two for N₂ through C6+ and one for
the C6 through C9+
• Modular software: application-based plug-in software
modules
• Manifold modules
• Analysis sections contain stream selection solenoids,
temperature and pressure regulation, 32 bit digital
detector electronics, replaceable column / valve modules
and a low power 32 bit digital controller, using Windows
CE® (internal to GC unit)
• Microsoft Windows® based man-machine interface
software (PCCU)
• Lithium battery-backed RAM
• Two remote serial digital communications ports; one local
port (USB Client)
• One USB Host and one Ethernet port
• Comprehensive diagnostics and wizards available to users
• Three-level security for user access control (Read only,
Operate and Read/Write)
• Audit-quality historical data, date and time stamped
Standard calculations
• US and SI:
–Heating value
–Relative density
–GPM
–Wobbe
–Methane-number
• Auto-start cycle automatically after power failure:
–Stabilizes oven temperature
–Confirms modules’ functions
–Checks for operational alarms
–Returns to pipeline streams
• Operational alarms available with each analysis cycle
• Detectors: constant temperature, glass encapsulated
thermister beads for rugged service and long life. Will not
burn out on loss of carrier.
• 10 port valves have no moving metal parts in each analysis
unit
• Low utility usage: low-power, low-carrier, no instrument air
required
• On demand or scheduled automatic calibration and
diagnostics
• Continuous monitoring for alarms
• On board digital ¼ VGA display with multiple screen access
—
Standard options
• Sample Conditioning Modules
• Calculation packages (eg, Hydrocarbon Dew point via SRK
and Peng-Robinson, including 4 pressures and the
Cricondentherm)
• SD memory cards for raw chromatogram storage
• Feed-Through heater for colder operations or high dew
point gas sampling

Description
The NGC8209 analyzes each sample utilizing established
chromatographic techniques. The resulting information
consists of mole percent values for the following:
Using process chromatographic techniques, the columns are
back flushed so that the NGC8209 measures a C3+, C6+, and
a C9+ peak. The rest of the analyzed components are carried
through the columns and the detectors where integration
takes place. Composition results and calculated values are
then stored in memory and communicated to other devices
as needed. All of these values as well as composition are
available on various Modbus communication protocols