Yokogawa Corporation of America introduces a significant new process gas chromatograph (GC), the GC8000. Even though it has great commonality with the Yokogawa mode GC1000 Mark II, the GC8000 is a process GC that Yokogawa says meets the ever-growing demands for analytical reliability and precision while improving the total cost of ownership through built-in, automated maintenance functions never seen before.
Figure 1. Pictured is the three-oven version of the new GC8000
"Yokogawa has provided GC solutions since 1959," said product manager Al Kania. "We are leveraging that experience in GC design to produce a new GC platform with faster, more reliable measurement, an easy-to-use graphical HMI and built-in internal diagnostics, so we can track performance and operating condition on a 24/7 basis."The GC8000 is supplied with a 12-inch, color touchscreen HMI suitable for Class 1, Division I installation and powerful predictive diagnostics. The GC8000 also has a number of innovations in its gas chromatograph analytical capabilities. Yokogawa is introducing a unique GC Module (GCM) concept that makes multi-oven, parallel chromatography practical. Each virtual GC is treated by the system as a completely separate device, bringing the benefits of virtualization to the process GC. This simplifies maintenance without sacrificing benefits of parallel chromatography. Up to six system clocks (SYS) per GC8000 for complete independent operation allow each GCM to be optimized for speed and reliability.
There are even built-in graphical overview screens showing each of the individual GC Modules.
The valves and detectors are the same proven hardware used for years in the GC1000 Mark II. In addition to many common spare parts between the two models, the new GC8000 uses the same Ethernet communications network.
Yokogawa claims superior analytical performance. A wide range of analytical oven configurations tackle what the company calls the most demanding applications. A high-sensitivity thermal conductivity detector (TCD) design is capable of measuring to the very low parts-per-million range. There are user-defined programs for customized measurement solutions. Calculations and reporting can be customized, with programming based on Y-Basic.
The GC8000 can implement user-defined event-based actions, such as performing a certain analysis based on a specific plant condition. Historical data is stored in the GC allowing historical trending at the GC for quick maintenance reviews, with long-term storage on a network PC. The Ethernet communications network allows multiple GCs to communicate on the same network.
The GC8000 can be supplied with single- or dual-channel (redundancy), 100BaseT or fiber-optic Ethernet links.Data transfer can be Modbus TCP/IP. Standard digital output contacts include two common alarm contacts and four relays for external I/O interception. Also, GC8000 can be supplied with optional I/O (five modules from the following):
- Analog input: four channels
- Analog output: eight channels
- Digital input: eight channels
- Digital output: five channels
- Digital input/output: three DI and three DO
- Serial communications module: one channel (maxmum one per GC).
Yokogawa says the GC8000’s HMI is easy to learn, and the new HMI can emulate the GC1000 Mark II to make upgrade training simple. Preventive maintenance software assists in keeping the GC operating at peak performance. Storage and trend display of analysis results and key performance indicators aid in troubleshooting the analyzer.
Yokogawa will continue to sell and make spare parts for the GC1000 Mark II for some time. In addition, Yokogawa GC labs are strategically located around the world for regional technical support, and a full range of start-up, commissioning and field service capabilities are available regardless of the location of the final installation.
For more information visit www.yokogawa.com/us.
