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Product Photo: Greenhouse Gas Analyzer

Shimadzu Corporation has released a new greenhouse gas analyzer. As a specialized gas chromatograph (GC) optimized for measuring greenhouse gases (GHG) caused by climate change, the product can simultaneously measure carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O), the three components that account for 95 % of GHG. Shimadzu intends to use the product to offer highly accurate and efficient analytical data for a variety of fields, such as for GHG measurements required in the agriculture field. The new product was developed using a patent owned by the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO).

Due to efforts to achieve green transformations (GX), there are various needs for measuring GHG components in a variety of industries. In the agricultural industry, which is the greatest source of artificially generated CH₄ and N₂O gases today, researchers are currently searching for soil ameliorants that can increase the absorption of GHG in soil, microorganisms in soil that can be used to inhibit GHG emissions, and so on. In addition, the J-credit system, which involves the Japanese government issuing credits for GHG reductions, such as by reducing GHG emissions or planting forests, and bilateral credit systems, which involve transactions of GHG reduction/absorption credits with other countries, require measuring GHG as a way to corroborate the validity of techniques used to reduce GHG. Advancements in the research of GX technologies are increasing the demand for GC systems that can measure multiple GHG components simultaneously. 

The new product combines Shimadzu’s high-end Nexis GC-2030 gas chromatograph system, which is one of Shimadzu’s key products, with NARO’s patented technology for simultaneously analyzing three GHG components. It is equipped with 3 detectors and columns^* that ensure reliable simultaneous analysis of the three GHG components. It also supports using small vials as sample containers, in addition to conventional gas bags. That means it can process up to 108 samples for successive analysis. Furthermore, because the greenhouse gas analyzer is based on the Nexis GC-2030, it also offers the same superior operability as the Nexis GC-2030, such as functionality for automatically switching to a spare gas cylinder if the carrier gas supply is low and functionality for automatically shutting down or starting up the system. Therefore, it can achieve the high accuracy and process efficiency required for GHG analysis in GX research work.

In an effort to solve challenges in society, Shimadzu has specified GX measures in their medium-term management plan as one approach for generating social value in relevant fields. Shimadzu remains committed to contributing to achieving carbon neutrality by continuing to offer a wide variety of analytical and measuring instruments.

• * A part in chromatographs used to separate components in samples

Features

1. Reliably Measuring Three Components from a Single Sample Injection

The analyzer can measure carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) that account for most GHG, at the same time. Previous systems could not analyze them simultaneously and required repeating analyses for each target component being analyzed. The new product analyzes all three components at the same time by using multiple columns and detectors based on the NARO patent. Also, a pre-cutting system is used to prevent atmospheric contaminants from entering the column. It can increase the consistency of analytical data by preventing column degradation caused by atmospheric moisture getting inside flow channels.

2. Ability to Analyze Multiple Analytes Increases Analytical Efficiency

In the field of agriculture, there is demand for measuring the quantity of GHG emitted from cultivated land. However, for vast areas, a large number of samples must be analyzed to investigate changes in emission levels over time. In addition to analyzing GHG in conventional gas bags, the system also supports analysis in small easy-to-handle vial bottles. That means analytical efficiency can be increased by using an autosampler (optional) to analyze up to 108 samples successively.

3. User Support Functionality from the Nexis GC-2030 is Included

The system can be started up and shut down without an operator present, by using the software to control the supply of carrier gas used for analysis. That can reduce electricity and gas consumption levels at night or other times when the instrument is not being used, while remaining ready for the next analysis. If a gas selector (sold separately) is installed, the system can automatically switch to a spare cylinder if the carrier gas supply suddenly stops. That can prevent column damage caused by no gas flow and reduce downtime.

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Greenhouse Gas Analyzer