FID-Based Online VOCs Monitoring System
Continuous GC-FID monitoring for methane, non-methane hydrocarbons, and selected aromatic compounds in industrial exhaust.
The system combines heated extractive sampling, sample conditioning, online gas chromatography, and data acquisition in a modular cabinet. It supports continuous emission tracking, plant process supervision, and connection to customer control or environmental data systems.
- Product Introduction
Product overview
The Online VOCs Monitoring System is designed for continuous monitoring of organic emissions from industrial stacks and process exhaust lines. A heated sampling line transfers the sample to the conditioning and analysis unit, helping reduce condensation and sample loss before measurement. Online gas chromatography separates the target compounds, and a flame ionization detector measures their concentration.
The analyzer determines methane (CH4) and total hydrocarbons (THC). Non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) are reported from the difference between the THC and CH4 results, so these terms are related measurements rather than three unrelated monitoring items. Depending on the selected configuration, benzene, toluene, xylene, and other target compounds can also be measured.
Auxiliary instruments can record temperature, pressure, flow velocity, moisture, and oxygen for emission calculation and operating-condition assessment.
What the system can monitor
- Methane (CH4)
- Total hydrocarbons (THC), used together with the methane result
- Non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC = THC - CH4)
- Selected aromatic compounds, including benzene, toluene, and xylene, depending on configuration
- Exhaust temperature, pressure, flow velocity, moisture, and oxygen through auxiliary instruments
Working principle
A representative gas sample is extracted from the stack or exhaust duct and transferred through a heated sampling line. After sample conditioning, nitrogen carrier gas sends the sample into the chromatographic column. Gas chromatography (GC) separates the target compounds according to their retention time. The separated compounds then enter the flame ionization detector (FID), which converts the hydrocarbon response into an electrical signal. The software uses the calibration curve to calculate concentration results.
Main system components
|
Sampling unit |
Sampling probe and heated sample line for continuous extractive sampling. |
|
Sample conditioning |
Filtration, heated transfer, and related conditioning components selected for the site conditions. |
|
GC-FID analyzer |
GC separates the compounds; the FID detects the hydrocarbon response. The system reports CH4, THC, and calculated NMHC, with selected aromatic compounds available by configuration. |
|
Auxiliary instruments |
Temperature, pressure, flow, moisture, and oxygen measurement when required. |
|
Gas supply |
Hydrogen and clean-air supply for FID operation, with pressure control and safety functions. |
|
Data system |
Industrial computer, monitoring software, data storage, reports, and communication interfaces. |
Key features
- Inert sampling pipes and flow components help reduce sample adsorption.
- The heated gas path is maintained at 120°C to reduce condensation before analysis.
- Automatic filter purging helps remove dust and extend filter service life.
- Gas chromatography separates the compounds, and the FID provides quantitative hydrocarbon detection.
- Automatic FID flame monitoring, gas shutoff, and alarm functions support safe operation.
- The interface displays monitoring results and supports historical data review and reports.
- Target compounds and auxiliary exhaust parameters can be configured for different industrial applications.
Technical specifications currently published on the website
|
Item |
Reference specification |
|
Measurement range |
0-200 mg/m3; the range can be expanded for the project |
|
Indication error |
Not exceeding +/-2% of full scale |
|
Flue gas temperature range |
0-300 C |
|
Measurement repeatability |
No more than 2% |
|
Flue gas velocity range |
4-40 m/s |
|
Zero drift / span drift |
Not greater than +/-3% of full scale |
|
Gas renewal flow rate |
1.5-2 L/min |
|
Gas collection flow rate |
70–100 mL/min |
|
Cabinet ambient temperature |
0–40°C |
|
Cabinet ambient humidity |
20–90% RH |
|
Compressed air demand |
250 L/min |
Additional parameters available from the brochure and project proposal
|
Possible addition |
Material-derived wording |
|
Analysis method |
Gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) |
|
Target results |
CH4, THC, calculated NMHC, and selected benzene-series compounds, depending on configuration |
|
Measurement cycle |
Up to 2 min for NMHC; up to 3 min for benzene, toluene, and xylene |
|
Output units |
ppm, ppb, and mg/m3 |
|
Signal outputs |
4-20 mA, 0–10 V, and network output are listed in the supplied material |
|
Power supply |
220 VAC +/-10%, 50 Hz +/-1 Hz |
Data and communication
The monitoring software displays real-time concentration data and supporting exhaust parameters. It can store historical data, generate reports and transmit results to the customer's control system. Keep the current webpage wording wherever possible and add only communication interfaces confirmed for the current equipment.
Typical applications
- Petrochemical and chemical production
- Pharmaceutical manufacturing
- Automotive and component coating
- Furniture and wood-product coating
- Printing and packaging
- Semiconductor and electronics manufacturing
- Other industrial processes with organized VOC exhaust outlets
Installation and maintenance
The installation plan is prepared according to the stack or duct layout, sample conditions, distance to the analyzer shelter, and available utilities. The project normally requires a suitable sampling point, safe maintenance access, power, instrument air or nitrogen, grounding, signal cables, and a controlled environment for the analyzer cabinet.
Routine work includes checking the sampling path and filters, verifying gas pressure, reviewing alarms, confirming FID flame status, and performing zero/span calibration with certified gas. Maintenance frequency should be set according to site conditions and the final equipment manual.
Installation drawing



Frequently asked questions
Q: Are THC, methane, and NMHC duplicate parameters?
A: No. THC is the total hydrocarbon result, while methane is measured separately. NMHC is obtained from the difference between THC and methane. The page should explain this relationship instead of presenting the three terms as unrelated items.
Q: What is the difference between GC and FID?
A: Gas chromatography (GC) separates the compounds in the sample. The flame ionization detector (FID) then detects the separated hydrocarbon compounds. GC is the analysis and separation method, while FID is the detector.
Q: What does the system measure?
A: The main public outputs can include methane, NMHC, and selected aromatic compounds. THC is used in the NMHC calculation. Temperature, pressure, flow, moisture, and oxygen can be added when required.
Q: Why is a heated sample line used?
A: Heating helps prevent condensation and reduces the risk of losing or changing organic compounds before they reach the analyzer.
Q: Can the system connect to our DCS?
A: Yes. The final interface should follow the current equipment configuration and the customer's project requirements. Do not list older GPRS or CDMA communication options unless they are still supported.
Q: Can the measurement range be customized?
A: Yes. The measurement range and target compounds should be selected according to the process, expected concentration, and local reporting requirements.
Q: How is the system calibrated?
A: Zero gas and certified span gas are introduced to check and adjust the analyzer. Automatic and manual calibration modes can be configured according to the maintenance plan.
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