Collaboration on Micro GC Instruments and Analysers

SGS Group Management and Falcon Analytical Systems & Technology (USA) have reached a multi-year frame agreement for the purchase of Falcon Analytical’s CALIDUS micro gas chromatography instruments and analysers.

In collaboration with the SGS Upstream team since early 2011, Falcon Analytical has been developing micro gas chromatography systems using proprietary resistively heated modular columns (patents pending) for measurement of fixed gases and hydrocarbons up to 1050oF end boiling point (n-C44).

According to Kriel, SGS plans to apply the CALIDUS micro GC to hydrocarbon composition and boiling range distributions from typical extended natural gas to ASTM D-2887 applications. When deployed in SGS Upstream systems, delivering gas-to-oil ratios (Auto-GOR) on offshore exploration platforms or in land-based secondary recover production operations, Kriel said he is, “confident the CALIDUS micro GC will deliver compact, fast and low utility measurements to help SGS customers produce energy efficiently, safely and without negative impact on the environment.”

Crandall expects the SGS Upstream team to continue challenging the CALIDUS micro GC’s capability. “The SGC team and Falcon are already discussing additional applications going forward, including sulfur and halogen specific analyses,” Crandall said.

Graham Gleed, Vice President Global Procurement for SGS Group Management LTD, described the multiyear frame agreement with Falcon Analytical as a “validation” of the two companies’ commitment to serve customers with the state-of-the-art in gas chromatographic measurement technology. “This frame agreement is the latest example of our commitment to being at the forefront of technology for our customers. The collaboration and lessons learned under Mr. Kriel’s direction will be leveraged again and again at SGS by providing easy access to the Falcon product range for the whole SGS Group,” said Gleed.

The agreement will serve the whole of SGS worldwide, according to Gleed. “The Falcon CALIDUS technology is not only applicable to oil and gas customers but also those in refining and petrochemicals who require independent product validation and even environmental measurement services,” said Gleed.

Described as faster, smaller, smarter, easier and greener by its maker, with analytical cycles 10 to 50 times faster than traditional gas chromatographs, the Falcon Analytical CALIDUSTM micro GC has been garnering increasing interest from the greater oil and gas and HP industries. The announced frame agreement with SGS is likely to fuel that interest.