What is Chromatography Reinvented?
CHROMATOGRAPHY REINVENTED THROUGH MINIATURIZATION is transforming the way gas and liquid compositions are analyzed. With a miniaturized chromatograph in play, the lab essentially comes to the sample – cutting costs and boosting productivity across energy, industrial, and environmental sectors. Founded in 2014, Apix Analytics set out with a revolutionary goal: to take instruments out of the traditional laboratory setting and enable in-situ and field measurements. This change makes gas and liquid chromatography accessible for applications that were once considered out of reach, particularly within sectors facing ecological challenges. The system leverages unique silicon nano-components, merging advanced science with practicality to offer rapid, precise analysis in any setting – be it in a lab, on-site, or even in hazardous environments.
Main Benefits and Key Figures
The benefits of this innovative technology are as impressive as the key figures that back its success. Here is a quick look at some standout highlights:
- 2014 – Apix Analytics founded
- 15 Countries – Global presence with established operations
- +1000 GC running – Reliable data from numerous installations worldwide
- Reduced CAPEX by over 50% with an all-in-one analyzer
- Cycle time reduced to less than 1 minute versus traditional cycles of 10+ minutes
- Limited carrier and sampling gas consumption (<5 ml/mn) to minimize waste and gas emissions
Unique Nano Technology Advancements
At the heart of the innovation lies the NGD detector – a world-first, high-performance nano detector that enables real-time gas and liquid analysis with sub-ppm sensitivity. Excitingly, this technology not only promises accuracy but also brings in a level of flexibility not seen before. Whether it is deployed in a laboratory setting or on-site, the detector ensures consistent, reliable performance with minimal maintenance. The combination of a micro TCD and NGD in the safe detector opens up detection spectra from H₂ all the way to C₃₆, covering a vast range of gaseous compositions without the risks associated with traditional flame-based detectors. It is, in a way, the fusion of cutting-edge science with real-world applicability – a little marvel in the field of analytical instruments.
Versatile GC Solutions and Field Applications
Three flagship products illustrate the versatile range offered. CHROMPIX is the GC solution known for its consistent performance and is tailor-made for both regular laboratory processes and on-site measurements. It delivers all the necessary results with minimal upkeep and serves as a cost-effective tool. For hazardous areas, CHROMEX stands out with unmatched safety and reliability, capable of integrating up to four GC modules to cover even the most challenging specifications. Its small footprint allows it to be seamlessly integrated directly into the process, making it an ideal choice for facilities where infrastructure and space are at a premium. Then there is FieldPIX, the mobile and autonomous gas chromatograph that brings advanced analytical capabilities on the move. FieldPIX’s unparalleled ease of mobility ensures that precise GC analysis isn’t confined to rigid laboratory setups – it can be pursued anywhere, anytime.
Applications in Energy, Environmental, and Industrial Sectors
The impact of these nano chromatographs is felt across a variety of applications. For instance, in the burgeoning field of green energy, they play a crucial role in maintaining biogas purification and ensuring the precise injection of biomethane into gas grids. The technology is instrumental in real-time control of gas quality, vital for the energy transition toward greener growth. In industries where custody transfer and billing of various fuel gases are imperative, such as natural gas, LNG, and synthetic gases, certified calorific value analysis is a must. Here, the systems deliver fast, certified analysis that underpins reliable energy calculations. Further emphasizing its versatility, the technology efficiently monitors sulfur compounds – including H₂S and mercaptans – to protect pipelines and prevent corrosion, addressing the rigorous grid injection safety standards. It becomes clear how the applications extend well beyond the lab, touching on critical aspects of air quality and environmental health.
Innovation for Hazardous and Challenging Environments
The detailed design of these systems makes them well-suited for the most challenging environments. CHROMEX, for example, emphasizes safety in hazardous areas, addressing demands that no conventional GC system can safely meet. Its compact design ensures that it fits into environments with strict spatial limitations, directly integrating into the process without the need for expansive shelters. Across the board, the streamlined operation and limited OPEX mean that even industry newcomers can operate these systems 24/7 with minimal specialized training. There is a refreshing simplicity in the design – almost as if the technical complexity has been packaged into an instrument that just works, regardless of the setting.
Project Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – Enabling reliable, real-time gas analysis for green energy transition.
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Reinventing conventional analytics with miniature, flexible technology.
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Facilitating compact, in-situ analysis that supports environmental monitoring.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – Lowering operational costs and gas consumption to minimize waste.
- SDG 13: Climate Action – Promoting more efficient industrial processes that contribute to overall environmental sustainability.
Innovation Beyond the Lab
When thinking about chromatography today, it is refreshing to see technology that marries efficiency with a compact design while still tackling worldwide ecological challenges. It is a subtle revolution – one where advanced silicon nano-components redefine what is possible in standard and hazardous applications alike. Apix Analytics’ approach is a testament to modern engineering: the instrument is not just a machine but a gateway to reliable, dynamic, and rapid analysis. This blend of safety, precision, and speed unlocks new possibilities in controlling air and water quality, ensuring that health and environmental standards are upheld globally. With a system that effortlessly moves from laboratory environments to demanding field conditions, it indicates a future where analytical processes are as mobile and versatile as the challenges they aim to resolve. In essence, the project is all about bringing the lab to the sample, making high-end analytical capabilities ubiquitous in the modern industrial and environmental landscape.
