Micro and portable GCs are a distinct product market that is neither part of the large market for process GCs nor part of the mammoth market for laboratory benchtop GCs. Technological advancements have helped to enable the rise of the market for micro GCs, which are widely used in many hydrocarbon-related applications. The market’s competitive landscape has experienced recent changes but will continue to be a driver of the overall GC market.

Miniaturization of components has been a key element in the development of smaller, more rugged and more powerful portable analytical instrumentation, which is as true in the GC market as any other instrument market. Nearly every significant micro and portable GC that is now on the market utilizes some sort of micro-mechanical or micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) technology. These instruments are smaller and more rugged than laboratory benchtop GCs, yet are man-portable and can be easily relocated. Process GCs are designed for more permanent installation.

Micro GCs are most heavily used for applications in the hydrocarbon industry, such as monitoring natural gas pipelines, oil and gas exploration, and petroleum refining. They are also used for environmental applications such as stack gas monitoring. The advantage of micro GCs is that they can be used in the laboratory, at-line or on-line. They can also be used to monitor a stream sample in a refinery, for example, or other industrial facility in a less costly and more expedient manner as opposed to the permanent installation of a process GC or other analyzer. Micro GCs are also used in industries in which traditional benchtop GCs are commonly used, such as agriculture, food and forensics. In addition, there is limited use of micro GCs for security applications, but more sensitive techniques are generally preferred.

Over the past 18 months, the competitive landscape in the micro GC market has shifted. Thermo Fisher Scientific’s acquisition of Dutch-based start-up C2V in late 2009 (see IBO 11/30/09) added new micro GC technology to Thermo’s portfolio. In early 2010, Agilent finally closed on its acquisition of Varian, which included Varian’s market-leading micro GC business. Agilent was required to divest its own micro GC business as part of the regulatory conditions of the acquisition. Agilent’s micro GC business was sold to Inficon (see IBO 3/31/10) and complements Inficon’s Hapsite portable GC/MS product line.

The global market for micro and portable GCs was about $40 million in 2010 and is expected to experience high single-digit growth in the near future. The current run-up of oil is likely to create a short-term surge in demand as well. Although micro and portable GCs account for less than 3% of the overall laboratory GC market, they will be an important driver of the market for the foreseeable future.

Micro GCs at a Glance:

Leading Suppliers

• Agilent

• Inficon

• Thermo Fisher Scientific

Largest Markets

• Petroleum

• Natural Gas

• Environmental

Instrument Cost

• $2,000–$28,000