APHA-380 Continuous Hydrocarbon Analyzer (THC, NMHC, CH4)

High-Precision Ambient Air Monitoring with Selective Combustion FID Technology

The APHA-380 sets a new benchmark for the continuous measurement of hydrocarbons in ambient air and background gases. Engineered for strict environmental compliance and industrial process control, this analyzer utilizes a cutting-edge Flame Ionization Detector (FID) combined with selective combustion technology. It delivers simultaneous, real-time data for Methane (CH₄), Non-Methane Hydrocarbons (NMHC), and Total Hydrocarbons (THC) with exceptional stability and minimal cross-interference.

Designed for long-term unmanned operation, the APHA-380 addresses the critical needs of air quality networks and industrial facility managers: low drift, high uptime, and seamless integration into modern digital data acquisition systems.

Key Benefits

• Superior Measurement Stability: The innovative single-detector design significantly reduces zero drift compared to dual-detector systems, ensuring consistent accuracy over long operational periods without frequent recalibration.

• Selective Combustion Efficiency: By utilizing a selective combustion method, the analyzer effectively separates Methane from Non-Methane components, providing precise speciation essential for regulatory reporting.

• Optimized Lifecycle Costs: Engineered for efficiency, the unit features a 15% reduction in weight and 10% lower power consumption than previous generations. An internal parts timer proactively alerts operators to maintenance needs, preventing unexpected downtime.

• Smart Connectivity: Built for Industry 4.0, the system supports remote diagnostics and operation via Ethernet (Modbus™ TCP) and serial connections (Modbus™ RTU), allowing EHS managers to monitor fleet health from a central control room or mobile device.

Technical Overview

Advanced FID Methodology

The core of the APHA-380 is its robust Flame Ionization Detector (FID). Unlike standard FIDs, this system employs a selective combustion furnace that oxidizes non-methane hydrocarbons while leaving methane intact. This allows the single detector to measure Total Hydrocarbons (THC) and Methane (CH₄) sequentially, deriving Non-Methane Hydrocarbons (NMHC) by calculation. This method eliminates the inter-detector variability found in twin-FID designs.

Versatile Range & Sensitivity

The analyzer is capable of handling dynamic concentration changes with auto-ranging capabilities. It offers up to five selectable ranges, from a low-level 0-5 ppmC for pristine background air to 0-100 ppmC for emission hotspots or industrial perimeter monitoring.

Rugged & Accessible Design

The 7-inch color touch screen provides immediate access to trend graphs and diagnostic data. Critical components, such as the dust filter, are accessible directly from the front panel, simplifying routine maintenance tasks for field technicians.

Typical Use Cases

• Ambient Air Quality Networks: Continuous monitoring of background hydrocarbon levels in urban and rural stations to assess pollution trends and compliance with air quality directives.

• Industrial Fenceline Monitoring: Detection of fugitive emissions from petrochemical plants, refineries, and storage tank farms to ensure safety and regulatory adherence.

• Clean Room & Semiconductor Manufacturing: Monitoring airborne molecular contamination (AMC) where even trace hydrocarbon levels can degrade product quality.

• Research & Impact Assessment: Supporting environmental impact studies and atmospheric research requiring high-fidelity separation of biogenic methane from anthropogenic non-methane hydrocarbons.

Why Choose This Analyzer?

The APHA-380 distinguishes itself not just by its specifications, but by its operational reliability. In a market where drift and interference can compromise data integrity, HORIBA’s selective combustion implementation offers a “trust-but-verify” level of accuracy. It is an ideal solution for operators who require granular data on hydrocarbon speciation without the complexity and maintenance burden of gas chromatography systems. The addition of smart self-diagnostics and eco-friendly power management makes it a future-proof investment for any environmental monitoring station.