New GC Products to Address Efficiency and Productivity

From swapping columns to identifying leaks, new GC product offerings focus on efficiency and productivity to boost performance

Separations performance is obviously the goal when running GC analysis. However, many parameters can impact practical aspects of an operation, and in turn limit the ability of GC to run at its best.  Fortunately, there are a growing number of solutions geared towards addressing the potential issues upstream of separations performance.

The problem of limited natural resources for helium as a GC carrier gas is real. Recent conflicts have escalated the issue, limiting export and threatening helium availability to an even higher degree.

• Harris Products Group recently released a Guide to Maximizing Gas Allocation, as a response to global helium supply chain disruptions. The white paper provides analytical labs, research, biotech, pharma, and other application areas with advice on how to reduce helium usage. It also provides tips to those navigating the transition to hydrogen as a carrier source.
• LECO offers a host of GC resources include a fast GC/hydrogen method transfer and application webinar. With helium supplies and expenses fluctuate constantly and unpredictably, the use of hydrogen as an attractive alternative is growing in popularity. There are however some challenges associated with certain methods and mass spectrometry technologies. The webinar and associated resources break down the important factors including acquisition rate and method robustness, which can negatively affect results if not properly controlled.

High-performance separations require systems that maintain consistent pressure and flow. Most operations involve the use of an ADM flow meter and a leak detector to monitor and quickly diagnose leaks, blockages, or ignition issues.

• Agilent offers the CrossLab CS Electronic Leak Detector and ADM Flow Meter (shown right), which combines both diagnostic tools into one device. A quick change of cartridges lets users switch between flow meter and leak detector functions. The thermal conductivity detector (TCD) sensor measures helium, hydrogen, and large nitrogen leaks and detects changes in gas composition. Agilent offers a guide to GC troubleshooting with the use of this new detector on the website.

Maintaining peak performance means minimizing GC system downtime of course. Many products on the market aim to alleviate bottlenecks in areas including column installation, exchange, and plumbing maintenance.

• Restek offers tool-free inlet parts designed to make column installations and inlet maintenance easier. Compatible with Shimadzu GC components, the tools are available separate or as a kit which includes: inlet adaptor, retaining nut, back washer, and hot swap column nut. There is a Siltek treated version of the kit for enhanced chemical inertness.

Beyond the discussion of logistics and diagnostics, a number of completely new GC systems solutions have been recently released.

Thermo Fisher offers a new portfolio of GC and GC-MS instruments to match the efficiency and productivity needs of labs. The instruments include the TRACE 1600 Series GC, the AI/AS 1610 Liquid Autosampler, the ISQ 7610 Single Quadrupole GC-MS, and the TSQ 9610 Triple Quadrupole GC-MS/MS (shown right). Features of the new Thermo Scientific GC/GC-MS instruments include:

• Unique GC modularity and NeverVent technologies that enable increased instrument uptime
• Streamlined maintenance operations through user-exchangeable injectors and detectors modules
• The ability to remove the MS ion source, filaments, and analytical column without breaking the vacuum
• Wider high-resolution multi-function touch screen, tool-free column connections
• Support from how-to videos directly on the GC touch screen for quick familiarization and adoption
• Consistent sensitivity and extended linear dynamic range of the new MS detector that enable methods consolidation for maximized sample throughput—a critical need for analytical laboratories performing a high volume of tests.

View the complete press release.

Take a look at LabX GC and GC-MS systems listings

Visit the LabX Chromatography and Separations applications page for product listings and further resources