Designed for Speed: a Fast GC Forum

Fast GC/Hydrogen Method Transfer Overview & Application Examples

Helium is a limited natural resource with huge variations in both supply and expense. At the same time, the advantages of hydrogen to achieve increased chromatographic throughput in GC applications is attractive. The transferal of methods to hydrogen carrier gas can be problematic due to limitations and challenges associated with some types of mass spectrometry technology used. In particular, the mass spectral quality and fragmentation, in comparison with that obtained using helium, as well system sensitivity and also, system robustness and acquisition rate are important factors which can differ and negatively affect results. In this study we have investigated the use of a particular type of GC-TOF-MS technology in regards to overcoming these issues. The method transfer approach, technology benefits, and application examples are presented.

Presented by Nick Jones and David Benanou

Flow Modulated Fast Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography Combined With Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry: A Comparison Between the use of Helium and Hydrogen as Carrier Gas

The present research is focused on the comparison between the use of hydrogen and helium carrier gases, within the context of flow-modulation fast comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography-time-of-flight mass spectrometry. All experiments were carried out by using the following column set: low polarity with dimensions 10 m × 0.25 mm ID × 0.25 µm df and medium polarity with dimensions 2 m × 0.10 mm ID × 0.10 µm df. Fundamental gas chromatography parameters (efficiency, resolution) were measured under different experimental conditions, using the two carrier gases. Efficiency was measured in both the first (using C12 alkane) and second (using naphthalene) dimensions; after defining the optimum carrier gas conditions, a sample of diesel was analyzed, with the overall separation evaluated to make final conclusions on the analytical performances. Finally, a comparison was made between mass spectral profiles obtained analyzing fatty acid methyl esters and pesticides.

Presented by Peter Q. Tranchida and Luigi Mondello, University of Messina, Messina, Italy

Switch to Fast GC Easily–Theory and Practice

There are a number of ways that the analysis time can be reduced. It all depends on how well the components are separated in the present application. Most easy is to trade in some resolution for speed using higher gas velocities or using a shorter column. If the exact separation must be maintained, a choice has to be made between using hydrogen as carrier gas, or use a smaller ID capillary column (or a combination). What is important is that in the new method, the same chromatogram (and peak elution order) must be obtained. Using the EZGC method translator, you can simply calculate the oven program you need for that. Also, in the ProEZGC chromatogram modeler, you can see the impact of any changed parameter, just using your laptop.

Presented by Jaap de Zeeuw, Restek

Advantages of Hydrogen Generators: Usage, Costs, and Safety Made Easy

Analytical laboratories use a variety of analytical techniques as part of their research and development and quality control of products. Many of these processes require high purity gases, many of which can be produced by gas generators. For a number of reasons, including safety, cost, convenience, and analytical throughput, more and more labs are abandoning hydrogen cylinders in favor of hydrogen gas generators to supply the gases they require for their analyses. During this session, Jean-Marie Casanova will cover analytical and business impacts about implementing Hydrogen gas generators in your lab.

Presented by Jean-Marie Casanova, Sales Director at F-DGSi