A New GC/MS System Designed for Helium Carrier Gas Conservation

Oral Presentation

Prepared by D. Walker, F. Feyerherm
Agilent Technologies, 2850 Centerville Road, Wilmington, Delaware, 19808

Contact Information: Dale.Walker@agilent.com; 916-458-2940

ABSTRACT

This presentation will highlight the Eco Friendly features of a new GC/MS system introduced by Agilent Technologies. With the recent global shortage of helium and increased pricing, many labs are looking to alternate carrier gases such as hydrogen. Unfortunately revalidating helium methods converted to hydrogen carrier gas consumes labor resources, increased operating costs, and disrupts workflow. The software and hardware of this new GC/MS system makes it easier to set-up and routinely use new energy and helium carrier gas conservation features such as gas saver and sleep/wake modes.

US EPA Method 8270 is used to determine the concentration of semi volatile organic compounds in extracts prepared from several different types of solid and waste matrices, soil, air sampling, and water samples. This presentation will provide details for meeting the performance criteria set forth in the USEPA method 8270. The performance demonstrated is designed to be at or below the levels typically seen in laboratories today. The new gas conservation features will allow a lab to lower operation costs without compromising performance for this demanding method.

These new gas conservation features can extend the life of helium tanks up to thirty times longer thus reducing the frequency of replacement.