Exploration of Suitable Alternatives for GC/MS He Carrier Gas Conservation
Oral Presentation
Prepared by D. Cardona1, L. Dolata2
1 - Thermo Scientific, 2215 Grand Avenue Parkway, Austin, TX, 78728, United States
2 - Thermo Fisher Scientific, 2215 Grand Avenue Parkway, Austin, TX, 78728,
Contact Information: dwain.cardona@thermofisher.com; 512-251-1400
ABSTRACT
The impact of increased price and decreased availability of helium continues to drive the need for carrier gas conservation in GC/MS. During sample introduction for volatile organic compound analysis via purge and trap apparatus large amounts of helium are consumed. Various solutions have been attempted to ease the burden of helium shortage including the use of alternate carrier gasses. In our experiments use of an alternate Hydrogen carrier gas was explored as well as use of an innovative He conservation device that limits the flow of helium during sample vaporization in the inlet. Both system configurations were evaluated. The results obtained from the Helium conservation device were compared to results obtained from a system utilizing constant helium flow. Use of hydrogen carrier gas for semi-volatile analysis via 8260 yielded negative long term system effects and unforeseen reactions in the purge and trap apparatus. The helium conservation device produced equivalent results compared to a system utilizing constant helium flow while maintaining original method settings indicating a suitable solution for helium conservation. Comparative volumes of helium consumed during analysis were evaluated as well.
Oral Presentation
Prepared by D. Cardona1, L. Dolata2
1 - Thermo Scientific, 2215 Grand Avenue Parkway, Austin, TX, 78728, United States
2 - Thermo Fisher Scientific, 2215 Grand Avenue Parkway, Austin, TX, 78728,
Contact Information: dwain.cardona@thermofisher.com; 512-251-1400
ABSTRACT
The impact of increased price and decreased availability of helium continues to drive the need for carrier gas conservation in GC/MS. During sample introduction for volatile organic compound analysis via purge and trap apparatus large amounts of helium are consumed. Various solutions have been attempted to ease the burden of helium shortage including the use of alternate carrier gasses. In our experiments use of an alternate Hydrogen carrier gas was explored as well as use of an innovative He conservation device that limits the flow of helium during sample vaporization in the inlet. Both system configurations were evaluated. The results obtained from the Helium conservation device were compared to results obtained from a system utilizing constant helium flow. Use of hydrogen carrier gas for semi-volatile analysis via 8260 yielded negative long term system effects and unforeseen reactions in the purge and trap apparatus. The helium conservation device produced equivalent results compared to a system utilizing constant helium flow while maintaining original method settings indicating a suitable solution for helium conservation. Comparative volumes of helium consumed during analysis were evaluated as well.
