GC and Helium shortage

Question

Hi,

we are currently unable to get Helium. We'll run our Helium gas inventory in a few weeks. Between other applications for our facility, it is used as a carrier gas on our GCs for solvent analysis (validated method). I'm copying our method below. Would it be best to use N2 or H2? How do I calculate the equivalent flow. Any other option?

Thanks in advance.

1.1 Injector

Mode: splitless

Temperature: 250 ^oC

Carrier gas: Helium

1.2 Column

Type: fused silica capillary

Model: DB-200 (J&W p/n 122-2033),

Nominal Length: 30m

Nominal diameter: 0.25mm

Nominal film thickness: 0.5 µm

Mode: constant pressure, 15 psi.

Nominal initial flow: 1.4 mL/min.

1.3 Detector

Type: FID

Temperature: 300^oC

Hydrogen flow: 40 mL/min

Air flow: 350 mL/min

Mode: constant makeup flow

Makeup gas: Nitrogen (30 mL/min)

1.4 Temperature profile

Initial temperature: 40^oC for 2 minutes

Ramp: increased from 40^oC to 130^oC at a rate of 20^oC/min

Ramp time: 4.5 minutes

Post temperature: maintained at 130^oC for 5.5 minutes.

Total run time: 12 minutes

Admin · Accepted Answer

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james_jenkins · Answer

Hi srstrangis, I have updated the tags for better visibility . Please see the below discussion link on using hydrogen as a carrier . I would suggest that you speak with one of our column specialist at Agilent if you are going to convert to another carrier gas type. Column size changes maybe required depending on your application. A gas change is most often, not a straight forward change. I have also included a link to our GC calculators as there is a flow tool that will allow you to calculate column flow , head pressure etc. Columns, Supplies, and Standards Support | Agilent GC Calculators | Agilent Using Hydrogen as Carrier Gas for GC and GCMS Regards James

GC and Helium shortage

1.1 Injector

1.2 Column

1.3 Detector

1.4 Temperature profile

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