Gas chromatography (GC) is a common technique used in analytical chemistry for separating and analyzing compounds that can be vaporized without decomposition. GC is typically used for separating the different components of a mixture, improving the purity of a particular substance, or identifying a particular compound. GC is a ubiquitous technique, and the various GC instruments available are designed to achieve every requirement of the technique.
Top 6 Questions You Should Ask When Buying a GC System
- What factors come into play when determining the GC system specifications you require in terms of cycle time, enhanced operator benefits, increased productivity and flexibility for specific applications?
- What differentiates the vendor’s GC system from others offered, in terms of performance?
- How do you validate the specification claims presented by the vendor?
- Has the data processing software been designed for enhanced analytics, with workflow in mind and does it support critical compliance requirements?
- What are important price points to keep in mind when selecting a GC system?
- Laboratories need fast and effective services, including an effective distribution of instruments, spare parts, education, and service personnel. How does the company serve these needs worldwide?
Types of GC detectors used by survey respondents:
| Flame ionization (FID) | 72% |
| Mass spectrometer | 64% |
| Electron capture (ECD) | 34% |
| Thermal conductivity (TCD) | 25% |
| Photo-ionization (PID) | 9% |
| Nitrogen-phosphorus | 8% |
| Flame photometric (FPD) | 8% |
| Don't know | 2% |
| Hall electrolytic conductivity | 1% |
| Other | 6% |
GC-related components used by survey respondents:
| Autosampler | 75% |
| Data system | 78% |
| Purge & trap | 29% |
| Gas generator | 35% |
| Headspace sampler | 40% |
| Regulators, valves, fittings | 72% |
Nearly 52% of respondents are engaged in purchasing a new GC system. The reasons for these purchases are as follows:
| Replacement of an aging system | 60% |
| Addition to existing systems, increase capacity | 24% |
| Setting up a new lab | 6% |
| Setting up a new lab | 16% |
| First time purchase | 5% |
| Other | 5% |
Top 10 features/factors respondents look for when purchasing a GC system:
| Quality of data | 84% |
| Accuracy | 82% |
| Sensitivity | 71% |
| Ruggedness and reliability | 68% |
| Precise and accurate flow rates | 67% |
| Resolution | 66% |
| Ease of maintenance | 63% |
| Safety | 60% |
| Service and support | 53% |
| Price | 53% |
For more information on GC systems, including useful articles and a list of manufacturers, visit www.labmanager.com/GC
