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2013 Gas Chromatography Product Survey Results

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.

by Lab Manager

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.

6 Questions to 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 detectors currently used by survey respondents:

Flame Ionization (FID) 33%
Mass Spectrometer 27%
Thermal Conductivity (TCD) 13%
Electron Capture (ECD) 11%
Flame photometric (FPD) 5% 
Photo-ionization (PID) 4%
Nitrogen-phosphorus 3%
Hall electrolytic conductivity 2%
Other 2%

GC related components used by survey respondents:

Autosampler 26%
Data system 23%
Regulators, valves, fittings 21%
Purge & trap 10%
Gas Generator 10%
Headspace Autosampler 10%
Other 1%

Nearly 45% of respondents plan on purchasing a new or additional GC system in the next year. The primary reasons for these purchases are:

 
Addition to existing systems, increase capacity
Upgrading existing GC-MS system
Require more sensitivity
Require higher quality data
Setting up a new lab
Require shorter run times/increased lab throughput
Other reasons
Trying to reduce operating costs
Require greater mass stability

Top 10 Features/Factors respondents look for when purchasing GC System

Completed Surveys: 397


For more information on GC systems, including useful articles and a list of manufacturers, visit www.labmanager.com/GC

 

See the most recent survey results