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.
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:
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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
