Gas Chromatography
Gas Chromatography
Shimadzu Gas Chromatography
Understanding Gas Chromatography: An Overview of Gas Chromatographs (GC)
A gas chromatograph (GC) is a sophisticated analytical instrument used to analyze the composition of various components within a sample. This analytical technique, known as gas chromatography, is crucial for a wide range of applications in laboratories and industries.
How Gas Chromatography Works
The principle behind gas chromatography involves injecting a sample solution into the instrument, where it is carried by a gas stream into a separation tube, commonly referred to as the "column." Typically, helium or nitrogen serves as the carrier gas. Inside the column, the different components of the sample are separated based on their unique properties.
As the components exit the column, a detector measures their quantity, providing valuable data for analysis. To determine the concentration of an unknown sample, a standard sample with a known concentration is also injected. By comparing the retention time and area of the standard sample peak to that of the test sample, the concentration can be accurately calculated.
Why Choose Shimadzu Benelux for Your Gas Chromatography Needs?
Shimadzu Benelux offers cutting-edge gas chromatographs that ensure precise and reliable results for your analytical needs. With advanced technology and user-friendly features, our GC instruments are designed to enhance your laboratory's efficiency and accuracy. Explore our range of gas chromatography solutions and elevate your analytical capabilities with Shimadzu Benelux today.
Gas Chromatography – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gas Chromatography?
Gas Chromatography (GC) is an analytical technique used to separate and analyze volatile or semi‑volatile compounds using a gaseous mobile phase and a coated capillary column.
What types of GC systems does Shimadzu offer?
Shimadzu provides a full range of GC platforms, including high‑sensitivity analytical GC systems, GC‑FID/GC‑ECD configurations, automated headspace solutions, thermal desorption options, and high‑performance GCMS models for mass‑based detection.
Which detectors can be used with GC?
Common GC detectors include FID (Flame Ionization), ECD (Electron Capture), TCD (Thermal Conductivity), FPD (Flame Photometric), and MS detectors when combined with GCMS systems.
What applications is GC used for?
GC is widely used in environmental testing, petrochemical analysis, fragrance and flavor profiling, food safety, forensic toxicology, and industrial gas purity testing.
What sample introduction methods are available?
GC supports injection techniques such as hot split/splitless injection, on‑column injection, headspace sampling, SPME (solid‑phase microextraction), purge‑and‑trap, and thermal desorption.
How do I prevent peak tailing or poor resolution?
Use clean liners, maintain injector seals, trim or replace the GC column when necessary, optimize carrier gas flow, avoid analyte overload, and ensure correct inlet temperature settings.
What maintenance does a GC system require?
Routine maintenance includes replacing inlet liners and septa, trimming the column, cleaning detectors as needed, confirming carrier gas purity, and regularly checking system leaks and flow rates.
What software is used with Shimadzu GC systems?
Shimadzu GC instruments are controlled using LabSolutions software, providing automated start‑up/shut‑down, data acquisition, chromatographic processing, compliance support, and instrument diagnostics.
