Carrier Gas Migration Services: Helium to Hydrogen or Nitrogen Conversion for GC Laboratories
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Carrier Gas Migration Services
Helium shortages and rising costs are pressuring laboratories that rely on helium for gas chromatography (GC). Switching to hydrogen or nitrogen may work for certain analytical methods, but the change requires careful evaluation.
Overbrook Support Services helps laboratories evaluate and plan carrier-gas conversions, considering analytical performance, instrument compatibility, safety, and operating requirements.
Can Your Laboratory Convert from Helium to Hydrogen or Nitrogen?
Many gas chromatography applications may be candidates for alternative carrier gases. Hydrogen can offer efficient separations and potentially faster analysis times, while nitrogen may provide a cost-effective option for methods that can accommodate slower carrier gas velocities.
The right choice depends on your laboratory’s equipment, analytical methods, and testing requirements. Not every GC or GC-MS application is suitable for conversion.
What Does Overbrook’s Carrier Gas Migration Service Include?
Overbrook helps laboratories evaluate the technical requirements and plan an appropriate transition.
1. Carrier Gas Process Analysis
Review current helium use, analytical methods, and GC instrumentation to identify opportunities for conversion.
2. Hydrogen and Nitrogen Carrier Gas Evaluation
Assess alternative gases based on instrument compatibility, analytical performance, safety considerations, and operational needs.
3. GC Method Development and Conversion
Identify method adjustments and conversion requirements needed to maintain appropriate analytical performance.
4. GC Equipment and Hardware Retrofitting
Evaluate potential equipment modifications required to support the selected carrier gas.
Which Gas Chromatography Applications May Be Suitable for Carrier Gas Conversion?
Depending on the instrument and method requirements, potential applications include:
- Gasoline and petroleum analysis
- Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH)
- Environmental testing, including pesticides and PCBs
- Semi-volatile organic compounds
- Pharmaceutical residual solvent analysis
- Essential oils and flavor analysis
Each application requires an individual assessment to determine whether conversion is appropriate.
The first step is to understand which methods and instruments can support an alternative carrier gas.
How Can Your Laboratory Reduce Helium Dependence Without Compromising Analytical Requirements?
Overbrook can assess your existing GC operations, identify conversion opportunities, and develop a migration plan tailored to your laboratory.
Download Our Carrier Gas Migration Technical Overview
Learn more about helium alternatives, potential GC applications, and the technical considerations involved in transitioning to hydrogen or nitrogen.
