Why is helium used for gas chromatography?

Why is helium used for gas chromatography?

Many gas chromatography (GC) labs use helium as a carrier gas because it is faster than nitrogen and safer than hydrogen. The faster analysis times, lower cost, and unlimited availability of hydrogen make it the best chromatographic choice, but its flammability means implementation must be carefully considered.

What is the gas carrier in gas chromatography?

Carrier gas is an inert gas used to carry samples. Helium (He), nitrogen (N2), hydrogen (H2), and argon (Ar) are often used. Helium and nitrogen are most commonly used and the use of helium is desirable when using a capillary column.

What is gas chromatography mass spectrometry used for with fuel analysis?

Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) is an analytical method that combines the features of gas-chromatography and mass spectrometry to identify different substances within a test sample. Like liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry, it allows analysis and detection even of tiny amounts of a substance.

Why nitrogen is used in GC?

The most prominent advantage of using nitrogen as a carrier gas is that of all the carrier gases it is the most efficient when used at its optimum linear velocity (12 cm/s), meaning it will produce the narrowest chromatographic peaks.

Why is oxygen not used in gas chromatography?

Whenever gases is used in the chromatography process, there’s a potential for gas leaks, whether from the supply lines, storage tanks, or from the chromatograph itself. Nitrogen gas displaces oxygen. If nitrogen were to leak, air levels would become deficient of oxygen and employees could suffer health problems.

What does gas chromatography tell you?

What is gas chromatography? Gas chromatography (GC) is an analytical technique used to separate the chemical components of a sample mixture and then detect them to determine their presence or absence and/or how much is present. These chemical components are usually organic molecules or gases.

How does gas chromatography separate?

In gas chromatography, the components of a sample are dissolved in a solvent and vaporized in order to separate the analytes by distributing the sample between two phases: a stationary phase and a mobile phase.

What does gas chromatography tell us?