In gas chromatography (GC), the carrier gas is not just a technical detail but a truly strategic element.
The quality of the carrier gas directly affects the resolution, repeatability, and productivity of the entire analytical system.
For many laboratories, helium has been the reference choice for decades, but today, thanks to gas generators, ultra-pure hydrogen produced on-site represents the most efficient, economical, and sustainable solution.
Claind solutions, based on high-performance hydrogen generators, overcome the limitations of traditional cylinders and other generators, ensuring operational continuity, certified safety, and, most importantly, consistent gas purity.
Traditionally used to supply flame ionization detectors (FID), CLAIND generators can now also meet the needs of carrier gas supply, allowing a simple line split.
The Role of Carrier Gas in Gas Chromatography (GC)
The carrier gas is the medium that conveys the vaporized components from the injector through the capillary column.
Its physical characteristics and viscosity influence:
- the chromatographic separation of compounds;
- the width and resolution of peaks;
- the repeatability of retention times;
- the detector’s sensitivity.
Therefore, the choice of carrier gas must consider these factors to ensure high-quality, method-compliant results.
Helium, Nitrogen, and Hydrogen Compared
| Gas | Main Advantages | Operational Limitations |
| Helium (He) | Inert, stable, good chromatographic performance | High cost, critical supply |
| Nitrogen (N₂) | Inexpensive and easily available | Long analytical times, lower separation efficiency |
| Hydrogen (H₂) | High speed, superior diffusivity, analysis time reduced by up to 50% | Requires safe handling |
From a theoretical point of view (see Van Deemter curve), hydrogen allows operation over a wider linear velocity range while maintaining high separation efficiency and reducing total analysis time.
The Limits of Traditional Cylinders
Using gas cylinders, though common, presents several drawbacks:
Need for continuous monitoring of gas levels in cylinders
- High logistical and safety costs
- Administrative overhead (orders, deliveries, invoices, payments)
- Contamination risks due to imperfect refilling or dirty valves
- Downtime for cylinder replacement
- Requirement for costly distribution lines and alarm systems
For laboratories performing continuous or automated analyses, these limitations lead to productivity loss and risks of non-compliance.
Claind: Ultra-Pure Hydrogen Generated in Complete Safety
Claind hydrogen generators are an advanced and completely safe solution to produce ultra-pure hydrogen directly in the laboratory, without storing compressed gas.
Based on PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) technology, the generators use only deionized water and electricity to produce hydrogen with a purity of up to 99.9999% (6.0).
Main features:
- Constant flow and pressure, perfectly adaptable to GC or GC-MS
- Integrated dehumidification and filtration system ensuring total absence of O₂ and H₂O
- Automatic safety sensors and shutdowns in case of leakage or overpressure
- CE, UL, and ATEX certifications for safe use in all laboratory environments
- All components, including the PEM cell, are manufactured in Italy at the Tremezzina (CO) facility
The gas is generated in real time, in exactly the quantity needed, eliminating risks associated with the storage of compressed volumes.
Tangible Benefits for the Laboratory
|
Benefit |
Practical Result |
|
Continuous production |
No interruptions due to cylinder changeovers |
|
Constant and controlled purity |
Repeatable and reliable analyses |
|
Total safety |
No storage of flammable gases |
|
Fast ROI |
Up to 40% reduction in supply costs and generator payback in less than 3 years |
|
Minimal maintenance |
Greater laboratory productivity |
Hydrogen generated on-site is today the most efficient carrier gas for GC: it accelerates analyses, improves separation, and significantly reduces costs.
CLAIND generators ensure a continuous flow of ultra-pure, safe hydrogen thanks to advanced technologies and sophisticated protection systems.
Choosing CLAIND means adopting a modern and reliable solution that increases productivity, lowers costs, and guarantees consistent performance—without interruptions or compromises.
