Hydrogen is an effective carrier gas option for many GC labs, often providing better purity, safety, convenience, availability, and faster analysis times at a lower cost than helium gas cylinders. But you’d never know it based on these three big industry misconceptions.
Myth: Hydrogen is too dangerous
Facts:
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Hydrogen is lighter than air, rising quickly (45 miles/hr.) and dissipating quickly in the large air volume of a laboratory.
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Many GC labs are already using hydrogen for various purposes (e.g., FID detectors) without any issues.
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Hydrogen generators produce gas on demand, storing only a small amount at a time—typically <100 ml of hydrogen—at low pressure. By contrast, a typical canister contains 8,000 L under high pressure at 200 atm, posing a potentially greater safety risk.
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Flow rates from a hydrogen generator are controlled and remain far below the LEL for hydrogen (4.1% in air) when released in the oven of an average GC.
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VICI DBS hydrogen generators are equipped with built-in leak detection sensors that shut down the system automatically in the event of a leak.
Myth: It’s difficult to transition from helium to hydrogen
Facts:
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Many GC methods will not have to be redeveloped to use hydrogen. Some GC method re-development may be required for more complex chromatograms. But this is a one-time adjustment that will be well worth it in cost and time savings long-term.
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To help ease the carrier gas transition, method development software is widely available.
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Labs that use regulated methods may believe they are constrained from making any changes. However, it is worth consulting the regulating agency—many new, approved methods are available for using hydrogen as a carrier gas.
Myth: Hydrogen is too reactive for most GC applications
Facts:
Some GC users have concerns about hydrogen, as it is a reducing agent that can promote hydrogenation. However…
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Hydrogenation occurs only at high temperatures and pressures when a metallic catalyst is present (e.g., nickel, platinum, or palladium). These conditions can be easily avoided.
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Using commonly available open tubular fused silica columns can prevent hydrogenation conditions.
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Taking some precautions when using nickel or alumina (Al2O3) columns is recommended.
To learn more about the benefits of using hydrogen generators as a replacement for He cylinders, watch the video or download the information booklet.
Source: Lab Manager, vol. 14, no. 1, February 2019.