Is Hydrogen Safe to Use as a GC/MS Carrier Gas?

Importance of the Topic

Global shortages of helium have driven the analytical community to seek alternative carrier gases for gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Hydrogen offers a renewable, cost-effective replacement, but its use demands rigorous safety measures and optimized instrumentation to ensure reliable, high-quality analyses in routine laboratory environments.

Objectives and Article Overview

This document evaluates the safety design features of Agilent GC and GC/MS systems when using hydrogen as carrier gas and introduces the HydroInert ion source for minimizing hydrogen interactions with semivolatile organic compounds (SVOCs). It also outlines resources for safe hydrogen adoption and available instrument upgrade options.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The safety evaluation focuses on Agilent’s 8890 GC platform and its integration with mass spectrometer detectors. Key engineered safeguards include pressure-monitored valve shutdowns, flow-limiting frits, oven purge sequences, low-voltage differential signaling between GC and MSD, optional hydrogen leak sensors, excessive flow shutdown logic, and emergency parts containment. The HydroInert source for 5977 and 7000 series MS systems is assessed for its ability to reduce chemical reactions between hydrogen and target analytes.

Used Instrumentation

• Agilent 8890 Gas Chromatograph
• Agilent 8860 and Intuvo 9000 GC systems (safety overviews)
• Agilent 5977 and 7000 TQ/GC–TQ with HydroInert source
• Hydrogen sensor module for 8860/8890 GC
• Accessories: stainless steel tubing kits, HP-5ms Ultra Inert columns

Main Findings and Discussion

Safety features effectively detect and mitigate hydrogen overpressure, leaks, and unexpected flow conditions to prevent carrier gas accumulation and potential ignition. The HydroInert source significantly reduces hydrogen-induced chemical interactions with SVOCs, leading to diminished sensitivity losses, fewer spectral anomalies, and extended intervals between ion source cleanings. Enhanced chromatographic speeds and shortened analysis times were also demonstrated, thereby supporting high-throughput workflows.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Chemical laboratories can lower operating costs by reducing helium dependency.
• Strong safety controls enable routine use of hydrogen without compromising laboratory safety.
• Improved chromatographic performance and reduced maintenance frequency increase uptime.
• Faster separations support time-sensitive QA/QC and research applications.

Future Trends and Possibilities

Continued innovation in carrier gas safety sensors and automated shutdown algorithms is expected to further minimize operational risks. Advances in inert ion source materials may broaden the range of analytes compatible with hydrogen, while hybrid GC/MS platforms could incorporate real-time leak detection and self-calibration routines. Wider adoption of hydrogen demonstrates a shift toward sustainable, cost-effective laboratory practices.

Conclusion

Hydrogen is a viable carrier gas for GC/MS when paired with robust safety engineering and optimized source design. Agilent’s safety features and the HydroInert source collectively address the challenges of hydrogen use, delivering enhanced analytical performance and reliability. This approach offers laboratories a sustainable path to mitigate helium shortages while maintaining high data quality.

References

Agilent Technologies Inc. Hydrogen safety technical overview for 8860, 8890, and Intuvo 9000 GC systems. 2023
Agilent Technologies Inc. HydroInert source upgrade and ordering information. May 18, 2023