Reducing the helium consumption for analysis of VOCs in accordance with EPA Method 8260D without compromising performance using HeSaver-H2 Safer technology

Importance of the Topic

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are widely used and generated in manufacturing, water treatment, and industrial processes. Due to their environmental impact and health risks, routine monitoring of VOCs in water and soil is essential. EPA Method 8260D using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) with helium carrier gas is a gold standard but faces challenges from helium cost and supply shortages.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study presents the application of HeSaver-H2Safer technology integrated into a TRACE 1610 GC with an iConnect split/splitless injector upgraded to HeSaver-H2Safer mode, coupled to an ISQ 7610 single quadrupole mass spectrometer and a Teledyne Tekmar Atomx XYZ purge and trap system. The goal is to reduce helium consumption for VOC analysis under EPA Method 8260D without degrading analytical performance in both water and soil matrices.

Methodology

Samples were prepared following EPA Method 8260D guidelines, employing purge and trap sampling to isolate VOCs onto an adsorbent trap with inert gas sparging. Thermal desorption transferred analytes to a GC column under temperature programming from 35 °C to 225 °C, with a constant reduced helium flow of 0.3 mL/min. The HeSaver-H2Safer injector decouples inlet pressurization gas (nitrogen) from carrier gas (helium), minimizing helium use to the separation step. Full scan electron ionization MS detection was performed over m/z 35–260.

Used Instrumentation

• Thermo Scientific TRACE 1610 GC with upgraded iConnect injector in HeSaver-H2Safer mode
• Thermo Scientific ISQ 7610 single quadrupole mass spectrometer
• Teledyne Tekmar Atomx XYZ purge and trap concentrator
• TraceGOLD TG-VMS GC column, 20 m × 0.18 mm, 1 µm film thickness

Key Results and Discussion

Method transfer required no reoptimization and delivered equivalent chromatographic performance for 20 µg/L water and 20 µg/kg soil VOC mixes. Calibration showed linearity with R2 ≥ 0.99 and response factor RSD below 20% over 0.5–200 µg/L and 1–200 µg/kg ranges. Method detection limits were ≤ 0.14 µg/L in water and ≤ 0.42 µg/kg in soil, with precision better than 20% RSD and accuracy between 78% and 130%. A three-day robustness test comprising 240 injections demonstrated stable system performance with QC precision under 15% RSD and accuracy within 70–117% without manual intervention.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The HeSaver-H2Safer approach significantly reduces helium usage by limiting helium flow to the column only during separation, while using nitrogen for injector functions. Helium cylinder lifetime can be extended up to fourfold compared to a standard SSL injector, providing cost savings and mitigating supply issues. Analytical figures of merit remain compliant with EPA Method 8260D requirements, ensuring reliable VOC monitoring in environmental laboratories.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Gas conservation technologies are expected to expand across GC applications, including the use of hydrogen carrier gas. Integration with automated calculation tools will streamline evaluation of gas savings and costs. These innovations may also benefit pharmaceutical, food safety, and industrial analytical workflows by reducing operational expenses and environmental impact.

Conclusion

HeSaver-H2Safer technology provides a seamless upgrade for GC–MS systems conducting EPA Method 8260D VOC analysis, lowering helium consumption without compromising chromatographic and mass spectrometric performance. This sustainable solution addresses helium supply challenges and supports long-term environmental monitoring.

References

• United States Environmental Protection Agency. What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?
• United States Environmental Protection Agency. Method 8260D: Volatile Organic Compounds by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific. Technical Note 001218: Addressing gas conservation challenges with HeSaver-H2Safer technology.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific. Application Note 73769: Analysis of VOCs according to EPA Method 8260.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific. Helium Saver Calculator tool.