Using Hydrogen as An Alternative Carrier Gas for US EPA 8260
Applications | 2013 | Teledyne LABSInstrumentation
Volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) typically relies on helium as carrier gas. Recent global helium shortages and rising costs drive the search for sustainable alternatives.
This study examines the performance of hydrogen as GC carrier gas and nitrogen as purge gas in implementing US EPA Method 8260C for VOC analysis. Calibration linearity, method detection limits (MDLs), and instrument tuning were evaluated to validate hydrogen and nitrogen as viable substitutes for helium.
Calibration standards ranging from 0.5 to 200 ppb were prepared in water and spiked with internal and surrogate standards at 50 ppb. Method detection limits were assessed using seven replicates of a 1 ppb standard. EPA criteria required %RSD below 20% or r² ≥ 0.99 and MDLs below 1 ppb.
Hydrogen carrier gas met all EPA 8260C performance requirements. Calibration curves exhibited r² values ≥ 0.99 and %RSD below 20% across analytes. MDLs were below 1 ppb for all target compounds. BFB tuning passed ion abundance criteria under hydrogen.
Use of hydrogen and nitrogen reduces reliance on nonrenewable helium, lowering operational costs and environmental impact. Laboratories can maintain rigorous QA/QC while adopting more sustainable gas supplies.
Further method optimization may include revising EPA 8260C parameters to standardize hydrogen use. Integration of gas generators can streamline workflows. Expanded adoption in environmental monitoring and industrial quality control is anticipated.
The combination of the Atomx sample prep system and TRACE 1310/ISQ GC/MS with hydrogen carrier gas and nitrogen purge gas successfully fulfills EPA 8260C requirements for VOC analysis. This approach offers cost savings and environmental benefits without compromising analytical performance.
GC/MSD, Purge and Trap, GC/SQ
IndustriesEnvironmental
ManufacturerThermo Fisher Scientific, Teledyne LABS
Summary
Significance of the Topic
Volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) typically relies on helium as carrier gas. Recent global helium shortages and rising costs drive the search for sustainable alternatives.
Objectives and Study Overview
This study examines the performance of hydrogen as GC carrier gas and nitrogen as purge gas in implementing US EPA Method 8260C for VOC analysis. Calibration linearity, method detection limits (MDLs), and instrument tuning were evaluated to validate hydrogen and nitrogen as viable substitutes for helium.
Methodology
Calibration standards ranging from 0.5 to 200 ppb were prepared in water and spiked with internal and surrogate standards at 50 ppb. Method detection limits were assessed using seven replicates of a 1 ppb standard. EPA criteria required %RSD below 20% or r² ≥ 0.99 and MDLs below 1 ppb.
Instrumentation
- Sample preparation: Teledyne Tekmar Atomx VOC Sample Prep System with Purge and Trap concentrator and 80-position autosampler
- Chromatography: Thermo Scientific TRACE 1310 GC equipped with Rtx-VMS (20 m × 0.18 mm × 1 µm) column, hydrogen carrier gas at 0.8 mL/min
- Mass spectrometry: Thermo Scientific ISQ MS detector with scan range 35–260 m/z and ion source at 280 °C
Results and Discussion
Hydrogen carrier gas met all EPA 8260C performance requirements. Calibration curves exhibited r² values ≥ 0.99 and %RSD below 20% across analytes. MDLs were below 1 ppb for all target compounds. BFB tuning passed ion abundance criteria under hydrogen.
Benefits and Practical Applications
Use of hydrogen and nitrogen reduces reliance on nonrenewable helium, lowering operational costs and environmental impact. Laboratories can maintain rigorous QA/QC while adopting more sustainable gas supplies.
Future Trends and Applications
Further method optimization may include revising EPA 8260C parameters to standardize hydrogen use. Integration of gas generators can streamline workflows. Expanded adoption in environmental monitoring and industrial quality control is anticipated.
Conclusion
The combination of the Atomx sample prep system and TRACE 1310/ISQ GC/MS with hydrogen carrier gas and nitrogen purge gas successfully fulfills EPA 8260C requirements for VOC analysis. This approach offers cost savings and environmental benefits without compromising analytical performance.
References
- USEPA Method 8260C, Volatile Organic Compounds by Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS), Revision 3, August 2006.
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