Shimadzu Gas Chromatograph Nexis GC-2030

Importance of the Topic

The Nexis GC-2030 represents the latest advance in gas chromatography, addressing the growing need for high-performance, flexible analysis both inside and outside the traditional laboratory setting. By integrating automation, remote monitoring, and smart diagnostics, this platform meets the rigorous demands of modern analytical chemistry, ensuring consistent data quality and enabling efficient workflows across diverse industries.

Objectives and Overview

This document outlines the design and capabilities of the Nexis GC-2030 system, emphasizing four core goals:

• Achieve best-in-class sensitivity and reproducibility.
• Provide seamless remote operation and automated workflows.
• Enhance productivity through versatile injection and detection configurations.
• Optimize resource usage and ensure robust system maintenance.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The GC-2030 leverages Shimadzu’s Analytical Intelligence philosophy, incorporating:

• Clean Pilot function for automated column conditioning and baseline checks.
• LabSolutions software for centralized data management, remote instrument control, and compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11.
• Gas saving and switching via carrier gas selector to minimize helium consumption and enable hydrogen use with safety monitoring.
• Oven temperature control with separate cooling profiles to protect columns from abrupt temperature changes.
• i-PeakFinder™ algorithm for automated, high-precision peak integration without manual parameter tuning.

Main Results and Discussion

Testing and benchmark data demonstrate:

• Excellent peak area reproducibility (RSD < 0.2%) and stable baselines across multiple detectors.
• Up to a 50% reduction in carrier gas usage with gas saving and alternative gas switching.
• Significant time savings through backflush, detector splitting, heart-cut GC techniques, and high-speed hydrogen carrier gas analyses.
• Reliable remote diagnostics and self-checks that minimize downtime and support unattended operation.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Nexis GC-2030 platform delivers tangible benefits:

• Consistent data quality irrespective of operator skill, enabled by automated checks and standardized workflows.
• Expanded analytical scope through simultaneous use of up to three injection units and four detectors, supporting pharmaceuticals, food safety, environmental monitoring, petrochemicals, and new energy applications.
• Lower operational costs via gas conservation, eco-idling energy savings, and reduced maintenance effort supported by tool-free column installation and 2D code video guidance.
• Scalable laboratory networks with LabSolutions CS for centralized data access and remote work capabilities.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Looking ahead, the integration of IoT and AI into GC systems will further automate method development, predictive maintenance, and real-time quality assurance. Emerging needs in hydrogen fuel analysis, advanced two-dimensional separations, and miniaturized portable analyzers will drive development of even more compact, high-throughput GC solutions. Sustainability efforts will focus on greener carrier gases and energy-efficient designs.

Conclusion

The Nexis GC-2030 sets a new standard for flexibility, sensitivity, and reliability in gas chromatography. Its intelligent automation, remote capabilities, and modular design ensure that laboratories can meet evolving analytical challenges with confidence, whether operating on-site or remotely.

Instrumentation Used

• Nexis GC-2030 gas chromatograph
• LabSolutions software suite for GC, LC, GC-MS, and LC-MS control
• AOC-30 Series autosamplers and GI-30 gas injector
• Detectors: BID-2030, FID-2030 (with Jetanizer and Polyarc options), SCD-2030, TCD, ECD, FPD, FTD
• Optional modules: gas selector, PRG-2030 I/O board, PRG-Box AC control
• Pretreatment systems: HS-20 headspace sampler, TD-30 thermal desorber