<h4>Traceability in the 19th century&nbsp;</h4>Once a dairymaid bought one kilo of flour from the local shop. Next day she returned to sell one kilo of butter to the shopkeeper. He then complained that 50 grams of the kilo were missing.&nbsp;<blockquote>Oh that is odd, the dairymaid said, to get the correct weight I used the kilo of flour you sold to me yesterday to weigh the butter!&nbsp;</blockquote><h4>Traceability today&nbsp;</h4>Traceability is the ability to trace, for example, the ancestors of a person or the origin of a product. The word can be derived from the Latin tractus = drawn or the verb trahere = to draw.&nbsp;Traceability can refer to documentation (e.g. a sampling procedure), a laboratory, analyst or method. But as in ISO/IEC 17025, this leaflet deals with traceability of measurement results. That is, measurement results have to be traceable to the metrological1 references used. To be specific, we use the term metrological traceability.&nbsp;<blockquote>The current VIM2 definition of metrological traceability is: property of a measurement result whereby the result can be related to a reference through a documented unbroken chain of calibrations each contributing to the measurement uncertainty2&nbsp;</blockquote><h4>The references&nbsp;</h4>Ideally the references should be the values of national and international standards expressed in SI units. The traceability is realised through chains of calibrations, the traceability chain. For temperature and many other physical quantities such as mass and time, the traceability is easily established.&nbsp;In addition, in chemistry the working standards are substances with defined purity, solutions of pure substances and matrix reference materials.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Metrological_Traceability_of_Analytical_Results_2_b809be57bc.jpg" alt="Douglas Hasbun: An “analyst” not knowing the traceability of his/her values for volume, time, mass, calibration solution concentration and temperature." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Metrological_Traceability_of_Analytical_Results_2_b809be57bc.jpg 157w," sizes="100vw" width="852" height="847"><h4>Temperature example - Traceability to SI&nbsp;</h4>The temperature of a sample can be traced back through a chain of calibrations to the reference, an SI traceable value of temperature at 0 °C.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Metrological_Traceability_of_Analytical_Results_3_9933347331.jpg" alt="Douglas Hasbun: Temperature example - Traceability to SI" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Metrological_Traceability_of_Analytical_Results_3_9933347331.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="926" height="432"><h4>Example – Mercury in tuna fish&nbsp;</h4>A measurement result (mass fraction) obtained for mercury in a tuna fish sample is 4.03 ± 0.11 mg/kg. The result is reported as total Hg on dry weight basis (105 ºC, 12 h determined on a separate sample portion) and the measurement uncertainty is reported with a 95 % level of confidence (coverage factor, k=2). In this case mercury was determined with a mercury analyser (cold vapour atomic spectroscopy) after a microwave digestion.&nbsp;The samples are weighed on a balance with a calibration certificate relating the weight measured to the SI unit of mass (kg).&nbsp;The acid digest is diluted in a volumetric flask where the manufacturer documents the traceability of the volume of the flask to a national standard.&nbsp;The calibration curve was prepared using a CRM (certified reference material) – a mercury standard with a certificate stating a quantity value of 0.998 ± 0.005 mg/L (k=2) and with traceability to pure mercury.&nbsp;The method is validated using an appropriate matrix CRM with a total mercury mass fraction of 1.97 ± 0.04 mg/kg (k=2). The purpose of the validation is to check the method performance.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Eurachem_Metrological_Traceability_of_Analytical_Results_4_1ef2bc4b97.jpg" alt="Douglas Hasbun: An “analyst” knowing the traceability of his/her values for volume, time, mass, calibration solution concentration and temperature" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Eurachem_Metrological_Traceability_of_Analytical_Results_4_1ef2bc4b97.jpg 119w," sizes="100vw" width="808" height="1062"><h4>How can a laboratory demonstrate metrological traceability?&nbsp;</h4>The evidence required by the laboratory to demonstrate traceability for the mercury result is shown below:&nbsp;<ol><li>concentration of the Hg solution – a certificate for the CRM solution;&nbsp;</li><li>mass of sample – calibration certificate for the balance;&nbsp;</li><li>volume of volumetric flask – calibration certificate of the manufacturer;&nbsp;</li><li>drying temperature – calibration of oven temperature;&nbsp;</li><li>digestion conditions – calibration of e.g. temperature;&nbsp;</li><li>drying time – ordinary clock or stopwatch&nbsp;</li></ol>Point 1 would need special attention to assure the quality and traceability for the calibration standard. Traceability for points 2, 3 and 6 is easily achieved with adequate uncertainty using commercial equipment.&nbsp;Points 4 and 5 need additional attention by the lab.&nbsp;The use of the matrix CRM in the method validation is vital but not part of the traceability chain, since it is not used for calibration. If this CRM is used for recovery correction it should be part of the traceability chain.&nbsp;<h4>Measurement quality&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Method validation demonstrates that the method (set of conditions) used in a particular laboratory at a certain time was fit for purpose and all significant effects were identified.&nbsp;</li><li>Calibration of critical equipment completes the metrological traceability chains.</li><li>Measurement uncertainty is estimated from the method validation and the traceability.&nbsp;</li><li>Quality control (internal and external) assures that the measurement results (including uncertainty) are of the same quality as at the time of validation.</li></ul><h4>Conclusion</h4>The traceability of a measurement result refers to metrological traceability as defined by VIM. It relates the result to SI units or other agreed standards/references.&nbsp;Traceability is essential for comparability of results and is a requirement of ISO/IEC 17025. Traceability is easily achieved following good laboratory practice.

Metrological Traceability of Analytical Results

<h3>How Deconvolution Output Files Support Library Searching, Method Validation, and Sample Comparison</h3>Electron ionization (EI) GC-MS library searching has traditionally been viewed as a straightforward process: acquire a chromatogram, search spectra against a library, and identify compounds. However, modern NIST software performs a much more sophisticated workflow behind the scenes.During processing, NIST creates an Identification Folder containing a collection of intermediate files that document every stage of chromatographic interpretation—from the original total ion chromatogram through component detection, spectral deconvolution, and final library searching. Although most users never open these files, they provide valuable insight into how identifications are generated and may even serve as the foundation for advanced comparison workflows.<blockquote><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/paper/33364">You can download PDF Handout for this guide HERE</a></blockquote><h3>Why Does NIST Generate These Files?</h3>When processing low-resolution EI GC-MS data, the software performs much more than simple spectrum matching.Instead, it follows a sequential workflow:<ul><li>Raw chromatographic data acquisition</li><li>Detection of chromatographic components</li><li>Separation (deconvolution) of overlapping spectra</li><li>Generation of one clean spectrum for each chemical component</li><li>Library searching against the NIST database</li><li>Reporting of final identifications</li></ul>Rather than storing only the final results, NIST saves intermediate processing files that document each stage of the workflow. Together, these files form a complete processing record and improve both transparency and reproducibility.<h3>The Low-Resolution EI GC-MS Processing Workflow</h3><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/James_Little_The_Low_Resolution_EI_GC_MS_Processing_Workflow_0bc2c2b96f.jpg" alt="James Little: The Low-Resolution EI GC-MS Processing Workflow" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_James_Little_The_Low_Resolution_EI_GC_MS_Processing_Workflow_0bc2c2b96f.jpg 108w," sizes="100vw" width="430" height="622">Additional files (.RUN and .LOG) preserve processing parameters and document every computational step performed during analysis.<h3>Understanding Each File</h3><h4>1. .TIC – Total Ion Chromatogram</h4>The TIC file contains the complete chromatographic signal collected during the GC-MS analysis.It represents the familiar chromatogram displayed in the software interface and serves as the starting point for all subsequent processing.<h5>Purpose</h5><ul><li>Stores the raw chromatographic signal</li><li>Displays detector response versus retention time</li><li>Provides the visual overview of the analysis</li></ul>Although essential for evaluating chromatography, the TIC alone does not distinguish overlapping compounds. That task is handled during deconvolution.<h4>2. .ELU – Component Detection</h4>Once the chromatogram has been acquired, NIST identifies potential chromatographic components.The ELU file records this information.Typical information includes:<ul><li>Peak start and end times</li><li>Peak apex positions</li><li>Elution profiles</li><li>Grouped ion traces</li></ul>This stage determines where individual compounds are likely present before spectral deconvolution begins.<h4>3. .FIN – Deconvoluted Spectra</h4>The FIN file is arguably the most important intermediate product.Rather than storing every acquired scan, NIST creates one clean spectrum for each resolved chromatographic component.Each spectrum has:<ul><li>Reduced interference from co-eluting compounds</li><li>Cleaner fragment ion distributions</li><li>Improved suitability for library searching</li></ul>These spectra become the actual inputs used during library matching.<h4>4. .TSV – Tabulated Results</h4>The TSV file contains the processed results in a tab-delimited format suitable for export and further analysis.Typical contents include:<ul><li>Retention times</li><li>Compound identifications</li><li>Match factors</li><li>Peak intensities</li><li>Library search results</li></ul>Because the information is already organized into tables, this file is particularly useful for reporting and external data analysis.<h4>5. .RUN – Processing Parameters</h4>The RUN file documents the analytical method used during processing.Typical information includes:<ul><li>Deconvolution settings</li><li>Peak detection thresholds</li><li>Library search options</li><li>Processing parameters</li></ul>Maintaining these settings is essential for reproducible analyses and consistent comparison between datasets.<h4>6. .LOG – Processing Record</h4>The LOG file serves as the computational audit trail.It records:<ul><li>Processing activity</li><li>Number of spectra analyzed</li><li>Library search operations</li><li>Timing information</li></ul>In the example shown in the presentation, the log indicates that:<ul><li>91 spectra were processed</li><li>Approximately 178,000 library comparisons were performed</li></ul>This confirms successful completion of both deconvolution and library searching.<h3>A Key Concept: NIST Does Not Search Every Scan</h3>One of the most important insights presented is that NIST does not perform library searches on every individual mass spectrum acquired during a GC-MS run.Instead, the software first performs spectral deconvolution to isolate chemically meaningful components.Only these cleaned component spectra are submitted for library searching.This dramatically reduces computational complexity while simultaneously improving identification accuracy by minimizing interference from overlapping chromatographic peaks.<h3>Can These Files Be Used for Sample Comparison?</h3>Beyond routine identification, the presentation highlights an interesting possibility: using the generated output files for comparative analyses between samples.Among the available files, the TSV file is the most practical starting point because it already contains structured analytical results.Potential comparisons include:<ul><li>Compounds present in one sample but absent in another</li><li>Relative peak intensity differences</li><li>Changes in compound abundance</li><li>New or missing deconvoluted components</li><li>Differences in library match scores</li></ul>For more advanced investigations:<ul><li>FIN files enable direct comparison of deconvoluted spectra.</li><li>ELU files allow comparison of chromatographic behavior and peak shapes.</li><li>TIC files provide an overall chromatographic overview but are less suitable for compound-level comparisons.</li></ul><h3>Opportunities for Advanced Data Analysis</h3>Because these files contain structured intermediate processing data, they may also support custom computational workflows outside the NIST environment.Possible applications include:<ul><li>Principal Component Analysis (PCA)</li><li>Batch quality control</li><li>Good vs. bad sample classification</li><li>Manufacturing process monitoring</li><li>Trend analysis across multiple GC-MS runs</li><li>Custom statistical or machine learning workflows</li></ul>Although NIST itself does not perform these analyses, the exported files provide a valuable foundation for external software and user-developed applications.<h3>Best Practices</h3>When working with NIST Identification Folder files:<ul><li>Use the TIC file for evaluating chromatographic performance.</li><li>Examine the ELU file to understand component detection.</li><li>Rely on the FIN file for studying deconvoluted spectra.</li><li>Use the TSV file for reporting, exporting, and comparative studies.</li><li>Preserve the RUN file to ensure reproducibility.</li><li>Review the LOG file whenever processing quality needs verification.</li></ul>Together, these files provide complete documentation of the identification workflow and offer far more information than the final library search results alone.<h3>Conclusion</h3>The Identification Folder generated during NIST low-resolution EI GC-MS processing is much more than a collection of temporary files. It represents a comprehensive record of the entire analytical workflow, from raw chromatographic data through deconvolution and library searching. Understanding the role of each file helps users interpret results with greater confidence, troubleshoot processing steps, and explore advanced applications such as sample comparison, chemometric analysis, and custom data processing workflows. Rather than being hidden implementation details, these files can become valuable resources for improving transparency, reproducibility, and analytical insight in GC-MS data analysis.

Raw Data Files for EI Low Resolution in the Identifications Folder

Scientific conferences are defined not only by the quality of the research presented but also by the expertise and vision of their invited speakers. RAFA 2026 brings together internationally recognized scientists from academia, industry, and regulatory organizations to address some of today's most pressing challenges in food analysis and food safety. Their lectures will explore cutting-edge analytical techniques, emerging contaminants, food authenticity, artificial intelligence, high-resolution mass spectrometry, allergen risk assessment, PFAS, microplastics, mycotoxins, and many other topics shaping the future of food analysis. This overview introduces the distinguished invited speakers and the scientific highlights they will present at RAFA 2026.<h3>Registration</h3><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://rafa.easyevent.eu/tickets/">Register to attend RAFA 2026!</a></blockquote><h4>Registration Fees</h4><ul><li>Regular registration (Until 30 September, 2026): € 855</li><li>Late registration (From 1 October, 2026): € 955</li><li>Student rate* (From 1 July, 2026): € 605</li></ul>* The proof of student status (e.g. copy of a student identify card) is requested as an attachment of the registration form.<h5>The regular registration fee will include:</h5><ul><li>Attendance at all scientific sessions, workshops, seminars, vendor seminars and other satellite events</li><li>Access to the poster and exhibition area</li><li>Conference kit (name badge, conference bag, conference documents, certificate of participation, certificate of presentation on request)</li><li>Final programme</li><li>E-Book of Abstracts</li><li>Coffee breaks</li><li>Buffet luncheons</li><li>Welcome drink</li></ul>In the registration form you can register free of charge for the welcome drink and you can also order ticket(s) for the conference dinner (€ 85).Please note that your registration is firm when your payment has been received.<h3>Abstract submission</h3><blockquote>👉<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://rafa.easyevent.eu/tickets/">Submit your ABSTRACT HERE!</a>In order to submit an abstract, you must first register to attend RAFA 2026. After registration you will receive an access to the Member section where you can submit your abstract(s).</blockquote>&nbsp;After successful submission of your abstract you will receive an automatic confirmation of receipt of submitted abstract via e-mail. If it will not be delivered within a few minutes after submission of your abstract please check at first your spam box-mail and then contact us at RAFA2026@vscht.cz.<h4>Important notice:</h4><blockquote>1 registered participant can submit no more than 2 abstracts.</blockquote>To apply for a young scientist’s oral presentation, as an indication please respect the rule that you should be born in 1991 or later.The text of the abstract should be limited to 3000 characters including spaces. Tables and pictures are not allowed.<h3>Program</h3><h4>Invited Speakers</h4><h5>It takes a small step to fake food but a giant leap to authenticate</h5><ul><li>Nicolai Zederkopff Ballin from Danish Veterinary, Food, Agriculture and Fisheries Agency, Glostrup, Denmark.</li></ul>It takes a small step to fake food but a giant leap to authenticate”: Exploring unresolved issues in food authentication. Food authentication includes not just analytical chemistry, but also nomenclature, validation procedures and reporting of results. These aspects have attracted increasing focus, but setting limits in food authentication has been largely absent. It is therefore time to discuss how to set maximum tolerable levels to enable consistent and comparable results in food authentication.<h5>Unravelling the mysteries of modified mycotoxins</h5><ul><li>Franz Berthiller from BOKU University, Vienna, Austria</li></ul>Modified mycotoxins are altered forms of mycotoxins, mainly formed by living plants on the field. They are not regulated, yet may contribute to toxicity. The presentations focuses on metabolites of fumonisin B1 and ochratoxin A, formed by maize plants.<h5>From bitter to better: Fixing off-flavors in plant proteins</h5><ul><li>Corinna Dawid from Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany</li></ul>Uncovering the chemistry behind flavor: the presentation explores how Sensomics and NMR interaction studies reveal the complex interplay between aroma compounds, taste perception, and the polymer matrix in wine.<h5>Imaging food: the power and the limits of seeing molecules in food</h5><ul><li>Laura Righetti from Wageningen University &amp; Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands</li></ul>Imaging techniques enable ‘seeing’ molecules in food and elucidating mechanisms of accumulation and transformation, e.g. during processing. However, their application to food and contaminants remains limited. This talk discusses both instrumental constraints and future opportunities.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/RAFA_Laura_Righetti_e7bdda9942.jpg" alt="RAFA: Laura Righetti" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_RAFA_Laura_Righetti_e7bdda9942.jpg 157w," sizes="100vw" width="900" height="895"><h5>Analysis of critical vitamins: novel structures and novel sources</h5><ul><li>Michael Rychlik Lab from Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany</li></ul>Growing population and dietary shifts lead to inadequate intake of folate, B6, and B12. The presentation introduces novel analytical methods (stable isotope dilution assays), identifies new sources, and assesses risks of certain dietary patterns.<h5>Sample-to-solution approaches for natural toxin analysis at the point of need</h5><ul><li>Gert Salentijn from Wageningen University &amp; Research, Wageningen, the Netherlands</li></ul>Taking analysis out of the lab is not trivial. Going beyond merely translating procedures from the lab to an out-of-lab setting, it requires a fundamentally different perspective on how we develop and deploy the tools to provide information at the point-of-need. In this, both the envisioned test, as well as the envisioned user are critical, and all the steps, from sample to solution, need to be considered.<h5>EFSA’s rapid risk assessment of cereulide in infants</h5><ul><li>Hans Steinkellner from European Food Safety Authority, Parma, Italy</li></ul>The EU has established procedures for rapid risk assessment in urgent situations. EFSA’s assessment of cereulide in infants demonstrated its ability to provide robust scientific support within a short timeframe during a crisis.<h5>Comprehensive strategies to unmask masked mycotoxins: from food matrix to gut microbiota</h5><ul><li>Milena Stranska from University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czechia</li></ul>The lecture will address non-extractable modified mycotoxins and their biological relevance. Bioaccessibility will be assessed using in vitro digestion models with diverse fecal microbiota (toddlers, children, adults) and bioavailability using Caco-2-based intestinal models. High-resolution mass spectrometry will reveal biotransformation pathways and cellular metabolism of free and modified mycotoxins.<h5>Food allergen risk assessment: Past, present, future</h5><ul><li>Ben Remington from Remington Consulting Group B.V., Utrecht, the Netherlands &amp; University of Nebraska, USA</li></ul>Food allergy and allergen management are global public health issues, and consumer protection depends on transparent and trustworthy labelling. While 30 years of scientific advances show that low level exposures, or reference doses, are unlikely to trigger reactions in most allergic individuals, harmonized and globally aligned regulations are still needed to promote consistent allergen risk assessment and labelling decisions. This presentation will discuss the landscape of allergen risk assessment, global policy developments, current research and future needs in the area.<h5>Unmasking hidden adulteration in honey: Strategies for detecting and characterizing honeys produced from sugar-fed colonies</h5><ul><li>Oscar Nuñez Burcio from University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain</li></ul>From hive to jar, not all honey tells the same story. This presentation addresses hidden adulteration associated with sugar-fed bee colonies, highlighting implications for authenticity, production practices, and the need for a more precise characterization of honey to ensure consumer trust.<h5>Analytical and toxicological methods for safety of food contact materials</h5><ul><li>Erich Leitner from Graz University of Technology, Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Graz, Austria</li></ul>Food packaging plays a critical role in protecting and preserving food throughout the supply chain. All packaging materials intended to come into contact with food must comply with strict EU safety rules. Due to increased complexity of packaging solutions, lowering legal limits and increasing numbers of target compounds, we also have to adapt the strategies used to verify and guarantee the safety of these materials.<h5>Data-driven strategies to reduce complexity in non-target HRMS analysis of food samples</h5><ul><li>Anneli Kruve from Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden</li></ul>LC/HRMS based non-target screening can detect hundreds to thousands of chemical features in complex food and environmental samples. Investigating all of these in detail is practically impossible, so which ones to focus on? Novel computational tools developed in computational mass spectrometry allow predicting the toxicity and concentration of the detected chemical features even if these have not yet been fully structurally elucidated. Combining these predictions enables us to focus on the chemical features possessing high risk.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/RAFA_Anneli_Kruve_5119012e5d.jpg" alt="RAFA: Anneli Kruve" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_RAFA_Anneli_Kruve_5119012e5d.jpg 155w," sizes="100vw" width="899" height="900"><h5>Role of AI in the identification of emerging food systems risks</h5><ul><li>Ákos Bernard Jóźwiak from Syreon Research Institute, Budapest, Hungary</li></ul>AI-assisted evidence synthesis – spanning curated scientific evidence, exposome data, and network analysis – is the backbone of next-generation emerging chemical food safety risk identification, enabling earlier signals and more resilient surveillance systems.<h5>Challenges of microplastics analysis in the context of food safety</h5><ul><li>Dorte Herzke from Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway</li></ul>Food and food packaging are major sources of micro- and nanoplastic exposure. Plastics used in processing, storage, and packaging can release particles through heat, abrasion, and degradation. Small particles below 2 µm may cross gut barriers and carry chemicals, highlighting the need for robust and sensitive measurement methods.<h5>Never-ending analytical challenges in PFAS analysis of food</h5><ul><li>Darina Dvořáková from University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czechia</li></ul>Exploring and monitoring PFAS in food requires advanced strategies. Combining targeted, suspect, and non-target HRMS analysis, determination of total fluorine and sum parameters, and novel sensors provides new insights into PFAS occurrence and supports food safety monitoring.<h5>An overview of the latest scientific knowledge on process contaminants in food for appropriate risk management measures</h5><ul><li>Thierry Delatour from Nestlé Research, Lausanne, Switzerland.</li></ul>Recent scientific findings related to acrylamide and furans formation, occurrence and analytical methods in food provide important insights for risk management.

Invited Speakers at RAFA 2026 Symposium

Article

Events

Academy

Video

Scientists

Software

RAFA provides an overview of contemporary trends in ANALYTICAL & BIOANALYTICAL STRATEGIES IN FOOD QUALITY AND SAFETY CONTROL and discusses CHALLENGES / NOVEL APPROACHES IN FOOD AND NATURAL PRODUCTS ANALYSIS.

Recent Advances in Food Analysis (RAFA)

Eurachem is a European network promoting international traceability of chemical measurements and good analytical practice. It provides expert guidance, supports method validation, uncertainty evaluation, proficiency testing, and facilitates discussion on technical and policy issues in analytical quality.

Eurachem

My main interest is the identification of organic compounds by mass spectrometry in organic mixtures.

James Little/Mass Spec Interpretation Services

Watrex Helium Saver – intelligent helium savings for GC/MS

Helium Saver™ by Watrex Praha cuts helium use in GC/MS. It auto-switches to nitrogen when idle, prevents manual errors, and lowers costs without sacrificing analytical quality.

An automated device that significantly reduces helium consumption in gas chromatography. It switches between helium and nitrogen according to the set schedule, eliminates errors from manual switching, and lowers operating costs – without compromising measurement quality. Easy configuration via USB, universally compatible with any GC/MS system.&nbsp;Helium Saver™ by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://watrex.com/?utm_source=labrulez&amp;utm_medium=propagace&amp;utm_campaign=labrulez_produkty">Watrex Praha</a> is an innovative device designed for gas chromatography (GC) and GC/MS systems, providing an efficient answer to the rising costs of helium. Helium is indispensable for GC/MS thanks to its inertness and separation properties, but it is scarce, expensive, and its price continues to increase.&nbsp;<h4>How does Helium Saver™ work?&nbsp;</h4>The device automatically switches between helium and nitrogen according to a user-defined schedule:&nbsp;<ul><li>during measurements, helium is used,&nbsp;</li><li>outside of working hours (e.g., overnight), the system runs on nitrogen,&nbsp;</li><li>before the start of the working day, the chromatograph is automatically flushed with helium, ensuring it is ready for analysis.&nbsp;</li></ul>This process eliminates the need for manual switching, reduces human error, and significantly lowers helium consumption.&nbsp;<h4>Key Benefits&nbsp;</h4><ul><li>Helium and cost savings&nbsp;– consumption of helium reduced by tens of percent.</li><li>No compromise in measurement quality&nbsp;– analyses are always performed under optimal conditions.&nbsp;</li><li>Easy USB configuration&nbsp;– the device connects as a flash drive, settings can be edited in any text editor, no special software required.&nbsp;</li><li>Universal compatibility&nbsp;– easily integrates with any GC/MS system.&nbsp;</li><li>Automatic and manual modes&nbsp;– flexible operation depending on laboratory needs.&nbsp;</li><li>Multi-instrument support&nbsp;– can be configured for multiple gas chromatographs simultaneously.&nbsp;</li></ul><h4>Why choose Helium Saver™?&nbsp;</h4>Helium Saver™ is the ideal choice for laboratories aiming to cut operating costs, increase efficiency, and contribute to more sustainable use of helium – a limited natural resource. The device combines user-friendly operation with intelligent automation, offering a modern solution for everyday laboratory practice.

ARC Polyarc System

A Breakthrough Innovation Revolutionizing GC/FID Technology. The Polyarc System is transforming the way scientists use gas chromatographs with Flame Ionization Detectors.

The Polyarc system has a catalytic microreactor that enhances new and existing gas chromatographs (GCs) with flame ionization detectors (FIDs) by converting all organic compounds to methane molecules prior to their detection by the FID. In doing so, the Polyarc system reduces the need to perform time-consuming calibrations by creating a uniform detector response for truly universal carbon detection.
The Polyarc system gives scientists the capability to determine purity, quantify unknowns, qualify products, investigate, improve development and more in a simple, fast and more economical way that is transforming the industry.
<blockquote>
Available for gas chromatographs (GC) <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products?category=1&amp;manufacturerItems=10">Agilent</a> 5890, 6890, 7820, 7890, 8890, <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products?category=1&amp;manufacturerItems=1">Shimadzu</a> 2030, <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products?category=1&amp;manufacturerItems=3">Thermo Fisher</a>, Varian, Bruker a Scion GC.
</blockquote>
<h3>What is Polyarc?</h3>
The Polyarc is the next evolution of flame ionization detection (FID). The Polyarc converts the FID into a truly universal carbon detector using proprietary catalytic reactions that convert organic molecules to methane immediately prior to detection.
<h3>Why is it important?</h3>
The FID has two main challenges: lack of uniform response and low response to certain compounds. The Polyarc enhances your FID to solve these challenges by giving your FID a uniform response to nearly all organic molecules. The result is more accurate data, improved productivity, lab efficiencies, and the ability to detect more compounds.
<h3>How Does the Polyarc® System Work to Simplify and Improve GC/FID Quantification?</h3>
The Polyarc system has a catalytic microreactor that enhances GC/FIDs by converting all organic compounds to methane molecules prior to detection by the FID. The result?
A universal response for ALL organic molecules.
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ARC_Polyarc_FID_vs_FID_Response_Factors_0f9c958558/ARC-PolyarcFID-vs-FID-Response-Factors.jpg" alt="ARC: Comaprison of Polyarc/FID vs FID Response Factors.jpg"/>
<h3>The Polyarc System Features an Optimized Design and Seamless Integration</h3>
The Polyarc system is the first commercial technology of its kind. The device uses proprietary technologies including novel catalysts, a specially designed 3D-printed micro reactor, and fast seamless integration into existing equipment.
The optimized internal design and catalyst microstructure maintains separation performance and peak shape while increasing sensitivity and enabling accurate quantification without calibration standards.
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ARC_Optimalizovany_design_a_specialne_navrzeny_3_D_tisteny_mikroreaktor_Polyarc_70ccedc41e/ARC-Optimalizovany-design-a-specialne-navrzeny-3D-tisteny-mikroreaktor-Polyarc.jpg" alt="ARC: Specially designed 3D-printed micro reactor Polyarc"/>
<h3>Perform Cutting-Edge Chromatography on Any Organic Compound with a Polyarc® System</h3>
Realize a greater breadth of analysis with improved detection of compounds previously invisible or with an extremely low sensitivity by gas chromatography using FID only — while reducing the need for time intensive calibration.
The careful selection and robust catalyst design enables the analysis of a wide variety of compounds including a range of heteroatoms, compounds of various sizes, and samples containing common catalytic poisons (e.g., S).
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ARC_Analyza_siroke_skaly_sloucenin_pomoci_Polyarc_systemu_3e18241358/ARC-Analyza-siroke-skaly-sloucenin-pomoci-Polyarc-systemu.png" alt="ARC: Polyarc system enables the analysis of a wide variety of compounds"/>
<h3>How Does the Polyarc System Compare to a Methanizer?</h3>
A conventional methanizer converts CO and CO₂ to methane, allowing low level FID detection of CO and CO₂. The significant advantage of the Polyarc system is that it converts all compounds to methane, allowing not only for the detection of CO and CO₂ , but also millions of other organic compounds.
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ARC_Srovnani_systemu_Polyarc_s_metanizerem_7df16e09c7/ARC-Srovnani-systemu-Polyarc-s-metanizerem.jpg" alt="ARC: Comparison of the Polyarc System with a metanizer"/>

ARC Jetanizer (Methanizer)

The Jetanizer is the easiest and most robust methanizer.

<h3>What is Jetanizer™?</h3>
The Jetanizer is the easiest and most robust methanizer. A methanizer is a chemical reactor that converts carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide to methane to enable sensitive detection by a flame ionization detector (FID) from &lt;20 ppb to 100%!
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ARC_Analyza_CO_2_od_1ppm_do_100_s_pouzitim_GC_jetanizeru_FID_9c922be2e9/ARC-Analyza-CO2-od-1ppm-do-100percent-s-pouzitim-GC-jetanizeru-FID.jpg" alt="ARC: CO₂ analysis from 1ppm to 100% with GC/Jetanizer/FID"/>
<h3>Why is it important?</h3>
<h4>Low-level detection of CO and CO₂ is important in:</h4>
<ul>
<li>catalysis </li>
<li>hydrogen (H₂) purity analysis </li>
<li>dissolved gas analysis (DGA)</li>
<li>greenhouse gas (GHG) analysis, </li>
<li>transformer oil gas analysis (TOGA)</li>
<li>ethylene/propylene monomers analysis </li>
<li>safe entry analysis, and more</li>
</ul>
Traditionally, large nickel-catalyst-filled tube methanizers are used, however, they are prone to frequent failures, and they are difficult and time consuming to operate and maintain. 
<blockquote>
Legacy nickel catalyst methanizers take 2-6 hours to install and replace. Jetanizers take &lt;5 minutes.
</blockquote>
ARC’s Jetanizer solves these challenges by improving response, robustness and ease of installation, by incorporating state-of-the-art catalysts into an FID jet. Moreover, the Jetanizer enables low level &lt;1 ppm formaldehyde analysis by GC avoiding the pitfalls of HPLC analysis of formaldehyde.
<blockquote>
For use with these GC models: <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products?category=1&amp;manufacturerItems=10">Agilent 5890, 6890, 7890, 8890, Intuvo</a>, <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products?category=1&amp;manufacturerItems=1">Shimadzu 2010, 2030 GC</a>.
</blockquote>
<h3>Benefits over Traditional Methanizers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Lower up-front cost</li>
<li>No extra plumbing: minimize fittings and leaks</li>
<li>No extra heater or controller: utilizes heat from FID</li>
<li>FAST installation: Less than 5 minutes</li>
<li>Ability to be used with formaldehyde</li>
<li>Higher sulfur tolerance</li>
<li>Higher catalytic activity = larger linear dynamic range</li>
<li>Free up space on the GC</li>
<li>No toxic metals: The Jetanizer™ does not contain nickel catalysts</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ARC_Kalibrace_analyzy_CO_2_s_pouzitim_GC_jetanizeru_FID_2f0b6171fc/ARC-Kalibrace-analyzy-CO2-s-pouzitim-GC-jetanizeru-FID.jpg" alt="ARC: CO₂ analysis calibration with GC/Jetanizer/FID"/>

ARC ISOTOPE (COMBUSTION REACTOR FOR IRMS)

The World’s First Low Temperature Combustion Reactor for GCC-IRMS

Winner of <a href="https://theanalyticalscientist.com/techniques-tools/tasias-2018-strokes-of-genius">The Analytical Scientist Innovation Awards in 2018</a>, the ARC Isotope was developed for low-temperature combustion of steroids and hydrocarbons for carbon isotope measurements. 
The system easily integrates into existing instrumentation and outperforms conventional combustion reactors.
<h3>GCC-IRMS Chromatograms of steroids and alkanes using the ARC Isotope reactor show excellent performance and operability compared with legacy reactors.</h3>
<h4>Advantages Include:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Excellent Performance</li>
<li>Lower Operating Temperature</li>
<li>Reduced Complexity</li>
<li>Improved Robustness</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ARC_GCC_IRMS_chromatogramy_steroidu_a_alkanu_s_pouzitim_reaktoru_ARC_ISOTOPE_d6299edd7a/ARC-GCC-IRMS-chromatogramy-steroidu-a-alkanu-s-pouzitim-reaktoru-ARC-ISOTOPE.jpg" alt="ARC: GCC-IRMS chromatograms of steroids and alkanes using ARC ISOTOPE reactor"/>
Data provided by Tobias, H.J., et al., Analytical Chemistry, <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.analchem.8b05043">Read More</a>

Products from category Advanced technologies focused on GC - page 1

Related content

Invited Speakers at RAFA 2026 Symposium

Raw Data Files for EI Low Resolution in the Identifications Folder

Metrological Traceability of Analytical Results