<p><strong>Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezGCMS Library in the week of 3rd August 2026? Check out new documents from the field of the gas phase, especially GC and GC/MS techniques!</strong></p><blockquote><p><span style="font-size:20px;">👉 </span><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library"><span style="font-size:20px;"><strong>SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT GCMS AND RELATED TECHNIQUES</strong></span></a></p></blockquote><blockquote><p><strong>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques?</strong> Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezLCMS</strong></a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library"><strong>LabRulezICPMS</strong></a> libraries.</p></blockquote><p>This week we bring you application notes by <strong>Agilent Technologies </strong>and<strong> Shimadzu </strong>and presentation by<strong> MDCW / University of Alberta!</strong></p><h3><strong>1. Agilent Technologies: Analysis of Trace Impurities in Monocyclic Aromatic Solvents Following ASTM D7504</strong></h3><p><strong>Dual simultaneous analysis using the Agilent 8860B gas chromatograph</strong></p><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_trace_impurity_aromatic_solvents_analysis_astm_d7504_8860_gc_5994_9316en_agilent_c9fa6868e6.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><section><div><div><div><div><div><div><p>The production of high-purity monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX), is a cornerstone of the modern petrochemical industry. These compounds serve as essential feedstocks for the synthesis of plastics, resins, and textiles. Because even trace impurities can adversely affect downstream chemical reactions and product quality, rigorous analytical testing is required to ensure these intermediates meet strict commercial specifications.&nbsp;</p><p>ASTM D7504 is the industry-standard test method for determining the purity of, and trace impurities in, monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using gas chromatography (GC) with flame ionization detector (FID).1 This method is favored for its streamlined workflow; it utilizes effective carbon number (ECN) correction factors for area normalization. This eliminates the need for labor-intensive, multipoint calibrations for every individual impurity, allowing laboratories to calculate purity and quantify trace nonaromatics and aromatics with high precision.&nbsp;</p><p>The application scope of ASTM D7504 covers a wide array of aromatic liquids, including benzene, toluene, mixed xylenes, and styrene. To comply with the method's stringent performance requirements, the GC system must&nbsp;demonstrate:&nbsp;</p><ul><li><strong>High sensitivity: </strong>A limit of quantitation (LOQ) of at least 0.0006% by mass.</li><li><strong>Good resolution: </strong>Maintaining a valley-to-peak ratio of no more than 50% for critical separations (such as p-xylene and m-xylene).&nbsp;</li><li><strong>Strict precision: </strong>Highly reproducible peak areas to ensure accurate purity calculations.</li></ul><p>Implementing ASTM D7504 on a dual-channel GC/FID platform—where two independent analytical channels configured with identical injectors, columns, and detectors operate within a single GC oven—provides significant operational advantages:&nbsp;</p><ol><li>Enhanced laboratory throughput: By performing two injections simultaneously, the test lab can double its sample capacity per instrument, effectively reducing the cost-per-analysis and maximizing hardware ROI.&nbsp;</li><li>Method flexibility and redundancy: A dual-channel set up allows a lab to run different sample types (such as toluene on the front channel and xylene on the back) in a single oven cycle. Furthermore, it provides an immediate "back up" channel to maintain uptime during routine&nbsp;maintenance.&nbsp;</li></ol><p>For the system to be considered reliable, both channels should meet ASTM D7504 sensitivity, resolution, and precision requirements. In addition, both channels should yield consistent quantitative results for the same sample. The reproducibility limit (R) demonstrated in ASTM D7504 interlaboratory testing will be used to evaluate the result consistency between the two channels.</p><p>ASTM D7504 recommends helium and hydrogen as carrier gas. In China, major Chinese petrochemical companies often align their internal quality control standards directly with ASTM D7504 when testing for export of high-purity chemical intermediates. Because nitrogen is commonly used in China, they commonly adapt the ASTM D7504 method to use nitrogen carrier gas.&nbsp;</p><p>This application note demonstrates how dual-channel analysis on the Agilent 8860B GC, following ASTM D7504, delivers consistent and high-precision data using three types of carrier gas.</p><h4><strong>Experimental</strong></h4><p>An <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=8860B"><strong>Agilent 8860B GC</strong></a><strong> </strong>was configured with dual split/splitless inlets and dual flame ionization detectors (FIDs). The sample introduction was made by dual <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=7693A"><strong>Agilent 7693A automatic liquid samplers (ALS)</strong></a> with high density turrets (16-vial). The analytical parameters and consumables are summarized in Tables 1 and 2. Data acquisition and analysis were conducted using <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=OpenLab+CDS"><strong>Agilent OpenLab CDS version 2.8</strong></a></p><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>The Agilent 8860B gas chromatography system configured with two identical analytical channels are applied for impurity analysis in monocyclic aromatic solvents using three carrier gases. Each analytical channel was evaluated according to the ASTM D7504 method in terms of resolution, sensitivity, quantitation precision, and recovery with satisfactory results. The quantitation results between the two channels are consistent with each other.&nbsp;</p><ul><li>Column resolution compounds pair demonstrated good separation with H/V no less than 5:1 for 300 ppm m-xylene and p-xylene solvent.&nbsp;</li><li>The LODs achieved for benzene on each analytical channel are less than 0.0001%, exceeding the 0.0002% LOD required by ASTM D7504.&nbsp;</li><li>The response and mass concentration precisions of most impurities in check standards are below 1%, meeting or exceeding the precision requirements in D7504.&nbsp;</li><li>Excellent recovery results, ranging from 93 to 105%, was achieved for added impurities, indicating good quantification accuracy based on the 8860B GC system.&nbsp;</li><li>The quantitation difference of all probe impurities between two channels is less than the reproducibility thresholds (R), demonstrating excellent across channel consistency</li></ul><p>Besides great instrument performance, the Agilent OpenLab CDS software can realize ECN based normalization for easy and fast quantitation and report generation. The 8860B dual channel GC system coupled with the OpenLab CDS software provides an accurate and reliable analysis of impurities in monocyclic aromatic solvents with satisfactory precision. Lab productivity can be improved significantly compared to the single channel analytical system.</p><h3><strong>2. MDCW / University of Alberta: Leveraging Local Libraries for Positively Parsimonious Peak Tables</strong></h3><ul><li>Presentation</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/O_6_Harynuk_f005bdafaf.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><section><div><div><div><div><div><div><p>James J. Harynuk’s presentation, <strong>“Leveraging Local Libraries for Positively Parsimonious Peak Tables,”</strong> explores how custom mass spectral libraries can simplify and improve compound identification in complex GC×GC-(HR)MS datasets. GC×GC-MS is widely applied in petroleum, environmental, food/flavour, and omics research, where samples can contain hundreds or thousands of peaks. While expanded separation space, cleaner spectra, retention patterns, and high-resolution accurate-mass data provide strong identification capabilities, converting large datasets into coherent peak tables with consistent compound assignments across multiple samples remains challenging.</p><p>The presentation demonstrates the approach using a field pea study investigating how nitrogen availability influences plant metabolism and volatile organic compounds. A conventional workflow based on peak finding and library searching can generate very large peak tables and inconsistent assignments. Incorporating retention indices (RI) and LECO’s Identification Grading System (IGS) substantially reduces the number of questionable peaks. In one example, a pea sample containing <strong>789 detected peaks was reduced to 146 retained peaks</strong> after RI filtering and IGS scoring, producing a much more manageable dataset. However, conventional libraries still struggle with isomers and with compounds that repeatedly occur in a laboratory’s samples but cannot yet be confidently identified—the presentation calls these <strong>“unknown knowns.”</strong></p><p>Harynuk therefore proposes building a <strong>custom local HRMS library</strong> containing not only standards and confidently identified compounds, but also reproducible unknown features. To qualify for inclusion, a peak should have a high-quality spectrum, S/N &gt;100, chromatographic purity, occurrence in multiple technical replicates, an assigned retention index, and a unique identifier. Crucially, the exact chemical identity does not need to be known: an unknown but reproducible feature can receive an internal identifier such as “JJH-001” and be updated later as more information becomes available. This allows laboratories to retain analytically meaningful recurring signals instead of discarding them simply because a definitive library identification is unavailable.</p><p>The results show that combining a custom library with local RI data and IGS filtering improves both the consistency and efficiency of peak-table generation. Compounds with IGS scores ≥3.0 were generally assigned the same identification across samples when the custom library was used, while reliance on NIST and IGS alone produced less consistent results. After correcting only a small number of problematic identifications per peak table, retention-index errors for custom-library entries dropped dramatically—in the evaluated samples, typically to around <strong>0.5–1.9 RI units</strong>. The key recommendation is therefore straightforward: <strong>build a custom MS library, include recurring “unknown knowns,” collect local retention-index data, and apply identification-quality filters</strong> to obtain cleaner and more consistent GC×GC-MS peak tables with substantially less manual effort.</p><h3><strong>3. Shimadzu: Simultaneous Analysis of Pesticide Residues in Food Using Triple Quadrupole GC-MS/MS with SPL Mode of a Multimode injection Unit (MMI)</strong></h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_01234_en_d8cff47c74.pdf"><strong>Full PDF for download</strong></a></li></ul><h4><strong>User benefits</strong></h4><ul><li>The MMI’s rapid heating and cooling technology significantly reduces waiting time during inlet maintenance, improving instrument uptime.&nbsp;</li><li>The Smart Pesticides Database enables automatic creation of analytical methods without the need for pesticide standards.&nbsp;</li><li>Peakintelligence for GCMS uses AI-based peak processing to deliver highly accurate analysis with no parameter settings required</li></ul><p>GC-MS/MS is an indispensable tool for the simultaneous analysis of pesticide residues in food. However, improving productivity in high-throughput workflows remains a persistent challenge. With the increasing use of simplified sample preparation methods such as QuEChERS, contamination of the inlet by matrix components is unavoidable, and frequent inlet maintenance, including liner replacement, is often required. Because this maintenance involves both cooling the inlet and waiting for temperature re-stabilization afterward, it can become a major source of instrument downtime.&nbsp;</p><p>The newly developed Multi-Mode Inlet (MMI) incorporates Shimadzu’s proprietary thermal insulation technology, providing excellent temperature stability together with rapid heating and cooling performance. While maintaining high data compatibility with conventional split/splitless inlets, the MMI significantly reduces the waiting time associated with inlet maintenance.</p><p>In this Application News, simultaneous multiresidue analysis in SPL mode is demonstrated for four food matrices with different characteristics - spinach, orange, avocado, and ginger - using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=GCMS-TQ+8040+RX"><strong>GCMS-TQ 8040 RX triple quadrupole</strong> </a>GC-MS/MS equipped with the MMI.</p><h4><strong>Data Analysis&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>LabSolutions Insight, a quantitative data processing software package designed for high-throughput sample analysis, was used for data analysis, with Peakintelligence for GCMS applied as the peak integration algorithm (Fig. 6). Peakintelligence is an AI-based waveform processing algorithm that uses machine learning to emulate the peak processing performed by experienced analysts. It requires no operator-defined parameter settings and provides peak integration performance comparable to that of skilled users.&nbsp;</p><p>For more information on improving the efficiency of pesticide data analysis using Peakintelligence for GCMS, please refer to Application News 01-00585-EN, “<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_00585_en_7e311a3c77/an_01-00585-en.pdf"><strong>Time-Saving Data Processing for Pesticide Residues with Peakintelligence for GCMS</strong></a>.”</p><h4><strong>Conclusion&nbsp;</strong></h4><p>In this Application News, an example of simultaneous multiresidue pesticide analysis in food using a triple quadrupole GC-MS/MS equipped with a Multi-Mode Inlet (MMI) was presented. By adopting the MMI, instrument downtime associated with inlet maintenance can be significantly reduced while maintaining high quantitative performance. In addition, by combining automated method creation with the Smart Pesticides Database and efficient data analysis using the AIbased waveform processing algorithm Peakintelligence for GCMS, highly accurate results were obtained even for complex food matrices. This system optimizes the overall analytical workflow, from method development and maintenance to data analysis, and can make a substantial contribution to improving productivity in high-throughput pesticide residue analysis.</p></div></div></div></div></div></div></section></div></div></div></div></div></div></section>

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 32, 2026

<p><strong>Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) is a powerful analytical technique widely used for compound identification, quantification, and structural elucidation. By coupling the separation efficiency of gas chromatography (GC) with the detection and identification capabilities of mass spectrometry (MS), GC-MS enables highly sensitive and specific chemical analysis.&nbsp;</strong></p><p>Understanding how GC-MS works, and its underlying principles, helps scientists optimize analytical workflows, improve accuracy, and troubleshoot effectively whether in environmental testing, drug development, or forensic investigations.</p><h3><strong>What is GC-MS?</strong></h3><p>GC-MS is a hybrid analytical technique that combines the separation power of gas chromatography with the molecular identification capability of mass spectrometry.</p><p>In gas chromatography, a vaporized sample is carried by an inert gas (such as helium or hydrogen) through a capillary column coated with a stationary phase. Each compound interacts differently with the stationary phase depending on its volatility and polarity, causing them to separate as they elute at distinct retention times.</p><p>As compounds exit the column, they enter the mass spectrometer, where they are ionized and fragmented. The mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of these ions is measured, producing a mass spectrum, a unique molecular fingerprint that enables unambiguous compound identification and quantification.</p><p>This seamless coupling of GC and MS enhances analytical performance by combining chromatographic separation with mass-based detection, allowing even trace-level compounds to be analyzed in complex matrices.</p><h3><strong>Principle of GC-MS</strong></h3><p>The principle of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry involves two fundamental processes:</p><h4><strong>Separation by Gas Chromatography</strong></h4><p>Compounds are vaporized and separated in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products?category=7&amp;manufacturerItems=50"><strong>GC column</strong></a> based on their boiling points and interaction strength with the stationary phase. Less volatile compounds or those with stronger affinity for the column elute later, giving each component a unique retention time.</p><h4><strong>Detection by Mass Spectrometry</strong></h4><p>As compounds elute, they are introduced into the MS, where they undergo ionization commonly by electron impact or chemical ionization. Ionization produces charged fragments that are separated in a mass analyzer according to their mass-to-charge (m/z) ratio. The resulting mass spectra serve as fingerprints that enable identification and quantitation through comparison with spectral libraries.</p><p>This dual process allows GC-MS to distinguish structurally similar molecules and perform trace-level analyses in complex mixtures with exceptional accuracy.</p><h3><strong>Step-by-Step Working of GC-MS</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Sample Introduction:</strong> A liquid or gaseous sample is introduced into the GC, typically with a split or splitless inlet, where it is vaporized immediately.</li><li><strong>Separation in GC Column:</strong> The carrier gas propels the vaporized sample through a long capillary column. Compounds interact with the stationary phase, and those with greater affinity or lower volatility move slower, thus separating from other compounds.</li><li><strong>Transfer to MS:</strong> As separated analytes elute, they are transferred into the mass spectrometer via a heated interface.</li><li><strong>Ionization and Fragmentation:</strong> In the MS, an ion source generates charged ions and fragments. These fragments reflect the compound’s structure.</li><li><strong>Mass Analysis:</strong> The mass analyzer (commonly a quadrupole, but also ion trap or TOF) separates ions by m/z. Each analyte produces a unique mass spectrum.</li><li><strong>Detection and Data Output:</strong> Detectors (e.g., electron multipliers) record signal intensities at each m/z, producing a total ion chromatogram (TIC) and mass spectra, which the data system interprets for compound identification and quantification.</li></ul><h3><strong>Applications of GC-MS</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Forensic Science:</strong> Used in toxicology, drug identification, and arson investigations, GC-MS provides highly specific detection of trace evidence and controlled substances.</li><li><strong>Pharmaceuticals:</strong> Supports drug purity testing, residual solvent analysis, and metabolite profiling during formulation and quality control.</li><li><strong>Environmental Testing:</strong> Monitors pesticides, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and pollutants in air, water, and soil samples to ensure regulatory compliance.</li><li><strong>Food Safety:</strong> Detects contaminants, additives, and flavor compounds to maintain product safety and authenticity.</li><li><strong>Clinical and Biomedical Research:</strong> Used in metabolomics and clinical diagnostics to identify volatile biomarkers and metabolites relevant to disease states.</li></ul><h3><strong>Key Benefits of Using GC-MS</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>High Sensitivity and Specificity:</strong> Detects trace-level compounds in complex matrices.</li><li><strong>Comprehensive Structural Information:</strong> Mass spectra provide molecular fingerprints for precise identification.</li><li><strong>Separation and Identification Combined:</strong> Minimizes matrix interference and enhances quantitation accuracy.</li><li><strong>Wide Application Range:</strong> Suitable for environmental, pharmaceutical, food, and forensic testing.</li><li><strong>Extensive Spectral Libraries:</strong> Enables rapid identification of known and unknown compounds.</li></ul><p>A solid understanding of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.phenomenex.com/resources/knowledge-center/gc-knowledge-center/understanding-the-essential-components-of-gas-chromatography"><strong>components of gas chromatography</strong></a> such as injectors, columns, and detectors helps analysts optimize GC-MS system performance and ensure accurate, reproducible results.</p>

GC-MS: Principles of How it Works?

<p><strong>In late February 2025, a train carrying benzene derailed in Hustopeče nad Bečvou, and within hours, a race was on to save the groundwater and surface water. One of the most toxic industrial substances began seeping into the gravel-sand subsoil. While fieldwork was underway to prevent the spread of contamination, decisions were already being made in the CXI TUL laboratories regarding how to subsequently clean up the contaminated rock environment.</strong></p><p>The accident ranks among the <strong>most serious environmental incidents in the Czech Republic in recent years</strong>. After a tanker train derailed, hundreds of<strong> metric tons of benzene leaked</strong>; due to the highly permeable geological subsoil, it quickly seeped into deeper soil layers and into the groundwater. The combination of the substance’s high toxicity and local conditions complicated both the emergency response and the subsequent remediation. The key was to stop further spread, determine the extent of the contamination, and establish a remediation strategy for the entire site.</p><p>It was at this stage that CXI TUL became involved in the solution. At the request of the renowned remediation company DEKONTA, a.s., a team led by <strong>RNDr. Jan Němeček, Ph.D.</strong>, began testing the feasibility of the<strong> in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) method</strong>. This technology is designed to<strong> break down benzene directly within the rock matrix</strong>, without the need for extensive excavation of contaminated soil or the pumping out of large volumes of groundwater. The goal was simple: to find a method that would work quickly, safely, and under the actual conditions of the affected site.</p><h4><strong>Benzene Remediation: Technically Simple, Complicated in Practice</strong></h4><p>Benzene is a highly toxic and carcinogenic substance that rapidly penetrates into groundwater in permeable subsoil, where it dissolves and spreads further as the water flows toward surface water bodies. Benzene also binds to rock particles and migrates in the form of vapors into overlying unconsolidated layers.</p><p>Scientists in Liberec therefore tested <i>in situ </i>chemical oxidation (ISCO) technology under laboratory conditions. The goal was to find an oxidant capable of breaking down benzene directly underground into less hazardous substances.</p><p>The tests evaluated two main options:<strong> activated hydrogen peroxide and sodium peroxodisulfate</strong>. Both substances removed up to<strong> 99.99% of the benzene</strong>, but there was a difference in their kinetics and impacts on the natural environment. Activated hydrogen peroxide achieved nearly complete degradation of the contaminant within a single day. Activated sodium peroxodisulfate was slower and also significantly altered the chemistry of the water; it acidified the environment and increased the sulfate content in the water, which poses an additional environmental burden.</p><p>For field applications, the researchers therefore unequivocally recommended <strong>activated hydrogen peroxide</strong>.</p><h4><strong>Dosage Matters</strong></h4><p>It was not just the oxidant’s effectiveness that was key. It was equally important to determine how the chemical reaction would behave in a real geological environment. The team of scientists therefore also analyzed what is known as <strong>soil oxidant consumption (SOD)</strong>. It turned out that a significant portion of the oxidizing agent does not react solely with benzene but is also consumed to a significant extent by the rock environment itself, particularly by natural organic substances present in the fine-grained fraction of the soil.</p><p>An oxidant consumption value was determined specifically for the local composition of the aquifers, which is essential for the correct dosing of chemicals in the field so that the remediation is not only effective but also economically viable and safe for surrounding ecosystems.</p><h4><strong>One Year After the Accident: Research Turns into Real-World Assistance</strong></h4><p>While the public often perceives university science as a distant world of laboratories and grant projects, it is precisely situations like this that demonstrate its practical impact. The results of the work by researchers at CXI TUL did not remain confined to academic studies but directly influenced decisions regarding the technology used to clean up one of the largest environmental accidents in recent years.</p>

Science on the Front Lines: Cleanup of a Benzene Spill

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Phenomenex is a global technology leader committed to developing novel analytical chemistry solutions that solve the separation and purification challenges of researchers in industrial, government and academic laboratories.

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The Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovations of the Technical University of Liberec, also known as CXI TUL, was founded in 2009. Our mission is to support TUL's long-term vision of collaboration with industry and innovation.

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LECO Paradigm Flow Modulator and Shift Flow Splitter

Paradigm RFF Flow Modulator with Shift Flow Splitter boosts GC×GC peak capacity while maintaining constant MS/FID split ratios, enabling accurate, repeatable quantitation across full volatility ranges.

<p><strong>The Paradigm Flow Modulator with Reverse Fill-Flush (RFF) technology dramatically expands chromatographic peak capacity across the full volatility range while preserving quantitative accuracy. The RFF modulator fills a fixed-volume sample loop with effluent from the first-dimension column and then rapidly flushes it onto an orthogonal second-dimension stationary phase. This true comprehensive GC×GC transfer ensures excellent repeatability, robust quantitation, and high-quality separations for complex samples.</strong></p><h3><strong>Key features</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Reverse Fill-Flush (RFF) modulation</strong> for true comprehensive GC×GC with complete analyte transfer</li><li><strong>Novel chromatography splitter</strong> with two channels of pressure assistance</li><li><strong>Designed for high flows</strong> required for RFF modulation (≈20 mL/min)</li><li><strong>Constant MS/FID split ratio</strong> maintained throughout the entire run, including oven temperature ramps</li></ul><h3><strong>ChromaTOF makes modulation simple</strong></h3><p>Paradigm eliminates complex offline flow calculations. Integrated <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/41"><strong>ChromaTOF® software</strong></a> automatically performs all required calculations via a straightforward interface. The resulting methods are optimized to deliver complete analyte transfer, excellent peak shapes, and high chromatographic resolution—without manual trial-and-error.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Chromatof_flow_calculation_6b8ca60f99.jpg" alt="LECO Paradigm Flow Modulator and Shift Flow Splitter: ChromaTOF Software identifies method calculation improvements for RFF modulation" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_Chromatof_flow_calculation_6b8ca60f99.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="670" height="426"></p><h3><strong>A shift forward in chromatographic analyses</strong></h3><p>The <strong>Shift Flow Splitter</strong> introduces a novel splitting mechanism that maintains a constant split ratio between MS and FID across the full GC oven program. Compared to traditional splitters, Shift delivers superior quantitative accuracy with minimal internal standardization, greatly simplifying compound-level and group-type quantitation in GC and GC×GC workflows.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_LECO_Paradigm_G_Cx_GC_prutokovy_modulator_a_Shift_splitter_5_245c7c2fde.jpg" alt="LECO Paradigm Flow Modulator and Shift Flow Splitter:   Close-up on the Shift Flow Splitter installed in a GC oven" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_LECO_Paradigm_G_Cx_GC_prutokovy_modulator_a_Shift_splitter_5_245c7c2fde.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="2925" height="825"></p><h3><strong>Software-optimized detector performance</strong></h3><p>ChromaTOF automatically balances and optimizes the flow directed to TOFMS and FID, ensuring proper peak shapes and matched sensitivity for reliable qualitative and quantitative results.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Optimize_flow_e51d505415.jpg" alt="LECO Paradigm Flow Modulator and Shift Flow Splitter:   ChromaTOF Software automatically optimizes flow rates" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_Optimize_flow_e51d505415.jpg 207w," sizes="100vw" width="808" height="608"></p>

LECO QuadJet™ SD

GC×GC-FID system combining thermal modulation and ChromaTOF software to reduce coelution bias, boost resolution, and deliver accurate quantitation of complex samples—without sacrificing productivity.

<p><strong>The QuadJet SD is a comprehensive GC×GC-FID solution designed to reveal the true chemical composition of complex real-world samples. By combining the universal sensitivity of flame ionization detection (FID) with the dramatically increased chromatographic resolution of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC), QuadJet SD minimizes coelution-driven bias and delivers a far more accurate representation of sample composition than conventional one-dimensional GC.</strong></p><p>Unlike straight GC-FID, where unresolved peaks inflate detector response and introduce systematic error, GC×GC separates compounds using two orthogonal mechanisms within a single run. True GC×GC instruments—such as the QuadJet SD from <span>LECO</span>—use active modulation to quantitatively slice the effluent from the first column and refocus it onto the second column. This approach preserves quantitative integrity while unlocking orders-of-magnitude gains in peak capacity and signal-to-noise ratio.</p><h3><strong>Key Benefits</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Enhanced separation power</strong> for highly complex mixtures</li><li><strong>Reduced noise and bias error</strong> compared to conventional GC-FID</li><li><strong>Integrated </strong><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/41"><strong>ChromaTOF-based software</strong></a> for acquisition, processing, classification, and reporting in one environment</li><li><strong>Classification tools</strong> that simplify component identification</li><li><strong>Cryogen-free modulation option</strong> eliminates the need for liquid nitrogen dewars</li></ul><h3><strong>Theory of Operation</strong></h3><p>In GC-FID analysis, compound quantitation relies on peak area. As sample complexity increases—diesel fuels being a classic example with thousands of constituents—the likelihood of coelution rises sharply. Coeluting compounds produce artificially elevated FID responses, leading to high-bias errors.</p><p>GC×GC overcomes this limitation by performing two independent chromatographic separations in a single experiment. Thanks to the orthogonal selectivity of the two columns, compounds that coelute in the first dimension are efficiently separated in the second. In the QuadJet SD, eluting peaks from the primary column are quantitatively segmented by the modulator and cryo-focused before entering the secondary column, generating extremely narrow second-dimension peaks—often as short as <strong>50 ms</strong>—while maintaining accurate quantitation.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Quad_Jet_SD_2_bbb51b2254/LECO-QuadJettm-SD-2_l.webp" alt="LECO: QuadJet™ SD 2 – Processing of acquired GC×GC data using LECO ChromaTOF software" width="923" height="543"></p><h3><strong>Thermal Modulation</strong></h3><p>Thermal modulation represents the highest-performance approach for GC×GC, and LECO’s implementation sets the benchmark for ruggedness, reliability, and analytical performance. The QuadJet SD employs a <strong>dual-stage, quad-jet thermal modulator</strong> positioned between the two columns. This design enables on-column cryo-focusing, dramatically improving peak detectability and resolving power, and delivering an <strong>order-of-magnitude improvement in signal-to-noise</strong>.</p><p>For laboratories seeking lower operating costs and simplified workflows, a <strong>consumable-free thermal modulator</strong> (no liquid nitrogen) is available. This option maintains excellent performance for moderately volatile compounds while eliminating cryogen handling.</p><h3><strong>Modulators and Instrument Options</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Thermal modulator choices</strong>:<ul><li>Liquid-nitrogen-cooled thermal modulator</li><li>Consumable-free thermal modulator</li></ul></li><li><strong>Optional inlets</strong>: S/SL, PTV, and MMI</li></ul><p>Designed with productivity in mind, the QuadJet SD combines ease of use with an industry-leading secondary oven for the second-dimension column. For laboratories ready to move beyond conventional GC and truly see what has been hidden by coelution, QuadJet SD delivers the next dimension in analytical insight.</p>

LECO GCxGC FLUX flow modulator

Flux GC×GC flow modulator simplifies GC×GC analysis using diverting flow principles. It offers robust, cost-effective modulation without cryogens, ideal for complex, concentrated samples.

<p><strong>Our innovative Flux GC×GC flow modulator was designed with one goal in mind—to make GC×GC more routine, accessible, and easier for you. The flow modulator's concept is based on the sound and easily understood principles first articulated by Seeley et al. on diverting flow. This extraordinarily simple design comprising of a cross shape and sideways T, is not only easy to setup and get started, but its ease-of-use makes it the most cost-effective option for GC×GC analysis.</strong></p><p>This flow-based modulator is perfect for those who want to perform robust GC×GC analysis, but who don't need the sensitivity of standard quad jet thermal modulation. Ideal samples should be complex, but relatively concentrated. Appropriate applications include petroleum and fragrance analyses such as the classic weathered crude oil example pictured below, which shows a GC×GC plot generated on our Pegasus® BT platform using the Flux flow modulator.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ee943ea0acb34a8d9c5b72e7ace10666/obrazek_l.webp" alt="LECO GCxGC FLUX flow modulator" width="957" height="523"></p><h4><strong>Theory of Operation: Diverting Flow</strong></h4><p>The first and secondary capillary columns are connected together through a simple tube with a fixed gap between the columns. A flow of gas (helium) is then used to inject into the second column or divert to waste. The precision timing and flows are all handled by our integrated software, therefore you just have to click one button to setup and begin performing flow modulation GC×GC on our Pegasus BT platform.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/508b477dd1604d15855f26d786d5b1e4/obrazek_l.webp" alt="LECO GCxGC FLUX flow modulator" width="1026" height="488"></p><p>Furthermore, no complex spreadsheets are needed to understand your method. This simple and robust design does not require cryogens to carry out GC×GC, which saves time and boosts efficiency in your lab.</p><p><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/6796d4581c894291b9fab0088753cb8b/obrazek_l.webp" alt="LECO GCxGC FLUX flow modulator" width="918" height="545"></p>

LECO QUADJET Thermal Modulator

Consumable-free dual-stage thermal jet modulator for GC×GC delivering on-column cryo-focusing, higher peak detectability, superior separation, and reliable performance without liquid nitrogen.

<p><strong>The QUADJET Thermal Modulator from </strong><span><strong>LECO</strong></span><strong> delivers industry-leading performance for comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC). Compared to alternative thermal or valve-based modulators, QUADJET stands out for its exceptional ruggedness, long-term reliability, and superior modulation efficiency.</strong></p><p>This GC×GC modulation system uses a <strong>dual-stage thermal jet modulator</strong> positioned between the first- and second-dimension columns. The design enables true <strong>on-column cryo-focusing</strong>, significantly enhancing peak sharpness, detectability, and separation power—especially for co-eluting compounds in complex sample matrices.</p><h3><strong>Key benefits</strong></h3><ul><li><strong>Highest modulation performance for GC×GC</strong><br>Enhances peak detectability and improves separation of co-eluting compounds.</li><li><strong>Dual-stage thermal jet design</strong><br>Provides efficient trapping and re-injection between columns.</li><li><strong>On-column cryo-focusing</strong><br>Improves sensitivity and separation of closely eluting analytes.</li><li><strong>Exceptional robustness and reliability</strong><br>Designed for routine, long-term GC×GC operation.</li></ul><h3><strong>Thermal modulation without liquid nitrogen</strong></h3><p>Unlike traditional cryogenic modulators, the <strong>QUADJET thermal modulator is consumable-free</strong>. It delivers the full performance benefits of thermal modulation <strong>without the need for liquid nitrogen</strong>, eliminating cryogen costs, logistical complexity, and downtime—while maintaining consistent, high-quality results.</p><p>The QUADJET Thermal Modulator is an ideal choice for laboratories seeking <strong>maximum GC×GC performance with minimal operational burden</strong>, particularly in demanding applications involving highly complex samples.</p>

Products from category GCxGC modulators from LECO - page 1

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