<blockquote>Welcome back to the topic of protecting your GC column! If you missed <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/article/6766">part 1</a> or would like to refresh your knowledge, find further tips on GC column protection <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.phenomenex.com/knowledge-center/gc-knowledge-center/protecting-your-gc-column-pt1-tech-tip-en-1025">here.</a></blockquote>Protecting your GC column and instrument components from exposure to dirty samples or contaminants is important. Non-volatile or high molecular weight components can contaminate the stationary phase, causing poor peak resolution, lower accuracy, and poor column lifetime. Cutting off the damaged portion of column tubing will often restore your column’s performance, but over time performance will degrade to a point where the column can no longer be used. If you are experiencing rapid degradation of column performance, there are several simple ways to help protect your column and increase its lifetime.<h3>Use A Liner With Wool</h3>The liner is the first line of defense for your column, and the style you choose can make a big impact in how much contamination gets onto the column. The easiest thing to do is to add a small amount of silanized glass wool to a liner, which traps the non-volatile compounds and prevents them from entering directly into the column.&nbsp;<blockquote>Caution: glass wool can also add activity for acids, bases, and pesticides. Crushing the glass wool can expose undeactivated glass and free silanols (-OH groups) even if the wool has been deactivated. This leads to increased activity, so pre-packed liners, rather than self-packed ones are highly recommended to avoid reproducibility issues.</blockquote>In addition to choosing a liner with wool, ensure that your liner (and other system consumables) are free of contaminant build-up that may form over time. Septum cores and other particulates that remain can become trapped in the wool and are sometimes difficult to spot. Regularly replace the liner (and other system consumables as needed) to reduce troubleshooting and maintenance.<h3>Bake Out Your Column</h3>The easiest way to reduce column contamination is to add a short, high temperature bake-out at the end of your standard GC method. This bake out helps remove high boiling contaminants that would otherwise remain in the column and cause damage. To bake out, the final oven temperature needs to be set high enough to ensure elution of these compounds, but not so high as to cause thermal damage. This can be done either isothermally, or more commonly, via an oven ramp until the last components elute from the column. Caution: NEVER exceed the upper temperature limits of your column. DO NOT exceed more than fifteen minutes at the upper isothermal temperature limit specified for the column.

How to Protect Your GC Column - Part 2

🎤 Presenter: Christopher Freye (Los Alamos National Laboratory)💾 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/O_1_Freye_10783a9cf3.pdf">PDF presentation</a><h3>Abstract</h3>Two-dimensional gas chromatography (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?instrumentationItems=2">GC×GC</a>) when coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) especially high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) provides the ideal technique to discover minute chemical changes. However, GC×GC analyses result in extremely large datasets (GBs of information) wherein the statistically significant chemical changes are buried within the background chemical matrix. To combat these issues, many chemometric techniques have been developed or applied. Recently we introduced a new chemometric technique for GC-MS termed alteration analysis (ALA) and two-dimensional correlation (2DCOR) which can be used to discover statistically significant chemical changes across a series of chromatograms and understand the relationship between the statistically relevant changes. ALA generates three sets of information, the basic alteration map (BAM) which is the magnitude of the change, the synchronous alteration map (SAM) which describes the linear change, and the asynchronous alteration map (AAM) which describes the non-linear change. 2DCOR can then be used to understand the relationship between the chemical changes but 2DCOR can also resolve the sequence of the changes. A workflow for GC×GC-MS will be demonstrated. Special attention will be given to what differentiates the GC×GC work flow from GC for both the ALA and 2DCOR.<h3>Video Transcription</h3>The presentation focuses on how advanced mathematical and chemometric methods can be used to extract meaningful information from highly complex chromatographic data, especially in multidimensional chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC×GC-MS, LC-MS).<h4>Why traditional data analysis falls short</h4>Modern multidimensional chromatography generates extremely large datasets, often containing billions of data points. Visual inspection, peak tables, or classical identification-based workflows are impractical—especially when:<ul><li>Samples are highly complex (e.g. petroleum, metabolomics, high explosives)</li><li>Most compounds are unknown unknowns</li><li>The key question is not what the compounds are, but whether samples differ and how</li></ul>Program managers and decision-makers are primarily interested in detecting statistically significant changes, not exhaustive compound identification.<h4>Introduction of Alteration Analysis (ALA)</h4>To address subtle, trend-based changes across series of chromatograms, the speaker introduces Alteration Analysis (ALA), a chemometric approach adapted from spectroscopy and applied to chromatography.ALA quantitatively evaluates how individual data points change across multiple samples, allowing detection of:<ul><li>Extremely subtle trends</li><li>Overlapping peaks</li><li>Changes hidden in noise or baseline interference</li></ul>Key ALA outputs include:<ul><li>BAM (Basic Alteration Map): magnitude of change</li><li>SAM (Systematic Alteration Map): linear changes</li><li>AM (Alteration Map): nonlinear changes</li></ul>Even changes as small as 1% per sample can be detected reliably, including peaks that are heavily overlapped.<h4>Beyond detection: understanding relationships with 2D Correlation</h4>Once statistically significant changes are identified, two-dimensional correlation analysis (2D-COR) is used to understand relationships between changing compounds, including:<ul><li>Whether compounds are correlated or anti-correlated</li><li>The sequence of changes over time (which changes happen first)</li></ul>This is especially critical for degradation and aging studies, where intermediate species may appear and disappear before the final state—information that traditional methods like Fisher ratio or PCA often miss.<h4>Solving GC×GC challenges with tiling</h4>GC×GC data introduces additional challenges due to:<ul><li>Peak misalignment</li><li>Exponential data growth during correlation calculations</li></ul>The presenter explains how tile-based approaches reduce data dimensionality, overcome alignment issues, and make ALA and 2D correlation computationally feasible—even for massive GC×GC-MS datasets.<h4>Real-world application: explosive aging studies</h4>The methodology was applied to aging and decomposition of high explosives, where:<ul><li>Over 250 chemical changes were identified</li><li>Many intermediate species would have been missed using traditional comparisons</li><li>ALA combined with 2D correlation enabled reconstruction of degradation pathways</li><li>The most significant change was not necessarily the first change, a critical insight for risk assessment and stability studies</li></ul><h4>Key takeaway</h4>By combining Alteration Analysis and 2D correlation, the approach:<ul><li>Detects statistically guaranteed chemical changes</li><li>Handles subtle, overlapped, and noisy signals</li><li>Determines magnitude, type, interrelationships, and order of changes</li><li>Shifts chromatographic data analysis from identification-driven to decision-driven</li></ul>This math-driven workflow enables faster, more reliable interpretation of complex chromatographic datasets and provides actionable insights for applications such as explosive aging, pharmaceutical degradation, and complex mixture analysis.<blockquote>This text has been automatically transcribed from a video presentation using AI technology. It may contain inaccuracies and is not guaranteed to be 100% correct.</blockquote>

Discovery analysis for GCxGC trends using alteration and 2D correlation (Chris Freye, MDCW 2026)

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezGCMS Library in the week of 9th February 2026? Check out new documents from the field of the gas phase, especially GC and GC/MS techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT GCMS AND RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezICPMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you technical note by Agilent Technologies, presentation by MDCW / University of Copenhagen and application notes by Shimadzu and Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: What Causes Spots on <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?instrumentationItems=19&amp;manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=PLOT">PLOT Columns</a>? Will It Affect the Performance of the Column?</h3><ul><li>Technical note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/te_what_causes_spots_plot_columns_affecting_performance_5994_8775en_agilent_3b7180512a.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Spots on porous layer open tubular (PLOT) columns are caused by small voids in the stationary phase coating inside the tube. These spots are areas where there is an uneven coating or lack of phase. It is normal to find some voids in the phase coating of PLOT columns. The stationary phase in PLOT columns is an opaque, solid, and porous material. In many Agilent PLOT columns such as the GS-Alumina phases, molecular sieves, porous polymers (Q and U), and the GS-OxyPLOT, the stationary phase is visible as a white powder. For many PLOT columns, the stationary phase fill solution is a viscous suspension of particles that are less than 10 microns in diameter. The phase is coated using a dynamic process in which a plug of fill solution is pushed through the tubing, and the plug’s speed and viscosity determines the thickness of the stationary phase layer. Once the PLOT’s stationary phase is deposited, it is held in place by electrostatic charge, chemical interactions between particles, and/or binding agents. In wall‑coated open tubular (WCOT) columns, stationary phases such as polysiloxanes or polyethylene glycols are immobilized by chemical bonding to the glass surface and cross-linking between polymer strands. Because this type of bonding and cross‑linking is not possible with PLOT phases, the result is a stationary phase layer that is both fundamentally different and inherently less stable in PLOT columns than in WCOT&nbsp;columns.<h3>2. MDCW / University of Copenhagen: One-shot tensor decomposition of full-scale GC×GC-VUV datasets for resolving petrochemical groups</h3><ul><li>Presentation</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/O_17_Schneide_67c8ff7866.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>The presentation introduces a novel all-samples-at-once, shift-invariant tri-linear tensor decomposition approach for the analysis of full-scale <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?search=GC%C3%97GC-VUV">GC×GC-VUV</a> datasets, aimed at resolving and quantifying petrochemical groups. Traditional template-based or pixel-based methods struggle with retention-time shifts and co-eluting compounds, often requiring manual intervention and prior chemical knowledge. The proposed approach leverages the intrinsic low-rank structure of GC×GC-VUV data to enable robust, automated group-level analysis across multiple samples simultaneously.At the core of the method is a shift-invariant tri-linear model, conceptually related to PARAFAC and multivariate curve resolution, but extended using frequency-domain (FFT-based) modeling to explicitly account for chromatographic peak shifts. By decomposing the entire dataset in one step, the model provides accurate estimates of peak landscapes, VUV spectra, and relative peak areas, while remaining agnostic to retention-time variability. Importantly, the approach requires only a small number of tunable parameters, making it practical for routine use.The method was demonstrated on a case study involving 14 petrochemical gas-oil samples, including straight-run, hydrotreated, hydroconverted, coker, and light cycle oils. Extracted VUV spectra showed excellent agreement with reference spectra from a VUV spectral database, enabling confident assignment of components to chemical groups such as saturates, olefins, and mono- to poly-aromatics. Quantitative results exhibited high repeatability (RSD typically 3–9%) and strong correlation with established template-based reference methods.Overall, the work demonstrates that one-shot, shift-invariant tensor decomposition provides a powerful and scalable alternative to conventional GC×GC data-analysis strategies. By combining chemical interpretability, robustness to chromatographic shifts, and strong quantitative performance, the approach opens new opportunities for automated, high-confidence group-level analysis of complex petrochemical samples and beyond.<h3>3. Shimadzu: Py-Screener Ver. 3: Simultaneously Test for Substances Regulated Under RoHS, TSCA, and POPs</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_00949_en_4754e50164.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h5>User Benefits</h5><ul><li>In just one analysis, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=Py-Screener">Py-Screener</a> Ver. 3 can determine levels of phthalate esters, brominated flame retardants (PBBs, PBDEs), PIP (3:1), UV-328, dechlorane plus (DP), short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs), and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs).&nbsp;</li><li>It can also test for SCCPs and MCCPs by electron ionization (EI) instead of negative chemical ionization (NCI).&nbsp;</li><li>PIP (3:1), UV-328, DP, and SCCPs and MCCPs can be screened without the need for corresponding reference materials.</li></ul>Countries and regulatory bodies worldwide are introducing increasingly stringent regulations on the chemical substances used in electronic devices and industrial products. The RoHS Directive and REACH regulations in the EU, the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) in the USA, and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are also targeting an increasingly broad range of substances. Therefore, manufacturers are required to accurately identify regulated substances in their products and comply with each regulation. While Py-Screener Ver. 2 can screen for seven phthalate esters and brominated flame retardants, including substances regulated under the RoHS Directive, version 3 can also screen for PIP (3:1), which is regulated under the TSCA, as well as UV328, DP, and SCCPs and MCCPs , which are regulated under the Stockholm Convention on POPs. A list of supported substances isshown in Table 1. This article introduces the simultaneous analysis of multiple regulated substances and a case study of testing specific regulated substances in samples, using Py-Screener Ver. 3.<h4>Analysis Process</h4>Py-Screener Ver. 3 can determine levels of phthalate esters and brominated flame retardants contained in products in accordance with the international analytical standards IEC62321-8 and IEC62321-3-3. It can also test for specific regulated substances (Table 1) under the same conditions and in the same analysis. In this test, background intensity and instrument sensitivity (S/N) were verified before analyzing samples. These parameters are prescribed by IEC62321-8 to ensure the accuracy of the methods used. Background intensity and instrument sensitivity were determined using a reference material (PN: 225-31003- 91) *1 that consisted of a plastic sheet that was spiked with seven phthalate esters. The results met the criteria for both parameters.The testing workflow is shown in Fig. 1. Before testing samples, calibration curves were prepared by analyzing the 1000 mg/kg phthalate ester reference material and polypropylene spiked with brominated flame retardants (ERM-EC591). A hole puncher was used to punch out two discs at a time of the phthalate ester reference material, and a cutter was used to obtain pieces of the other materials. Each material was weighed in a sample cup for analysis. During the analysis of samples, phthalate esters and some of the regulated brominated flame retardants were quantitated using a one-point calibration curve. The remaining brominated flame retardants and specific regulated substances were quantitated using the correction factor database*2 that is included with Py-Screener Ver. 3.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Py-Screener Ver. 3 successfully determined in samples the concentrations of the regulated substances PIP (3:1), UV-328, DP, and SCCPs and MCCPs. Normally, SCCP and MCCP levels are tested using NCI, but Py-Screener Ver. 3 uses EI. This enables it to test for not only SCCPs and MCCPs but also phthalate esters, brominated flame retardants, and other regulated substances in just one analysis. In addition, by using the relative correction factors linked to DEHP in the phthalate ester reference material, the levels of these regulated substances were determined without the need for the corresponding reference materials. Py-Screener Ver. 3 can also create a screening program that addresses substance restrictions under the RoHS Directive, the US TSCA, and the POPs Convention.<h3>4. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Improving low carbon steel production in specialty steel processes</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/prima_pro_process_mass_spectrometer_an1626_7fc840235f.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>World crude steel production reached 1,691 million tonnes in 2017, up by 5.3% compared to 2016.1 While much of this capacity is still produced in primary steel processes such as basic oxygen furnaces and electric arc furnaces, the need for refined steel with greater durability and resistance to heat and corrosion has led to the increased use of vacuum degassing processes, such as VOD and RH, in secondary steel production. These processes are able to achieve ultra-low levels of residual carbon, while at the same time retaining desired levels of other alloy materials. If these processes are to achieve the required level of steel product quality, they need fast, continuous gas analysis of the furnace exhaust gas. Without accurate information on the composition of the gas leaving the furnace, any variations in the decarburization process are only detected after the event, resulting in the production of out-of-specification steel.<h4>Advantages of mass spectrometry&nbsp;</h4>Traditional Non-Dispersive Infra-Red (NDIR) analyzers are used in many conventional steelmaking processes to measure CO and CO2 , but they can only sample at atmospheric pressure. In vacuum steelmaking the process pressure changes dramatically, typically from atmospheric pressure down to less than 1 mbar, over the 20-30 minutes of the melt. So NDIR analyzers have to sample some distance downstream from the process. Analytical data is updated several minutes after the gas leaves the melt and the control system is forced to operate on historic rather than real-time data.&nbsp;Paramagnetic analyzers can be used to measure O2 , while thermal conductivity analyzers can be used to measure H2 . These analyzers also suffer from slow response, while the need to operate three different types of analyzers adds to the plant maintenance burden. Moreover, the three analyzers cannot analyze inert gases, so N2 is calculated by difference, a result that suffers from the sum of the errors of the three analytical techniques.&nbsp;Mass spectrometry operates at high vacuum so it is ideal for monitoring vacuum processes. It is also able to monitor all seven components in Table 1 in seconds rather than minutes, ensuring the plant control model is frequently updated with accurate compositional data.<h4>Precision of analysis&nbsp;</h4>At the heart of the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=2&amp;search=Prima+PRO+Mass+Spectrometer">Thermo Scientific™ Prima PRO Mass Spectrometer</a> (MS) is a magnetic sector analyzer which offers unrivalled precision and accuracy compared with other mass spectrometers. Thermo Fisher Scientific manufactures both quadrupole and magnetic sector mass spectrometers; over thirty years of industrial experience have shown the magnetic sector based analyzer offers the best performance for industrial on-line gas analysis.&nbsp;Key advantages of magnetic sector analyzers include improved precision, accuracy, long intervals between calibrations, and resistance to contamination. Typically, analytical precision is between 2 and 10 times better than a quadrupole analyzer, depending on the gases analyzed and complexity of the mixture.&nbsp;A unique feature of the Prima PRO magnet is that it is laminated. Its analysis times are similar to a quadrupole analyzer, offering the unique combination of rapid analysis and high stability. This allows the rapid and extremely stable analysis of an unlimited number of user-defined gases. The scanning magnetic sector is controlled with 24-bit precision using a magnetic flux measuring device for extremely stable mass alignment.&nbsp;The ion source is an enclosed type for high sensitivity, minimum background interference, and maximum contamination resistance. This is a high-energy (1000 eV) analyzer that offers extremely rugged performance in the presence of gases and vapors that have the potential for contaminating the analyzer. Typical performance specifications for the Prima PRO MS are shown in Table 1. Analytical performance is demonstrated by analyzing the calibration bottle over 1 hour following calibration, with an analysis time of just 6 seconds. Standard deviations measured on the calibration cylinder will be equal to or better than the stated values.

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 07, 2026

Article

Application

Academy

Video

Presentation

The Multidimensional Chromatography (MDC) Workshop draws experts in this exciting field to share and discuss their research.

The Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop

Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

LabRulez

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.

Phenomenex

Agilent Technologies

GERSTEL

LECO

Thermo Fisher Scientific

Restek Corporation

SelectScience

Waters Corporation

Dear Orbitrap users,
We are pleased to invite you to our Autumn 2023 version of virtual activities to support our Compound Discoverer (CD) software users.
The workshops are designed to bring beginners up-to-speed with best practices as well as allow advanced users to interact with software experts and enquire how to get the most out of their data. Additionally, two dedicated sessions specialized in Metabolite/drug metabolite Identification (Met ID) and Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) data analysis will follow.
The content is delivered through online workshops, 2-3 hours each, via MS-Teams. The workshops feature live exercises on pre-distributed data, discussion of CD features, parameters, and optimized settings. The sessions are hands-on and highly interactive, so get the best experience by having CD 3.3 SP2 up and running. <a href="https://www.thermofisher.com/cz/en/home/industrial/mass-spectrometry/liquid-chromatography-mass-spectrometry-lc-ms/lc-ms-software/multi-omics-data-analysis/compound-discoverer-software.html">Click HERE</a> to download a free 60-day trial version of the latest Compound Discoverer software release.
The sessions allow ample time for the participants to get their CD-related questions answered in real time. The workshops will be taught in English, but participants can use MS Team`s instant subtitles in their preferred language.
<h5>Specialized data processing:</h5>
<ul>
<li>Met ID: Wednesday 4th October: 10.00 - 13.30 CEST (Berlin time)</li>
<li>GCMS: Thursday 18th October: 10.00 - 13.30 CEST (Berlin time)</li>
</ul>

Thermo Scientific: Compound Discoverer software workshops (Specialized data processing: GCMS)

Compound Discoverer software workshops (Specialized data processing: GCMS)

The workshops are designed to bring beginners up-to-speed with best practices as well as allow advanced users to interact with software experts.

Compound Discoverer software (data processing: GCMS)

Don’t miss this opportunity to attend the Virtual GC/Q-TOF User Meeting, organized with the help of academic and industrial leaders.
Implemented in a variety of well-respected universities and research centers, the Agilent GC/Q-TOF has been widely adopted for a number of advanced/high-level research needs and applications.
This full-day interactive user meeting offers you valuable information, including Q&amp;A about low-cost, robust, and easy-to-maintain GC/Q-TOF instruments from Agilent.
During the full-day conference, you will have the opportunity to:
<ul>
<li>Listen to speakers and GC/Q-TOF users from the comfort of your home or office</li>
<li>Ask each speaker questions in the real-time Q&amp;A session following each broadcast</li>
<li>Virtually meet, chat, and exchange ideas with all participants, as well as with speakers</li>
</ul>
We look forward to seeing you at the virtual event.
<h3>Agenda</h3>
<h5>09:50 - 10:00 Welcome</h5>
<h5>10:00 - 10:30 GC/Q-TOF application in clinical metabolomics studies</h5>
<ul>
<li>Simon Maria Kienle, Steno Diabetes Center</li>
</ul>
<h5>10:30 - 11:00 Evaluation of GC/Q-TOF in metabolic flux analyses: determination of 13C incorporation in intracellular metabolites of prostate cancer cell lines incubated in the presence of 13C-labelled substrates</h5>
<ul>
<li>Pablo Rodriguez Gonzalez, University of Oviedo</li>
</ul>
<h5>11:00 - 11:30 Various applications of GC-EI-qTOF-MS in the field of metabolomics, lipidomics and environment</h5>
<ul>
<li>Oliver J. Schmitz, University of Duisburg-Essen</li>
</ul>
<h5>11:30 - 12:00 Unveiling Generational Allergies: Metabolomic Insights into Gut Microbiota Using GC/Q-TOF-MS</h5>
<ul>
<li>Fernanda Rey-Stolle, CEU San Pablo University</li>
</ul>
<h5>12:00 - 12:30 Updated and partially automated GC/Q-TOF screening for routine anti doping control analysis</h5>
<ul>
<li>Wim Van Gansbeke, University of Gent</li>
</ul>
<h5>12:30 - 02:00 Break</h5>
<h5>02:00 - 02:30 GC-MS in high resolution mode for analysis of the volatile profile of virgin olive oil</h5>
<ul>
<li>Feliciano Priego Capote, University of Cordoba</li>
</ul>
<h5>02:30 - 03:00 Advancing MOSH/MOAH analysis by GC×GC-FID/Q-TOF</h5>
<ul>
<li>Daniela Peroni, SRA Instruments</li>
</ul>
<h5>03:00 - 03:30 Applications of Thermal Desorption GC/Q-TOF in Pharmaceutical Analysis</h5>
<ul>
<li>Yudong Wang, Astra Zeneca</li>
</ul>
<h5>03:30 - 04:00 SureMass as an advanced tool for data processing in discovery metabolomics</h5>
<ul>
<li>Sandrien Desmet, VIB Metabolomics Core Gent</li>
</ul>
<h5>04:00 - 04:30 A Risk-Based Approach to Monitoring/Screening for Contaminants and the Benefits of the Masshunter Screener Workflow in Combination with GC-/Q-TOF Acquired Accurate Mass Data.</h5>
<ul>
<li>Bryan White, Agilent Technologies</li>
</ul>
<h5>04:30 - 05:00 Accurate Mass Library for PFAS Analysis in Environmental Samples Using High Resolution GC/Q-TOF</h5>
<ul>
<li>Sofia Nieto, Agilent Technologies</li>
</ul>

Agilent Technologies: 2023 GC/Q-TOF Virtual User Meeting

2023 GC/Q-TOF Virtual User Meeting

Q&A about low-cost, robust, and easy-to-maintain GC/Q-TOF instruments from Agilent.

SPME is a powerful technique to measure volatiles and semi-volatiles in aqueous matrices, particularly beverages, surface water, and drinking water.
SPME greatly simplified GC-MS work in these matrices, but over time issues with competitive effects at the fiber surface and limited mass-on-column became a limiting factor, particularly as mass spectrometers became ever more sensitive.
The good news is that microextraction continues to advance with improved variations on classic SPME. We&#39;ll discuss these alternate approaches - SPME Arrow, Thin Film SPME (TF-SPME) and Twister - and show how they can help you see ever lower concentrations and yet limit contributions from the aqueous matrix.
<blockquote>
Presnter: Kurt Thaxton (International Product Manager, Gerstel)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Kurt Thaxton is an International Product Manager for GERSTEL, a German manufacturer of thermal desorption, pyrolysis, and other means of sample preparation and sample introduction for GC- and LC-MS.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
For over twenty years, Kurt has been a user of thermal desorption and pyrolysis as a research scientist at International Paper and later as a Product Specialist for Varian Inc. Later Kurt became involved in both the commercial and technical aspects of these techniques at Markes International and now GERSTEL.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Kurt also serves actively in different capacities at SAE, ASTM, AIHA, and ISO. Kurt has an M.S. in Analytical Chemistry from The Ohio State University where he focused on using mass spectrometry to solve analytical problems; MS remains a central interest and focus of Kurt&#39;s work today.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: Beyond SPME: Understanding SPME Arrow, Thin-Film SPME, and Twister

Beyond SPME: Understanding SPME Arrow, Thin-Film SPME, and Twister

Alternate approaches - SPME Arrow, Thin Film SPME (TF-SPME) and Twister.

Understanding SPME Arrow, Thin-Film SPME, and Twister

Do you experience at some point deviations in your gas chromatography? Wondering why your chromatogram doesn’t look the same, the peak shape begins to appear a bit different? Do you invest your time in trying to figure the root cause of the issue in order to solve it?
Please join this webinar to discuss some of the most common chromatographic issues that you experience with Gas Chromatography and take a logical approach to finding the root cause and correcting the problem. We are going to highlight some common problems with examples and share some troubleshooting tips. 
In this free webinar, we will discuss:
<ul>
<li>Some of the most common chromatographic issues that you experience with Gas Chromatography
</li>
<li>Logical approach to finding the root cause and 
</li>
<li>Some simple tools to help correcting the problem
</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Anshu Kumari Singh (Technical Support Manager, Agilent Technologies)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Anshu Kumari Singh is the Technical Support Manager for India in the Chemistries and Supplies Division. She has more than 20 years of experience in this industry. She is leading a team of highly qualified Individuals responsible for providing technical support to customers. She provides support to customers on queries related to applications, products and troubleshooting for GC and LC columns and Supplies. She also conducts workshops, trainings and seminars for the customers helping them in understanding the chemistry behind GC &amp; HPLC columns and Sample Preparation Products. Dr. Anshu holds a Doctorate degree from Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi and is based out of Delhi.
</blockquote>

Agilent Technologies: The Chromatography Detective: GC Troubleshooting Tips

The Chromatography Detective: GC Troubleshooting Tips

Most common chromatographic issues that you experience with Gas Chromatography and take a logical approach to finding the root cause and correcting the problem.

Non-alcoholic (NA) and low alcoholic beers (LABs) are growing in demand worldwide. However, dealcoholization or arrested fermentation leads to changes in the overall aroma and flavor profiles compared to full strength (FS) beer analogues.
This webinar Dr. Tiffany Crawford, Kalsec Inc., Megan Harper, GERSTEL, Inc., and Matt Curtis, Agilent will discuss a semi-targeted method developed using DHS-GC-MS technology that allows for the improvement of NA beer flavor through the addition of specialized hops products. They will also examine the use of GC-MS-O technology to determine the source of off-odors in a plant extract matrix. A brief overview of the GERSTEL dynamic headspace (DHS), Thermal Desorption Unit (TDU), and olfactory detection port (ODP) systems will be highlighted in order to understand their contributions to this work. The Agilent 7250 GC/QToF functionality will also be reviewed, along with the software tools e.g. SureMass feature-finding and MassProfiler Professional.
Key learning objectives
<ul>
<li>Understand the analytical challenges in the determination of off-flavors and off-odors in complex matrices
</li>
<li>Discover how a combination of GERSTEL and Agilent instrumentation and software can improve analysis for food and beverage applications
</li>
<li>Explore how analytical techniques can be used to identify and solve sensory issues in food products
</li>
</ul>
Who should attend?
<ul>
<li>Chemists and lab managers from contract testing labs and the food and beverage industry</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Dr. Tiffany Crawford (Lead Scientist 1: Hops, Kalsec Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Dr. Tiffany Crawford works for Kalsec Inc. as a lead scientist in the hops business unit. In her role, she develops methods using GC-MS and LC-MS technology for the detection of small molecules of interest in different food matrices. She holds a Ph.D in Chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Megan Harper (Applications Scientist I, GERSTEL, Inc.)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Megan Harper works for GERSTEL, Inc. as an Applications Scientist. In her role, she applies her knowledge of GC-MS and sample extraction and introduction techniques to help solve complex problems for customers across the USA.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Matt Curtis (GCMS Application Scientist, Agilent)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Matt Curtis joined Agilent in 2013 as a GC/MS applications scientist in the Santa Clara, CA Center of Excellence. His primary responsibility is providing instrument demonstrations for customer interested in each technology Agilent offers: the GC/MS single quadrupole, triple quadrupole and the quadrupole Time-of-Flight. The variety of different samples submitted to the demo lab provides a unique knowledge of optimizing parameters for different applications to provide the best quality data from the instrument.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Ellen Simms (Editorial Team, SelectScience)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Ellen studied biological sciences at the University of the West of England, UK, before completing a master&#39;s in epidemiology from the University of Bristol. As a member of the Editorial team, she now plays an integral role in shaping the content on SelectScience.
</blockquote>

SelectScience: GC-MS solutions for sensory analysis in non-alcoholic beers

GC-MS solutions for sensory analysis in non-alcoholic beers

Semi-targeted method developed using DHS-GC-MS technology that allows for the improvement of NA beer flavor through the addition of specialized hops products.

In this webinar we will zoom into the key developments and challenges in capillary GC’.
Choice of tubing, stationary phase chemistries and deactivation chemistries will be discussed and how to reach maximum practical column life time.

Restek: ITA-SPA live | The Art and Science of next generation GC Capillary Column Production

ITA-SPA live | The Art and Science of next generation GC Capillary Column Production

Choice of tubing, stationary phase chemistries and deactivation chemistries will be discussed and how to reach maximum practical column life time.

Science of next generation GC Capillary Column Production

Discover the cutting-edge workflow for the analysis of Mineral Oil Saturated Hydrocarbons (MOSH) and Mineral Oil Aromatic Hydrocarbons (MOAH) using GC×GC-TOFMS/FID.
Join our exclusive webinar where we will delve into the exciting advancements in analytical technology that are revolutionizing the way we identify and characterize these crucial components.
What To Expect:
<h4>GC×GC-TOFMS: Unraveling The Mysteries Of MOH</h4>
<ul>
<li>Learn how to set up a robust classification method using GC×GC-TOFMS and the MOH-mix, enabling precise and reliable analysis
</li>
<li>Witness the power of the classification method as we apply it to real samples, gaining valuable insights into various matrices
</li>
<li>Explore the market substances in mineral oils and understand how they aid in verifying and characterizing the contamination source
</li>
<li>Unravel the complexity of the MOAH fraction as we demonstrate the separation and identification of different ring systems, as discussed in the “Draft opinion update risk assessment of MOH in food for public consultation” by the European Food Safety Authority
</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Figure_1_Schematic_view_of_the_GC_GC_TOFMS_FID_instrument_setup_b6949cc782/LECO-Figure-1-Schematic-view-of-the-GCGC-TOFMS-FID-instrument-setup.jpg" alt="LECO: Obrázek 1: Schematic view of the GC×GC-TOFMS-FID instrument setup"/>
<h4>GC×GC-FID: Expanding Possibilities For Mineral Oil Analysis</h4>
<ul>
<li>Discover the seamless hardware setup for aligning GC×GC-TOFMS and GC×GC-FID signals, combining the strengths of both technologies
</li>
<li>Explore our state-of-the-art software tool for quantifying MOSH and MOAH fraction with GC×GC-FID, which can be implemented for accurate verification of SCoPAFF values
</li>
<li>Dive into the capabilities of our innovative software tool for quantifying different ring systems within the MOAH fraction, enhancing the depth of your analysis
</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Figure_2_GC_GC_contour_plot_of_LECO_s_MOH_mix_which_is_used_to_setup_the_classification_method_within_the_Chroma_TOF_software_44db161d98/LECO-Figure-2-GCGC-contour-plot-of-LECO's-MOH-mix-which-is-used-to-setup-the-classification-method-within-the-ChromaTOF(r)-software.jpg" alt="LECO: Obrázek 2: GC×GC contour plot of LECO’s MOH mix which is used to setup the classification method within the ChromaTOF® software"/>
Why Attend:
<ul>
<li>This webinar is a must-attend for scientists, researchers, and professionals in the field of analytical chemistry and food safety. Gain a deeper understanding of the latest techniques and technologies used in MOSH/MOAH analysis, equipping you with the knowledge to elevate your research and ensure compliance with industry standards.</li>
</ul>
<blockquote>
 Presenter: Sebastiano Panto (LECO Europe B.V., Head of Separation Science Applications Europe)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Stefan Vinnenberg (LECO Instrumente GmbH, Account Manager DACH &amp; BeNeLux – Separation Science)
</blockquote>

LECO: Unlock the Power of GC×GC-TOFMS/FID – MOSH/MOAH

Unlock the Power of GC×GC-TOFMS/FID – MOSH/MOAH

Exciting advancements in analytical technology that are revolutionizing the way we identify and characterize these crucial components.

The determination of very volatile organic compounds (VVOCs) becomes increasingly difficult with rising volatility.
For low-boiling compounds, a strong sorbent is necessary for trapping and focusing, but the disadvantage of these sorbents is that they are hydrophilic. Low or cryogenic temperatures can be used for trapping and focusing, but they also do not solve the water management problem either. Therefore, a solution for effective water management is needed that doesn’t depend on either using strong, hydrophilic sorbents or trapping/focusing temperatures.
By using a technique developed at GERSTEL called Dynamic Focusing, very light VVOCs like propylene and chloromethane can be trapped effectively at +10 °C using a single relatively hydrophobic sorbent. The higher temperature prevents water from freezing in the trap, and a single, relatively hydrophobic sorbent reduces the amount of water trapped.
By using Dynamic Focusing, the system can produce results that are compliant with air methods such as TO-17 and ISO 16000-6. The technique is also both cryogen-free and valve-free. The single sorbent is forward-flushed, without the need for backflushing or an additional conditioning step due to the omission of molecular sieve-based sorbents. The valve-less nature of the process reduces carryover, contamination, and expenses associated with regular valve replacement. Additionally, there are no Teflon-based valves or other components in the sample pathway, further reducing the risk of false positives or false negatives for PFAS and related analyses.
The theory and mechanism of Dynamic Focusing will be discussed in comparison to traditional 2-stage processes (‘static focusing’). Examples based on the analysis of VVOCs and VOCs in atmospheres will be presented, as well as analytical figures of merit (including those from a recent successful round-robin test using Dynamic Focusing).
<blockquote>
Presenter: Kurt Thaxton (International Product Manager, Gerstel)
</blockquote>

Gerstel: Dynamic Focusing: A New Technique for Focusing VVOCs and Managing Water in Automated Ambient Air Analysis

Dynamic Focusing: A New Technique for Focusing VVOCs and Managing Water in Automated Ambient Air Analysis

The theory and mechanism of Dynamic Focusing for VVOCs analysis in Automated Ambient Air Analysis.

A New Technique for Focusing VVOCs and Managing Water

There are GxP regulations specifically relating to the controls required for the use of electronic records, electronic signatures, and computerized systems. These regulations require a combination of procedural, technical, and behavioral controls to achieve full and ongoing compliance.
It is important for Quality Units and regulators to understand the capabilities available for processing data and, the need for varied levels of flexibility within the Empower Software Solutions based on the chromatography and types of molecules being analyzed. There can be a perception that analysts may use Processing Method parameters or manual integration to introduce human bias, or even “polish results” in a way that would cause otherwise out-of-specification (OOS) samples to pass laboratory test requirements such as assays and impurity methods. To fully ascertain what is happening in the laboratory, both the Quality Unit and regulators should be fully aware of how an organization utilizes the Review window to optimize Processing Method parameters.
In this webinar we will examine the current system policies and privileges in Empower Software that affect what analysts can and cannot do when processing data, particularly in Review.
Please join us for a live discussion. As always, don’t forget to bring your questions for this exclusive opportunity to ask our experts anything about Empower Software.
<blockquote>
Presenter: Neil Lander (Principal Product Manager - Informatics Group, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Neil has worked for Waters Corporation since 1994 and has held a variety of positions including Technical Support Specialist, Technical Trainer, Manager Customer Education and currently, Principal Marketing Manager in Waters in the Informatics group. Neil provides internal support for Empower CDS software and is focused on developing laboratory software solutions that help organizations achieve their scientific and operational objectives. Prior to joining Waters Corporation, he was an analytical chemist where he gained experience in both the cosmetics and specialty chemical industries.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Presenter: Nisar Ahmed (Empower Applications Consultant, Waters Corporation)
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
Nisar joined Waters Corporation in 1998 and has held a variety of technical positions including Technical Support Specialist, Customer Education Manager and currently Empower Applications Consultant. Nisar works with Waters as an Informatics Consultant. His current role is to act as a resource across Europe providing support, consultancy and training to laboratories implementing and/or using Empower Software as their CDS in a compliant and regulated environment. Nisar joined Waters after a career in the pharmaceutical industry as an analytical chemist. He also holds a Master of Science degree from the University of London.
</blockquote>

Waters Corporation: Empower Tips: Ask Me Anything About Configuring Empower Software to Maximize Your Compliance

Empower Tips: Ask Me Anything About Configuring Empower Software to Maximize Your Compliance

Current system policies and privileges in Empower Software that affect what analysts can and cannot do when processing data, particularly in Review.

Ask Me Anything About Configuring Empower Software

In this session we check the latest features and additions to Empower in relation to Compliance and Data Integrity.

Waters Corporation: How can Waters help you with Compliance / Data Integrity

How can Waters help you with Compliance / Data Integrity