Modelled on the market leader’s best-selling Genius XE nitrogen gas generator, Peak Scientific’s all-new Genius XE SMZ offers Shimadzu customers a tailored solution in a compact unit. Producing exceptional gas quality and performance, Genius XE SMZ features Multi-Stage Purification™ filtration, targeted at reducing moisture and contaminant levels to provide consistent high-quality nitrogen gas.
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Peak_Scientific_Genius_XE_SMZ_cover_bbc42cf51b/Peak-Scientific-Genius-XE-SMZ-cover.png" alt="Peak Scientific: nitrogen generator Genius XE SMZ for LC-MS/MS systems from Shimadzu"/>
With cost of ownership at the forefront of the product’s offering to labs, <a href="https://www.peakscientific.com/products/nitrogen/genius-xe-smz-nitrogen-generator/">Genius XE SMZ</a> is capable of generating high gas flows with one nitrogen output at up to 29 liters per minute and one air output at up to 27 liters per minute, with enhanced compressor technology and management, optimizing power consumption, in turn reducing running costs whilst reducing the lab’s carbon footprint. Genius XE SMZ also comes with a 2-year fully comprehensive warranty.
Beyond its cost-effective technology, Genius XE SMZ also eliminates the additional hidden costs associated with alternative methods of gas supply. Unlike bulk gas sources, such as nitrogen gas cylinders or dewars, Genius XE SMZ only requires a one-time delivery for installation, thereby eliminating the repeated costs of bulk gas transportation, rental and third-party contracts. Genius XE SMZ’s plug-and-play user-friendly operation means labs can also remove the extra costs for staff safety training.
Petra Gierga, Product Manager for Peak Scientific, said, “We’re delighted to be able to offer Shimadzu customers a cost-effective, space-saving and OEM-approved gas solution for high-flow LC-MS/MS Systems, including Shimadzu’s latest <a href="https://www.shimadzu.com/an/products/liquid-chromatograph-mass-spectrometry/triple-quadrupole-lc-msms/lcms-8060nx/index.html">LCMS-8060NX</a>.
Peak Scientific has been collaborating with Shimadzu since 2009, where we have worked in conjunction to develop gas generator technology for specific applications. With all these years of hard work and research, Genius XE SMZ is Peak’s culmination of the ideal gas solution for Shimadzu’s customers.”

Peak Scientific unveils new cost-efficient nitrogen gas solution for Shimadzu high-flow LC-MS/MS systems

For this reason among other benefits, a number of gas chromatography (GC) professionals are converting to hydrogen gas using a hydrogen generator as their carrier gas supply. In this blog, we explain exactly why.
<h3>Reliable and convenient</h3>
As a non-renewable resource, helium gas is becoming increasingly scarce, leading to supply shortages and an increase in costs for numerous industries, including analytical laboratories. For labs relying on helium, a lack of supply can cause delays in sample analysis and a general disruption to day-to-day workflow.
Working with an in-house hydrogen generator, on the other hand, is a more reliable, inexpensive and convenient way of performing GC analysis. With a hydrogen generator, labs can produce their own high purity carrier gas supply without having to depend on cylinder deliveries or go over their budget due to a sudden spike in helium prices. Once installed, a hydrogen generator stays in your lab, eliminating all the logistical hassles associated with scheduling helium gas orders, planning cylinder changeovers and installation. A gas generator provides peace of mind, knowing you have access to a constant supply of hydrogen gas and not having to worry about running out of carrier gas mid-analysis.
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Peak_Scientific_Proc_prejit_v_plynove_chromatografii_z_helia_na_vodik_23e10778b1/Peak-Scientific-Proc-prejit-v-plynove-chromatografii-z-helia-na-vodik.jpg" alt="Peak Scientific: Carrier gas Hydrogen as an alternative to Helium in gas chromatography (GC)"/>
<h3>Safe</h3>
Unlike a pressurized gas cylinder, a hydrogen generator does not store high volumes of gas which could pose a potential safety hazard. When working with a gas cylinder, laboratory staff have to be on the lookout for any signs of leaks or damage on the cylinder in order to prevent any explosion or fire risk due to such high volumes of pressurized gas. 
With a hydrogen generator, however, labs can minimize these risks. A hydrogen generator will only generate the amount of hydrogen gas required to meet instrument need, meaning very small volumes of gas are stored at any one time. Performing analysis with a hydrogen generator also eliminates the requirement of transporting cylinders which could potentially be dangerous if not handled carefully.
Labs working with hydrogen generator can also restrict outside contact and limit Covid-19 contact transmission. Once installed, a hydrogen generator can be operated fully operated by a lab’s members of staff, allowing labs to eliminate contact with third party suppliers.
Beyond the absence of pressurized gas storage, a hydrogen generator comes equipped with advanced built-in fail-safe technology. These safety features prompt the hydrogen generator to shutdown in the unlikely event of a leak, maintaining safety in the lab.
<h3>Environmentally friendly</h3>
A hydrogen generator only requires a one-time delivery for installation. From then on, your hydrogen generator stays in the lab, eliminating regular cylinder deliveries, thereby reducing your lab’s overall carbon footprint.
Another environmentally friendly consideration is the process by which hydrogen gas is generated. A hydrogen generator produces hydrogen gas from deionized water, offering a renewable alternative to helium gas. Producing hydrogen gas from deionized water is also in contrast to the energy-intensive process of steam reformation methane, which is the most common method of obtaining cylinder hydrogen.
<h3>Shorter run times</h3>
Speedier analysis is another advantage to using hydrogen gas instead of helium. Hydrogen gas has a higher optimal linear velocity than helium, therefore in many cases increasing a lab’s throughput by improving analysis speed.
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Peak_Scientific_Van_Deemter_curve_732bf227c1/Peak-Scientific-Van-Deemter-curve.jpg" alt="Peak Scientific: Van Deemter curve"/>
As demonstrated in <a href="https://www.techstreet.com/standards/jis-k-2536-4-2011?product_id=1824663">the gasoline analysis</a> of Fig. 1, the analysis time was shortened with hydrogen carrier gas. Since hydrogen gas can flow gas at a lower supply pressure than helium, it is suitable for high speed analysis using a narrow bore capillary column.
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Peak_Scientific_Zkraceni_analyzy_benzinu_zemenou_nosneho_plynu_helia_za_vodik_4130ab91f0/Peak-Scientific-Zkraceni-analyzy-benzinu-zemenou-nosneho-plynu-helia-za-vodik.png" alt="Fig. 1 Peak Scientific: Shortening the analysis of gasoline by changing the carrier gas helium to hydrogen "/>
<h3>Making the switch</h3>
If you’re looking to convert to hydrogen gas, you need to consult <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?search=gas%20chromatography%20method%20list&amp;mainauthorItems=34">the GC Method list</a> to confirm your method can indeed use hydrogen gas as an alternative to helium. It’s also important to refer to your method translation software for a simulation of the effect of changing carrier gas. There are GC instruments facilitating this conversion, such as <a href="https://www.shimadzu.com/an/products/gas-chromatography/gas-chromatograph/nexis-gc-2030/index.html">Nexis GC-2030</a> by Shimadzu, which allows GC practitioners to switch carrier gas in the same sample run without adjusting any setups. You can refer to our <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?search=7%20Steps%20to%20changing%20carrier%20gas%20from%20Helium%20to%20Hydrogen&amp;mainauthorItems=34">step-by-step guide</a> for more information on converting carrier gas.
For a safe and reliable source of hydrogen gas, Peak Scientific’s <a href="https://www.peakscientific.com/products/hydrogen/">Precision Hydrogen Trace</a> range of hydrogen generators make the switch even easier with user friendly touchscreen operation. Specifically designed for GC and also suitable for FID, Precision Hydrogen Trace is available in various flow rates for all lab gas requirements, all available at a maximum purity of 99.99999%. Offering greater safety, Precision Hydrogen Trace comes in a compact and space-saving design, maximizing your lab’s floorspace. 
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/application::product.product/Peak-Precision-Hydrogen-Trace-250-500-1200-GC-Carrier-Gas-Hydrogen-Generators.jpg" alt="Peak Scientific: Hydrogen gas generator Precision Hydrogen Trace"/>
Although helium is a popular carrier gas choice in GC, the difficulty in obtaining the gas has made more labs reconsider their gas supply, seeing an increase in the shift of carrier gas from helium to hydrogen gas. When all aspects are considered, it is easy to understand what’s driving the switch: the unrivalled reliability and peace of mind that can only be provided by a hydrogen generator.

Why switch from helium to hydrogen gas for GC?

<h3>1. Gas Source</h3>
Helium is becoming increasingly expensive with reports of its price having doubled in some regions between 2013 and 2015. Added to its increased price, supply cannot be ensured in certain regions which is increasing the number of labs looking to change to hydrogen.
Hydrogen generator: A hydrogen generator providing carrier grade hydrogen (99.9999%) such as the Peak Scientific <a href="https://www.peakscientific.com/products/hydrogen/">Precision Hydrogen Trace</a> is recommended as a safe source of hydrogen that will ensure prolonged column life and the highest quality of analysis.
Supply tubing: Supply of hydrogen should be provided through new stainless steel or analytical grade copper tubing. It is important to change the tubing that was previously used to supply helium to the GC, since over time, deposits can build up on the inside of the tubing which hydrogen will strip out, causing higher background signal for a longer period of time.
<h3>2. Hydrogen Safety</h3>
Safe use of hydrogen: Since Hydrogen is an explosive gas, it is essential that health and safety in the lab is not compromised and many labs will have restrictions on the use of hydrogen cylinders in the lab.
LEL: The lower explosive level (LEL) of hydrogen is 4% in air. Therefore a leak of hydrogen from a cylinder containing around 8000L hydrogen into a well vented laboratory has the potential to reach the LEL very quickly without warning and could create an explosive atmosphere. Added to concerns about large gas leaks, is the cumbersome nature of cylinders which must be moved when replaced, again posing a potential health and safety hazard.
Gas Generator: A Peak Scientific Precision hydrogen generator is an ideal source of hydrogen gas, capable of supplying multiple GCs with UHP hydrogen for carrier gas and detector gas, whilst containing a very low volume of gas (less than 0.3L) at a low pressure. Precision hydrogen generators have a number of safety features that will detect any internal or external leaks between the generator and GC and will shut down the generator accordingly.
Leak detector: Peak also offer an in-oven hydrogen detector that will shut down the generator if a significant hydrogen leak is detected within the GC oven.
<h3>3. Hardware</h3>
It is important to check the recommendations from your GC manufacturer regarding use of hydrogen carrier gas in your GC. Each manufacturer will have tested their GCs for use with hydrogen and may have specific recommendations depending on the model that you are using. Hardware changes, if required, are most likely to need to be made on GC-MS systems.
Vacuum Pump: If you are using a GC-MS, it is important to ensure that your vacuum pump is efficient enough to maintain the vacuum in the source. Pumping efficiency is reduced for lighter molecules, so check the guidelines from your GC manufacturer to ensure that your pumping system can cope with hydrogen carrier gas. If you are purchasing a new GC-MS system, make your supplier aware that you plan to use hydrogen carrier gas so that the correct vacuum pump is supplied.
Ion Source: Depending on the manufacturer of your GC-MS, it is possible to get hydrogen upgrade kits, or replacement components for the ion source which will improve sensitivity when using hydrogen carrier gas for analysis of certain compounds. If you are purchasing a new GC-MS system, consult your supplier regarding which ion source will be supplied with the GC-MS to avoid extra cost and downtime at a later date.
<h3>4. Consumables</h3>
Column: For standard GC, there is very little that needs to be changed when switching from helium to hydrogen. By using a method translation software, you can simulate the effect of changing carrier gas on carrier gas pressure and oven ramp rates so that you can produce a revalidated method. Depending on your GC method parameters, it may not be necessary to change to a narrower bore column, unless the inlet pressure becomes very low in the translated method, however there are benefits to using a narrow bore column, which the properties of hydrogen carrier gas facilitates. By moving to a narrower bore column, the number of theoretical plates is increased, giving potential for improved efficiency and better sample separation.
Inlet: Inlet liners should be changed regularly to ensure that the system stays free of contaminants. When running samples with hydrogen carrier gas, tapered liners are recommended since these minimise contact with the gold seal in GC systems that have a gold seal.
Septa: Changing inlet septa is a routine part of GC maintenance and should be conducted regularly to avoid leaks in the system and prevent contamination.
<h3>5. Method</h3>
It is essential to confirm that your method can be used with hydrogen carrier gas. If you are using any regulated methods (eg. EPA, ASTM), first check what carrier gases are permitted. If hydrogen is permitted, then research your method(s) of interest to see whether there are any application notes on this method?
Method translation software: Method translation software is available from a variety of sources and can be used to calculate GC settings when using hydrogen carrier gas. This will enable you to optimise your method and explore column options prior to actually setting the system up with hydrogen carrier gas.
Use of chlorinated solvents: Formation of hydrochloric acid (HCl) through reaction of Cl and H₂ is often cited as a potential problem for GC and GC-MS when using hydrogen carrier gas since HCl will damage the GC system. Reactions between H₂ carrier gas and analytes or solvent will normally occur in the inlet, so reducing the residence time of your sample in the inlet is key. Use of pulsed splitless or pulsed split injection can help with reducing residence time of sample in the inlet, reducing the opportunity for formation of HCl or reactions between hydrogen and analytes occurring.
Inlet temperature: Using the lowest inlet temperature possible for the method will reduce the potential for reactions between solvents, analytes and hydrogen.
<h3>6. System setup</h3>
Column conditioning: When setting up a new GC system with hydrogen carrier gas, you will need to condition the column. Ensure that the end of the column is outside the GC oven when you condition the column to prevent a build-up of hydrogen within the GC oven as this could present a risk of explosion.
Ion source bakeout: If you are setting up a GC-MS, it is common to see performance problems when tuning the system, or running samples shortly after setting up with hydrogen carrier gas. This can be seen as high hydrocarbon-like background and a high m/z 29 peak. Baking out the ion source can quickly resolve these issues, with background settling down after an overnight back-out. Details of how to bake out your MSD can be found manufacturers’ guides and webinars covering use of GC-MS systems with hydrogen carrier gas.
<h3>7. Performance checkout</h3>
Signal to noise: Signal to noise is often reduced when comparing results of samples run with helium compared with hydrogen (2-5 times depending on the system). The reduction in signal to noise can be improved by using SIM detection on a single quadrupole system.
Fragmentation patterns: If ion ratios change, it is likely that too much Hydrogen is present in the ion source. This problem can be mitigated by reducing the column ID and therefore reducing the carrier gas flow rate, thus reducing the volume of Hydrogen entering the ion source.
Peak tailing: Polar components may suffer more significantly from Peak tailing when using hydrogen carrier gas. After baking out the ion source, peak tailing should reduce and will normally reduce for most compounds after a few days.
Background: A few days following changing carrier gas, the background signal should drop to a consistent level.
<blockquote>
Ed Connor Dr.Sc. is a GC Product Specialist, Peak Scientific, Inchinnan Business Park, Scotland, UK . Prior to joining Peak, Ed completed his Dr.Sc. at ETH Zurich in Switzerland using GC-MS to look at herbivore induced plant volatiles and their interaction with beneficial insects. He then joined the University of Zurich where his work focused primarily on volatile collection methods and analyses using GC-MS and GC-FID.
</blockquote>

7 Steps to changing carrier gas from Helium to Hydrogen

Covid-19 has had a major impact on how a lab operates. Personnel well-being as well as safe access to a reliable gas supply are now even greater priorities for analytical facilities and institutions. Labs supplying their instruments using bulk gas methods, such as cylinders or dewars, need to take extra precautions to minimize covid-19 exposure risks from outside third party contact and manual handling of cylinders. Ensuring the lab facility has contingency storage of gas in the event of lockdown transport restrictions is an additional stressor for laboratory staff.
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Peak_Scientific_Generatory_plynu_a_bezpecnost_laboratore_behem_Covid_19_2_7a5a032e9c/Peak-Scientific-Generatory-plynu-a-bezpecnost-laboratore-behem-Covid-19-2.jpg" alt="Peak Scientific: Reduce risks of Covid-19 contact transmission"/>
<h3>Safety - Reduce risks of Covid-19 contact transmission</h3>
Having strict outside contact policies in place, labs must limit third party contact to protect their members of staff, which can make regular cylinder deliveries and installations daunting tasks due to the risks of Covid-19 contact transmission.
Among the other safety benefits an in-house gas generation has to offer, including advanced fail-safe technology and minimal gas storage, labs operating with a gas generator for applications such as LC-MS or GC, can eliminate the Covid-19 infection vector of recurring material delivery to site and manual handling of cylinders, with the additional contact touchpoints that incurs.
A Peak in-house gas generator only requires a one-time delivery, granting lab personnel the independence to operate the unit by themselves without the assistance or supply provision from third parties, thereby limiting contact to their employees. What is more, as an equipment fully integrated in a closed lab environment, an in-house gas generator is easier to sanitize, making sure all your lab equipment maintains the adequate hygiene standard required for all employees to be able to use safely.
<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Peak_Scientific_Generatory_plynu_a_bezpecnost_laboratore_behem_Covid_19_3_22ada1a7b8/Peak-Scientific-Generatory-plynu-a-bezpecnost-laboratore-behem-Covid-19-3.jpg" alt="Peak Scientific: Gas supply access on-demand, 24/7"/>
<h3>Reliability – Gas supply access on-demand, 24/7</h3>
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused supply chain disruption across a number of industries, heightening the uncertainty over future gas delivery capability in the event of potential future lockdowns imposing logistics infrastructure restrictions.
Performing LC-MS or GC analysis with a Peak <a href="https://www.peakscientific.com/nitrogen-generators/">nitrogen</a>, <a href="https://www.peakscientific.com/products/hydrogen/">hydrogen</a> or <a href="https://www.peakscientific.com/products/air/">zero air</a> gas generator provides a continuous supply of gas available on-demand, 24/7. Labs can have peace of mind knowing they have the independence which allows them to be in control of their own gas source without having to rely on the availability of third party suppliers.
Free of touchpoints and outside contact through deliveries and installation, running your LC-MS or GC instrument with a Peak gas generator is a step towards a safer and more independent lab. Producing your own laboratory-grade gas means you can focus on what’s important without any concerns over safety or supply shortages.
<h3>Peak Protected - World class generator care</h3>
At Peak Scientific, we understand that a reliable and consistent gas supply is essential to the critical nature of your work. That&#39;s why we have developed <a href="https://www.peakscientific.com/service/about-peak-protected/">Peak Protected</a> first-class after-sales care allowing you to have peace of mind knowing our support keeps your generator in great condition, with optimized performance throughout the product life span. Should you require a service or in the unlikely event of a breakdown, one of our Field Service Engineers will be on your site within 24-72 hours (Note), thanks to our global rapid call-out response. With Peak Protected, your lab is our priority. For further enquiries on our after-sales care, contact us today on protected@peakscientific.com
Note: Response time is dependent on region and service plan. Monday to Friday working days only.

On-site Gas Generators & Lab Safety During Covid-19

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Peak Scientific is a leading innovator in the design, manufacture and support of high performance gas generators for analytical laboratories, with direct operations in every continent around the world.

On-site Gas Generators & Lab Safety During Covid-19

7 Steps to changing carrier gas from Helium to Hydrogen

Peak Scientific unveils new cost-efficient nitrogen gas solution for Shimadzu high-flow LC-MS/MS systems

Why switch from helium to hydrogen gas for GC?

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