🎤 Presenter: Christina Kelly, Joseph Binkley, John Hayes (LECO Corporation, Saint Joseph, USA)
💾 <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/O_12_Characterization_and_Quantitative_Hydrocarbon_Group_Type_Analysis_of_Plastic_Derived_Pyrolysis_Oils_by_G_Cx_GC_TOFMS_FID_0a253a5d5e/O-12-Characterization-and-Quantitative-Hydrocarbon-Group-Type-Analysis-of-Plastic-Derived-Pyrolysis-Oils-by-GCxGC-TOFMS-FID.pdf">PDF presentation</a>
<blockquote>
💡 Book in your calendar: <a href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/events/518">16th Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop (MDCW) 3 - 5. February 2025</a>
</blockquote>
<h3>Abstract</h3>
An increase in the desire for waste plastics converted to pyrolysis oils to be used as fuel has led to the development of processes that create new potential feedstocks which, even with similar physical characteristics to traditional geochemical sources, carry higher risks of poisoning catalysts or otherwise reducing efficiency due to very different chemical characteristics.
This presentation focuses on characterization of plastic-derived pyrolysis oils and the comparison of polar-nonpolar and nonpolar-polar column sets that target increased chromatographic resolution in different regions of the structured chromatograms, revealing clusters of compound classes not typically seen in traditional petroleum fuels, such as multi-branched paraffins and specific heteroatom-containing species of interest.
The data provided by the LECO Paradigm Shift highlights the flexibility of this flow-modulator-and-splitter system for comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography (GC×GC) method optimization while utilizing the combined power of time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS) and simultaneous flame ionization detection (FID). With a splitter design ensuring that a constant ratio of analytes is sent to each detector throughout the GC temperature program to maintain uniform area % quantitation from the FID, the Paradigm Shift system preserves the integrity of the GC×GC separation of plastic-derived pyrolysis oils for analytical methods that concurrently provide rich qualitative and accurate quantitative information.

GC×GC-TOFMS/FID hydrocarbon group-type analysis of plastic-derived oils (Christina Kelly, MDCW 2024)

🎤 Presenter: Marion Risse (ETH Zurich, Zürich, Switzerland)💾 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.cz/paper/28873">PDF presentation</a><blockquote>💡 Book in your calendar: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/events/787">17th Multidimensional Chromatography Workshop (MDCW)</a> 13 - 15. January 2026</blockquote><h3>Abstract</h3>Historically, women have been underrepresented in biological and medical research, leading to significant gaps in knowledge with adverse implications for women’s health. This exclusion often aims to avoid potential temporal variation linked to the female reproductive cycle. In studies on human odors and disease vector attraction, such gaps can critically impact human health. Yet, sex-specific differences in odor cues influencing mosquito attraction remain largely unexplored. To address this gap, we conducted a longitudinal study investigating variations in female body odors throughout the menstrual cycle.We collected skin volatile samples from female subjects during the menstrual, fertile, and luteal phases of their cycle, as well as from male controls. These samples were processed via two-dimensional gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?instrumentationItems=5-13-3&amp;manufacturerItems=25">GC×GC-MS</a>) and further analyzed using GCImage software. Our findings provide crucial insights into sex differences in body odor and the potential effects of the menstrual cycle. Identifying volatile markers specific to sex and menstrual phases could significantly enhance our understanding of vector attraction.This knowledge may inform targeted strategies for improved health interventions and disease prevention and control, ultimately contributing to better public health outcomes.<h3>Video transcription</h3>Women are historically underrepresented in biological and medical research. Many studies excluded women to avoid temporal variation caused by the menstrual cycle. This exclusion leads to partial representation of populations and reduces the utility of results. Human odor studies and disease vector attraction are no exception.The research questions were: Is there a sex-specific signature in skin volatiles? Do body odors vary consistently throughout the menstrual cycle? How do these variations impact mosquito attraction?<h4>Study Design</h4>Two longitudinal studies with repeated volatile collections were conducted. Female participants were sampled at three phases: menstrual phase, fertile phase, and luteal phase. Male controls were sampled at corresponding intervals. Samples were analyzed with GC×GC-MS and processed using GCImage software. Both arm and foot volatiles were studied, with results here focusing on arms.<h4>Results: Sex Differences</h4>PLS-DA analysis showed strong overlap between males and females, but machine learning (random forest) could predict sex with approximately 75% accuracy. Some compounds were identified as sex markers, though identification is still under verification.<h4>Results: Menstrual Cycle Effects</h4>PLS-DA revealed overlap between menstrual and other phases, but clearer separation between fertile and luteal phases. Random forest analysis indicated limited accuracy for menstrual vs. fertile, but better prediction for menstrual vs. luteal comparisons. Volcano plots highlighted significant compounds distinguishing phases: few compounds for menstrual vs. fertile, more for menstrual vs. luteal and fertile vs. luteal comparisons. Some overlapping compounds were identified between LIMMA and random forest analyses.<h4>Results: Mosquito Attraction</h4>Mosquito attraction tests showed no differences between menstrual cycle phases and no differences between males and females. However, there was strong individual variation. Some participants were consistently highly attractive to mosquitoes, while others were consistently unattractive. These preferences remained stable over time and were independent of the menstrual phase.<h4>Conclusion</h4>GC×GC-MS analysis revealed detectable sex differences in skin volatiles and some menstrual cycle-related differences, though with significant overlap. Mosquito assays did not show any preference based on sex or menstrual phase but demonstrated stable individual attractiveness patterns. Additional data are still being processed and verified.<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>

The impact of the menstrual cycle on skin volatile profiles (Marion Risse, MDCW 2025)

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezGCMS Library in the week of 24th November 2025? 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 brochure by Agilent Technologies, poster by LECO /MDCW, and application notes by Shimadzu and Thermo Fisher Scientific!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: GC workflows for hydrogen vehicles and natural gas blending - Hydrogen Fuel Testing Solutions</h3><ul><li>Brochure</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ac_hydrogen_fuel_purity_matters_compendium_5994_8643en_agilent_8da57fb7a2.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Agilent’s Hydrogen Fuel Testing Solutions compendium highlights the growing importance of reliable impurity analysis as hydrogen becomes a key clean-energy fuel. Because contaminants such as moisture, sulfur compounds, ammonia, oxygen, or organics can compromise fuel-cell performance and safety, the brochure emphasizes that hydrogen purity must be monitored throughout the entire supply chain—from production to storage, transport, and final distribution. Hydrogen blended into natural gas introduces additional challenges, since existing pipeline infrastructure was not originally designed for hydrogen, making rigorous analytical control essential for preventing corrosion, equipment malfunction, and safety issues.To address these challenges, Agilent presents a comprehensive suite of GC-based hydrogen testing workflows. The compendium showcases key analytical instruments—such as the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=8890">Agilent 8890 GC</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=8355+SCD">8355 SCD</a>, 8255 NCD, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=5977C">5977C GC/MSD</a>, and portable <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=990+Micro+GC">990 Micro GC</a>—each tailored for detecting critical impurities at trace levels in accordance with ISO 14687-2019, SAE J2719, and other global standards. Featured application notes demonstrate capabilities including ultratrace ammonia monitoring, analysis of sulfides and halides, sulfur speciation, and fast impurity screening for hydrogen and natural gas streams.Beyond instrumentation, the brochure outlines Agilent’s service ecosystem supporting method deployment, instrument verification, sustainability strategies, and lab operations management through CrossLab services and OpenLab software. These include preventive maintenance programs, financial solutions, certified pre-owned instruments, and consulting for analytical method development.Finally, the brochure connects hydrogen-fuel purity testing with broader sustainability goals. Agilent encourages laboratories to adopt circular-economy practices—reducing waste, extending instrument lifecycles, and improving energy efficiency—emphasizing that clean hydrogen starts with responsible, efficient, and reliable laboratory workflows.<h3>2. LECO / MDCW: BOOSTING NON-TARGETED ANALYSIS WITH COMPREHENSIVE TWO-DIMENSIONAL GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY AND HIGH-RESOLUTION MASS SPECTROMETRY</h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/FL_18_Sebastiano_b4cf417f82.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>The presentation by Sebastiano Panto (LECO EATC Berlin) focuses on demonstrating how comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?instrumentationItems=2-13-3&amp;mainauthorItems=24">GC×GC-HR-TOFMS</a>) significantly enhances non-targeted and targeted screening workflows, particularly in environmental analysis. Using liver extracts from Glaucous gulls (Larus hyperboreus) from the Svalbard region as a case study, the work aims to reveal contamination patterns and improve compound identification confidence.Sample preparation included homogenization, lipid removal, and multi-step cleanup involving GPC/SEC chromatography and Florisil fractionation, yielding separate non-polar and polar fractions for analysis (page 4). Analytical separations were performed on an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=8890+GC">Agilent 8890 GC</a> equipped with a dual-column GC×GC setup (Rxi-5SilMS and Rxi-17SilMS), cryogenic modulation, and Helium carrier gas. Detection used the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=24&amp;search=Pegasus+HRT%2B4D+HR-TOFMS">LECO Pegasus® HRT+4D HR-TOFMS</a> with multiple ionization modes—EI, PCI, and ECNI—enabling simultaneous acquisition of structural, isotopic, and exact-mass information (page 5).The results highlight the advantages of GC×GC-HR-TOFMS in non-target screening: improved separation patterns, higher library match scores, exact-mass confirmation, and enhanced structural elucidation. Electron ionization (EI) provided clean spectra with high match scores for classic pollutants (e.g., PCBs, DDE), while electron capture negative ionization (ECNI) greatly improved selectivity and sensitivity for halogenated contaminants such as toxaphenes and brominated flame retardants, enabling confident identification even when EI spectra were ambiguous (pages 6–13). The instrument’s high mass accuracy and isotopic fidelity are shown to be essential for distinguishing closely related halogenated compounds.The study concludes that combining GC×GC separation power with HR-TOFMS accurate-mass detection and complementary ionization modes offers a robust discovery platform for environmental exposomics. This analytical workflow supports more confident annotation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and emerging contaminants in complex biological matrices, ultimately helping assess ecological risks in sensitive Arctic ecosystems where these avian species reside (page 15).<h3>3. Shimadzu: High-Sensitivity Gas Analysis Using the GCMS-QP2050 and GI-30 Auto Gas Injector</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_00953_en_7e1a865aae.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Gas analysis is conducted across a wide range of fields, including resources, energy, and the environment. Typical targets include inorganic gases such as H2, CO, and CO2, and light hydrocarbon gases starting with CH4, with analyses primarily performed using GC. In Application News No. 01- 00858, examples of gas sample analysis using TCD and BID installed on the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=Brevis+GC-2050">Brevis GC-2050</a> were presented.&nbsp;However, qualitative analysis by GC requires standard substances, making the identification of unknown impurities in gas samples difficult. Furthermore, in inorganic gas analysis, complete chromatographic separation of peaks can be challenging, and when GC fails to fully separate them, both qualitative and quantitative analysis become difficult.&nbsp;In contrast, gas analysis using GC-MS enables qualitative identification of unknown components without standard substances through mass spectral library searches. Quantitation in GC-MS is performed using mass chromatograms, allowing accurate measurements even when peaks overlap.&nbsp;In this Application News, high-sensitivity analysis of inorganic gases and light hydrocarbon gases was performed using the compact yet high-performance <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=GCMS-QP2050">GCMS-QP2050</a>. Gas samples were introduced using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=GI-30">GI-30 Auto Gas Injector</a>, enabling automated, continuous analysis and delivering higher reproducibility than manual sample injection.<h4>Instrument Configuration and Analytical Conditions&nbsp;</h4>A 10 ppm standard mixed gas sample in a cylinder was analyzed using the GCMS-QP2050. Gas sample injection into the GC-MS was performed with the GI-30 Auto Gas Injector (P/N: S221- 89755-41). The instrument configuration is shown in Fig. 1. The analytical conditions used are summarized in Table 1. Under typical ionization settings (ionization voltage 70 V and emission current 60 µA), ionization of the helium carrier gas generates a significant signal at m/z 2, making detection of H2 (monitor ion: m/z 2) difficult. Therefore, for analysis in SIM mode, the ionization voltage was set to 20 V and the emission current to 20 µA to suppress He ionization.<h4>Automated Continuous Analysis Using the GI-30&nbsp;</h4>The GI-30 Auto Gas Injector is a sample pretreatment device that automatically introduces a fixed volume of gas into the GC. It is used by connecting either a gas cylinder or a sample bag. When the GI-30 is connected to a gas cylinder, automated, continuous analysis of gassamples becomes possible.&nbsp;The GI-30 is equipped with an optional valve purge mechanism. Purging the internal valve with gas reduces the ingress of ambient air. This is effective for analyzing components in ambient air, such as N2 and O2, as well as for measuring tracelevel components.&nbsp;Table 2 shows the peak-area repeatability (%RSD) obtained when a 10 ppm standard mixed gas was analyzed automatically and continuously in SIM mode. As an example, an overlay of the CH4 SIM chromatograms is shown in Fig. 3. Because the GI-30 meters a fixed volume of gas into the GC via a sample loop, excellent reproducibility was achieved for all compounds.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>Using the GCMS-QP2050, high-sensitivity analysis of inorganic gases, such as H2, and light hydrocarbons was achieved. Gas sample injection was performed with the GI-30 Auto Gas Injector, enabling automated, continuous analysis and delivering higher reproducibility compared with manual sample injection. The compact, high-performance GCMS-QP2050, together with the GI-30, enables automation and high-precision gas analysis, and supports greater efficiency in GC-MS-based gas analysis.<h3>4. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Trace analysis of epichlorohydrin in drinking water using GC-MS coupled with purge and trap</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_003894_gc_single_quad_isq_7610_environmental_an003894_na_en_70123385ae.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Epichlorohydrin (ECH) is a versatile starting material in the production of drugs and polymers and is also used as an insect fumigant and solvent for organic synthesis reactions. ECH-based polymer pipes are commonly used in the production of drinking water due to their durability and resistance to corrosion. However, ECH is known for its high reactivity and toxicity, which poses significant health risks if it contaminates drinking water. Exposure to ECH can cause respiratory issues, skin irritation, and has been classified as a probable human carcinogen.Due to these risks, many countries have imposed strict limits on the amount of ECH allowed in drinking water. Recently, Europe set a minimum detection limit (MDL) of 30 parts per trillion (ppt) for ECH in drinking water.2 Whereas typically required detection limits for most compounds mandated for analysis in Europe can be achieved using methods based on static headspace, the stringent MDL required for ECH requires preconcentration, for example using purge and trap (P&amp;T) technology.3,4 This technology involves purging the water sample with an inert gas to release volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are then trapped and concentrated for analysis, ensuring reliable detection at very low concentrations. In the United States, the analysis of VOCs in drinking water is mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The EPA requires the use of P&amp;T technology for drinking water analysis to ensure that even trace amounts of harmful compounds like ECH are detected and managed appropriately.&nbsp;The following evaluation describes the use of the ISQ 7610 Single Quadrupole MS system coupled with the Thermo Scientific™ TRACE™ 1610 GC with the Thermo Scientific™ HeSaver-H2 Safer™ split/splitless injector and Teledyne LABS Tekmar Lumin P&amp;T concentrator combined with the AQUATek LVA autosampler for the analysis of ECH in drinking water.<h4>Experimental</h4><h5>GC-MS parameters&nbsp;</h5>A <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/486">TRACE 1610 GC</a> was coupled to the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/484">ISQ 7610 MS</a> equipped with the Thermo Scientific™ NeverVent ™ vacuum probe interlock (VPI) and an ExtractaBrite ion source. A <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/1773">Thermo Scientific™ TraceGOLD™ TG-VMS column</a>, 30 m × 0.25 mm, 1.4 µm film (P/N 26080-3320) was used for compound separation. The HeSaver-H2 Safer SSL injector was utilized to reduce the carrier gas consumption by decoupling the gas used for the chromatographic separation from the gas used to pressurize the inlet and maintain split and purge flows. The critical separations were maintained with a run time of under 15 minutes.For this analysis, the ISQ 7610 MS was operated in Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM) mode for increased selectivity, as required for this application. Extended method parameters for the ISQ 7610 MS are shown in Table 2.<h5>Instrument control and data processing&nbsp;</h5>Data was acquired, processed, and reported using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/76">Thermo Scientific™ Chromeleon™ Chromatography Data System (CDS)</a>. This software can control both the GC-MS system and the Tekmar Lumin P&amp;T with the AQUATek LVA. This allows a single software to be utilized for the full workflow, simplifying the instrument operation. This application note is available for download via the Thermo Scientific™ AppsLab Library, which contains all the parameters needed to acquire, process, and report the analytical data for analysis of ECH.5<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>This study demonstrates the capability of the Tekmar Lumin P&amp;T with the AQUATek LVA system connected to the ISQ 7610 Single Quadrupole GC-MS to detect and quantify low-level ECH in drinking water samples, in compliance with EPA requirements.&nbsp;<ul><li>Utilizing the Tekmar Lumin P&amp;T’s ability to purge with nitrogen, along with using the HeSaver-H₂Safer SSL injector, nearly four times less helium was consumed during the analysis without sacrificing system performance.&nbsp;</li><li>The linearity of the calibration curve from 30 ppt to 5,000 ppt passed method requirements.</li><li>The application proved robust during an extended study with 20 samples of a 1,000 ppt ECH standard injected over a series of 124 injections, obtaining 4.4% precision and 118% accuracy of the recovery.</li></ul>

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 48, 2025

🎤 Presenter: David E. Alonso (LECO Corporation)💾 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/O_3_Alonso_6f61e3ea43.pdf">PDF presentation</a><h3>Abstract</h3>Enormous quantities of Polyfluoro- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been produced through telomerization and electrochemical fluorination since the late 1940s. PFAS are a group of anthropogenic chemicals produced to improve the physical and chemical characteristics of products such as food packaging, cookware, textiles, paints, flame retardants, and stain-resistant clothing. PFAS increase heat, water, and oil resistance in these consumer products. Humans can be exposed to these harmful substances through ingestion and inhalation. Therefore, it is crucial that researchers screen these toxic chemicals on a regular basis. Unfortunately, monitoring hazardous chemicals such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is challenging due to the complexity of sample matrices. The goal of this study was to develop an analytical methodology for the comprehensive screening of complex samples for volatile and semi-volatile PFAS, as well as additional emerging contaminants.&nbsp;The protocol included the application of effective sample introduction techniques, as well as the design of general data acquisition and processing strategies for quick analysis of a wide variety of consumer goods. Different ionization modes: 1) Electron Ionization (EI), 2) Positive Chemical Ionization (PCI), and 3) Negative Chemical Ionization (NCI). The rich <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?instrumentationItems=2-13-3&amp;manufacturerItems=25">GCxGC-HRTOFMS</a> data were used to annotate different classes of PFAS and additional harmful chemicals.<h3>Video Transcription</h3><h4>1) Background and objective</h4>The presentation focuses on screening and characterizing PFAS-related compounds (including PFOS/PFAS components and related xenobiotics) in consumer products and consumables using GC, GC×GC, and high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry.PFAS-type chemicals are widely used in industry and are increasingly recognized as environmentally and health-relevant contaminants. The speaker’s broader work includes screening materials such as ski wax, specialty lubricants, dental floss, chewing gum, and anti-fog solutions.The overall goal is to show:<ul><li>why high-resolution accurate-mass TOF is powerful for unknown identification, and</li><li>how combining HRTOF-MS + GC×GC + advanced software tools enables fast, confident screening in complex matrices.</li></ul><h4>2) Instrumentation and sample preparation approach</h4><h5>Instruments used</h5><ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/1097">LECO Pegasus BTX</a> (initial experiments)</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/39">LECO Pegasus HRT</a> (high-resolution TOF for accurate mass and improved confidence)</li></ul><h5>Sample preparation philosophy</h5>The speaker emphasizes minimal sample manipulation, using:<ul><li>“Dilute and shoot” for liquid samples</li><li>Thermal desorption, followed by pyrolysis (in separate steps) for solid/complex materials</li></ul><h4>3) Case study A: Anti-fog solutions (PFAS concerns and unknowns)</h4><h5>Motivation</h5>Anti-fog products are commonly used (lab work, sports such as hockey/skiing). Prior reports suggested some anti-fog solutions may contain PFAS-related components.<h5>Initial GC-MS results (BTX)</h5>A simple chromatogram can appear “clean,” but deeper evaluation shows:<ul><li>multiple organic classes (e.g., alkanes/alkenes)</li><li>a set of unknown major components, which became the key focus</li><li>limited library coverage for PFAS at the time (NIST version constraints were mentioned)</li></ul>The speaker identified a handful of compounds through automated processing, but many peaks remained unidentified (not found in NIST/Wiley/ChemSpider).<h5>Why high resolution was needed</h5>One compound of interest (“X”) produced:<ul><li>poor library match quality (“ridiculous” similarity score)</li><li>insufficient spectral clarity for confident identification</li></ul><h5>HRTOF-MS advantages highlighted</h5>With HRTOF-MS the speaker gains:<ul><li>accurate mass (high precision mass values)</li><li>ability to compute elemental formulas for ions/fragments</li><li>RDBE / ring double bond equivalence to support structural reasoning</li><li>multiple ionization modes:<ul><li>EI (electron ionization)</li><li>CI (chemical ionization), positive and negative</li></ul></li></ul><h5>Key step: Switching to CI for molecular ion information</h5>The speaker notes EI spectra may be “skinny” (limited informative ions), while CI can provide:<ul><li>a strong protonated molecular ion with excellent mass accuracy</li><li>useful methane-CI adduct patterns (e.g., M+29, M+41)</li><li>isotopic fidelity scoring (confidence metric; values above a high threshold indicate strong agreement between theoretical and observed isotope patterns)</li></ul><h5>External database search to propose structure</h5>Even with formula confidence, structure identification required:<ul><li>literature context (a specific paper was used as a clue)</li><li>searching the EPA CompTox library</li><li>narrowing to a small set of candidate structures</li><li>combining evidence from formula + fragmentation patterns (including signs of glycol-like substructures such as repeated CH₂CH₂O motifs)</li></ul><h5>Extending logic to other unknowns</h5>Once compound “X” was tentatively assigned, related unknowns (e.g., peaks 6–14) could be approached systematically by:<ul><li>analyzing recurring fragment motifs</li><li>applying complementary CI data</li><li>assigning consistent series behavior</li></ul>The speaker reports annotating the unknown series as polyfluorinated ethoxylate-type compounds, based on combined evidence and pattern relationships.<h4>4) Case study B: Chewing gum (extreme matrix complexity and false positives)</h4><h5>Why chewing gum?</h5>Chewing gum was unexpectedly complex and served as a strong example of:<ul><li>heavy thermal degradation (especially for sugar-containing gums)</li><li>a wide concentration dynamic range</li><li>analytes of interest present at very low levels, making screening difficult</li></ul><h5>A key lesson: Library matches can mislead</h5>The speaker reports seeing apparent PFAS hits with decent match scores (around the “confidence” range many users might accept), but calls them false positives due to:<ul><li>“skinny” spectra lacking molecular ion evidence</li><li>insufficient confirmation without accurate-mass + ionization support and advanced screening logic</li></ul><h4>5) The “ultimate” workflow: HRTOF-MS + GC×GC + software-driven screening</h4>The speaker describes the strongest approach as a combination of:<ul><li>GC×GC (better separation and pattern recognition in complex mixtures)</li><li>HR accurate mass (formula-level confidence)</li><li>software tools that enable fast triage without manual peak-table review</li></ul><h4>Screening strategy (needle-in-a-haystack)</h4>Instead of relying purely on automated peak finding (often unreliable for trace levels), the speaker uses a multi-step spectral approach:<ol><li>Sum ions across the GC×GC contour plot to capture the full complexity</li><li>Build a mass defect plot:<ul><li>y-axis: mass defect</li><li>x-axis: accurate mass</li></ul></li><li>Target entire PFAS fragment series at once:<ul><li>uses known spacing (e.g., CF₂ repeat patterns with consistent mass spacing)</li><li>targets both “tail” fragments and “head” fragments (e.g., acrylate-related head groups)</li></ul></li><li>Use specialized visualization (e.g., scaled mass defect plots) to make the PFAS-related ion series appear clearly aligned and easy to spot</li></ol>After locating candidate signals, the workflow moves to confirmation.<h4>6) Confirmation logic: EI + CI (positive and negative) in “discovery mode”</h4>The speaker’s standard operational mode is:<ul><li>acquire EI, then automatically acquire CI positive and CI negative</li><li>if EI lacks a molecular ion, CI often provides:<ul><li>protonated molecular ion</li><li>isotope-pattern confirmation via isotopic fidelity</li><li>accurate-mass formula confirmation</li></ul></li></ul>If needed, final confirmation can be achieved by:<ul><li>purchasing and running a reference standard, when available</li></ul><h4>7) Results from chewing gum screening</h4>Using the described approach, the speaker reports:<ul><li>identifying many gum constituents (sweeteners, flavor compounds such as terpenes in spearmint gum, softeners like glycerol and glycerides, and lipid-related compounds)</li><li>probing the gum base by increasing thermal conditions (e.g., higher temperatures revealing polymer degradation products)</li><li>evidence consistent with gum-base polymer components (example given: degradation products associated with polyisobutylene, such as isobutene and oligomers)</li></ul><h5>PFAS conclusion for gum samples</h5>For the gum samples tested (including gum, wrapper, and box):<ul><li>PFAS-related compounds were not detected (good news)</li></ul><h4>8) Take-home messages</h4><ul><li>HRTOF-MS is essential for unknown characterization, especially when libraries are incomplete.</li><li>EI alone can be misleading, particularly for trace components and when spectra are information-poor (“skinny”).</li><li>CI (positive/negative) adds decisive molecular-ion and formula confidence.</li><li>GC×GC + HR accurate mass + mass defect workflows enable rapid screening for PFAS (and other POPs) without manually grinding through peak tables.</li><li>The workflow is broadly applicable for screening PFAS and other trace pollutant classes such as PCBs and persistent organic pollutants.</li></ul><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>

Exploring PFAS in consumer goods using GCxGC-high-resolution mass spectrometry (David Alonso, MDCW 2026)

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezGCMS Library in the week of 30th March 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 application notes by Agilent Technologies, Thermo Fisher Scientific, brochure by Shimadzu and presentation by MDCW / LECO!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: Extraction and Analysis of Pesticides from Water by Solid Phase Extraction and GC/MS</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_extraction_analysis_pesticides_water_gcms_5994_8996en_agilent_28fc35d0e7.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Drinking water is defined as water intended for human consumption obtained from different sources. Several guidelines/regulations exist for ensuring that undesirable substances such as pesticides are not present in excessive amounts that may be harmful to human health. These regulations ensure that water intended for human consumption can be consumed safely. In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has set regulatory limits for residual pesticides in drinking water (IS 10500)1 , packaged drinking water (IS 14543)2 , and natural mineral water (IS 13428).3 A total of 26 pesticides are regulated by BIS standards, of which four compounds (monocrotophos, phorate, 2,4-D, and isoproturon) are more suitable for analysis by liquid chromatography.&nbsp;EPA Method 525.2 is a general-purpose method for determination of organic compounds in finished drinking water or water from any source or treatment stage.4 This method is applicable to a range of organic compounds that are partitioned from the water sample onto a C18 organic phase packed in a disk or cartridge. The organic compounds are then eluted using a suitable eluent, concentrated, and analyzed by GC/MS.&nbsp;This application note describes the use of EPA Method 525.2 for extraction of pesticide residues at trace levels in water using solid-phase extraction (Agilent Bond Elut C18: Straight barrel cartridges, p/n 12102118) and analysis using Agilent 8890-5977 GC/MS.&nbsp;Excellent linearity with R2 &gt; 0.995 was obtained for all pesticides considered for the study. Recoveries were obtained in the range of 80–120% with associated RSDs &lt; 15% at 0.005–0.080 ng/mL level of fortification.<h4>Experimental</h4><h5>Instrument parameters</h5><ul><li>GC: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=8890">Agilent 8890</a></li><li>Column: Agilent <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=J%26W+HP-5ms">J&amp;W HP-5ms</a> UI 30 m × 0.25 mm, 0.25 μm&nbsp;</li><li>Carrier Gas: Helium, constant flow, 1.2 mL/min&nbsp;</li><li>Inlet: Agilent Multimode Inlet (MMI)</li><li>MS: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=5977">5977 GC/MS</a></li></ul><h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>A simple, easy, and efficient method based on EPA 525.2 was implemented for the determination of 22 pesticides in water. The method demonstrated good sensitivity, precision, and accuracy, and allows for rapid analysis. The results demonstrate that pesticide residues can be detected below the current maximum residue levels (MRL) required by the BIS specifications. Acceptable recoveries and precision were obtained at concentrations as low as 5 ng/L for all pesticides. The method is ideally suited for use in a regulatory laboratory for the determination of pesticides in surface, drinking, and packaged drinking water.<h3>2. MDCW / LECO: Exploring PFAS in Consumer Goods Using GCxGC and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry</h3><ul><li>Presentation</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/O_3_Alonso_6f61e3ea43.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used in consumer and industrial products due to their unique physicochemical properties, but their persistence and potential health risks have made their detection increasingly important. This study focuses on developing an untargeted analytical approach for screening PFAS and related compounds in consumer goods using advanced chromatographic and mass spectrometric techniques.The analytical workflow combines gas chromatography with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GC-TOFMS) and comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution TOFMS (GC×GC-HRTOFMS), using systems such as the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/1097">LECO Pegasus® BTX </a>and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/38">Pegasus® HRT+</a> platforms. Sample introduction is performed via thermal desorption or pyrolysis, enabling analysis of both volatile and complex matrices. High-resolution MS provides accurate mass measurements and elemental composition, which are essential for identifying unknown compounds and reducing matrix interferences.In the first case study, anti-fog solutions were analyzed and found to contain a wide range of compounds, including fluorotelomer alcohols and related PFAS species. While GC-TOFMS enabled initial screening, high-resolution TOFMS was necessary to characterize unknown compounds through accurate mass determination and complementary ionization techniques (EI and PCI). This approach allowed tentative structural assignment using external databases, demonstrating the importance of HRMS in identifying compounds not present in standard libraries.The second case study focused on chewing gum, a highly complex matrix with diverse chemical constituents and trace-level analytes. The use of GC×GC-HRTOFMS significantly improved chromatographic separation and spectral clarity, enabling detailed profiling of volatile and semi-volatile compounds. A dedicated PFAS screening workflow based on mass defect analysis and spectral filtering was applied, leveraging the characteristic CF₂ patterns of PFAS molecules to simplify data interpretation.Despite the complexity of the sample, no PFAS were detected in the chewing gum, its packaging, or the box. Overall, the study demonstrates that combining GC×GC separation, high-resolution mass spectrometry, and advanced data processing tools provides a powerful and reliable strategy for untargeted PFAS screening in complex consumer products, particularly when unknown or emerging contaminants are of concern.<h3>3. Shimadzu: Gas Chromatograph Nexis GC-2060</h3><ul><li>Brochure</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/c184_e056_06c3456516.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>The Shimadzu <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=3&amp;search=Nexis+GC-2060">Nexis GC-2060</a> represents a new generation of gas chromatographs, built on over 70 years of GC development and designed to serve as a flexible and future-proof analytical platform. It integrates the concept of Analytical Intelligence, which enables automated system monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimization, helping both experienced and less experienced users achieve reliable and consistent results. The system is highly configurable, supporting up to two injectors, three injection units, and four detectors simultaneously, allowing a single instrument to cover multiple analytical applications.A key advantage of the Nexis GC-2060 is its versatility in sample introduction and detection. The Multi-Mode Injection Unit (MMI) supports a wide range of injection techniques, including split/splitless, PTV, direct injection, large-volume injection (LVI), and thermal desorption, significantly reducing the need for complex sample preparation. The system is also equipped with next-generation detectors such as FID and TCD, offering high sensitivity, stability, and linearity, with additional detector options (ECD, FPD, FTD, BID) enabling broad application coverage.The instrument is designed to maximize laboratory efficiency and minimize downtime. Features such as tool-free column installation (ClickTek), automated startup/shutdown, Easy sTop maintenance mode, and Clean Pilot for automated column conditioning simplify routine operation and reduce manual intervention. In addition, Eco Idling technology automatically optimizes gas and power consumption during standby, significantly lowering operational costs while maintaining readiness for analysis.From an analytical performance perspective, the Nexis GC-2060 delivers excellent reproducibility and sensitivity, supported by advanced autosamplers (e.g., AOC-30) and compatibility with third-party systems. The platform supports hydrogen carrier gas for faster analysis and includes smart gas management features such as automatic gas switching. Its modular design allows seamless integration with various sample preparation systems, autosamplers, and detectors, ensuring adaptability to evolving laboratory needs.Overall, the Nexis GC-2060 combines high performance, operational efficiency, and flexibility in a single platform, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including pharmaceutical analysis, environmental testing, food analysis, and energy-related measurements. Its scalability and continuous software updates ensure long-term usability and alignment with future analytical requirements.<h3>4. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Accurate multi-component blast furnace gas analysis maximizes iron production and minimizes coke consumption</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/epm_AN_Iron_Production_Prima_PRO_bd5de98b44.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Over a billion tonnes of iron a year are produced in blast furnaces, representing around 94% of global iron production¹. The blast furnace consists of a large steel stack, lined with refractory brick. Iron ore, coke and limestone are dropped into the top of the furnace and preheated air blown into the bottom through nozzles called ‘Tuyeres’. Iron oxides are reduced in the melting zone, or ‘Bosh’, forming liquid iron (called ‘hot metal’) and liquid slag. These liquid products are drained from the furnace at regular intervals, and the blast furnace will run continuously for several years, until the refractory lining needs replacing.Analysis of carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) give vital information on the efficiency of the reduction processes. Historically, two non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) analyzers were used, one to measure CO, the other CO₂. Additional discrete analyzers were required to monitor oxygen and hydrogen – typically paramagnetic O₂ analyzers and thermal conductivity analyzers for H₂.&nbsp;Thermo Scientific™ process mass spectrometers have been widely used for many years for key gas analysis applications in iron and steel plants, including blast furnace, basic oxygen steelmaking, coke oven gas analysis, secondary steel process control, fuel gas analysis and direct reduction iron processes²<h4>Process control requirements&nbsp;</h4>The advantages of process MS over conventional analysis techniques have been proven over many years in the iron and steel industry. The ability to measure a wide range of components on a single analyzer, coupled with advanced calibration, data transmission, and self-diagnostic software, makes the modern mass spectrometer ideal for integration into the modern plant. On blast furnaces, superior gas analysis is being used to calculate gas efficiency, mass and heat balances, and heat profiles through probe analysis, as well as being an essential tool in the early detection of cooling water leaks and sample system failures.&nbsp;Figure 2 shows 64 hours of data from a <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/2305">Thermo Scientific™ Prima™ PRO Process MS</a> monitoring the six gases in a blast furnace top gas every 10 seconds. The pulse every 12 hours is generated by an automatic nitrogen blowback from the sample conditioning system, to keep the sample probe clear of particulates.<h4>Hydrogen analysis&nbsp;</h4>An increase in the hydrogen level in the furnace can indicate a leak from the furnace cooling system, as water dissociates into hydrogen and oxygen in the furnace. This has implications both for plant efficiency and plant safety. Water leaks will lower the furnace temperature, causing heat loss and a consequent increase in fuel consumption. In extreme cases, damage to plant and personnel can be caused by ignition of these hazardous mixtures of explosive gases.&nbsp;Figure 4 shows a plot of top gas hydrogen concentration measured by Thermo Scientific process MS over a 24-hour period, with the departure of the measured H2 value from that predicted by the mass balance model indicating a water leak. This leak was caused by the failure of a cooling member, and the furnace was taken off blast for repair. The mass spectrometer’s ability to provide fast, accurate hydrogen analysis removes the need for an additional discrete analyzer.&nbsp;Gas composition measurement is particularly important during the end-of-campaign blowdown that takes place prior to rebuilds and relines, because explosive gas mixtures can be generated.&nbsp;<h4>Probe analysis&nbsp;</h4>The fast analysis provided by MS offers another significant advantage over discrete analyzers—a number of process streams can be analyzed using a single instrument. This is achieved using a fully automated multi-inlet system, designed to switch between sample streams at high speeds with minimal sample flushing times. For example, as well as furnace top gas, the MS can also analyze gases from probes placed above and below the burden (the furnace charge of iron ore, coke and limestone). These are known as above-burden and sub-burden probes and provide valuable information on fuel efficiency, iron conversion and furnace charging. Figure 5 shows a schematic of these two probes; they can be moved across the furnace to build a cross-sectional profile of the furnace.<h4>Summary&nbsp;</h4>Thermo Scientific process mass spectrometers have been successfully monitoring blast furnace off gas at many of the world’s iron and steel companies for over 30 years. For a blast furnace producing 5,000 tonnes a day, a reduction in coke consumption of just 10 kg per tonne of iron produced provides a payback of over $10,000 a day. Users report that the combination of fast, accurate MS gas analysis for gas efficiency, heat and mass balances and hydrogen analysis, with advanced process control and mathematical modeling, has reduced coke consumption by up to 100 kg per tonne and increased iron production. Upgrading to Prima PRO MS can therefore result in complete installation payback within a few weeks.&nbsp;<ul><li>Reduces coke consumption&nbsp;</li><li>Produces consistent quality iron&nbsp;</li><li>Reduces downstream processing costs&nbsp;</li><li>Detects water leaks fast&nbsp;</li><li>Improves thermal control of furnace&nbsp;</li><li>Enables safer operation during blowdown</li></ul>

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 14, 2026

Labs&nbsp;that rely on helium gas are&nbsp;facing a major crisis…unless they have LECO instruments.&nbsp;Due to the military conflict in the Middle East, Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City,&nbsp;the world’s largest helium production hub, providing one-third of the world’s helium,&nbsp;has&nbsp;shut down operations.&nbsp;To make matters worse,&nbsp;the Strait of Hormuz,&nbsp;the shipping lane used to&nbsp;export helium, has also been closed,&nbsp;meaning&nbsp;even pre-filled helium containers are stuck&nbsp;with&nbsp;no&nbsp;viable&nbsp;route to customers.&nbsp;Naturally,&nbsp;the price&nbsp;of helium has now risen&nbsp;dramatically;&nbsp;most spot prices have doubled.&nbsp;A&nbsp;critical&nbsp;scarcity&nbsp;issue&nbsp;is looming as&nbsp;the world must now&nbsp;operate&nbsp;on&nbsp;roughly 5.2&nbsp;million cubic meters&nbsp;per&nbsp;month&nbsp;less of helium.&nbsp;<h3>Why Helium&nbsp;Cost and Supply&nbsp;Matters&nbsp;to Labs&nbsp;</h3>Although many people may recognize helium&nbsp;as the gas that fills party balloons,&nbsp;it&nbsp;plays a&nbsp;critical&nbsp;role in much&nbsp;more serious&nbsp;matters.&nbsp;Helium&nbsp;has&nbsp;unique properties, like an extremely low boiling point, inertness, and high thermal conductivity, which&nbsp;makes&nbsp;it indispensable in several high-tech applications.&nbsp;&nbsp;For example, research labs&nbsp;may use helium as a&nbsp;carrier&nbsp;gas&nbsp;when performing&nbsp;elemental analyses or&nbsp;gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, which is used&nbsp;to&nbsp;separate and&nbsp;identify&nbsp;chemical compounds in samples.&nbsp;But research labs&nbsp;are&nbsp;often&nbsp;government-funded and run under strict budgets,&nbsp;so&nbsp;the price hike&nbsp;on&nbsp;helium could&nbsp;mean labs have to&nbsp;pause&nbsp;their research until everything falls back&nbsp;under control,&nbsp;which could be months or longer.&nbsp;Even well-funded labs could suffer if the supply is simply too stretched to&nbsp;equip&nbsp;the lab with&nbsp;what&nbsp;they need, as medical uses are given top priority.&nbsp;This could have a serious impact on accuracy and compliance with regulated methods.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h3>The Consequences&nbsp;Reach Farther&nbsp;</h3>When helium becomes unavailable or prohibitively expensive, the ripple effects are immediate and far-reaching. It affects more than&nbsp;just&nbsp;balloons and research labs:&nbsp;<ul><li>Delayed Medical Diagnostics: MRI machines, which rely on helium to cool their superconducting magnets, may be taken offline, delaying critical scans.&nbsp;</li><li>Semiconductor Bottlenecks: Chip shortages could worsen,&nbsp;impacting&nbsp;everything from smartphones to electric vehicles and AI infrastructure.&nbsp;</li><li>Industrial Disruption: Welding, aerospace, and fiber optics manufacturing&nbsp;face rising costs and potential production halts.&nbsp;</li></ul><h3>LECO’s Solution: Instruments That&nbsp;Don’t&nbsp;Rely on Helium&nbsp;&nbsp;</h3>Amidst this pending&nbsp;crisis, LECO offers a practical and forward-thinking solution.&nbsp;This marks the 5th&nbsp;major helium supply crisis since 2006,&nbsp;and&nbsp;it’s&nbsp;likely there will be more after this. Helium&nbsp;supply is concentrated&nbsp;to&nbsp;just a few regions, meaning that any time there is a disruption to one of these, it can create a large effect on the industry.&nbsp;That’s&nbsp;why we designed our innovative analytical instruments&nbsp;to&nbsp;operate&nbsp;using alternative carrier gases.&nbsp;&nbsp;Depending on the instrument, alternative gases&nbsp;such as nitrogen,&nbsp;argon,&nbsp;or hydrogen may be used in place of helium. These gases are&nbsp;abundant, cost-effective, and&nbsp;less prone&nbsp;to the geopolitical volatility that plagues helium supply chains.&nbsp;&nbsp;LECO’s helium-free&nbsp;options&nbsp;ensure that operations stay online, efficient, and future-proof&nbsp;in a world where helium is becoming increasingly scarce and expensive.&nbsp;This flexibility is no longer a luxury—it’s&nbsp;a necessity.&nbsp;If your lab or facility is feeling the pressure of helium scarcity, now is the time to explore alternatives.&nbsp;This&nbsp;isn’t&nbsp;the first helium shortage, and it&nbsp;won’t&nbsp;be the last.&nbsp;Is your lab prepared?<h3>LECO Instruments Supporting Non-Helium Carrier Gases&nbsp;</h3><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/36">Pegasus BT</a> (Bench-Top GC–TOFMS, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/37">incl. BT 4D</a>)</h4><ul><li>Supported Carrier Gases: Helium or Hydrogen</li><li>Notes on Usage / Limitations: Supports H₂ as GC carrier with a retrofit kit for safety. Performance on hydrogen is on par with helium – the Pegasus BT series meets its full sensitivity specs with either gas.</li><li>App Note: “<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/PEGBT_TEA_TREE_ESSENTIAL_OIL_HYDROGEN_CARRIER_GAS_203_821_651_95c7a05807/PEGBT_TEA_TREE_ESSENTIAL_OIL_HYDROGEN_CARRIER_GAS_203-821-651.pdf">A Rapid, Robust and Sensitive Analysis of Tea Tree Essential Oil Quality by GC-TOFMS with Hydrogen as Carrier Gas</a>”</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Pegasus_BT_2_bc8a8d0505.jpg" alt="LECO: Pegasus BT" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_Pegasus_BT_2_bc8a8d0505.jpg 238w," sizes="100vw" width="932" height="612"><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/1097">Pegasus BTX</a> (Next-gen BT, incl. BTX 4D)</h4><ul><li>Supported Carrier Gases: Helium or Hydrogen</li><li>Notes on Usage / Limitations: Designed for seamless helium-to-hydrogen use. The Pegasus BTX series maintains trace-level sensitivity with either helium or hydrogen carrier gas, a rare capability in GC–MS. No hardware changes needed beyond standard setup.&nbsp;</li><li>App Note: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/PEGBTX_GINGER_OIL_HYDROGEN_CARRIER_GAS_203_821_694_1685d36546.pdf">“Ginger Oil Analysis and Grade Differentiation with Pegasus BTX Using Hydrogen Carrier Gas”</a></li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_LECO_PEGASUS_BTX_GC_TOFMS_cover_image_34704e689d.jpg" alt="LECO: Pegasus BTX" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_LECO_PEGASUS_BTX_GC_TOFMS_cover_image_34704e689d.jpg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="416" height="276"><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/38">Pegasus&nbsp;HRT</a>&nbsp;(High-Resolution TOF-MS,<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/39"> incl. 4D</a>)</h4><ul><li>Supported Carrier Gases: Helium or Hydrogen</li><li>Notes on Usage / Limitations: High-resolution GC–TOFMS systems support H₂ as a carrier gas as well as He.&nbsp;Note:&nbsp;Strict safety protocols apply due to&nbsp;hydrogen’s&nbsp;flammability. Hydrogen use is not recommended in instruments/configurations where gas could accumulate (e.g.&nbsp;very long, vertical&nbsp;flight tubes), but LECO’s HRT instruments&nbsp;utilize&nbsp;Folded Flight Path technology, which&nbsp;eliminates&nbsp;this concern.&nbsp;</li><li>App Note: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/GC_MS_Analysis_Hydrogen_Carrier_Gas_MMS_Ion_Source_HRT_G_Cx_GC_TOFMS_SA_ASMS_23_LPSS_310_6247a1baaf/GC-MS_Analysis_Hydrogen_Carrier_Gas_MMS_Ion_Source_HRT-GCxGC-TOFMS_SA_ASMS23_LPSS-310.pdf">“GC–MS Analysis with Hydrogen Carrier Gas on GC×GC-HRTOFMS (MMS Ion Source)”</a></li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_Pegasus_GC_HRT_831fcb6d1e.jpg" alt="LECO: Pegasus&nbsp;HRT" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_Pegasus_GC_HRT_831fcb6d1e.jpg 226w," sizes="100vw" width="3600" height="2487"><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1884">LECO 828 Series</a> (Nitrogen/Protein/Carbon/Hydrogen)</h4><ul><li>Supported Carrier Gases: Helium or Argon&nbsp;</li><li>Notes on Usage / Limitations: The LECO 828 Series&nbsp;supports&nbsp;argon as an alternative&nbsp;carrier gas&nbsp;to helium. Helium provides higher TCD sensitivity (important for low-N samples),&nbsp;whereas&nbsp;argon operation raises the nitrogen detection limit and slightly reduces low-range precision. Switching gas type simply requires updating the method and flow settings (no hardware change&nbsp;required).</li><li>App Note: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.leco.com/documents/203-821-665/?_gl=1*1d6stb6*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTMwMjg4MTUxNC4xNzc2MTAzOTU0*_ga_K8NYKVEKHY*czE3NzYxMDM5NTQkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzYxMDM5NTQkajYwJGwwJGg0NTY2NjUwNjk.*_ga_KRDSR1XM7X*czE3NzYxMDM5NTQkbzEkZzAkdDE3NzYxMDM5NTQkajYwJGwwJGgw">“Carbon, Hydrogen, and Nitrogen in Biomass using CHN828”</a>&nbsp;</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_rada_828_Makroanalyza_spalovanim_pro_analyzator_uhliku_vodiku_dusiku_a_bilkovin_e86acd897e.jpg" alt="LECO 828 Series" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_rada_828_Makroanalyza_spalovanim_pro_analyzator_uhliku_vodiku_dusiku_a_bilkovin_e86acd897e.jpg 137w," sizes="100vw" width="454" height="516"><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1885">LECO 928 Series</a> (Nitrogen/Protein/Carbon/Sulfur)</h4><ul><li>Supported Carrier Gases: Helium or Argon&nbsp;</li><li>Notes on Usage / Limitations: The LECO&nbsp;928 Series&nbsp;also&nbsp;supports&nbsp;argon carrier gas as an alternative to helium. Helium use gives the best sensitivity and lowest detection limits for nitrogen, while argon use increases analysis time slightly and raises the nitrogen detection limit (due to the smaller thermal conductivity difference). The 928-series instruments have built-in&nbsp;settings for either gas; when switching, users adjust flow&nbsp;and select&nbsp;the appropriate carrier gas&nbsp;in the system settings. Users also have the option to select&nbsp;a larger aliquot loop&nbsp;in the analysis method&nbsp;to improve&nbsp;precision.&nbsp;</li><li>App Note: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CN_928_CN_CARBON_BLACK_GRAPHITE_203_821_684_c2224fa8be.pdf">“Determination of Carbon and Nitrogen in Carbon Black and Graphite”</a></li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_rada_928_Stanoveni_makrohodnot_pomoci_spalovani_3_74de99f8e5.jpg" alt="LECO 928 Series" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_rada_928_Stanoveni_makrohodnot_pomoci_spalovani_3_74de99f8e5.jpg 216w," sizes="100vw" width="711" height="513"><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1880">736</a>/<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1882">836</a> Series&nbsp;(Inert Gas Fusion O2/N2&nbsp;/H2&nbsp;&nbsp;analyzers)</h4><ul><li>Supported Carrier Gases: Helium or Argon&nbsp;</li><li>Notes on Usage / Limitations: LECO’s inert gas fusion analyzers for oxygen and nitrogen in inorganic materials (e.g.&nbsp;models ON736, ON836) traditionally use helium as the carrier for the TCD measuring N2. These systems can run on argon as well, provided the appropriate He/Ar&nbsp;dual-purpose TCD is installed. Switching from He to&nbsp;Ar&nbsp;in these instruments is a one-time setup change;&nbsp;both gases are supported in the software (selectable “Gas Type” setting).&nbsp;When using argon, the furnace runs hotter&nbsp;and produces more soot, so maintenance (filter changes, cleaning)&nbsp;becomes more frequent.&nbsp;Low-level nitrogen precision is also slightly&nbsp;lessened&nbsp;with argon.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li><li>App Note: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/ONH_836_O_N_H_IRON_STEEL_NICKEL_COBALT_ALLOYS_COMPARISON_203_821_601_3c9836f4b4.pdf">“Determination of Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Hydrogen in Iron, Steel, Nickel-base, and Cobalt-base Alloys: Comparison of Analytical Performance Between Argon and Helium Carrier”&nbsp;</a></li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_rada_736_Analyza_kysliku_a_dusiku_roztavenim_vzorku_v_inertnim_plynu_3_0ec033bbbb.jpg" alt="LECO 736 Series" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_rada_736_Analyza_kysliku_a_dusiku_roztavenim_vzorku_v_inertnim_plynu_3_0ec033bbbb.jpg 151w," sizes="100vw" width="825" height="852"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_rada_836_Analyza_prvku_pro_detekci_kysliku_dusiku_a_vodiku_5_8011397ce6.jpg" alt="LECO 836 Series" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_rada_836_Analyza_prvku_pro_detekci_kysliku_dusiku_a_vodiku_5_8011397ce6.jpg 134w," sizes="100vw" width="657" height="764"><h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1850">DH603&nbsp;Hydrogen Determinator</a></h4><ul><li>Supported Carrier Gases: Nitrogen (carrier), Helium (calibration gas)&nbsp;</li><li>Notes on Usage / Limitations: The DH603 measures diffusible and residual hydrogen in metals by hot extraction. It does&nbsp;not use helium as a carrier&nbsp;during analysis—instead&nbsp;it uses nitrogen as the purge/carrier gas in the TCD system. A small helium dose is used only for calibration and system checks (to introduce a known H2&nbsp;quantity via He-H2&nbsp;mix). In routine operation, the furnace is purged with N2&nbsp;and any hydrogen released from the sample is carried to a TCD that&nbsp;references against&nbsp;the nitrogen background. This design avoids flammable gas in the instrument entirely.&nbsp;</li><li>App Note: <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/DH_603_H_STEEL_SAMPLES_203_821_376_68e63cfea2.pdf">“Hydrogen Determination in Steel Samples Using DH603”&nbsp;</a></li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/LECO_DH_603_Stanoveni_zbytkoveho_a_difuzniho_vodiku_horkou_extrakci_d968c7c42b.jpg" alt="LECO: DH603&nbsp;Hydrogen Determinator" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_LECO_DH_603_Stanoveni_zbytkoveho_a_difuzniho_vodiku_horkou_extrakci_d968c7c42b.jpg 237w," sizes="100vw" width="1325" height="875">

As Helium Prices Rise and Supply Shrinks, LECO Customers Have Reliable Alternatives

High-performance polymers provide unparalleled chemical and thermal resistance, making them ideal for a wide variety of challenging applications in the fields of aerospace and semiconductor fabrication. This resilience poses a challenge for analytical research, further complicated by a significant variety of formulations, including a wide range of additives.Recently, the chemists at LECO took on the challenge of characterizing the chemical makeup of a high-performance polymer known as polyphenylene sulfide, or PPS. PPS is a thermoplastic with a semi-crystalline structure, engineered for high heat and chemical resistance. The scientists used two complementary analytical techniques to unravel this complex and challenging sample: thermal desorption and pyrolysis.<h3>Thermal Desorption and Pyrolysis: Complementary Analytical Techniques</h3>Thermal desorption involves controlled heating of a sample up to 300 degrees Celsius, allowing for the gradual volatilization of key analytes within the sample, ideally without damaging their chemical structure.&nbsp; Pyrolysis uses much more intense heat, ranging from 600 degrees Celsius and beyond. Rather than focusing on the preservation of volatiles, pyrolysis allows for the analysis of less volatile polymers by splitting these long chains into more easily analyzed segments.&nbsp;By performing both methods, the full chemical composition can be revealed: additives and contaminants through thermal desorption, and base polymer structure via pyrolysis. Using only one of the methods would result in an incomplete picture of the polymer, making the analysis much less valuable and leaving gaps in the results.This two-pronged analytical approach allows for a more complete analysis of complex and challenging polymers without the significant sample prep time of alternative methods such as dissolution or derivatization. With thermal desorption and pyrolysis, you get the output you need, minus the long wait.<h3>Analysis: Why 1D GC Isn’t Enough</h3>While thermal desorption and pyrolysis made it possible to analyze the PPS using gas chromatography, analysis of this high-performance polymer necessitates the utilization of equally high-performance analytical instrumentation in order to achieve thorough, trustworthy insights. LECO chemists ran the sample using both GC-TOFMS (gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry) and GCxGC-HRTOFMS (two-dimensional gas chromatography with high-resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry), and the differences were noteworthy.Multidimensional chromatography resulted in excellent separation of coeluting compounds from the first-dimension separation. The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/39">Pegasus HRT+4D </a>produced cleaner spectra and delivered more compound annotations when compared to 1D GC-HRMS analysis.<h3>The Importance of Confident Results</h3>Analysis of high-performance polymers is critical to ensure product quality and safety. Since polymers are often used in environments where performance isn’t just expected, but mission-critical, it’s imperative that they perform as intended. Beyond quality control, effective analysis of these polymers allows for the optimization of current industrial processes, as well as the development of better high-performance polymers and manufacturing processes.<ul><li>For a closer look at the research and a more detailed description of the process, watch our webinar, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/webinar/6039">“Characterization of High-Performance Polymers Using Thermal Desorption/Pyrolysis and High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry”</a></li><li>To learn more about LECO’s work with high-performance materials, check out our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.leco.com/applications/high-performance-materials/">High-Performance Materials Resource Hub</a></li></ul>

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