Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezGCMS Library in the week of 19th January 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, BaySpec and Metrohm!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: Micro GC Analysis of Permanent Gas Impurities in PEM Fuel Cell-Grade Hydrogen</h3>According to SAE J2719, ISO 14687, EN 17124, and ISO 19880-8<ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_micro_gc_analysis_gas_impurities_pem_fuel_5994_8830en_agilent_a5dca09e4b.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Quality requirements for hydrogen purity vary with application. Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell hydrogen is the application with the most stringent specification. Hydrogen purity specifications for other applications, i.e. residential or industrial use, typically allow for higher levels of specific&nbsp;contaminants.&nbsp;For PEM fuel cell-grade hydrogen, there are several key methods regulating quality. Some methods may also cover other scopes, but where they pertain to PEM fuel cell-grade hydrogen, they align on specific requirements for purity level and limit concentrations of specific contaminants.&nbsp;<ul><li>SAE J2719 specifies hydrogen fuel quality requirements for PEM fuel cell vehicles, such as hydrogen-powered cars.&nbsp;</li><li>ISO 14687 specifies minimum quality characteristics of hydrogen fuel for various applications, including residential, commercial, industrial, stationary systems, and vehicular use.&nbsp;</li><li>EN 17124 specifies the quality characteristics of hydrogen fuel dispensed at hydrogen refueling stations for use in PEM fuel cell vehicle systems.</li><li>ISO 19880-8 specifies the quality of the gaseous hydrogen at hydrogen distribution facilities and hydrogen fueling stations for PEM fuel cells for road vehicles.&nbsp;</li></ul>Micro GC is a suitable choice of technique for covering analysis of permanent gases in ultra high purity (UHP) hydrogen (oxygen, nitrogen, argon, helium, and methane). The small internal volume of the MEMS-based µTCD in the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=990+Micro+GC">Agilent 990 Micro GC</a> means that lower detection levels can be achieved when compared to regular TCDs, allowing for detection of contaminants in the single-digit ppm range. Note that ammonia, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and formaldehyde can also be detected with Micro GC; however, additional/different columns might be required. Sensitivity requirements below 1 ppm may require alternate techniques.<h4>Experimental&nbsp;</h4>The method developed covers permanent gases defined in SAE J2719, and by default, also ISO 14687, ISO 19880‑8, and EN 17124. The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?manufacturerItems=1&amp;search=990+Micro+GC">990 Micro GC</a> system was set up similar to the method described in Agilent application note 5994‑2138EN.1 A 20 m MS5A straight channel on hydrogen carrier gas was used. Table 2 lists experimental conditions for method development. A 20 m molsieve provides sufficient separation for the argon/oxygen peak pair at low-ppm concentrations.2 For best results, the column was operated at a low temperature of 30 °C. Hydrogen was used as carrier gas to completely mask the bulk hydrogen matrix peak, resulting in separation of the helium and neon baseline3 , while still allowing for a similar sensitivity as with the helium carrier. The hydrogen carrier allows helium (He), argon (Ar), oxygen (O2), nitrogen (N2 ), methane (CH4 ), and even neon (Ne) to be measured at their required levels. Carbon monoxide (CO) that elutes from the molsieve column is not part of the scope. SAE J2719 requires these to be measured at the sub-ppm level, which is too low for Micro GC. Table 3 lists the composition of calibration gas used. The system was calibrated using single‑point calibration.<h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>The Agilent 990 Micro GC setup, described with a single 20&nbsp;m straight molsieve column running hydrogen carrier gas is capable of meeting the hydrogen quality requirement in SAE J2719 and other comparable UHP hydrogen methods for select permanent gases (He, Ar, O2, N2, CH4 ). The critical component, oxygen, can reliably be measured below the required five ppm level. Precision and accuracy are excellent for all components, and with a short runtime of five&nbsp;minutes, this analytical option can deliver 10–12 runs per hour. Detection of other components listed in SAE J2719, i.e.&nbsp;ammonia or CO/CO2 , will require different equipment.<h3>2. BaySpec: Detecting Toxins on Cannabis Leaves with Portable Miniature Mass Spectrometer</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Bay_Spec_App_Note_Toxin_Detection_on_Cannabis_Leaves_with_Portability_Mass_Spectrometer_b15213c47e.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Mass spectrometry in connection with different separa‐ tion techniques currently represents the main analytical approach for determination of residual pesticides in the Food &amp; Agriculture industry. Traditionally, samples need to be collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis using techniques such as GC‐MS or HPLC‐MS, which are costly and time‐consuming. In addition, the conventional mass spectrometer usually requires laborious sample pre‐ treatment, which does not allow for immediate in‐situ sample determination.Presented in this application note are data from a ther‐ mal desorption electrospray ionization (TD‐ESI) or atmso‐ pheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source coupled to a portable mass spectrometer for toxin screening of cannabis leaves.&nbsp;&nbsp;Bayspec’s <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/2219">Portability mass spectrometer</a> is less than 10 kg, highly portable, and battery‐operated.&nbsp;&nbsp;Its linear ion trap mass analyzer can perform fast in‐field detection of analytes, including residual toxins, by direct sampling of the surfaces of fresh food and plant products without any sample pre‐treatment.&nbsp;&nbsp;In this study, BaySpec’s sampling probe was used to directly swab the surface of cannabis leaves and inserted into the TD‐ESI or APCI sample inlet system for real time analysis. Four different samples were studied:&nbsp;<ul><li>Fresh cannabis leaves&nbsp;</li><li>Fresh cannabis leaves sprayed with PBO&nbsp;</li><li>Fresh cannabis leaves sprayed with myclobutanil&nbsp;</li><li>Fresh cannabis leaves sprayed with paraquat</li></ul>All sprayed samples were air‐dried prior to screening.&nbsp;&nbsp;No sample preparation was done to test the leaves.&nbsp;&nbsp;Both TD‐ ESI and APCI ionization methods tested positive for THC and toxins where applicable.&nbsp;&nbsp;See Figure 3 for recorded spectra.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Due to short analysis times (1‐5 seconds per sample), this technique allows for fast screening for applications in food and environmental safety. MS (as well as MS/MS) analyses can be performed on surface‐residual toxins at parts per billion levels.&nbsp; &nbsp; The TD‐ESI ion source with PortabilityTM miniature mass spectrometer is available from BaySpec.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;This system does not require any add‐ itional support, external po‐ wer or gases. The simple in‐ tuitive software interface is operated by touch screen and makes the instrument ex‐ tremely easy to control. The external TD‐ESI source is fully integrated into the main software environment and the turn‐key system is user‐ friendly, does not require excessive training, and can be operated by persons with no previous mass spectrometry experiences<h3>3. Metrohm: Monitoring phosphate reactions in real time with Raman spectroscopy</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_rs_054_download_d034c2ebb5.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h4>CURRENT METHODES FOR REACTION ANALYSIS</h4>Titration is highly effective for quantifying phosphate and sulfate species to determine reaction completion and final product composition in fertilizers. Gravimetric analysis is used to quantify insoluble byproducts like gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O). Both techniques require sample collection, hazardous reagents, and manual processing – all of which introduce time delays and incur costs with every measurement. This Application Note describes how Raman spectroscopy was used as an alternative method to monitor a simplified phosphate fertilizer production process under laboratory conditions.&nbsp;<h4>METHOD</h4><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=220&amp;search=+i-Raman">Raman spectroscopy</a> is well suited to monitor phosphate species due to its high selectivity and nondestructive nature. Furthermore, it can simultaneously detect sulfate ions, enabling real-time analysis of multi-component reaction systems. In this study, dicalcium phosphate (CaHPO4, hereafter referred to as DCP) is used as a model compound for phosphate rock. In a 100 mL beaker, 500 mg of DCP was dissolved in 10 mL of 0.5 mol/L hydrochloric acid (HCl) (Equation 1). To simulate industrial reaction conditions and introduce sulfate ions, 0.25 mL of 1.0 mol/L sulfuric acid (H2SO4) was then added. The use of low-concentration HCl ensures safe handling and facilitates clear identification of the sulfate (SO42−) Raman peak.<h4>CONCLUSION</h4>Raman spectroscopy proved to be an effective tool for monitoring a phosphate fertilizer production process, providing clear insights into phosphate speciation, sulfate concentration, and precipitation dynamics. Raman spectral changes revealed transitions in phosphate protonation states and the formation of calcium-based precipitates. These capabilities support enhanced process control and product quality in phosphate fertilizer manufacturing.

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 04, 2026

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezGCMS Library in the week of 26th January 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 brochure by Agilent Technologies and application notes by BaySpec, Metrohm and Shimadzu!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: Maintain Power Grid Integrity - Agilent transformer oil gas analyzers</h3><ul><li>Brochure</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/br_toga_gc_analyzer_5994_8705en_agilent_82106c7de8.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Agilent transformer oil gas analyzers (TOGA) are designed to help utilities and service laboratories maintain power grid integrity by monitoring the condition of electrical transformers through dissolved gas analysis (DGA). Transformer oil degrades under electrical, thermal, and mechanical stress, generating characteristic gases whose composition and ratios provide early warning of developing faults. By reliably identifying and quantifying these gases, TOGA systems enable predictive maintenance, help prevent catastrophic transformer failures, and support informed asset management decisions.The analyzers are built around the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=8890">Agilent 8890 gas chromatograph</a> and <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=8697">8697 headspace sampler</a> and are factory-configured, tested, and performance-verified for immediate deployment. They support ASTM D3612 methods A and C, offering flexible configurations for vacuum extraction or headspace sampling. Automated operation allows unattended analysis of up to 120 samples, while high-performance Agilent J&amp;W PLOT columns ensure excellent separation, reproducibility, and reliable detection of key fault gases such as hydrogen, carbon oxides, methane, ethylene, acetylene, and higher hydrocarbons.Agilent TOGA systems are delivered as complete workflow solutions, minimizing method development time and accelerating system validation. Intelligent instrument diagnostics, microchannel-based electronic pneumatic control, and remote access capabilities improve reliability, uptime, and ease of operation. Integrated quality-control procedures—from factory testing through on-site installation—ensure consistent performance and traceability from day one.Data acquisition, analysis, and reporting are supported by <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=OpenLab+CDS">OpenLab CDS</a>, which provides a unified platform with high data integrity, streamlined workflows, and secure records management. Combined with Agilent’s extensive service, training, and support offerings, TOGA analyzers represent a robust, future-ready solution for dissolved gas analysis in transformer oil, helping protect critical energy infrastructure while reducing operational risk<h3>2. BaySpec: Drug Screening using Compact Portable Device for Supervised Injection Sites</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Bay_Spec_App_Note_Drug_Screening_Using_Portable_Mass_Spectrometer_for_Supervised_Injection_Sites_5d1c131cec.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>In response to the rising epidemic, some governments have passed bills making supervised injection sites (SIS) a potential avenue for reducing the rate of drug overdoses. SISs are health care facilities where staff are trained to provide health education, support and connections to services as well as intervening in serious adverse events such as drug overdoses. They provide a safe, hygienic and non-judgement environment in which individuals may consume illicit drugs without fear of arrest.&nbsp;The benefits of SIS are to:&nbsp;(1) prevent an overdose from becoming fatal through quick intervention, (2) reduce the frequency of public injection and publicly discarded syringes, (3) increase access to health services including substance use treatment, and (4) change behaviors associated with acquiring HIV and hepatitis.&nbsp;The benefits of drug checking services within an SIS are:&nbsp;(1) it provides the consumer information about the contents of their drugs prior to consumption allowing them take steps to reduce their risk of overdose, (2) it identifies when a highly toxic substance may be in the local drug supply so advisories can be issued to local service agencies and first responders, (3) it encourages use of supervised injection services and the benefits mentioned above, and (4) it detects novel substances or drug combinations that may impact the consumer.&nbsp;Initially approved by the Canadian federal government in 2017, the nation now has four official SISs in operation in Ottawa and four sites approved in Toronto. While most SISs are prepared to respond quickly to overdoses, a better practice is to screen drugs for harmful impurities prior to injection. Some SISs are taking such precautions by providing the option for clients to test their drugs prior to injection with <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/products/2219">BaySpec’s Portability Mass Spectrometer</a>, a low maintenance, cost effective, portable instrument weighing only 20 pounds.<h3>3. Metrohm: Assessment of chocolate with Raman spectroscopy</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_rs_052_download_a849b96c87.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h4>Rapid quality control of different chocolate types&nbsp;</h4>Application Note AN-RS-052 In 2024, the global chocolate market was valued at approximately $131 billion USD. It is projected to reach approximately $173 billion by 2030, implying a steady growth rate of roughly 4% [1]. This growth is driven by sustained consumer demand and is expected to continue rising.&nbsp;Spectroscopy is increasingly utilized in chocolate manufacturing for quality control (QC), thanks to its ability to assess the composition of chocolate, providing a «fingerprint» spectrum that reveals its chemical details. Specifically, Raman can be used in QC to distinguish between types of chocolate, detect adulteration, measure crystallization and texture, and monitor the manufacturing process.&nbsp;This Application Note outlines techniques for effectively collecting Raman spectra from various chocolates, providing a foundation for quality assessment and adulteration detection.<h4>METHOD&nbsp;</h4>Raman data collection with an <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=220&amp;search=i-Raman+NxG+1064">i-Raman NxG 1064 </a>laboratory Raman system (Figure 2) was optimized by adjusting integration time and laser power (Table 3) to determine the best conditions to maximize signal strength and minimize risk of sample melting.All chocolate samples were analyzed by placing a piece of chocolate on the stage with a Raman probe securely locked above the sample (Figure 3). The optimal working distance was determined by adjusting the probe’s z-axis position while continuously monitoring the intensity of the Raman signal. Once the optimal focal distance is found, a distance regulator helps the operator position the probe on the sample to ensure consistent and reliable measurement.<h4>CONCLUSION</h4>This study highlights the capability of Raman spectroscopy for rapid, nondestructive measurements of chocolate quality indicators. PLS models demonstrate high predictive accuracy for both cocoarelated materials and sugar content. Increasing the number of samples and testing a broader range of chocolates would further improve the robustness and accuracy of the model. Overall, Raman spectroscopy, combined with chemometric modeling, offers a reliable QC method for routine and real-time chocolate analysis.<h3>4. Shimadzu: Analysis of Acetaldehyde and Limonene in Recycled PET Using an HS-GCMS System (Carrier Gas: H2)</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/an_01_00760_en_4ecf93333d.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul><h4>User Benefits</h4><ul><li>The gas released from the polymer can be easily measured without dissolving the polymer in a solvent, by using a headspace sampler (HS).&nbsp;</li><li>Using an HS-GC/MS system enables qualitative and quantitative analysis of target components in samples with a large number of contaminants that make it difficult to differentiate the targets from other components.&nbsp;</li><li>Analysis costs can be reduced by using hydrogen as a carrier gas, which is more affordable and readily available than helium</li></ul>Plastic is lightweight, strong, waterproof, and very convenient, making it an essential part of our modern lives. On the other hand, because it is a major contributor to environmental issues, such as ocean pollution and global warming, measures to reduce plastic usage are being undertaken in countries around the world. 1)&nbsp;In Japan, the Plastic Resource Circulation Promotion Act2) came into effect in April 2022. The act does not regulate plastic but rather promotes the establishment of a sustainable circular economy by encouraging collaboration among businesses, local governments, and consumers throughout the overall process of designing, manufacturing, selling, collecting, and recycling plastic products.&nbsp;One of these initiatives is the recycling of PET bottles for beverage use. When recycling beverage bottles, residual odors can be an issue, with substances like acetaldehyde from water bottles and limonene from citrus beverages known to persist in the containers. To address these residual substances, recycling companies are implementing unique strategies, one of which involves using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) to quantify the residual materials. In this article, we present an example of qualitative and quantitative analysis of aldehydes and limonene in PET bottles using the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=GCMS-QP2020+NX">GCMS-QP2020 NX</a>/HS-20 NX, with hydrogen (H2) as the carrier gas.<h4>Conclusion</h4>By using hydrogen (H2) gas as the carrier gas, we were able to avoid the use of the hard-to-obtain helium gas. Additionally, by employing an HS-GC-MS system, we could qualitatively and quantitatively analyze acetaldehyde and limonene from PET without the need for cumbersome pretreatment.

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 05, 2026

News from LabRulezGCMS Library - Week 06, 2026

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