Shimadzu’s Recommendations for Dealing with Current Helium Gas Shortag

Significance of Topic

The global shortage of helium poses significant challenges to gas chromatography workflows by elevating operational costs and threatening continuous instrument availability. Strategies to minimize helium consumption and to evaluate safe, effective alternative carrier gases are critical for maintaining analytical performance.

Objectives and Overview of the Document

This document presents Shimadzu’s recommendations for addressing helium supply constraints. It outlines approaches to reduce helium use during analysis, assesses hydrogen and nitrogen as substitute carrier gases, and details required instrument modifications and safety measures.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The recommendations apply to Shimadzu gas chromatographs (Nexis GC-2030, GC-2014, GC-2025, GC-2010, GC-8, GC-14, GC-17 series), sample introduction systems (AOC-30/20, AOC-6000/5000, HS-10/20, TD-30/20, Aqua PT6000/PT7000, PY-3030D/PY-2020iD) and detectors (FID, TCD, FPD, ECD, SCD, BID). Key features include carrier gas saver mode, backflush, gas selector valves, automatic start/stop, Super Clean gas filters, helium purifiers and method translation tools. Software platforms (LabSolutions, GCsolution, OpenLab, Empower, Chromeleon) support these functions. The free EZGC Method Translator facilitates conversion of helium methods to alternative carriers.

Main Results and Discussion

• Consumption Reduction: Carrier gas saving mode and backflush functionality can lower helium use by up to 90% by altering split ratios and shortening run times. Automated gas selectors enable post-analysis switching to nitrogen.
• Alternative Carriers: Hydrogen provides separation performance comparable to helium and accelerates analysis but requires stringent safety controls. Nitrogen is non-flammable and often more cost-effective, though it may necessitate method revalidation and extended run times for equivalent resolution.
• Compatibility: Instrument- and accessory-specific compatibility tables guide selection of hydrogen or nitrogen for columns, detectors and sample introduction modules. Method adjustments under constant linear velocity control help maintain peak resolution.
• Safety Measures: Use of stainless steel flow paths prevents hydrogen embrittlement. Integrated leak-check functions, electronically controlled flow limiters, optional hydrogen sensors, dedicated exhaust kits and on-site gas generators support safe hydrogen operation.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Implementing these measures enables laboratories to significantly reduce helium dependency and costs while ensuring uninterrupted GC operations. Hydrogen adoption can boost sample throughput, whereas nitrogen offers a safer alternative where hydrogen use is limited by infrastructure or safety regulations.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances in integrated gas management systems, enhanced software-driven method translation, widespread deployment of hydrogen generators and broader acceptance of alternative carrier gases are expected to further stabilize GC workflows, improve sustainability and lower operating expenses.

Conclusion

Combining helium-saving functions with careful transition to hydrogen or nitrogen, alongside robust safety protocols, allows analytical laboratories to overcome helium shortages without compromising chromatographic quality or productivity.

References

Shimadzu Corporation. Document Number TGGN-3001-0007, “Shimadzu’s Recommendations for Dealing with Current Helium Gas Shortage,” September 2022.