Gas Analysis Using a Brevis GC-2050 Gas Chromatograph with a GI-30 Auto Gas Injector and TCD and BID Detectors

Importance of the Topic

Gas chromatography is essential for analysis of gases across energy, environment, and industrial applications. Precise measurement of inorganic gases and hydrocarbons supports process control, environmental monitoring, and quality assurance. Integrating multiple detectors and automated injection enhances throughput, reproducibility, and overall reliability in routine gas analysis.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study demonstrates gas analysis using a Brevis GC-2050 system equipped with a GI-30 automatic gas injector and two detector types. The goals are to evaluate detector performance across a wide concentration range and to assess the reproducibility gains achieved through automated gas injection.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The analytical platform consisted of a Brevis GC-2050 gas chromatograph coupled to a GI-30 auto gas injector. Key analysis conditions included split injection, column flow mode at 7.0 mL/min, and oven temperature programming from 35°C to 250°C. A thermal conductivity detector (TCD) at 260°C provided rapid stabilization and reliable quantification of high concentration components. A barrier discharge ionization detector (BID) at 260°C offered high sensitivity for trace level species and enabled simultaneous hydrogen analysis without carrier gas change. Carrier gases were chosen according to target analytes (He or N2).

Main Results and Discussion

TCD performance showed stable baselines shortly after activation, enabling analysis of components from the percentage level down to low ppm concentrations. BID detection allowed clear identification of components at 10 ppm and facilitated concurrent analysis of hydrogen and other analytes, reducing method complexity. Automated injection using the GI-30 achieved high reproducibility over five successive injections, with relative standard deviations below 0.6% for TCD measurements and below 0.4% for BID measurements, comparable to liquid injection precision.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Comprehensive concentration range coverage on a single GC platform
• Reduced analysis startup times due to faster detector stabilization
• High sensitivity detection of trace gases relevant to environmental and energy sectors
• Lower analyst workload and consistent results through automated continuous injection

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advancements in automated gas injection and next generation detectors may enable integration with mass spectrometry for enhanced selectivity. Miniaturization and portable GC systems could support field monitoring. Enhanced data connectivity with informatics and artificial intelligence tools will likely drive real time process control and predictive maintenance in industrial environments.

Conclusion

The Brevis GC-2050 system with combined TCD and BID detectors and the GI-30 automatic injector delivers a versatile and robust solution for gas analysis. It spans from high concentration to trace level detection with excellent reproducibility and reduced operator intervention, meeting the demands of diverse analytical laboratories.

Reference

Shimadzu Corporation Application News 01-00858A-EN revision A Apr 2025