GC column for gases

[Narsil]

Hi!

Does anyone have experience with GC columns analysing gases like hydrogen, methane and carbon dioxide?
I tried already a mol sieve 5A but unfortantely the equilibration time is too high after the analysis which prolongs the analysis time excessively.
I have also read about packed columns which grants a faster analysis time but worse separation compared to capillary columns.

Does anyone have a hint for me?

Thanks in advance!

[Ron]

There are many chromatograms on column manufacturers web sites that can point you in the right direction. That is where I would start, you can see the conditions and the time the run takes, as well as the separation. The choice of packed or plot often depends on concentration, with very high concentrations you may need the capacity of a packed column.

[chromatographer1]

H2, C1, and CO2 are easily separated on any 3m porous polymer column and for most thick film 30m capillary columns.

Just call Supelco or other vendors for a column. If you have the correct detector you should have no problem.

I think Ron meant to say for very LOW concentrations you might need a packed column.

High concentrations are easily handled by PLOT columns, or he might have meant for large sample amounts you might need a packed column.

Rodney George
consultant

[Ron]

It was early, I did mean large sample sizes, just wasn't fully up to speed when I started typing. Someday I'll learn to wait until after the first cup of coffee is finished.

[chromatographer1]

Hey, Ron.

Been there

DONE THAT

(oh, way too many times ! )

[larkl]

You might look at the Supelco Carboxen 1010 column. We've been using instead of a combo PoraplotQ and 5A Mol Sieve and have been very pleased.