Chromatography Forum

So I finally convinced my boss to invest in a new GC. We currently have a HP 5890 Series II. It was great when it worked, but now there are too many problems to count. Our solution: buy a new one.

So I suppose my question is:

What do you recommend? We're looking for something more modern, one of the 'best' models. (I really don't know what differentiates the ones out today) I want something preferrably with an autosampler, very much like the 5890. I need any advice I can get! Thanks!

Robin

Then why not just buy a Agilent 6890N? This is because you are already used to use 5890, so when you upgrade to 6890, it will provide you most convenience..... you can start you work at once since you know most of the operation already (although the software has some changes) and also Agilent GC is quite nice as you said....my company now only uses Agilent GC, upgrade 20 GCs from 5890 to 6890 last year.....

You can also look at the Thermo Trace/Focus. The keypad is very similar, works just like 5890, can be run from Chemstation and Thermos own data systems. Better autosamplers than Aigilent (IMHO)
More at Thermo.com
Regards Richard

RobinL,

I agree with sg, I have used several brands of GC and as far as hardware is concerned the Agilent 6890N is excellent. Agilent support and sales staff leaves much to be desired but the instruments are some the best and most rugged I have used to date. As far as the autosampler is concerned I prefer the LEAP CombiPAL, very versatile and really easy to use and interfaces well with the ChemStation software. Especially like the way you can run direct liquid injection, headspace, and SPME on the same sampler.

Regards,
Mark

No reflection on the fine products from Agilent however, I must add:

a prudent customer will shop and review the other fine makers of GC equipment before a purchase is decided.

The market never stays still and although it may be acknowledged that Agilent may be the most popular at the moment, the others are improving all the time to win back market share.

You might find exactly what you need from another vendor at a better price and with better service........

and then again, you might not.

If you have your CDS controlling the instrument, you may want to check about combipal control before you go too far...

Thank you all! I'll definitely take a look at the recommended ones...I just wanted to make sure I wasn't going to buy something that turned out to be a dud. Thanks for all the input.

This post is the most fun!
Can't wait to read more!
(2Agilent6890N User)

I'm working with ten GC-Agilent 6890.....very satisfy!

You should have a look to the new GC2010 from SHIMADZU which
is very innovative.

Hi
I'm using 5 HP 6890 & 6 HP 5890 for years, they work 24 hours per day, 365 day a year, with very little problems.
Don't think about other GCs. HP cost the money you pay for.
Their Chemstation CD is very friendly and easy to install & work

Agilent is not the technology leader it once was. The 6890 design is 10 years old, and most competing companies have newer designs. The recent purchase of Scientific Software was to address some of the issues with the ChamStation software package, with also is an older package that most of the competing products. There are good products out there not made by Agilent, and I would encourage you to call all the major GC companies and talk to them about what you need. Also ask about service and support, see who offers things such as free phone suppost, technical support personnel to aid in traing and application issues, service provided by company employees instead of by contractors, and pricing for maintenance agreements.

After evaluating the hardware, software, and support you will be in a better position to make a decision.