Best performance to cost ratio HEADSPACE GC/MS: pls advice!

[2152812]

Hi there,
I am researching for a best headspace GC/MS or GC/MS/MS. It is budgeted $80-100K only. I'd like to get a headspace sampler capable of both static and dynamic (SPME like) modes. I found those vendors: Varian, Agilent coupled with Tekmar HT3 sampler, Shimadzu.
I highly appreciate experience you would share with or any advice.
Thank You!
PS: we are located in US

[chromatographer1]

In addition to the fine instruments already mentioned, you may wish to consider a combo autosampler like CTC Analytics, which allows a variety of HS and SPME techniques which give you state of the art capabilities.

Especially so, if you are concerned with very low levels of contamination analysis and want flexibility in your options for analysis.

I don't work for the company but I have seen their instrument in operation and have heard no complaints about it.

As always ask for demos and presentations with real world samples in the areas in which you normally work.

[2152812]

actually you answered to my question in the other topic. Thanks!
Do you do consulting work too? I would need to help with deciding which is best GC technology to bring in my company! Problem is that I have little time now as we'd like to get the headspace GC/MS in ASAP.
Thanks,
2152812

[chromatographer1]

I have had evaluation experience with Agilent, Tekmar, and Perkin-Elmer, and have a friend who uses a CTC in their lab daily.

All may be capable of doing the job you require.

I will gladly discuss the nuances of each instrument privately with you, and it won't cost you a dime.

Assisting customers is my job.

Rodney George
Senior Research and Development Scientist
Gas Separations Research
Supelco
595 North Harrison Road
Bellefonte, PA 16823

814-359-5737 voice
814-359-5459 fax
rgeorge@sial.com

[Schmitty]

I have received excellent customer service from LEAP technologies, a distributor of the CTC CombiPAL instrument. There are many attachments for it, and one may do what you specifically need.

I also have been hunting for a sample introduction method for residual solvents in food products. I have settled on the Tekmar HT3, and will be coupling it with an Agilent 6890/5973.

Another great source of information has been Ingo Christ from Chromsys. He provided me with information on the attachments for the CTC CombiPAL.

For my application (residual solvents) I need the dynamic aspect of the HT3. The dynamic headspace solutions for the CTC instrument seem to be in development, and less able to me my needs.

If your goal is an option of using dynamic headspace for sample introduction, be sure to have excellent rapport with the company supplying the autosampler.

[2152812]

Thank you both Rod and Schmitty for your great inputs. So CTC and HT3 are only "combo" samplers out there, am I corect? I am sure we would need static HS. I'd like to get dynamic HS capability as well. Question is what is best or better for semivolatiles analysis in drug API and drug when you run dynamic HS GC? HT3 offers kind of "purge&trap" mode while CTC Pal provides SPME.
Thanks again and looking forward to hear from you!
2152812

PS: Rod: thanks alot for offering "free" help. I am sure you can give me many SPME tricks.

[CE Instruments]

The other supplier of Headspace and liquids samplers is Thermo with the Triplus http://www.thermo.com/com/cda/product/d ... 09,00.html Use of SPME with these systems is subject to a license fee at the technique with autosamplers is patented. Not sure if Thermo have agreed to pay yet so it might not be possible.