Chromatography Forum

Hi all,

I apologize for the newbie questions – it’s hard to find much info on GC setups outside these forums.

I’m just setting up my HP 5890 Series II Plus and want to make sure I get the gases plumbed correctly. I have a small H2 cylinder as fuel for the FID, a 5.0 He cylinder for the carrier and make-up gas and a cylinder of “breathing airâ€

Sometimes the manufacturers themselves are the best sources of information. Take a look at this link for Scott Specialty Gases:

http://www.scottecatalog.com/ScottGas.n ... aqPressReg

One recommendation: Learn to use the correct regulator for the gas; you will need to learn about the CGA (chemical gas association) numbers. Helium and nitrogen use the same regulator (same CGA). However, hydrogen uses a different regulator with reverse-threaded design.

Other choices you have are: brass versus staniless steel and pressure ranges for the gauges on the regulator.

Again, check the manufacture's site for good info and guidance. They can explain better that I can.

I prefer to use the dual stage regulator so that I can know the tank pressure and the outlet pressure from the regulator itself.

You can the regulator on the tank itself and then you can use tees/fittings to split the lilne. I would use the dual stage regulator in this instance. You may want to have shut off valves for each separate line (in case you want to conserve gas by shgutting off just a particular line).

Of course the best recommendation is to be aware of gas cylinder safety (for both the gas itself and for the proper cylinder usage and storage).

Regards,
Dan

If you're on a limited budget, look into getting a dual cylinder regulator for the FID air only. Your usage of air will be far higher than that of helium and hydrogen.

If you're setting up a single system you can easily get a way with this setup.

Thanks for the link Dan. Three dual stage high purity regulators from vwrlabshop would run over $1k so I'm trying to find a cheaper solution that won't negatively impact analysis. I found on eBay 2 of the 3 that I think will work fine

Helium cylinder: OSC HPT270C-580, CGA 580, high purity, dual-stage, stainless steel diaphragm, 0-100psi, max inlet 4000psi

Hydrogen cylinder: OSC HPT 272A-350, CGA 350, , high purity, dual-stage, stainless steel diaphragm, 0-200psi, max inlet 4000psi

Anyone able to tell me if these will fit the bill?

Thanks,
Lamont

Hello Lamont,

Have you considered using gas generators instead of high pressure gas cylinders? Parker Balston has thousands of systems installed worldwide and manufactures systems to replace your H2, He(w. carrier grade H2) and breathing air(w/ zero air <.1 ppm thc). The end result is no cylinders in the lab and no need for expensive higher pressure regulators.

Your questions regarding regulator use and cylinder storage are important as there are many regulations that must be considered when storing hydrogen in the lab. If you would like to send me an email, I'm happy to put you in contact with one of our field specialists who could review your installation and your gas generator options with you.

Enjoy your new G.C.!

Best regards,

Jack Mahan
National Sales Manager
Parker Balston Analytical Gas Systems
jmahan@parker.com
www.labgasgenerators.com
mobile 508-878-7970