Carrier Gases (for GC/GC-MS)
High purity carrier gases are essential for accurate and reproducible gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis.
Impurities in carrier gases can negatively affect:
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Peak shape
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Detector sensitivity
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Signal-to-noise ratio
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Column lifetime
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Overall analytical accuracy
Goss Scientific supplies high purity GC carrier gases to meet the stringent demands of modern analytical laboratories across industry, academia and research.
Gas Chromatography
Gas Chromatography (GC) separates volatile compounds within a sample by transporting them through a column using a carrier gas.
GC-MS combines chromatographic separation with mass spectrometry detection, allowing both:
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Qualitative identification
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Quantitative analysis
To achieve optimal performance, GC and GC-MS systems require ultra-high purity carrier gases such as:
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Helium
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Hydrogen
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Nitrogen
The choice of gas affects separation efficiency, run time, resolution and operating costs.
Helium (He) N6.0
Helium has historically been the most widely used carrier gas for GC and GC-MS due to its inertness and excellent chromatographic performance.
Available Purity:
N6.0 (99.9999%)
Advantages
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Chemically inert
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Non-flammable
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High separation efficiency
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Reliable reproducibility
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Excellent resolution for complex mixtures
Considerations
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Higher cost compared to alternatives
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Supply fluctuations in some markets
Helium remains the benchmark carrier gas for many analytical methods requiring consistent, high-resolution separations.
Hydrogen (H2) N5.5
Hydrogen is increasingly used as a cost-effective alternative to helium in GC and GC-MS applications.
Available Purity:
N5.5 (99.9995%)
Hydrogen provides:
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Higher diffusivity
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Faster linear velocities
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Shorter run times
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Reduced operational costs
Advantages
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Faster analysis
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Good separation efficiency
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Lower long-term operating cost
Considerations
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Flammable – requires appropriate safety measures
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Not completely inert (may react at high temperatures in certain applications)
Hydrogen is particularly attractive for high-throughput laboratories looking to optimise run times and reduce costs.
Nitrogen (N2) N5.6
Nitrogen is a widely available and economical carrier gas option for GC, particularly in capillary methods.
Available Purity:
Up to N5.6 (99.9996%)
Advantages
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Cost-effective
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Readily available
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Suitable for many standard GC applications
Considerations
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Slower optimal linear velocity
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Longer analysis times
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Lower efficiency in temperature-programmed GC compared to helium or hydrogen
Nitrogen is often selected where cost control is prioritised over speed and maximum resolution.
Image Courtesy of Shimadzu
Cylinder Supply & Delivery Options
We supply GC carrier gases in a range of cylinder formats suitable for laboratory and production use.
Our team can advise on:
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Cylinder sizing
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Gas purity selection
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Flow and regulator compatibility
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Gas handling accessories
We also supply compatible regulators and fittings to ensure safe and reliable gas delivery to your GC or GC-MS system.
Can’t find something? Email us at sales@gossinst.co.uk or message our team via the contact page. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our products and will be delighted to assist you in locating precisely what you need.