Using two Single-Quad GC-MS systems, we can perform various screenings customized to customer requirements. A basic classification would be as follows:
GC-MS screening up to a maximum oven temperature of 350°C depending on the column used. The sample can be injected as liquid either pure or diluted in a solvent using an autosampler. A classic application is the analysis of fatty alcohols or FAME according to DIN EN 14103 for identifying unknown peaks.
Headspace GC-MS screening using either gas-tight syringe or Solid-Phase-Micro-Extraction fibers, allowing analysis of both solid and liquid samples. The (semi-)volatile fraction of the sample is analyzed. A typical application is the analysis of methanol in biodiesel according to DIN EN 14110 for identifying unknown peaks.
High-temperature GC-MS screening up to a maximum oven temperature of 400°C. The sample can be injected as liquid either pure or diluted in a solvent using an autosampler. A classic application is glyceride analysis according to DIN EN 14105 for identifying unknown peaks.
Using multiple GC-FID and GC-TCD systems, we can perform additional GC screenings (ASG 1916), such as solvent screenings, purity determinations, and quantification of impurities.
To discuss feasibility and costs, it is recommended to contact Dr. Markus Eschner in advance either by phone (0821/450423-19) or email (markus.eschner@asg-analytik.de).
What is a gas chromatography measurement in general and how does the principle work fundamentally?
Gas chromatography (GC) is a physico-chemical separation process for vaporizable substance mixtures. The liquid or in a solvent dissolved sample is vaporized in a temperature-controlled injector and transported by an inert carrier gas (such as helium or nitrogen or hydrogen) as a mobile phase through a separation column. Due to different distribution coefficients between the gas and the stationary phase inside the column, the components migrate at different speeds and are thus detected separately in time.
When is gas chromatography used and what is primarily analyzed in an industrial context?
The analysis method is used when organic matrices have to be broken down into their individual components in order to determine identity and quantity exactly. This includes, for example, routine and special analysis of fuels. A typical example is the standard-compliant determination of the fatty acid methyl ester content and specific by-products in the analysis of biodiesel according to DIN EN 14214.
What is special about GC-MS analysis and how does it differ from other GC methods of ASG?
In GC-MS, the gas chromatograph is connected directly to a mass spectrometer (MS) via a heated “transfer line”. While standard detectors such as the flame ionization detector (FID) only provide sum signals of combustible hydrocarbons, the MS ion source fragments the molecules (usually via electron ionization). The characteristic mass-to-charge ratios (m/z) can be used to elucidate molecular structures. If the separation performance of one-dimensional systems is not sufficient, we use multidimensional setups such as the GCxGC as part of our special analysis to generate these complete substance profiles as well.
What are the procedural advantages of GC analysis using mass spectrometry compared to alternative analysis methods?
The overarching advantage is the unique combination of high temporal selectivity (small half-widths of peaks in the range of seconds) and structural unambiguity. In contrast to liquid chromatography (LC), where wider peaks occur and a universal ionization method is missing, GC-MS enables lower detection limits. This is essential for tracking trace components.
How is the GC-MS used in the research of renewable fuels and chemicals?
The thermal and chemical synthesis of new fuel generations or regenerative chemicals sometimes requires a more detailed look at the sample. For this purpose, we offer three different internal methods in the field of GC-MS. The GC-MS Screening (ASG 2014) can be used up to a maximum oven temperature of 350 °C, depending on the column used. The sample can be injected either pure or diluted in a solvent using an autosampler. A classic application is the analysis of fatty alcohols or FAME to identify unknown peaks. Headspace GC-MS Screening (ASG 2350) can be applied either by gas-tight syringe or solid-phase micro-extraction fibers, whereby both solid and liquid samples can be examined. The (lightly) volatile portion of the sample is analyzed. The third method using GC-MS is high-temperature GC-MS screening (ASG 3203) up to a maximum oven temperature of 400°C. The sample can be injected either pure or diluted in a solvent using an autosampler.
Do you have a special request in the field of GC-MS? Then please feel free to contact our experts!
What are the limits of GC-MS and other GC methods and how are they solved methodologically?
The physical limit of GC is the thermal stability and the evaporatibility of the samples. In order to obtain representative measurements, we implement, for example, targeted derivatization steps or special high-temperature gas chromatography (HT-GC). For the characterization of demanding product streams from chemical recycling processes, we offer, among other things, dedicated pyrolysis oil analysis or special sample preparation by means of distillation in our Miniplant LAB.
