Source components may need to be changed to ensure vacuum levels within the detector can be maintained, and one needs to be mindful of the possibility of altered spectral ion ratios and possible hydrogenation reactions within the ion source, both of which can lead to altered qualitative and quantitative results.Īll of this being said, hydrogen is successfully used as a carrier gas in a large number of laboratories globally, and it is a viable alternative for helium for a huge number of applications. When using mass spectrometric detection, there are minimum flow requirements to ensure pneumatic controllers are able to cope with low back pressure requirements.
Methods need to be translated in order to match the retention and selectivity characteristics of the original helium-based method.
Besides the initial purchase costs of the generator(s), due to the explosive nature of hydrogen in air, there may be safety measures that need to be implemented to detect gas leakage. I’ve written two blog entries in the recent past (1,2) regarding the practical implementation of hydrogen carrier gas, and while it is a very convenient alternative to generate your own hydrogen carrier gas within the laboratory using only deionized water as a feedstock, there are drawbacks. In contrast to the previous crisis in late 2019 and early 2020, the present situation has seen more suppliers limit allocation (sometimes between 45 and 65% of “typical” use volumes) rather than increase prices, although naturally, the prices are creeping up as supply tightens.Īs chromatographers, our thoughts turn to the use of hydrogen as an alternative carrier gas, to ensure continuity of supply and reduce long-term costs. Here we go again, on the brink of yet another helium crisis, the fourth since 2010! Reports abound in the industry press, and suppliers are sending warning letters of supply chain issues, prices rising, and restrictions on order volumes.
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