By attending this webinar you will be able to:
- Evaluate which carrier gas is most appropriate for a given GC or GC-MS application, considering instrument configuration, analytical requirements, and method performance.
- Understand the practical considerations when transitioning from helium to hydrogen or nitrogen, including implications for chromatography, method translation, and routine analysis.
- Recognise the specific challenges and considerations associated with using hydrogen carrier gas with mass spectrometers, including the use of a Hydro Inert Source.
- Understand how atmospheric-pressure gas chromatography (APGC) differs from conventional electron ionisation (EI) and how APGC can deliver high sensitivity in GC-MS/MS workflows.
What you need to know:
Date: 16 September, 2026
Start time: 7 am PDT (Los Angeles) / 9 am CDT (Chicago) / 10 am EDT (New York) / 3 pm BST (London) / 4 pm CEST (Paris/Berlin)
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Event Overview
In GC, helium is predominantly used as the carrier gas. However, its high and increasing cost, combined with concerns over supply security, is prompting many laboratories to consider alternatives. Nitrogen and hydrogen can also be used as carrier gases, offering the advantages of lower cost and more secure availability, with the potential to be generated in the laboratory.
These presentations will explore the different options available, the key considerations when switching from helium to nitrogen or hydrogen, and the common pitfalls or issues that might arise.
Application data will demonstrate method translation, column scaling, and performance across demanding food and environmental contaminant analyses.
Presentation 1: Using a Different Carrier Gas in GC and GC/MS
by Jaap de Zeeuw, Global Technical Expert, CreaVisions
This presentation will discuss several options to choose from and what the implications are when moving from helium to nitrogen or to hydrogen.
Presentation 2: Carrier Gas Conundrum: Smart Solutions for Helium Alternatives
by Mark Sinnott, Application Engineer, Agilent
In this talk we will take out some of the guesswork associated with making the important decision of whether to switch from helium to other alternatives, such as hydrogen or nitrogen, and help you decide if the switch is right for you.
Presentation 3: Driving Sensitivity and Sustainability in GC-MS with Atmospheric Pressure Ionization and Nitrogen
by Frank L. Dorman, Ph.D., FRSC, Resident Scholar, Department of Chemistry, Dartmouth College
This presentation examines how atmospheric pressure gas chromatography (APGC) enables nitrogen to be used as a practical alternative to helium while maintaining sensitivity and separation performance.
Presentation 4: 7 Steps to Switching your GC Gas Supply from Helium to Hydrogen
by Ed Connor, Product Manger, PEAK Scientific
With helium shortages becoming increasingly common and several regulated methods now permitting the use of hydrogen as a carrier gas, join Dr Ed Connor as he discusses the necessary steps to consider when switching your GC carrier gas.
