Gas Chromatography
Separation Science offers free learning from the experts covering methods, applications, eBooks, webinars, eSeminars, expert forums, videos, tutorials and training for gas chromatography (GC) analysis users.
Featured Educational Resources
Try Hydrogen and Nitrogen as Alternative Carrier Gases
14 & 15 December, 2022
Mark Sinnott (Application Engineer, Agilent Technologies, Inc.)
Carrier gas is a necessary component to any functioning gas chromatographic system. The rising cost of helium, due to a global shortage in supply, has forced labs to consider alternatives such as hydrogen or even nitrogen, but is this a smart choice? Does it make sense for your laboratory? What are the common pitfalls or issues that might arise? In this talk we will take out some of the guess work associated with making this important decision and help you decide if the switch is right for you.
Helium Shortage 4.0: Is hydrogen carrier gas the solution to the GC–MS problem?
On-demand
Diane Turner (Anthias Consulting Ltd), Chris Siegler (Dow Inc.), Helen Martin (Markes International) and Matthew Klee (XO Associates LLC)
In this on-demand presentation and discussion forum, our panel of experts talk about the pros and cons of using hydrogen as an alternative carrier gas and address audience questions.
Carrier Gas Selection in Gas Chromatography
On-demand
Daniela Cavagnino (Thermo Fisher Scientific), Ian Parry (Thermo Fisher Scientific) and Ed Connor (PEAK Scientific)
By watching this expert discussion you will learn about carrier gas choices for GC, benefits and limitations of using hydrogen versus helium, benefits of gas generators versus other gas sources, what is involved in converting from helium to hydrogen in the laboratory, user benefits that can be realized and innovative solutions that can be expected in GC in the future.
Introducing Agilent’s CrossLab CS Electronic Leak Detector and ADM Flow Meter: Two GC Diagnostic Tools, One Convenient Package
On-demand
Paul Tripp and Angela Smith-Henry (Agilent)
Leaks are problematic for any operation that uses gas tubing and fittings. Even small gas leaks can lead to safety issues, reduced productivity, and increased costs. Here the presenters introduce the CrossLab CS Electronic Leak Detector and ADM Flow Meter — two GC diagnostic tools in one cost-effective, convenient package.
Gas Chromatographic Analysis of Biofuels – A Survey of Solutions to Assure Quality and Performance for Today’s Energy Needs
On-demand
Jim McCurry (Senior Application Chemist, Agilent)
Several gas chromatographic (GC) methods have been developed to help producers and users of biofuels meet these specifications. This seminar presents solutions built on Agilent’s Smart Gas Chromatographic instruments. Analysis of several classes of biofuel samples demonstrates the performance of these solutions in meeting the requirement of industry standard methods.
Moving Towards Sustainable Gas Chromatography Laboratories
On-demand webinar
Ed Connor (PEAK Scientific) and Jessica Berger (Markes International)
By watching this presentation you’ll learn about the benefits of using hydrogen as a carrier gas; configuring thermal desorption–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analytical instrumentation to work safely with hydrogen as a carrier gas as well as with helium and nitrogen; the pros and cons of different hydrogen sources; and common pitfalls when switching carrier gas and how to avoid them.
Ask the Agilent Experts: GC and GC/MS Scientists Answer Your Most Frequently Asked Questions
On-demand webinar
Angie Smith-Henry and Vanessa Abercrombie (Agilent)
The presenters discuss some of the most frequently asked questions about GC and GC/MS. You will also gain more understanding about why different consumables are used for different applications.
Ask the Agilent Experts - Part 2: GC and GC/MS Scientists Answer Your Most Frequently Asked Questions
On-demand
Angie Smith-Henry & Vanessa Abercrombie (Agilent) with Diane Turner (Moderator - Anthias Consulting)
This follow-up presentation in the ever popular 'Ask the Agilent Experts' series continues to discuss some of the most frequently asked questions about GC and GC/MS. You will learn best practices with GC and GC/MS systems, and discover why there is not always an easy answer to most GC(MS) questions.
How to Troubleshoot and Improve your GC/MS like an Agilent Scientist
On-demand webinar
Angie Smith-Henry and Vanessa Abercrombie (Agilent)
We’ll discuss how to use artifacts observed in chromatograms and tune reports to diagnose the problem, fix the problem, and 'future proof' your analysis with the best supplies, columns, and solutions.
Connecting Performance Improvement to Increased Production in GC/MS Analytical Workflows
On demand webinar
Angie Smith-Henry & Gustavo Serrano (Agilent)
This webinar goes over some of the Ultra Inert GC columns, liners and supplies, including gold-seals and novel gold-coated ferrules that are critical to achieve optimal performance even for low-trace level analysis and deliver consistent reliable results.
Advancements and Key Parameters for EPA 8260 and EPA 524.2 using GC/MS with Purge and Trap
On-demand webinar
Joel Kelly (Pace Analytical) and Bruce Quimby, Ph.D. (Senior Applications Scientist, Agilent)
In the first part of this presentation, Joel Kelly from Pace Analytical discusses the evolution of EPA method 8260. Bruce Quimby, from Agilent Technologies, spends the latter part of the presentation discussing data achieved using a 8860/5977B GC/MS instrument coupled with a Teledyne Tekmar Lumin purge and trap concentrator and an AQUATek liquid vial autosampler for the analysis of VOCs to the requirements of US EPA method 524.2.
Getting your LC/GC Lab Up and Running Again
On-demand webinar
Dr Bruce Quimby (Agilent)
Regardless of why your lab may have been shut down, you need to get your LC and GC instruments back up and running quickly and safely. This presentation covers the information you need to get back to your important research including restart procedures, helpful service, items, support topics, and discussions on improving operational efficiency and capacity.
Maintaining Sensitivity and Peak Shape on GC and GC/MS over Time
On-demand webinar
Angie Smith-Henry and Vanessa Abercrombie (Agilent)
This webinar delves into the sensitivity of different GC detectors — mass spectrometers (single quad and triple quad) and non-MS detectors — and optimizing the GC supplies and parameters for the best separation and peak shape as the analytes head into the detector.
Quality Control of Hand Sanitizers: Analysis and Identification of Listed Impurities following USP <611> and ASTM D3695 Method Recommendations using Agilent GC
On-demand webinar
Zhang-Jie and Vanessa Abercrombie (Agilent)
In this webinar you will find out how to achieve effective analysis and identification of listed impurities following USP <611> and ASTM D3695 method recommendations for alcohol determination.
Returning Your GC & GC/MS to Peak Performance
On-demand webinar
Angie Smith-Henry and Vanessa Abercrombie (Agilent)
Learn how to return a system to peak performance through the use of good maintenance practices, smart tools, and the best consumables to match your analysis for overall improved productivity.
The Power of GC-TOF-MS for Food and Environmental Applications eSeminar
On-demand webinar
Multi-speaker event
Discover how GC-TOF-MS and GC×GC-TOF-MS technologies can dramatically enhance your applications for food and environmental analysis and increase data quality and sample throughput. This on-demand eSeminar comprises two sessions: one dedicated to food analysis and the other to environmental analysis.
Ionic Liquid GC Phases - Valuable Assets in the GC Toolbox: An Overview on Recent Developments
On-demand webinar
Len Sidisky (Senior R&D Manager Gas Separations, MilliporeSigma, Bellefonte,PA USA)
This presentation provides a look back on some of the past developments and key applications with ionic liquid stationary phases while also updating on current studies.
Remote Operations: This is How We GC
On-demand webinar
Abbey Fausett (Agilent)
Sometimes, getting into the lab just isn’t possible. Workflows and productivity shouldn’t be affected by an analyst’s proximity to the systems. This webinar will show you how Agilent's lab enables remote operations. Learn more about classic and novel ways to interact with GCs.
GC×GC-FID/TOF MS for the Optimization of Novel Catalytic Strategies to Improve Fuel Streams with High Aromatic Content
On-demand webinar
Miren Pena-Abaurrea (Cepsa Research Center)
Learn the value of GC×GC with parallel detection by TOF MS and FID, and see how GC×GC offers the unique possibilities for detailed petrochemical fingerprinting.
Getting Better GC/MS Results for Maximizing Productivity in High-throughput Labs
On-demand webinar
Angie Smith-Henry and Gustavo Serrano (Agilent)
Learn about the best columns for GC-MS analysis and how to convert to a narrower bore column for faster analysis, and how to set-up your GC (MS) system for success with the optimal supplies, tools, and strategies for running the faster analysis and maintaining a clean system for as long as possible.
Application of GC×GC-TOFMS/FID to FAME Profiling of Dairy Fat and Advantages over Traditional GC Analysis
On-demand webinar
David Mannion (Teagasc)
Learn the value of GC×GC-TOF MS for food analysis, and how it offers the unique possibility for detailed FAMEs profiling and effective fingerprinting of complex samples, In addition, learn how cutting-edge analytical techniques can reveal hidden information from complex food samples.
Intelligent GC Systems: Remote Operations and the Future of GC
On-demand webinar
George Reiner and Jason Ashe (Agilent, USA)
This webinar discusses the progression of smart GC features and the many benefits provided from the first GC systems to those of today. It will help you to help to increase lab productivity and reduce unplanned downtime.
New Ways of QC Process with GC Innovations
On-demand webinar
Dieter Franke (Siegwerk)
Learn how a robust analytical experimental model and innovations in gas chromatography can result in >50% faster universal methods and how direct column heating in gas chromatography reduced sample run times.
GC/MS Analysis of Aromatics in Gasoline using ASTM D5769: Set-up, Optimization, and Automated Reporting
On-demand webinar
Jim McCurry & Craig Marvin (Agilent)
This presentation offers best practices for setting up, optimizing, and running this method on a new, cost-effective GC/MS system. Data analysis approaches are also discussed with emphasis on a new system for automated reporting of results.
Advantages of TF-SPME Sample Extraction Prior to GC-MS
On-demand webinar
Ray Marsili (Marsili Consulting Group, Rockford, Illinois, USA)
The advantages of TF-SPME as an extraction technique are discussed using the following examples: comparing off-flavour chemicals in beer by sequential-SBSE and TF-SPME; analysis of vegetable oils by HS-TF-SPME; chemicals in vaping products by HS-TF-SPME; and analysis of free and glycosidically bound volatile phenolics in smoke-tainted wines.
Turning up the Heat on Gas Chromatography: How to Successfully Perform High Temperature GC Applications without Breaking a Sweat
On-demand webinar
Vanessa Abercrombie (Gas Chromatography Applications Chemist, Agilent, USA)
This webinar discusses the effect temperatures above 360 °C have on the integrity of the column phase and outlines strategies for more efficient and successful high temperature applications.
Better Thermal Extraction: Tips and Tricks for VDA-278 and Other Thermal Desorption – GC/MS Methods Used for Material Emissions Testing
On-demand webinar
Kurt Thaxton (GERSTEL International Product Manager, Pyrolysis and Thermal Desorption)
You'll learn about the history and analytical basis of analytical thermal extraction for interior air quality, the current state of the art, including tips and advice for scientists and engineers that perform VDA-278 and related methods for material emissions analysis, and where these methods fit in the overall strategy for automotive air quality and where these methods are headed in the future.
Intelligent GC Systems: 10 Ways to Easy GC
On-demand webinar
Angela Smith-Henry and Ian Eisele (Agilent, USA)
This webinar introduces a host of useful tips and tricks to streamline your daily workload leading to increased productivity with improved throughput with sample overlap, enabling you to perform easier GC. You will discover steps for high quality, accurate data – first time, every time.
Applications using Thin Film Solid-Phase Microextraction (TF-SPME) with Analysis by Thermal Desorption GC/MS
On-demand webinar
Jack Stuff, Ph.D. (Manager of the Analytical Services Group - GERSTEL, Inc.)
This webinar focuses on the use of Thin Film Solid-Phase Microextraction (TF-SPME) for the analysis of a variety of sample types. TF-SPME is an extension of regular SPME, is simple to use and requires no solvent, yet is more sensitive than regular SPME due to the increased surface area and phase volume.
Intelligent GC Systems: Work Smarter not Harder
On-demand webinar
Eric Phillips and Angela Smith-Henry (Agilent, USA)
This webinar introduces intelligent Agilent GC systems, along with consumables, demonstrating how productivity can be increased and downtime decreased for any GC operator at any experience level.
How to Keep your GC/GC-MS System Performing like New
On-demand webinar
Vanessa Abercrombie and Angela Smith-Henry (Agilent Technologies, USA)
Discover some simple strategies to help maintain a clean and healthy GC(MS) system longer, such as how utilizing guard columns can protect your analytical column and back flushing can stop heavier compounds from reaching your mass spec and keep it cleaner.
High-Purity Carbon Adsorbents for Sample Preparation and Chromatographic Applications
On-demand webinar
Leidy Peña Duque (Senior Scientist, Particle Design Group) and William Betz (Research Fellow, Particle Design Group Leader)
In this webinar, we will talk about high-purity carbon adsorbents used for sample preparation applications such as gas chromatography, air sampling, SPE, and SPME. We will also explain the properties of different types of carbons and how we tailor these adsorbents for separation applications.
Elevate the Performance of your GC (and MS): Strategies to Improve Sensitivity and Reliability with Complex Matrix Samples
On-demand webinar
Vanessa Abercrombie and Limian Zhao (Agilent Technologies)
This presentation describes useful strategies such as choosing the right GC column and supplies, as well as what level of sample preparation, and maintenance is required for method reliability and analytical data quality, using challenging representative applications.
Looking for Cost-effective Online Learning in GC?
GC Training Courses
Introduction to Gas Chromatography (GC) - Training Course
Self-paced online course with validated learning and certificate of completion
Analytical Training Solutions | Separation Science
The ‘Introduction to Gas Chromatography’ online course is a basic introduction to the theory and practice of gas chromatographic analysis. It is designed to bring GC users to a more comfortable and capable level of proficiency in instrument operation, optimization, and troubleshooting. Lessons are presented in a visually engaging and accessible manner through narrated online video presentations. In full recognition of the difficulty in setting large blocks of uninterrupted time for training; the lessons are presented in short segments that can be easily fit into even the busiest schedules. Upon successful completion of the course, trainees will have increased confidence and skills in using gas chromatographs. They will better understand how GC works, be more competent at detecting and diagnosing problems, and will be better at interpreting the quality of analytical results. In the end, trainees will be more capable and comfortable using gas chromatographs.
Intermediate Gas Chromatography (GC) - Training Course
Self-paced online course with validated learning and certificate of completion
Analytical Training Solutions | Separation Science
The 'Intermediate Gas Chromatography' course is designed for GC users who have a fundamental understanding of how gas chromatography works and who are ready to develop a more in-depth understanding of the technique. As with the ‘Introduction to Gas Chromatography’ course, the ‘Intermediate Gas Chromatography’ course is organized into sections and modules. The sections focus on a given theme and the modular structure underneath exposes students to the information within time-effective sections. Upon successful completion of the course, trainees will have increased knowledge and skills in the development of gas chromatography methods. They will gain an understanding of both qualitative and quantitative methods, as well as expand their skills to encompass areas such as fast GC, and further developing maintenance and troubleshooting abilities.
GC-MS for Operators & Developers - Training Course
Self-paced online course with validated learning and certificate of completion
Analytical Training Solutions | Separation Science
‘GC-MS for Operators and Method Developers’ is a specifically designed course for GC users and operators. Fundamental principles, when presented, are done so with a focus on the practical aspects and applications as might be applied on a daily basis. Those who complete this course should be more efficient and comfortable at setting up, troubleshooting, verifying performance, acquiring and interpreting GC-MS data. As with 'Introduction to GC' and 'Intermediate GC' courses, the GC-MS course is organized into chapters and modules. The chapters focus on given themes and the modular structure underneath exposes students to subtopics within time-efficient segments. This course is designed for users of gas chromatographs who are looking to further develop their method development and troubleshooting skills in GC-MS.
GC Solutions
The Function of GC Columns
Fundamentals of Gas Chromatography
GC Solutions
All you need to know about GC columns, key processes involved and high-level description of differences between them.
The Power of GC Detectors
Fundamentals of Gas Chromatography
GC Solutions
Want to know more about detectors for GC and when to use them...
The Function of GC Inlets
Fundamentals of Gas Chromatography
GC Solutions
This article will cover the general function of GC inlets and describe some common attributes, differences and provide a context for other articles covering inlets in more detail.
Hot Split Injections – Part 1
Fundamentals of Gas Chromatography
GC Solutions
This article will discuss split injections with a hot split/splitless inlet. This is the most popular inlet and sampling mode for capillary GC. The focus will be on the basic concepts and flow paths.
Hot Split Injections, Part 2 – Sources of Discrimination
Fundamentals of Gas Chromatography
GC Solutions
Our discussion continues about the process of hot split injection; the most popular form of sample introduction into capillary columns.
Hot Split Injections, Part 3 – Decomposition
Fundamentals of Gas Chromatography
GC Solutions
Here, we tackle another potential problem of hot split injection: sample decomposition. Decomposition changes the nature of components in the original sample, affecting the “recovery” of target compounds. This in turn introduces errors in analytical results. We will look at common forms of decomposition and the clues your chromatograms might be presenting you that decomposition is happening.