Gas Chromatography

Gas Chromatography (GC) is a general technique used in the analysis of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds. This technique relies on heating a sample in the presence of a carrier gas and a stationary phase. The analyte is separated from the sample and other solvents based on its relative affinity for the two phases. Once the analyte elutes from the column, one of many detectors can be used to measure it.

Gas Chromatography (GC) Services

Common GC testing provided by Cornerstone Analytical

Residual solvents are organic molecules that remain in a product after the manufacturing process. Many of the solvents are of concern because of the risk they present to humans.

Phthalate Analysis Resources: Phthalates (phthalate esters) are plasticizers added to improve the properties of a plastic.

Tentatively Identified Compounds (TIC) by GCMS is an analysis intended to identify the components of an unknown mixture.

What Is Gas Chromatography?

Gas Chromatography (GC) is a general technique used in the analysis of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds.  This technique relies on heating a sample in the presence of a carrier gas and a stationary phase.  The analyte is separated from the sample and other solvents based on its relative affinity for the two phases.  Once the analyte elutes from the column, one of many detectors can be used to measure it.

Detectors

Detectors are chosen based on their overall applicability to detect a given analyte or class of analytes.    For example, a very common GC detector is the Flame Ionization Detector (FID), which relies on ionizing the analyte in a hydrogen flame.  Many organic solvents respond to this detector so it is considered versatile, but some solvents (such as carbon tetrachloride) exhibit very weak signal when analyzed by GC-FID.  Other detectors, such as an Electron Capture Detector (ECD), are more suitable for the analysis of  compounds in the class of halogenated organics.

Another versatile detector coupled to GC’s is the Mass Spectrometer.  This detector gives signal for a wide range of compounds along with the benefit of providing a mass spectral scan of the analyte and other compounds in the sample.

Cornerstone provides the following GC Detectors:

 Our TCD Injection Methods:

  • Liquid
  • Headspace
  • SPME

Our TGA Oven Range:

Cryogenic to 450

 Column:
We have access to any available columns.
  • Restek
  • Grace
  • Agilent

Thermo columns are all on hand.

Thank You

Your Message Was Sent.