Technology · Gas Chromatography

Gas Chromatography (GC)

Ultimate compound separation and identification technology for complex mixture analysis—delivering unparalleled analytical certainty with definitive compound identification.

ppt Sensitivity Detection Limit
Complete Separation Resolution
Definitive ID Identification
Gold Standard Analytical Method

How Gas Chromatography Works

The gold standard analytical technique providing complete compound separation and definitive identification for complex mixture analysis.

GC Technology Overview

Gas Chromatography (GC) is the gold standard analytical technique for separating, identifying, and quantifying volatile and semi-volatile compounds. The method uses a mobile gas phase (carrier gas) to transport sample components through a stationary phase (column) where compounds are separated based on their chemical properties.

Each compound exhibits a unique retention time on the column, enabling precise identification and quantification. When combined with advanced detectors like mass spectrometry (GC-MS), this technology provides unparalleled analytical certainty.

GC Advantages

  • Complete compound separation
  • Definitive compound identification
  • Excellent sensitivity and precision
  • Wide range of detector options
  • Regulatory method acceptance
  • Quantitative accuracy

GC Analysis Process

1
Sample Injection

Automated injection onto heated column

2
Vaporization

Sample volatilized in injection port

3
Separation

Compounds separated on analytical column

4
Detection

Compounds detected and quantified

GC Detection Systems

Comprehensive detector portfolio enabling selective, sensitive detection across diverse analytical applications.

Detector Type Principle Sensitivity Applications
FID Flame ionization 10-100 pg Hydrocarbons, VOCs
ECD Electron capture 0.1-1 pg Halogenated compounds
NPD Thermionic emission 0.1-1 pg Nitrogen/phosphorus
FPD Flame photometry 1-10 pg Sulfur/phosphorus
PID Photo ionization 1-100 pg VOCs, aromatics
MS Mass spectrometry 0.01-1 pg Universal, identification

Column Technologies

Advanced column designs optimized for specific analytical requirements and performance objectives.

📊 Packed Columns

Traditional columns with solid support particles.

  • 1/8" to 1/4" outer diameter
  • 1-6 meter lengths
  • Lower resolution
  • Higher sample capacity
  • Preparative applications
  • Robust operation

🔍 Capillary Columns

High-resolution columns with wall-coated stationary phases.

  • 0.1-0.53 mm inner diameter
  • 10-100 meter lengths
  • Excellent resolution
  • High separation efficiency
  • Trace analysis
  • Modern standard

⚡ Fast GC Columns

Short, narrow columns for rapid analysis.

  • 0.1-0.25 mm inner diameter
  • 5-15 meter lengths
  • Rapid analysis (< 5 min)
  • High throughput
  • Process monitoring
  • Emergency response

GC Applications by Industry

Comprehensive analytical solutions across environmental, industrial, and regulatory applications requiring definitive compound identification.

🌍 Environmental Analysis

  • EPA Method 8260
    Volatile organics in water
  • EPA Method 8270
    Semi-volatile organics
  • TO-15
    Air toxics monitoring
  • BTEX Analysis
    Petroleum hydrocarbon contamination
  • Pesticide Residues
    Agricultural runoff monitoring

🏭 Industrial Process Control

  • Petrochemical Refining
    Product quality control
  • Chemical Manufacturing
    Reaction monitoring
  • Natural Gas Analysis
    Composition determination
  • Solvent Recovery
    Purity verification
  • Polymer Production
    Monomer/additive analysis

🍽️ Food & Beverage

  • Flavor Profiling
    Aroma compound analysis
  • Contaminant Detection
    Pesticide residues
  • Authenticity Testing
    Adulteration detection
  • Packaging Materials
    Migration studies
  • Quality Control
    Consistency verification

💊 Pharmaceutical Analysis

  • Residual Solvents - ICH Q3C compliance
  • Impurity Profiling - API characterization
  • Stability Testing - Degradation products
  • Method Validation - Regulatory submissions
  • Chiral Analysis - Enantiomer separation

🔍 Forensic Science

  • Arson Investigation - Accelerant identification
  • Drug Analysis - Controlled substances
  • Explosives Detection - Residue analysis
  • Toxicology - Biological sample analysis
  • Paint Analysis - Evidence comparison

Advanced GC Techniques

Specialized analytical approaches for enhanced separation power and application-specific performance.

🔄 GC×GC (2D-GC)

Two-dimensional gas chromatography for complex mixture analysis.

  • Enhanced peak capacity (>10,000)
  • Improved selectivity
  • Pattern recognition capability
  • Petroleum fingerprinting
  • Metabolomics applications

⚡ Fast GC

Rapid analysis techniques for high-throughput applications.

  • Analysis time < 5 minutes
  • Narrow-bore columns
  • High temperature ramps
  • Process control applications
  • Emergency response

💨 HS-GC

Headspace gas chromatography for volatile compound analysis.

  • Matrix-free analysis
  • Automated sample preparation
  • Quantitative volatile analysis
  • Residual solvent testing
  • Flavor/fragrance analysis

IUT's GC Technology Advantages

Comprehensive analytical solutions combining advanced instrumentation with intelligent software and expert support.

⚙️ Integrated Systems

  • Pre-concentrator integration
  • Multi-dimensional configurations
  • Advanced sample introduction
  • Real-time process monitoring
  • Automated maintenance routines
  • Remote diagnostics capability

🤖 Smart Software

  • AI-powered peak identification
  • Automated method optimization
  • Statistical process control
  • Comprehensive data management
  • Regulatory compliance tools
  • Cloud connectivity options

🔧 Application Support

  • Method development services
  • Validation protocol support
  • Training and education
  • Technical troubleshooting
  • Custom configuration options
  • Global service network

Explore Advanced GC Solutions

Discover how IUT's advanced Gas Chromatography technology can provide definitive compound identification and quantification for your most demanding analytical challenges.

📞 +49 (0)30 2359 765 30 GC Technology Experts
📧 gc@iut-technologies.com Method Development
🎯 Definitive ID Compound Certainty

ppt sensitivity · Complete separation · Definitive identification · Gold standard method