GC instrumentation and technology update

Importance of the Topic

The continuous evolution of gas chromatography instrumentation and automation plays a critical role in modern analytical chemistry. Integrating software‐driven sample preparation, improved GC–ICP‐MS interfaces, and portable GC–MS systems enhances throughput, reproducibility, and enables in‐field deployment for environmental monitoring, food safety, industrial QC, and defense applications.

Objectives and Study Overview

This presentation reviews three key advances from a 2010 vendor seminar: the Easy SamplePrep software for automated GC sample preparation; the G3158C GC interface kit for Agilent 7700 ICP‐MS; and the development of Agilent’s transportable 5975T LTM GC/MSD. Performance demonstrations include analysis of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organotin compounds, and chemical warfare agent (CWA) simulants.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

Easy SamplePrep is a graphical add‐on to the Agilent ChemStation platform, allowing drag‐and‐drop programming of derivatization, internal standard addition, dilution, heating, cooling, and mixing steps on a 7693 ALS and tray system.

• G3158C GC–ICP‐MS interface supports 7890A GC with 7693/7683 ALS and Agilent 7700 ICP‐MS series.
• Features include a SulfInert transfer line, shorter heated path to 300 °C, back‐off metal injector, O-ring injector alignment, and improved EMI grounding.
• 5975T LTM GC/MSD integrates low thermal mass column technology, reducing power consumption by 46%, footprint by 38%, and weight by 35%, while retaining standard S/SL injector and EPC control.

Main Results and Discussion

The new interface kit achieved comparable sensitivity to prior versions with a maximum transfer line temperature of 300 °C and slightly elevated sulfur background. Detection limits for decaBDE reached 150 ppt, and analysis of tributyltin (TBT) yielded 5.9 ppt with a signal‐to‐noise ratio above 20 000. The 5975T LTM GC/MSD demonstrated laboratory‐quality resolution in chemical warfare agent simulant assays using thermal desorption and SPME techniques, with rapid temperature programming and reliable identification via NIST library matching.

Benefits and Practical Applications

These advancements provide:

• Fully automated, customizable sample preparation workflows to increase lab throughput and consistency.
• Enhanced inertness and thermal stability for halogenated and metal‐containing analytes using the G3158C interface.
• Portable GC/MS capability with the 5975T LTM for on‐site environmental sampling, forensic investigations, and CWA detection.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Anticipated developments include further miniaturization, integration of AI‐driven method optimization, real‐time remote monitoring, and coupling with high‐resolution and tandem mass spectrometry. Expanded fieldable GC platforms will support rapid decision‐making in environmental emergencies and security operations.

Conclusion

The combination of user‐friendly sample prep software, robust GC–ICP‐MS interfacing, and transportable GC/MS systems marks a significant step toward fully integrated analytical workflows. These technologies improve data quality, operational flexibility, and open new possibilities for on‐site chemical analysis.

References

• Agilent Technologies. ISCC 2010 Vendor Seminar Materials.