Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Analysis

by Emily John Digital Marketing Service Provider

A Gas Chromatograph (GC) and Mass Spectrometer (MS) are instruments commonly used in analytical labs. The combined equipment generally referred to as a GC/MS is an analytical technique used to separate, identify and quantify different compounds within a sample.

In this article, you will get to knowhow the Gas Chromatography can be used for combustion analysis. The primary applications for combustion analysis are twofold:

1.) Pre-combustion – Gas Chromatography equipment can be used to accurately ascertain fuel/oxidizer ratio (especially in mixtures with multiple components)

2.) Post-combustion – GC can be used to measure the composition and quantities of combustion gases generated by an event

Generally, when flammability testing is performed, the mixture composition is estimated based on partial pressures of the materials as they are added into the test chamber and the assumption that the mixture is adhering to the ideal gas law. While this approach can result in an acceptable approximation of the fuel-oxygen ratio under investigation, there is an opportunity for improvement that can be helpful in certain applications.

Specifically, a more detailed understanding of the composition can be important if a client has a safety concern or if they are interested in having a high level of accuracy in Gas Chromatography analysis.”

In a safety scenario - identification of combustion products is important, especially when reviewing an event such as a fire or an explosion. Depending on the mixture (fuel-oxygen ratio), different combustion byproducts can result. For example, a test with a fuel-rich mixture might result in hazardous byproducts that could be dangerous for people or the environment. Better knowledge of material could help inform a risk-based approach to mitigate potential exposures.

As an example, if a Gas Chromatography or any other company has a solvent tank, and an explosion occurs in the headspace, combustion gases will be released. With a more robust assessment of their combustion products, the GC Software Company would have a better idea of what safety conditions they should design for. They might implement different controls to mitigate the risk of explosion or keep the fuel-oxygen ratio under different conditions because the environmental impact would be lower. For a company interested in mitigating risk, this could be very helpful.

Wrapping Up

Testing is a good complement to models and can provide validation input when performing dispersion modeling or developing a safety plan.

For more information regarding Gas Chromatography machines, contact us today.