Narrow minded about Fast GC?

When you think of Fast Gas Chromatography the first thing that usually comes to mind is using short, narrow bore columns, with fast temperature ramping, where the analysis is in seconds. Narrow bore columns work great for higher concentration samples. However, the great limitation is that narrow bore columns get saturated with compounds very easily. This means you always have to split (dilute) the sample to get a small enough quantity to allow the column to separate the compounds properly, which means that the Detection Limits (DL´s) suffer.

There are many applications that absolutely require low DL´s, which means that the sample needs to be concentrated prior to analysis. Does it really make sense to have to dilute something that you have just spent a lot of time concentrating? Longer columns with a larger bore can accept the higher volume of sample required for these applications.

The get the benefit of both short and long columns, with any bore size, you need a different kind of GC Oven.

Thinking out of the GC Oven box!

When we started thinking out of the old fashion Gas Chromatography oven box, we came up with revolutionary new type of Fast GC Oven.  An efficient low mass column oven, where any kind of analytical column is sealed tightly inside, with super stable retention times, and temperature programming if you need it. Oh, and did we mention, sub-ambient operation? We never had any intention of replacing your favorite GC, our goal is simply for you to upgrade the Oven inside your GC. The injector, detector, and software remain exactly the same as before.

Of course, we can also certainly install short narrow bore columns with fast temperature ramping, but why stop there, when we can do so much more!

A new type of Fast GC Column oven!

At GC Ovens we only make ovens for GC´s. We developed and patented (US 9927406, 10520478) the first “Fluidless” Column Oven (FCO), which is a device that can easily be installed in any GC, or GCMS for Fast GC analyses. How fast? When using the FCO-Standard analyses are up to 10 times faster than a conventional air bath oven, even when using it with long 30m columns. To achieve such speeds this unique device places a steady-state temperature profile right on the analytical column using a series of gradient heaters. With the FCO technology the peaks sharpen naturally as they travel through the column, because the front of the peak is always a little cooler than the back of the peak. There is no air blowing around to either heat, or cool the column eliminating the normal temperature cycle found in a regular GC oven.

The FCO-Standard is the fastest FCO and works great when the compounds in the application are within a narrow carbon range. This could be BTEX, Pesticides, Herbicides, Cannabis, Phthalates, or many other applications. With the temperature cycle eliminated, one sample can be analyzed directly after another, making almost any GC a Super-Charged GC!

The FCO Family of Fast GC products is growing!

If the range of the FCO-Standard is not for you, then either the FCO-Extended Run, or FCO-Classic models can be used to cover all other Applications. To both of these FCO´s we have added fast temperature programming to drive the compounds off the column and an integrated chiller for sub-ambient analyses.

For the fastest analyses the FCO-Extended Run can be run just like a FCO-Standard, with the added benefit of temperatures starting as low as 20 C. Or, as a 2nd option, for an extended carbon range of compounds, the outlet portion of the column can be temperature programmed to drive more compounds off the column. When temperature programming there is a heating and cooling cycle, but it is still faster than a conventional GC oven, with all the benefits of the FCO peak sharpening technology. Or, as a 3rd option, the column can be positioned only in the Outlet half of the FCO-Extended Run, where it will function just like the FCO-Classic. The FCO-Extended Run is the most versatile FCO in the family.

The FCO-Classic combines the best of both worlds with FCO peak sharpening technology plus classic temperature programming. Almost any application can benefit from this powerful combination. Starting as low as 20 C a temperature program can drive the compounds off any length, or bore of column at a rate of 100C/min to 400 C. This means that when you need the lowest DL´s, we can deliver them faster and sharper than ever before.

Sizes and Models for all Applications!

All 3 FCO models have 2 different standard frame sizes to accommodate any type of analytical column, whether packed, micro-packed, or capillary column. And 2 FCO´s can be plugged into the Control Module, so you can always mix and match to suit your analytical needs. Or, if you have 2 detectors, your GC can be upgraded to a dual oven GC.

A FCO can be installed, or changed by simply connecting the column to the injector and detector and the cable to the control module. The control software is easily accessed through a web interface to change temperatures and store methods. The device does not need to stay connected for the FCO to operate. Samples can be analyzed one at a time, or the FCO can be run continuously 24/7, or the Sequence table can be used to link various methods together for use with an auto-sampler.

Looking for Something Special?

For any type of custom configuration, or special requests from system integrator´s, and OEM´s, we have the capability of producing custom FCO´s in almost any size, with a variety temperature and gradient features. The FCO will only replace the GC Oven in your project, you will still need to supply the carrier gas, injector, and detector to make a complete GC system. Give us a call, we are here to help.

Stop producing hot air!

Any way you look at it, your GC does not need to produce and blow a lot of hot air anymore! Upgrade to a Super-charged GC using one of our FCO´s. After all, our climate is already warm enough.