New Syringes for High-Temperature Range
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Based on market-leading syringe technology from Hamilton, headspace analysis can now be carried out at temperatures up to 190°C.
Gas chromatography is used for detecting low concentrations of volatile substances in aqueous or solid samples. In order to analyze components such as flavoring, odorous or aromatic substances, but also the blood alcohol level, for example, headspace analysis (chamber analysis) is used.
An important component of the instrumentation - as in other gas chromatography processes - is the sample syringe with which the vapor to be analyzed is injected into the separation column. It must allow constant and exact volumes to ensure the reproducibility of the chromatographic results.
Headspace analysis to date has only been possible up to 110°C
Until now, headspace analysis could only be employed up to 110°C for analyzing components. Syringes available on the market until now fail accuracy and precision requirements beyond this temperature range.
Under these conditions, the rubber O-ring in the syringe plunger no longer seals and the cemented needle cannot withstand the expansion and contraction stresses.
For this reason, liquid chromatography (HPLC) has been used most of the time until the present day for analyzing components that have low volatility. However, this process does not reach the separating efficiency of GC or headspace analysis.
Hamilton’s new syringe design enables operation at temperatures up to 190°C
A new syringe design by Hamilton, a leading manufacturer of laboratory technology, headquartered in Reno, Nevada (USA) and Bonaduz (Switzerland), equips scientists with new possibilities for headspace analysis.
The syringes work without the need for cemented needles, and a metal spring in the plunger tip is used to create a reliable seal instead of a rubber O-ring.
This innovative solution enables headspace analyses to be carried out at temperatures up to 190 degrees Celsius, thus dramatically expanding the application possibilities of the process.
The market introduction of the new syringe line is planned for mid-2013. A current line of syringes with metal spring plunger tips are available for temperatures up to 110°C.
