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We are now trading as Crawford Scientific

SWITCH FROM HELIUM TO HYDROGEN CARRIER GAS

Ongoing helium shortages, price increases and supply uncertainty are encouraging many GC and GC-MS laboratories to review whether helium is still essential for every method. While some regulated, SOP-driven or high-sensitivity GC-MS applications may still require helium, many methods can be adapted to use hydrogen as an alternative carrier gas, helping improve supply security and reduce running costs.

Crawford Scientific can support the transition with expert guidance, method translation services, hydrogen generator solutions and practical resources to help you assess, plan and implement the switch with confidence. 

PEAK SCIENTIFIC INTURA HYDROGEN GENERATOR

The Intura Hydrogen Generator from PEAK Scientific provides a safe, convenient and reliable on-demand hydrogen supply for GC and GC-MS laboratories switching from helium carrier gas. By generating high-purity hydrogen in the lab, it helps reduce reliance on cylinder deliveries, improves supply security and supports lower running costs, while providing the gas quality needed for consistent chromatographic performance.

  • Available in 100, 250, 500, 1000 and 1500 cc/min models, delivering 99.99999% hydrogen purity
  • Suitable for GC and GC-MS carrier gas, as well as flame gas applications
  • Built-in leak detection and automatic shutdown for safe operation
  • Minimal internal hydrogen storage for added safety
  • Compact, modular design to save space 

TRUST CRAWFORD SCIENTIFIC TO GET YOUR NEW GC METHOD UP AND RUNNING
WITH HYDROGEN AS CARRIER GAS

Crawford Scientific offers method translation support to help laboratories move from helium to hydrogen carrier gas with confidence. Using your existing helium GC or GC-MS method parameters, we can help assess the suitability of the switch and guide the adjustment of key conditions such as pressure, flow, velocity, and temperature programme rates to support comparable retention behaviour. 
 
For GC-MS methods, where carrier gas changes can be more complex, our specialists can review your application on a case-by-case basis and advise on practical considerations such as pump capacity, the use of smaller ID columns, inert flow paths and potential analyte interactions, supporting a smooth transition to hydrogen carrier gas. 

HYDROINERT SOURCE FOR HYDROGEN CARRIER GAS WITH GC-MS

Hydrogen offers a renewable, low-cost alternative to helium for many GC-MS applications, but its reactivity can affect certain analytes in the ion source. The Agilent HydroInert Source is designed to minimise these unwanted reactions, helping maintain sensitivity, peak shape and spectral quality while supporting reliable library matching and a smoother transition from helium to hydrogen.

  • Manufactured from materials selected to help reduce unwanted reactions with hydrogen
  • 9 mm extraction lens optimised for hydrogen flow and viscosity
  • Reduced maintenance requirements thanks to a self-cleaning effect
  • Supports an easier transition to hydrogen when paired with smaller-diameter columns 

WEBCAST PRACTICALITIES OF HYDROGEN OR NITROGEN AS A GC CARRIER GAS

Learn what’s involved in switching from helium to hydrogen as a GC carrier gas, including the potential benefits for cost, supply security and sustainability.

This webcast covers when hydrogen can be used with minimal disruption to existing methods, along with practical tips for making the change safely and smoothly. 

BUILD YOUR KNOWLEDGE OF HELIUM TRANSITION ON CHROMacademy

Our CHROMacademy learning path helps you understand how and why to use alternative GC carrier gases, including hydrogen and nitrogen.

It covers their impact on efficiency, resolution and detector compatibility, along with practical guidance on flow rate optimisation, column selection, instrument tuning and safety considerations. 

It is not the first helium crisis, and it will not be the last, so take the opportunity to prepare with practical strategies for adapting methods and maintaining reliable chromatography. 

FAQs: SWITCHING FROM HELIUM TO HYDROGEN CARRIER GAS

Is hydrogen safe to use as a carrier gas?

Hydrogen can be used safely when the correct equipment, installation and leak-checking procedures are in place. Hydrogen generators can improve safety by producing gas on demand with minimal stored volume, while instruments and gas lines should include appropriate leak detection and shut-off features where possible. 
 
What are the benefits of using a hydrogen generator compared to a cylinder?

A hydrogen generator provides a consistent, on-demand supply of hydrogen for GC and GC-MS, helping to reduce reliance on cylinder deliveries and improve supply security. Generators also offer a safer and more convenient gas supply, with low internal hydrogen volume, internal leak detection and automatic shutdown features. By reducing manual cylinder handling and storage requirements, they can support safer, more efficient day-to-day laboratory operation. 
 
How do helium, hydrogen and nitrogen compare as GC carrier gases?

Each carrier gas has different strengths and limitations, so the best choice will depend on your method, instrument setup, detector requirements and priorities around cost, availability, speed and safety. 

  Pros Cons
Helium Carrier Gas Always the first choice, if available Frequent shortages and delivery interruptions 
Excellent chromatographic and MS performance  Inconsistent or high costs 
All reference spectra in libraries are obtained with helium  Sometimes difficult to find in chromatographic grades 
     
Hydrogen Carrier Gas Best alternative to helium  Requires attention to safety 
Better chromatographic resolution and speed compared to helium  Requires attention to reactivity 
     
Nitrogen Carrier Gas Inexpensive  Requires longer run times to achieve resolution 
Widely available in chromatographic grades  Not recommended for use with MSD 
Safer than hydrogen   

Is hydrogen an effective carrier gas? 

Yes, hydrogen is an effective carrier gas for many GC applications. Its Van Deemter curve is flatter than helium’s, meaning high chromatographic efficiency can be maintained across a wider range of linear velocities.

This allows methods to run at higher carrier gas speeds, often reducing analysis times while maintaining good resolution.

Suitability should still be assessed method by method, particularly for GC-MS applications where hydrogen reactivity and MS conditions may need additional consideration. 

Will I have to change my GC methods?

In most cases, some method changes will be required. These may include adjustments to pressure, flow rate, linear velocity, temperature programme rates or column dimensions. Method translation software can help convert helium methods to hydrogen while aiming to maintain similar retention behaviour and elution order. The Crawford Scientific Technical Team can also review your application and provide practical advice on the most suitable approach for your method.  
 
Will I have to use a GC column with different dimensions when switching carrier gas?

Not always, but a different column dimension may be recommended depending on the method and instrument setup. Smaller internal diameter columns can help reduce carrier gas flow, which is particularly useful for GC-MS systems with pump capacity limits. Column selection should be considered alongside method translation and validation requirements. 
 
Can I use hydrogen carrier gas on a GC-MS system?

Hydrogen can be used with GC-MS, but it requires more careful assessment than standard GC. Considerations include MS pump capacity, source reactions, spectral fidelity, detector sensitivity and analyte compatibility. Inert columns, inert flow paths and hydrogen-optimised source technology can help support reliable GC-MS performance. 
 
What type of tubing do I need to use with hydrogen carrier gas?

Use high-quality, clean, GC-grade tubing that is suitable for hydrogen. Stainless steel tubing is commonly used, along with appropriate fittings and connections to minimise leaks. Copper tubing is not recommended for hydrogen, as it can become brittle over time.  
 
How should I check for leaks when using hydrogen carrier gas?

Leaks should be checked regularly using an electronic leak detector suitable for hydrogen. Key areas to inspect include gas line fittings, inlet connections, septa, ferrules, column nuts and detector connections. Avoid using liquid leak detection solutions around GC or GC-MS fittings, as these can contaminate the system and affect analytical performance. 
 
Do I need gas filters when using a hydrogen generator?

Yes, gas filters are still recommended when using hydrogen carrier gas. Although hydrogen generators produce very high-purity gas, traps provide an important final layer of protection against contaminants. Installing suitable moisture, oxygen and hydrocarbon filters close to each GC system helps maintain carrier gas purity, protect the column and reduce the risk of system contamination.

For hydrogen carrier gas, we recommend using an Agilent big universal trap for moisture, oxygen and hydrocarbons, such as RMSH-2-SS. An Agilent Gas Clean purifier can also be used for carrier gas, with CP17976 available as a kit including the base, or CP17973 as a replacement carrier gas filter if you already have the base.