Ultra Inert Solutions 

The increasing need for high sensitivity analyses of harmful substances brings new pressure on GC analytical methods. Flow path inertness is the next frontier in the continuous improvement of GC analyses. The ongoing development of ultra inert inlets, columns, and detectors, as well as test mixes and procedures that assure a highly inert flow path, is improving the ability to analyze difficult, active compounds present in trace amounts.

Agilent J&W Ultra Inert GC Columns

The analysis of active compounds by gas chromatography (GC) continues to be challenging in areas such as pesticide, food, environmental and drug analysis, particularly due to the continuing trend to reduce detection limits, certainly into the low nanogram range. One of the main obstacles to increasing sensitivity in the past was column bleed. Low column bleed reduces detector noise and increases signal-to-noise, improving detection limits. GC column manufacturing techniques have now improved to a point where control of the noise generated through column, liner or septum bleed over defined temperature ranges is routine. With bleed profiles reduced manageable levels the next frontier in GC column design is to decrease surface activity and in so doing deliver more analyte to sensitive detectors.

Control of the interaction of active analytes with the GC flow path is now the challenge. When an active analyte is introduced, it must travel a flow path through the injector and the column to the detector. Active sites in the flow path can selectivity latch onto active analytes, degrading peak shapes, or worse adsorb trace analytes completely. Targeting column, liner and detector inertness improvements through better surface deactivation strategies is critical to improving analytical performance for these active analytes. Flow path inertness is the next frontier in achieving better quantification of active analytes, lower detection limits and full realization of the potential of advanced GC and GC-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) instruments like multi-dimensional GC, GC-time-of-flight (GC-TOF) and GC-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-QQQ).

The Agilent J&W Ultra Inert GC column family pushes the industry standards for consistent column inertness and exceptionally low column bleed, resulting in lower detection limits and more accurate data for difficult analytes. Agilent J&W Ultra Inert GC columns are tested with the most demanding Ultra Inert test probe mixture in the industry, and a performance summary sheet is shipped with each column. So you can perform trace level analysis with the utmost confidence.

View the Agilent J&W Ultra Inert GC Column Portfolio

Agilent Ultra Inert and Agilent CrossLab Ultra Inert Liners

With the drive to reduce detection limits to the low and sub nanogram range, the analysis of active compounds by GC continues to be challenging in areas such as pesticide, food, environmental, and drug analyses. Active sites along the GC flow path (injector, column, and detector) can latch onto active analytes and degrade peak shapes, or can absorb trace analytes completely. Flow path inertness is essential for lower detection limits and quantification of active analytes, so it is critical to improve inertness through better surface deactivation strategies. Manufacturing improvements enable analyses of difficult, active compounds present in trace amounts.

Inert liners and glass wool help provide linear analyses. The inlet liner is a critical link in the sample flow path. Both the design and the chemistry of the liner impact the transfer of compounds into the column. Liners with glass wool enhance sample vaporization, limit liquid injection into the column, and capture non volatiles in the sample. Despite these benefits, the use of glass wool in many applications is limited because it historically has not been reliably deactivated; it can become a trap for active compounds. Recent advances in both wool and liner deactivation strategies now make it possible to glass wool containing liners with analytes once summarily ruled out as too active such as pesticides and semi-volatiles.

Touchless Packaging
Ultra inert inlet liners are delivered in exclusive Agilent touchless packaging with a pre-cleaned, conditioned, and non-stick plasma treated O-ring pre-installed. Now you can remove the old liner and easily install the new, clean, preconditioned liner – without risk of contamination from touching. (Please note: CrossLab UI liners do not come with pre-installed O-rings.)

View the Touchless Packaging demonstration videos 

View Ultra Inert Liner Proof Chromatograms and Technical Information

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Agilent CrossLab Ultra Inert liners for GC systems from a variety of manufacturers. In addition to Ultra Inert Liners for your Agilent GC system, we also offer CrossLab Ultra Inert liners for GC systems manufactured by Bruker, Varian (former Varian GC systems, now Bruker products), PerkinElmer, Thermo Scientific, and Shimadzu.

Learn more about CrossLab Ultra Inert Liners

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Agilent GC and GC/MS Systems
To ensure accurate quantification and high sensitivity, the entire flow path must be highly inert, including detector surfaces. This is especially true for mass spectrometers, as they are often used for the most sensitive analyses.
Agilent’s industry-leading GC and GC/MSD systems combine an inert ion source with the analytical capabilities you need to keep pace with the most stringent new methods – and your most demanding sample loads.

Agilent 7890A GC
Advanced separation capabilities, powerful productivity features, and real-time self-monitoring intelligence
For more than 40 years, Agilent GC systems have produced reliable results by controlling as many variables as possible. Our 7890A GC continues this tradition of excellence with:

• Industry-leading performance: 5th-generation electronic pneumatics control and digital electronics raise the bar on retention time locking precision, making the 7890A Agilent’s most dependable GC ever
  
• Higher productivity: Faster oven ramp up and cool down and advanced automation features let you get more done in less time – at the lowest cost per sample
  
• Robust backflush techniques reduce the time it takes to remove unwanted matrix from the GC. This increases column life by eliminating cycle time between runs
  
• Expanded chromatographic potential: A flexible EPC design enables sophisticated hydrocarbon analyses, and an optional 3rd detector lets you run more types of analyses on a single GC
  
• Easier operation: user-friendly software facilitates method setup and minimizes training time, while time-saving design features simplify routine maintenance

Agilent 5975C GC/MSD
Optimized performance from injection to final report
The Agilent 5975C inert MSD lets you spend more time running your analysis and less time maintaining your system. It brings together these essential elements for trace-level analysis:

• Advanced capabilities: a solid inert ion source, quartz quadrupole analyzer, and high signal-to-noise Triple-Axis Detector dramatically improve MS resolution, spectral integrity, and detection limits
  
• A thermally controlled quadrupole yields more stable calibration without being subject to ambient temperature
  
• Powerful Deconvolution Reporting Software for fast, confident identification and quantification
  
• Higher throughput: comprehensive automation, faster separations, and shorter detection cycles enable you to process more samples in less time
  
• Maximum uptime: real-world engineering and system intelligence features ensure easier upkeep, predictive support, enhanced self-maintenance and powerful remote diagnostics