Shimadzu GC-8A Series User manual

Gas Chromatograph
GC-8A Series
C184-E016B

GC-8A Series
GC that meets increasing analytical requirements…
GC that can analyze instantaneously…
GC that is tough and useful…
TheGC-8A is a gas chromatograph that makes these dreams come true.
Dedicated Single Detector
Gas Chromatograph
GC-8AIT GC-8AIF
Simple design with emphasison functionality
Tough and strong diecast frame
Reliability backed by years of experience
Self-diagnostic monitor / thermometer for easy maintenance
Accommodates a range of stable, high-sensitivity detectors (TCD, FID, ECD, FPD)
Easy-to-use digital settings
Comprehensive accessories
P 3
P 4
P 5
P 7
P 8
Column Oven
Sample Injection Ports
Detectors
GC-8AIT
GC-8AIF
Contents
P 9 GC-8AIE
P 10
P 11
GC-8APFp
Accessories

3
Column Oven
Large-capacity, cubic oven
Almost cubic in shape, the column oven opens entirely at the
front, making changing columns simple and easy. The column
oven's door opens and closes by a simple one-touch operation.
The lightweight door moves extremely smoothly.
Two-stage overheat prevention
for protection of columns
If the temperature exceeds the programmed (preset)
temperature by 30°C, the heater will be automatically turned
o. If the temperature reaches about 420°C, the heater will be
automatically turned o.
Temperature control oers
excellent stability and response
Excellent temperature control of the column oven is essential
for a gas chromatograph. Fig. 2 shows the response and stability
when the column oven's temperature setting is changed from
100°C to 101°C. It shows that the oven responds rapidly to a
changed temperature setting and is able to immediately achieve
stable temperature control.
Rapid heating and cooling
characteristics
Rapid heating and cooling characteristics of the column oven
are also important for a gas chromatograph. Fig. 4 shows that
heating from 100°C to 350°C requires just 12 minutes, while
cooling takes less than one minute and re-stabilizing at the
initial temperature takes about three minutes.
Fig. 1 Column Oven
Fig. 2 Temperature Stability
Fig. 3 Operation of Column Oven Door
Fig. 4 Heating and Cooling Curve

4
GC-8A Series
Gas Chromatograph
Sample Injection Ports
Easy-to-use on-column sample
injection ports
The standard injection ports are on-column type. Since sample
solution is directly injected into the head of a glass column, the
decomposition and adsorption of sample components are
minimized.
Capillary column adapter
Adding the optional CLH-800 capillary column holder allows
simple mounting of the capillary column for both split and
splitless sample injection.
Fig. 6 On-Column Sample Injection Port
Fig. 7 Quartz Capillary Column Mounted with CLH-800
Carrier gas

5
Thermal Conductivity Detector (GC-8AIT, GC-8APT)
Detectors
Highly stable and sensitive filaments
The rhenium-tungsten filaments, each of which has a resistance
of 100Ω, ensure the highest sensitivity and stability.
Constant current system
The bridge current is kept constant even when the detector
temperature is changed. It is not necessary therefore to readjust
the current after the detector temperature is stabilized.
Filament protection
If some air should flow into the TCD cell, for example, at the
time of column replacement, the bridge current will
automatically be turned off and the warning lamp will be lit.
Flame Ionization Detector (GC-8AIF, GC-8APF)
Cylindrical collector
Combustion gases from the hydrogen flame pass from the
nozzle straight through the cylindrical collector to be
discharged externally. This reduces contamination of the
detector to extremely low levels.
On-detector system
The dead space is eliminated at the connection of the column
and the detector. Excellent repeatability is provided even in
analysis of trace components.
External igniter
The flame igniter is mounted external to the detector to
significantly reduce wire damage due to corrosive combustion
components and to make replacement of the igniter filament
cheap and simple.
Quartz jet
Collector electrode
High voltage electrode
Air
H2
Column
Carrier gas
Fig. 9 FID Cell
Carrier gas
Filament
Fig. 8 TCD Cell (GC-8APT)

GC-8A Series
Gas Chromatograph 6
Electron Capture Detector (GC-8AIE)
Linear ECD with high sensitivity and wide dynamic range
The constant-current ECD maintains a constant current flow in
the detector. It offers excellent performance of a linear dynamic
range of 10,000 and 0.2 pg (Υ-BHC) minimum limit of detection,
and greatly restricts peak abnormalities such as negative peaks.
Flame Photometric Detector (GC-8APFp)
Flame
The FPD cell is designed so that the flame will not be
extinguished by a solvent overload.
FID monitor electrode
The FID monitor electrode in the detector permits extraction of
the FID signal.
*Requires the FID monitor kit (Special Accessory: P/N 221-23950-91)
Forced cooling system
To ensure a low noise level and long service life, the
photomultiplier tube is kept cool by a blower when the
detector is maintained at a high temperature.
Complete safety
The photomultiplier tube is protected against damage from
exposure to high light levels by a sensing circuit which cuts
power to the tube if anomalous conditions are detected.
Switchable detector current
The standing current flowing in the detector can be switched in
three stages for convenient analysis of samples across a wide
concentration range.
Comprehensive contamination countermeasures
The system features a programmed heating system to prevent
detector contamination (column oven heating starts only after
the detector reaches the set temperature) and a purge system
to maintain carrier gas purging and keep the detector in
standby status even when the detector is not being used for
analysis.
Purge flow line reduces stabilization time
The purge flow line allows purging of the interior of the
detector by carrier gas when the detector remains mounted in
the gas chromatograph but is not used.
This prevents oxidation by oxygen in the air and ensures stable
operation the next time the detector is used.
Fig. 10 ECD Cell
Fig. 11 Chromatogram of Trihalomethane
Fig. 12 FPD Cell
Chloroform 7.5ppb
Dichlorobromomethane
6.4ppb
Chlorodibromomethane
2ppb
1,1,1-
trichloroethane
Chloroform
Tetrachloromethane
Trichloroethylene
1,1,2-trichloroethane
Tetrachloroethylene
1,1,1,2-
tetrachloroethane
1,1,2,2-
tetrachloroethane
Carrier gas
Column
Purge gas
63Ni source
Electrode
Exhaust
Quartz cylinder
Nozzle
Quartz tube
H2
Electrode for FID monitor (option)
Cooling fan
Photomultiplier
Interference filter
Quartz window
Air
Column
Carrier gas
Thiophene
(2ng)
Methyl parathion (20ng)
Ethyl parathion (20ng)
EPN (20ng)
FID monitor
FPD
Fig. 13 Analysis of Trace Thiophene
in Benzene (S mode)
Fig. 14 Analysis of Organophosphorus
Pesticides (P-mode)

7
GC-8AIT
Column Oven
Temperature range
Temperature control
Temperature control accuracy
Temperature
Readout (Monitor)
Heating speed
Cooling speed
Column
Overheat Protection
: Room temperature to 399°C
: Proportional-integration type of zero cross
switching system
: ±0.1°C
: When the temperatures of the column
oven and the injection port/detector have
reached the set points, the respective
READY lamps are lit.
:
From room temperature to 350°C in 13 minutes.
: From 350°C to 100°C in 3.5 minutes.
: Stainless steel: 6m x 2
Glass: 5.4m x 2
: Two-stage protection:
(1) If the temperature exceeds the
programmed (preset) temperature by 50°C,
the heater will be automatically turned off.
(2) If the temperature reaches about 420°C,
the heater will be automatically turned off.
Temperature of Injection Port/Detector
Temperature range
Temperature control
Temperature control accuracy
Temperature
Readout (Monitor)
Overheat Protection
Injection Port
: Room temperature to 400°C (10°C steps)
: Proportional-integration type of zero cross
switching system
: ±0.1°C
: When the temperatures of the column
oven and the injection port/detector have
reached the set points, the respective
READY lamps are lit.
: If the temperature reaches about 420°C,
the heater will be automatically turned off.
: On-column injection ports
Flow Control
Carrier gas : Two pressure regulators
Two column inlet pressure gauges
Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD)
Detector
Maximum temperature
Bridge current
Filament protection circuit
: Differential type of semi-diffusion flow system
Four rhenium-tungsten filaments (100Ω each)
: 400°C
: Constant current system (OFF, 60, 70, 80,
90, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200mA)
: Incorporated
Others
Dimensions
Weight
Power Requirements
Others
: 440W x 405D x 435Hmm
: 26.5kg
: AC100/115V or 220V as ordered.
1500VA max. 50/60Hz.
: (1) Column oven heating starts after the
injection port / detector reaches the set
temperature.
(2) Cannot be used with a preparative system.

GC-8A Series
Gas Chromatograph 8
GC-8AIF
Column Oven
Temperature range
Temperature control:
Temperature control accuracy
Heating speed
Cooling speed
Column
Overheat Protection
: Room temperature to 399°C
: Proportional-integration type of zero cross
switching system
: ±0.1°C
:
From room temperature to 350°C in 13 minutes.
: From 350°C to 100°C in 3.5 minutes.
: Stainless steel: 6m x 2
Glass: 5.4m x 2
: Two-stage protection:
(1) If the temperature exceeds the
programmed (preset) temperature by 30°C,
the heater will be automatically turned off.
(2) If the temperature reaches about 420°C,
the heater will be automatically turned off.
Temperature of Injection Port/Detector
Temperature range
Temperature control
Temperature control accuracy
Overheat Protection
Injection Port
: Room temperature to 400°C (10°C steps)
: Proportional-integration type of zero cross
switching system
: ±0.1°C
: If the temperature reaches about 420°C,
the heater will be automatically turned off.
: On-column injection ports
Flow Control
Carrier gas
Hydrogen
Air
: Two pressure regulators
Two column inlet pressure gauges
: Two pressure regulators
Two pressure gauges
: One pressure regulator
One pressure gauge
Flame Ionization Detector (FID)
Detector
Maximum temperature
Detection limit
Dynamic range
Jet
: Dual cell with cylindrical collectors
: 400°C
: 3 x 10-12 g/s for diphenyl
: 107
: Mode of quartz
Electrometer
Sensitivity
Noise
Drift
Input attenuation
Output attenuation
Linearity
Background suppression
Signal output
: 1 x 10-12 A/mV
: Below 10-14 A
: Below 2 x 10-14 A/h
(Constant room temperature)
: 1, 10, 102, 103, 104
: 1 to 1024 (binary step) and ∞
: Wider than 105(fixed input attenuation)
: ±6.4 x 10-10A (NORM mode)
: 0 to 1mV for recorder
0 to 1V for data processor
Others
Dimensions
Weight
Power Requirements
: 440W x 405D x 570Hmm
: 34.5kg
: AC100/115V or 220V as ordered.
1500VA max. 50/60Hz.
Temperature Readout
The three temperatures (injection port/detector, column oven, and
auxiliary) are selectively indicated on the pyrometer, the selection being
made by pushbuttons.
Air
H2
GC-8AIF Flow Chart
Carrier gas
Column
Inlet

9
GC-8AIE
Column Oven
Temperature range
Temperature control
Temperature control accuracy
Temperature
Readout (Monitor)
Heating speed
Cooling speed
Column
Overheat Protection
: Room temperature to 399°C
: Proportional-integration type of zero cross
switching system
: ±0.1°C
: When the temperatures of the column
oven and the injection port/detector have
reached the set points, the respective
READY lamps are lit.
:
From room temperature to 350°C in 13 minutes.
: From 350°C to 100°C in 3.5 minutes.
: Stainless steel: 12m x 1
Glass: 5.4m x 1
: Two-stage protection:
(1) If the temperature exceeds the
programmed (preset) temperature by 50°C,
the heater will be automatically turned off.
(2) If the temperature reaches about 420°C,
the heater will be automatically turned off.
Temperature of Injection Port/Detector
Temperature range
Temperature control
Temperature control accuracy
Temperature
Readout (Monitor)
Overheat Protection
Injection Port
: Room temperature to 350°C (10°C steps)
: Proportional-integration type of zero cross
switching system
: ±0.1°C
: When the temperatures of the column
oven and the injection port/detector have
reached the set points, the respective
READY lamps are lit.
: If the temperature reaches about 350°C,
the heater will be automatically turned off.
: On-column injection ports
Flow Control
Carrier gas One pressure regulator
One column inlet pressure gauge
Electron Capture Detector (ECD)
Detector
Radiation source
Detection limit
Dynamic range
Maximum temperature
Standing current
: Coaxial type cell and purge flow line
: 63Ni 370MBq
: 0.2pg/s for Υ-BHC
: 104
: 350°C
: 0.5, 1.0, 2.0mA
Others
Dimensions
Weight
Power Requirements
Other
: 440W x 405D x 435Hmm
: 26.0kg
: AC100/115V or 220V as ordered.
1500VA max. 50/60Hz.
: Column oven heating starts after the
injection port / detector reaches the set
temperature.

GC-8A Series
Gas Chromatograph 10
GC-8APFp
Column Oven
Temperature range
Temperature control
Temperature control accuracy
Heating speed
Cooling speed
Column
Overheat Protection
: -100°C to 400°C (The optional cryogenic
work attachment and cryogenic valve
unit are necessary for sub-ambient
temperature operation.)
: Proportional-integration type of zero
cross switching system
: ±0.1°C
:
From room temperature to 350°C in 13 minutes.
: From 350°C to 100°C in 3.5 minutes.
: Stainless steel: 12m x 1
Glass: 5.4m x 1
: Two-stage protection:
(1) If the temperature exceeds the
programmed (preset) temperature by 30°C,
the heater will be automatically turned off.
(2) If the temperature reaches about 420°C,
the heater will be automatically turned off.
Temperature Programmer/Timer
Initial temperature
Final temperature
Programming rate
: -100°C to 399°C (1°C steps)
: 0°C to 400°C (10°C steps)
: 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 16, 20, 32°C/min.
Temperature of Injection Port/Detector
Temperature range
Temperature control
Temperature control accuracy
Overheat Protection
Injection Port
:
Room temperature to 400°C (10°C steps)
: Proportional-integration type of zero cross
switching system
: ±0.1°C
: If the temperature reaches about 420°C,
the heater will be automatically turned off.
: On-column injection ports
Flow Control
Carrier gas
Hydrogen
Air
: One primary pressure regulator
One primary column inlet pressure gauge
One differential flow controller
One column inlet pressure gauge
: One pressure regulator
One pressure gauge
: One pressure regulator
One pressure gauge
Flame Photometric Detector (FPD)
Optional filter
Detection limit
Power supply
Maximum temperature
Selective detection of sulfur and phosphorus (by filter interchange)
: 394nm (S), 526nm (P)
: 5 x 10-11 gS/s for S in thiophene
1.4 x 10-12 gP/s for P in DDVP or parathion
: -700V, stabilized
: 350°C (air cooling)
Electrometer
Sensitivity
Noise
Drift
Input attenuation
Output attenuation
Linearity
Background suppression
Signal output
: 1 x 10-10 A/mV
: Below 10-12 A
:
Below 2 x 10
-12
A/h (Constant room temperature)
: 1, 10, 102, 103
: 1 to 1024 (binary step) and ∞
: Wider than 105(fixed input attenuation)
: ±6.4 x 10-8A
: 0 to 1mV for recorder
0 to 1V for data processor
Others
Dimensions
Weight
Power Requirements
Special accessories
: 440W x 405D x 650Hmm
(Electric control: 440W x 330D x 135Hmm)
: 35.0kg
: AC100/115V or 220V as ordered.
1500VA max. 50/60Hz.
: FID monitor and electrometer for monitor
(P/N 221-23950-91)
Filter for S (P/N 221-00892-01)
Filter for P (P/N 221-00897-01)
Temperature Readout
The three temperatures (column oven, injection port/detector, and
auxiliary) are selectively indicated on the pyrometer, the selection being
made by pushbuttons.

11
Oil-less type
Accessories
Hydrogen Generator
Compact hydrogen generator by ion exchange membrane water electrolysis.
High-purity hydrogen is formed through electrolysis of pure water. The compact design
fits perfectly beside a GC-8A gas chromatograph. Requires deionized water with a
specific resistance of 5 MΩcm min.
OPGU-2200S
221-45131-91 (115V)
221-45131-93 (230V)
225 mL/min
20 to 400kPa
Model
P/N
Max. delivery flow rate
Max. delivery pressure
Air Compressors
These supply clean (oil mist free) compressed air to support combustion in FID and FPD.
Output: 1/4HP
Delivery pressure: 400±50kPa
Maximum delivery flow rate: 20L/min. (NTP)
PPR Series Pressure Regulator for High Purity Gases
Dedicated GC gas pressure regulator that provides a high-purity, high-accuracy supply of
carrier gas or hydrogen from the gas cylinder. The air-purge valve on the primary side
prevents ingress of air when the cylinder is changed. This ensures rapid baseline
recovery after cylinder replacement and extends the column life by restricting oxidative
degradation of the solid phase.
Accessory/Supply Set (P/N 221-38650-90)
Contains all the items required to operate the gas chromatograph.
Major contents: a carrier gas supply pipe, a gas filter, leak check fluid, tools, a mirror
for flame checking, a microliter syringe, column tags, quartz beads, color markers, a
power outlet, a case, etc.
The separate FID accessories set (P/N 221-38651-90) is also required for a gas
chromatograph with FID.
Oil-less
221-72380
16kg
—
Oil-less, silent
670-12138
44kg
58db
Model
P/N
Weight
Noise
Nitrogen and Argon (Blue)
Hydrogen (Red)
Helium (Yellow)
P/N
221-35999-01
221-35999-02
221-35999-03
Model
PPR-N2
PPR-H2
PPR-He

GC-8A Series
Gas Chromatograph 12
Economy Set of Microsyringes
Set of Devices for Packing Columns (P/N 221-37387-91)
Columns (Tube for packed column)
A range of analytical syringes is available.
· Economy type 10 µL (6 per pack)
· Standard microsyringe 25 to 100 µL
· Gas-sealed microsyringe 25 to 100 µL
· Plunger-guide microsyringe 5 to 25 µL
· Plunger-in-needle microsyringe 0.5 to 5 µL
· Large-capacity gas-tight syringe 1 to 100 mL
Contains all the items required to fill or re-pack the column.
It allows the column to be easily repacked. Includes detailed
instructions and a convenient carrying case.
Major contents: funnels, aspirator, vibrator (electric engraver),
trap bottles, column tags, silica wool, column packing, rubber
tubes, connectors, etc.
Length (m)
0.5
1.0
1.5
2.0
2.5
3.0
Glass Columns
2.6mm ID, 5mm OD
221-22950-05
221-22950-10
221-22950-15
221-22950-20
221-22950-25
221-22950-30
3.2mm ID, 5mm OD
221-22949-05
221-22949-10
221-22949-15
221-22949-20
221-22949-25
221-22949-30
Stainless Steel Columns
3mm ID, 4mm OD
201-48705-05
201-48705-10
201-48705-15
201-48705-20
201-48705-25
201-48705-30
* Columns exceeding 3 m also available. Consult your Shimadzu representative for details.

GC-8A Series
Printed in Japan 3655-10216-20ANS
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For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
The contents of this publication are provided to you “as is” without warranty of any kind, and are subject to change without notice. Shimadzu
does not assume any responsibility or liability for any damage, whether direct or indirect, relating to the use of this publication.
© Shimadzu Corporation, 2012
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