HyperChrom - what makes it different?

In this blog we'll address some of the frequently asked questions about the HyperChrom system, the GC instrument that's shaking up the scientific world!

What’s so different about HyperChrom?

HyperChrom represents the biggest update to gas chromatography technology in decades, making the process an order of magnitude faster, less expensive to run, and giving better separation.

What’s the biggest commercial advantage of the HyperChrom?

Probably the biggest improvement HyperChrom brings over traditional systems is the higher throughput – it can process samples in a fraction of the time, between 5 and 10 times faster.

This means that a single HyperChrom GC-MS setup can replace several traditional GCs , process the same amount of samples, and do so at a significantly reduced cost of ownership.

How does the HyperChrom work?

The technology works in 2 ways. Firstly, by applying a thermal gradient across the column such that the detector end is at a lower temperature than the injector, components spend a much higher proportion of their time in the separation phase, so less column length is needed. Secondly, the column is enclosed in a heated sheath vs a large oven space which allows very rapid heating and cooling and uses much less energy

How do the running costs compare to a traditional GC-MS system?

HyperChrom can be considerably cheaper to run than competitors, with one of our users reporting a €28,000 per annum saving in power and air conditioning for their HyperChrom compared to a traditional GC-MS setup with comparable capacity.

When factoring in savings in consumables and servicing, this could increase to around €74,000 a year saved in operating costs.

How do I replace the column? Is it difficult?

The system doesn’t use any proprietary consumables, you can use standard quartz columns of your choice, secured with standard nuts and ferrules. 

Thus, changing a column with HyperChrom is no more difficult than in a conventional GC system.

Which detector types can be used?

Single quad and TOF mass spectrometers and FID detectors have been used on the Hyperchrom system with more detection methods planned

What about column loading: Does the user need to reduce the amount of “on column” sample vs their traditional GC method?

No

Does Hyperchrom require a “low volume” injector.

Typically a 1-2ul sample volume is deposited with a split ration of 1:5

What data acquisition rate is needed for the measurements?

Typically 50Hz

What size is the system?

The Hyperchrom instrument is smaller than a typical traditional GC oven.

Height: 550 mm Width: 500 mm, Depth: 450 mm