Laboratory gas generators: how can gases of controlled purity be produced on demand?

Laboratory gas generators deliver, on demand, a stream of nitrogen, hydrogen or zero air with controlled purity, right at the point of use. No more cylinder changeovers, pressure swings or unplanned downtime. Compact, quiet and safe, they safeguard your LC-MS, GC/ FID, evaporation and purge methods, while cutting logistics costs and your carbon footprint. Stable pressures, a controlled dew point and traceable purities slot straight into your SOPs and quality requirements (GLP/GMP). With predictable maintenance, they provide measurable autonomy and long-term reproducibility day after day.

What are the different types of laboratory gas generators?

Three families cover the bulk of analytical needs. Generators of nitrogen use either polymer membranes (separation by differential permeation) for typical LC-MS purities, or PSA (Pressure Swing Adsorption) technology with molecular sieves for high purities compatible with GC/ICP. They deliver a dry, stable, hydrocarbon-free flow, ideal for LC-MS, evaporation/ELSD and instrument purge.

Generators of hydrogen rely on PEM electrolysis of deionised water. Very safe (minimal storage), they provide ultra-pure H? as carrier gas in GC or as fuel for FID detectors, with leak detection, automatic shut-off and safety valves.

Generators of zero air convert hydrocarbons into CO?/H?O via a heated catalytic bed, then dry and filter the air to guarantee very low THC (e.g. <0.1 ppm). They feed FID/FPD, TOC and sensitive purges.

Oxygen generators using PSA are also available for specific applications (combustion/oxidation, bioprocesses, ozone).

Which sectors use gas generators?

• Life sciences and biotechnology: supply for LC-MS, gentle evaporation of extracts, purging enclosures and minimising contamination.
• Pharmaceutical & cosmetics: GC/FID, GC-MS, residual solvent testing, batch release and stability studies, with traceable purity grades.
• Food & beverage testing: pesticide screening, aromas, contaminants; robust routine analyses with no supply-chain disruptions.
• Environment: TOC, trace GC, VOC monitoring, mobile laboratories.
• Chemistry & materials: synthesis, catalysis, purging FTIR/NMR, sample drying and inert reaction gases.
• Industrial quality control: multiple instruments supplied from a shared generator fleet to cut costs, space and emissions.

Beyond analytical performance, these generators enhance safety (less cylinder handling), availability (gas on demand) and carbon footprint (fewer deliveries).

Available gas generator types

Gas generator

Frequently asked questions about laboratory gas generators

Membrane or PSA nitrogen: how to choose?
: Membrane is sufficient for LC-MS and evaporation (high purity, sustained flow). PSA targets ultra-high purity for GC/ICP. Choose by target purity, total flow, pressure and maintenance budget.

Is hydrogen safe in GC?
: Yes. PEM generators store very little H?, include leak detection, auto-shutdown and pressure/flow limiting. Ensure good GC-oven ventilation and follow lab SOPs.

Zero air vs filtered compressed air: what’s the difference?
: Zero air removes total hydrocarbons (THC) to trace levels via a heated catalyst, then drying. It ensures a stable FID baseline, which plain filtered air cannot deliver.

What maintenance should I plan for?
: Periodic replacement of filters, desiccants and consumables (DI water for H?), plus leak checks and calibrations. Generators flag due dates and fit within GMP schedules.

Can I share one generator across multiple instruments?
: Yes, provided combined flow/pressure and end-of-line purity are met. Plan for a manifold, separate regulators, suitable tubing and 20–30% capacity headroom.

What’s the environmental impact vs cylinders?
: Fewer deliveries and less steel, with greater operational continuity. Electricity use remains the main contributor; optimising it (standby, efficient compressor) reduces overall footprint.

Can helium be replaced by hydrogen in GC?
: Often yes. H? offers higher velocities and sharper peaks. Revalidate methods, adjust linear velocity and verify detector/column compatibility before switching.