Shimadzu GC-8A, GC-8AIT, GC-8AIF, GC-8APFp, GC-8AIE Series Manual

Gas Chromatograph

GC-8A Series

C184- E016 B

GC-8A Series

Dedicated Single Detector
Gas Chromatograph

GC that meets increasing analytical requirements…

GC that can analyze instantaneously…

GC that is tough and useful…

The GC-8A is a gas chromatograph that makes these dreams come true.

GC-8AIT GC-8AIF

Simple design with emphasis on functionality

Tough an d stron g die cast fr ame

Reliability backed by years of experience

Self-diagnostic monitor / thermometer for easy maintenance

Accommodates a range of stable, high-sensitivity d etector s (TC D, FI D, ECD, FP D)

Easy-to-use digital settings

Comprehensive accessor ies

Contents

P 3

Column Oven

P 4

Sample Injection Ports

P 5

Detectors

P 7

GC-8AIT

P 8

GC-8AIF

P 9 GC-8AIE

P 10

GC-8APFp

P 11

Accessories

Column Oven

Large-capaci ty, cubi c ove n

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.

Fig. 1 Column Oven

Two-stage ov erheat prevention
for pro tection o f colum ns

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.

Rapid he at ing and cool in g
ch aracteristi cs

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. 4 Heating and Cooling Curve

Tempe rature contro l oers
ex ce llent stabil it y a nd r espons e

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.

Fig. 2 Temperature Stability

Fig. 3 Operation of Column Oven Door

3

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.

Carrier gas

Fig. 6 On-Column Sample Injection Port

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. 7 Quartz Capillary Column Mounted with CLH-800

GC-8A Series

Gas Chromatograph

4

Detectors

Thermal Conductivity Detector (GC-8AIT, GC-8APT)

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.

Carrier gas

Filament

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.

Fig. 8 TCD Cell (GC-8APT)

Quartz jet

Collector electrode

High voltage electrode

Air

H

2

External igniter

Column

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.

Carrier gas

Fig. 9 FID Cell

5

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.

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.

Exhaust

Carrier gas

Fig. 10 ECD Cell

Electrode

63

Ni source

Purge gas

Column

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.

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.

Chloroform 7.5ppb

Dichlorobromomethane

6.4ppb

1,1,1-

Chlorodibromomethane
2ppb

Fig. 11 Chromatogram of Trihalomethane

Quartz cylinder

Nozzle

Quartz tube

H

2

Thiophene
(2ng)

Fig. 13 Analysis of Trace Thiophene

in Benzene (S mode)

trichloroethane

Carrier gas

Fig. 12 FPD Cell

Tetrachloromethane

Trichloroethylene

1,1,2-trichloroethane

Tetrachloroethylene

1,1,1,2-

Chloroform

Electrode for FID monitor (option)

Cooling fan
Photomultiplier

Interference filter

Quartz window

Air

Column

Fig. 14 Analysis of Organophosphorus

tetrachloroethane

1,1,2,2­tetrachloroethane

Methyl parathion (20ng)

Ethyl parathion (20ng)

EPN (20ng)

FID monitor

Pesticides (P-mode)

FPD

GC-8A Series

Gas Chromatograph

6

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.

7

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

Temperature Readout

The three temperatures (injection port/detector, column oven, and
auxiliary) are selectively indicated on the pyrometer, the selection being
made by pushbuttons.

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

-12

g/s for diphenyl

: 3 x 10

7

: 10
: Mode of quartz

Electrometer

-12

Sensitivity
Noise
Drift

Input attenuation
Output attenuation
Linearity
Background suppression
Signal output

: 1 x 10

A/mV

-14

: Below 10
: Below 2 x 10
(Constant room temperature)
: 1, 10, 10
: 1 to 1024 (binary step) and ∞
: Wider than 10
: ±6.4 x 10
: 0 to 1mV for recorder
0 to 1V for data processor

A

-14

2

, 103, 10

-10

A (NORM mode)

Others

Dimensions
Weight
Power Requirements

Carrier gas

GC-8AIF Flow Chart

: 440W x 405D x 570Hmm
: 34.5kg
: AC100/115V or 220V as ordered.
1500VA max. 50/60Hz.

Column

Inlet

A/h

4

5

(fixed input attenuation)

Air

H

2

GC-8A Series

Gas Chromatograph

8

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

63

Ni 370MBq

:
: 0.2pg/s for Υ-BHC

4

: 10
: 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.

9

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

:
: 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

400°C (10°C steps)

Temperature Readout

The three temperatures (column oven, injection port/detector, and
auxiliary) are selectively indicated on the pyrometer, the selection being
made by pushbuttons.

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)

Selective detection of sulfur and phosphorus (by filter interchange)

Optional filter
Detection limit

Power supply
Maximum temperature

: 394nm (S), 526nm (P)

-11

gS/s for S in thiophene

: 5 x 10

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

-10

A/mV

: 1 x 10
: Below 10
:
: 1, 10, 102, 10
: 1 to 1024 (binary step) and ∞
: Wider than 10
: ±6.4 x 10
: 0 to 1mV for recorder
0 to 1V for data processor

-12

Below 2 x 10

-8

A

A

-12

A/h (Constant room temperature)

3

5

(fixed input attenuation)

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)

GC-8A Series

Gas Chromatograph

10

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.

Model

P/N

Max. delivery flow rate

Max. delivery pressure

OPGU-2200S

221-45131-91 (115V)

221-45131-93 (230V)

225 mL/min

20 to 400kPa

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)

Model

P/N

Weight

Noise

Oil-less

221-72380

16kg

—

Oil-less, silent

670-12138

44kg

58db

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.

Oil-less type

11

Model

PPR-N2

PPR-H2

PPR-He

Nitrogen and Argon (Blue)

Hydrogen (Red)

Helium (Yellow)

P/N

221-35999-01

221-35999-02

221-35999-03

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.

Economy Set of Microsyringes

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

Set of Devices for Packing Columns (P/N 221-37387-91)

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.

Columns (Tube for packed column)

Length (m)

0.5

1.0

1.5

2.0

2.5

3.0

* Columns exceeding 3 m also available. Consult your Shimadzu representative for details.

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

3.2mm ID, 5mm OD

221-22949-05

221-22949-10

221-22949-15

221-22949-20

221-22949-25

221-22949-30

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

GC-8A Series

Gas Chromatograph

12

GC-8A Series

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