What Does
Carrier Gas Mean?
A carrier gas is the gas used in the mobile phase of gas-liquid chromatography. These types of gases are injected manually by a known volume injector (micro-injector) and are responsible for carrying vapors. Carrier gases are chosen depending upon the application and which help to achieve the best separation in the whole process.
Corrosionpedia Explains Carrier Gas
As a carrier gas is the main component in gas-liquid chromatography, the choice of this gas depends on the industry or individual performing the process. However, there are many scientific publications listing hydrogen as the best carrier gas. Helium and nitrogen were commonly used as carrier gases, but now due to their shortage and increased prices, scientists are encouraging industry and medical professionals to use hydrogen because:
- Hydrogen is widely available in the atmosphere.
- It works as a reducing agent, which means that it can help to remove any acidic compound from the column.
- Hydrogen is affordable due to its wide availability and easy attainability.
The major factors that one needs to maintain are the purity and linear velocity of the gas that is being used as a carrier gas. A minor impurity can affect the results significantly.