Steve Scheuring

In January 2004, LCGC Europe published an article on methods for selecting pure gases for analytical applications. 1 Here, the authors expand on this topic by addressing questions regarding gas mixtures - defined simply as more than one gas in a cylinder.

There is a great deal of confusion floating about when it comes to selecting gas mixtures for analytical applications. Questions such as "How is the gas certified?," "What standard should I use?," and "What level of uncertainty is acceptable?" are common concerns heard among those tasked with specifying and using mixtures. In addition, the uncertainty regarding terminology, measurement, safety, and storage can make specifying mixtures a true source of headaches and hassles for any lab manager. The following article provides answers to questions about gas mixtures.

This month's "GC Connections" column provides advice on how to select the right gases and thus alleviate the problems associated with their use. It offers points to check with regard to gas grades, purities and impurities and how to ensure gas quality.

Guest author Steve Scheuring suggests ways to choose and use gases in laboratories.