Back to Basics: How to Choose the Right Gas Generator for Your Laboratory Needs – A Guide from LNI Swissgas

Choosing the right gas generator for your laboratory is a crucial decision that impacts the efficiency, safety, and accuracy of your analytical processes. At LNI Swissgas, we understand the complexity of this choice and are here to guide you through the process. As the market leader, we offer the widest range of gas generators and accessories, providing comprehensive lab solutions from hydrogen to zero air generators, rack models, benches, and more. You can contact us or visit one of our worldwide experience and training centers for personalized assistance. Meanwhile, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you choose the right gas generator for your laboratory needs:

Step 1: Understand Your Laboratory Requirements

The first step in selecting the right gas generator is to understand your laboratory’s specific needs. Consider the following:

Check the various requirements of the instrument (type of gas, purity, pressure etc). Different instruments such as gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers, and atomic absorption spectrometers have varying gas purity and pressure requirements.

Then, Identify Your Gas Requirements:

• Hydrogen: Often used as a carrier gas in gas chromatography (GC) and for flame ionization detectors (FID).
• Zero Air: Used to calibrate and zero instruments such as gas analyzers.
• Nitrogen: Commonly used in liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS), gas chromatography (GC), and as a purging gas.

Ensure the gas generator you choose can deliver the required purity levels for your specific applications. Different applications require different levels of gas purity. For instance:

• Ultra-High Purity (UHP) Gases: Essential for sensitive analytical techniques such as GC-MS.
• High Purity Gases: Suitable for most general laboratory applications.
• Standard Purity Gases: Adequate for less critical tasks.

Consider the flow rate and pressure requirements of your laboratory instruments. Different generators have varying capacities:

• Flow Rate: Measured in liters per minute (LPM), ensure the generator can supply a consistent flow that matches or exceeds the demand of your instruments.
• Pressure: Ensure the generator can provide the necessary pressure for optimal instrument performance.

Step 2: Consider Safety and Compliance

Safety is paramount when choosing a gas generator. LNI Swissgas generators are designed with advanced safety features to ensure secure operation. Ensure that the generator complies with relevant safety standards and regulations, such as:

• CE Marking: Indicates compliance with EU safety, health, and environmental requirements.
• ISO Certification: Ensures adherence to international standards for quality management systems.

Step 3: Assess Installation and Space Constraints

Analyze your laboratory’s layout and available space:

• Footprint: Select a generator that fits within your available space
• Rack Models: For laboratories with limited space, consider compact or rack-mounted models. Rack gas generators are particularly space-saving, allowing for efficient use of vertical space and integration into existing lab setups.
• Installation: Ensure that the installation process is feasible and that the generator can be easily integrated into your existing setup.
• Benches: LNI provide customizable bench solutions to integrate gas generators seamlessly into your laboratory setup. Check here our range of benches.

Step 4: Check Maintenance and Operating Costs

While the initial cost is an important factor, consider the long-term efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the gas generator. LNI Swissgas offers energy-efficient and technologically advanced models that can significantly reduce operational and maintenance costs.

• Consumables: Check the frequency and cost of consumables such as filters and catalysts.
• Service and Support: Choose a provider like LNI Swissgas that offers comprehensive service and support to minimize downtime and ensure optimal performance.
• Energy Efficiency: Opt for energy-efficient models like LNI Swissgas ones to reduce operating costs.

Step 5: Utilize LNI Swissgas Experience and Training Centers and Seek Expert Advice

In case of specific needs or uncertainties, take advantage of LNI Swissgas’s various Experience and Training Centers located throughout the globe. These centers provide opportunities to:

• Test Products: See and test LNI Swissgas products in action to ensure they meet your laboratory’s needs.
• Receive Training: Gain in-depth knowledge and training on the operation and maintenance of gas generators.

If you’re unsure about which gas generator to choose, don’t hesitate to seek expert advice. LNI Swissgas provides comprehensive customer support and can assist you in selecting the most suitable generator for your specific needs.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right gas generator for your laboratory is a multifaceted decision that requires careful consideration of your specific requirements, safety, compliance, installation, maintenance, and cost. By following these steps and leveraging the expertise and comprehensive product range of LNI Swissgas, you can ensure that you select a generator that will enhance the efficiency and accuracy of your laboratory operations. With the widest range of gas generators and accessories in the market, along with global Experience and Training Centers, LNI Swissgas offers complete lab solutions tailored to your needs.

Read our full guide here.