Hydrogen: the smart alternative to helium in GC analyses - Labinsights

Hydrogen: the smart alternative to helium in GC analyses

Last modified: 21 August 2026
Da Vinci LS Hydrogen Sensor
Da Vinci LS Hydrogen Sensor | Photo: Da Vinci Laboratory Solutions
Article image of: Hydrogen: the smart alternative to helium in GC analyses
Hydrogen Sensor and Controller | Photo: Da Vinci Laboratory Solutions
Article image of: Hydrogen: the smart alternative to helium in GC analyses
Da Vinci LS Hydrogen Sensor Controller | Photo: Da Vinci Laboratory Solutions

As helium becomes increasingly scarce and prices continue to fluctuate, many laboratories are turning to hydrogen as an alternative carrier gas. Hydrogen offers significant advantages in terms of performance, cost efficiency, and availability. However, its use also requires appropriate safety measures.

To help laboratories safely adopt hydrogen carrier gas, Da Vinci Laboratory Solutions has developed the Da Vinci LS Hydrogen Sensor. The system continuously monitors hydrogen levels inside the GC and provides an additional layer of protection for both people and instruments.

Why switch from helium to hydrogen?

Hydrogen is a highly efficient carrier gas for gas chromatography. It can significantly reduce analysis times while maintaining chromatographic resolution. In addition, hydrogen can be produced on-site, reducing dependency on gas suppliers and lowering operational expenses.

However, hydrogen does have one disadvantage, as it is an explosive gas. Continuous monitoring of hydrogen concentrations inside the GC oven is therefore essential for safe operation.

Continuous hydrogen leak detection

The Da Vinci LS Hydrogen Sensor provides continuous hydrogen leak detection through a sensor installed directly inside the GC oven. When the user-defined hydrogen concentrations are detected, the system automatically initiates a series of safety measures:

  • Switches the carrier gas supply to an inert gas (nitrogen)
  • Sends a stop signal to the GC
  • Activates an acoustic alarm
  • Displays a visual warning on the LCD screen

Flexible and compatible design

The versatile controller design allows up to four sensors to be connected to a single controller unit. Laboratories can monitor up to four separate GCs or monitor the primary GC and secondary oven using the same controller.

Compatible with all GC brands, the Da Vinci LS Hydrogen Sensor integrates easily into existing laboratory workflows and provides an additional safety layer without adding operational complexity.

More information on safe usage of Hydrogen icon.arrow--dark

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Da Vinci Laboratory Solutions

Da Vinci Laboratory Solutions develops chromatography instruments and automation that streamline the entire analytical workflow, from sample preparation and analysis to reporting, data management, and support. Based in Rotterdam, the... Read more