Shimadzu launches highly-sensitive gas chromatograph

Tracera promises to detect organic and inorganic trace compounds at the sub parts per million level.

Shimadzu Corporation has launched its new high-sensitivity gas chromatograph, Tracera, which features a new barrier discharge ionisation detector that can identify trace organic and inorganic compounds even at the sub-parts per million level.

The new piece of equipment will be applicable for many different types of high-sensitivity analyses. Gas chromatography is used in many research and development fields including petrochemistry, fine chemicals, the environment, foods, electronics and pharmaceuticals.

It can also be used in more commercial areas such as fragrances. Demand constantly rising for highly-sensitive chromatographs capable of analysing trace quantities on a much smaller scale, particularly in areas such as fine chemicals and gas purity analysis.

Masahito Ueda, general manager of gas chromatography at the company, said: “The Tracera is a ground-breaking new system that combines this new type of detector, offering features not provided by conventional detectors.

“It is expected to improve the efficiency of high-sensitivity, trace quantity analysis and to reduce equipment and analysis costs.”