One Simple Step to Conserve Helium

As many in the GC industry know, the helium shortage remains a significant issue. A few weeks ago, we published a blog discussing alternative carrier gases. However, we understand that switching to hydrogen or nitrogen may not be feasible for everyone. Therefore, reducing consumption is the next best solution. One of the simplest ways to avoid wasting helium in the lab is by regularly inspecting for leaks to ensure you're not losing any valuable gases.

Checking for Gas Leaks

We recommend that everyone using a GC, a gas generator, or gas tanks in the lab regularly checks for leaks. Small leaks can be easy to miss, and when every ounce of a gas truly matters (ie Helium shortage), detecting even a small leak can help conserve your gas supply. Not only do leaks lead to wasted gases, but they can also cause detector noise and baseline instability. Liquid leak detectors (aka snoop) is inexpensive, but it is a hassle and can cause contamination in the system. That’s why we recommend an electronic leak detector to identify leaks quickly and easily in your system and prevent instrument downtime.

Restek Dynamic Duo

One of the many benefits of Restek’s electronic gas leak detector is the battery life. The charge lasts upwards of 12 hours, and if you do run out of charge, the detector can be used while charging. Save time and money by saving yourself the headache of small leaks turning into big problems. The leak detector is also available as the ‘Dynamic Duo’ which includes the ProFLOW flowmeter and leak detector as a set for a discounted price.