COIM chooses convenience with the Precision Hydrogen Trace gas generator

COIM is an Italian company which has been developing and producing chemical specialties since 1962. Growing to an international company, they have become the leader in the production of polyesters and polyols, polyurethanes (coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers), and specialty resins for composites and coatings.

We spoke with John Hendricks, a Technical Service Chemist at COIM in the United States, to find out how they came to choose a PEAK hydrogen gas generator and how their experience with PEAK has been in the three years they have had their generator.

Typically what is the focus of your GC analysis - what sort of applications?

Residual solvents and solvent purity analysis for direct and indirect food contact flexible packaging applications.

What PEAK Scientific generators do you have in your laboratory and what GC instruments do they supply?

We have a Precision Hydrogen Trace 250cc generator that provides carrier and FID gas to our NIRA GC.

Is your generator used for carrier gas, detector gas or both?

Both.

Are you using a GC method(s) for your analysis?

We use an in-house method.

What prompted you to choose a PEAK generator for GC and how long have you used it?

Safety and cost-effectiveness led us choosing a hydrogen generator and PEAK’s reputation of providing quality generators led us to choosing PEAK as our preferred supplier. We have had our generator for three years now.

What has been the key benefit of deploying PEAK generators for GC as opposed to your previous gas supply solution?

This was a new GC install that was placed in a lab upstairs. The convenience and safety of not having to move and store hydrogen cylinders and worry about ordering more has been a key benefit that is much appreciated by all the lab staff and Environmental Health & Safety.

How would you describe your PEAK generator purchasing experience in terms of speed of response, ease of ordering, catering for your needs and timing of delivery?

Ordering was easy and convenient. Install went well with the service rep. We continue to receive good support from PEAK to this day with ordering consumable filters and a replacement water pump.

Have you ever had a site visit from a PEAK engineer in relation to your generator for GC, if so, could you describe your experience of this support?

No, only during install and that went smoothly.

Would you recommend PEAK Scientific generators to other laboratories? If yes, what would be your main reason for the recommendation?

Yes, the convenience and cost savings are key benefits.

Providing a safe alternative in Precision Hydrogen

At PEAK, we take pride in our generators and our ability to make our customer’s labs run more smoothly and with fewer limitations in their day-to-day operation. As John mentioned on several occasions, the safety and convenience of having a hydrogen gas generator in the lab has been hugely beneficial at COIM and also comes with the added benefit of being a cost-effective method of supplying hydrogen to the GC.

PEAK Scientific's Precision Hydrogen Trace Generator

PEAK’s Precision Hydrogen Trace range is specifically designed for GC carrier gas, while also being used for detectors which need on demand hydrogen gas for fuel gas such as FID and FPD. The Precision Hydrogen Trace is able to supply multiple instruments which makes it the perfect solution for busy labs that need convenient and reliable solutions.

One of the key benefits to the team at COIM has been the removal of hydrogen cylinders from the lab. A fact that has been well received by all the lab staff as well as their Environmental Health & Safety team.

There are many positive aspects of switching from gas cylinders to an on-site gas generator which include the previously mentioned benefit of no longer having to spend time ordering the cylinders, waiting on delivery, and switching cylinders out when the supply runs out. In parallel with this is the health and safety benefits to all in the lab. Without cylinders to move and change, there is no need for training on how to maneuver cylinders, there is less time wasted between change overs, and the lab no longer has a highly pressurized cylinder in their lab which poses its on safety risk in and of itself.

With the Precision Hydrogen Trace, the volume of stored hydrogen is considerably less than that stored in a gas cylinder. A 50 liter gas cylinder contains about 9,000 liters of hydrogen while the Hydrogen Trace produces up to 500cc/min. Given the lower explosive limit of hydrogen is 4.1%, it would take a much longer period of time to reach this limit with a gas generator as opposed to with a cylinder. While a quarter of the contents of a gas cylinder could reach LEL, it would take about three days to produce the same volume with the Hydrogen Trace.

When you order your PEAK gas generator, your relationship with PEAK has only just begun. We strive to offer the best service throughout the lifetime of your generator which the team at COIM have experienced during the three years that they have had their generator. PEAK is always on hand to offer you industry-leading support.