The Humble Gas Generator

Almost every laboratory has a gas generator. Hidden amongst the flashy, expensive spectroscopy and chromatography instruments these humble workhorses are what keeps the critical equipment running. Any problem with the gas generator is a problem for the instrument it is supporting. Unnecessary downtime due to a faulty gas generator can cost thousands in a high throughput laboratory.

A simple box on the outside, not all gas generators are the same on the inside. For the past 25 years cmc Instruments GmbH have been designing, engineering and manufacturing a full suite of gas generators. They are deliberately ‘over engineered’ and use the best quality components. Because they are under no stress, these gas generators carry on happily for years with only minimal service requirements. Low lifetime costs, less downtime, better economy and large financial savings are achieved over cheaper equipment.

Membrane type nitrogen generators are widely used in LC-MS applications to provide 99.5% nitrogen. cmc Instruments never use an in-built compressor. These can create vibration, overheating and deliver moisture to the membrane. Compressors will need replacing eventually but the nitrogen membrane will also become irreversibly damaged.

Nitrogen generator systems from cmc Instruments do not run this risk. The quality runs right through the system. The membrane is of higher quality and lower ratio than the norm in these instruments, ensuring a longer lifetime. Four filters further ensure that only clean, dry air is presented to the membrane. Annual maintenance involves a filter change and can be performed by the user in fifteen minutes.

The belief at cmc Instruments is that it is not how much you pay on day one that matters. It is the years of service, the cost of ownership and lowest possible downtime that are most important. Customers tend to agree.