Shimadzu GC-2010AF Used Gas Chromatograph with FID and SPL Injector

Overview

The Shimadzu GC-2010AF is a high-performance, used gas chromatograph engineered for precision separation and quantitative analysis of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds. Built on Shimadzu’s proven dual-channel pneumatic architecture, it employs advanced flow control (AFC) technology to deliver exceptional retention time reproducibility (<0.008 min RSD) and peak area precision (<1.0% RSD). The system operates on the fundamental principle of differential partitioning between a mobile gas phase (helium, hydrogen, or nitrogen carrier) and a stationary phase coated inside a fused-silica capillary column. Separated analytes elute at characteristic retention times and are detected via flame ionization—a universal, linear-response detection method with sub-picogram sensitivity for hydrocarbons and most organic species. This refurbished unit has undergone full functional validation at SpectraLab Scientific’s ISO/IEC 17025-aligned calibration facility and is certified for immediate deployment in regulated and non-regulated laboratory environments.

Key Features

• Advanced Flow Control (AFC) system enabling precise, pressure- and flow-programmed methods with real-time digital monitoring and automatic compensation for column aging or temperature shifts
• SPL split/splitless injector with electronic pressure tuning, supporting broad injection volume ranges (0.1–10 µL) and rapid thermal equilibration
• FID detector featuring ceramic jet design, optimized hydrogen/air stoichiometry, and low-noise electrometer circuitry—achieving baseline stability <0.5 pA over 24 h
• Intelligent oven temperature control with dual-zone heating and variable-speed back-door cooling, achieving ramp rates from 0.1 to 120 °C/min and stable near-ambient operation (down to 10 °C above ambient)
• Large-backlit LCD interface with intuitive Chinese/English bilingual menus, real-time chromatogram preview, and direct parameter entry without PC dependency
• Microprocessor-controlled automatic ignition sequence with flame status feedback and fail-safe shutdown logic
• Digital zero-baseline correction eliminating mechanical potentiometer drift—ensuring long-term baseline integrity during extended runs

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The GC-2010AF accommodates standard 0.1–0.53 mm ID fused-silica capillary columns (up to 60 m length) and supports common stationary phases including polydimethylsiloxane (e.g., DB-1, HP-1), polar cyanopropylphenyl (e.g., DB-1701), and mid-polarity phenylmethylsilicone (e.g., DB-5, HP-5). It is routinely applied to environmental (EPA Method 8260, 8270), pharmaceutical (USP ), food safety (AOAC 996.06), and petrochemical (ASTM D3606, D5501) analyses. While the instrument itself does not carry CE or FDA 510(k) certification as a used device, its firmware and LabSolutions software support 21 CFR Part 11-compliant configurations—including user access levels, electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails—when deployed within validated lab environments under GLP or GMP frameworks.

Software & Data Management

LabSolutions GC workstation (v5.9x or later) provides comprehensive acquisition, processing, and reporting functionality. It supports multi-method scheduling, integration parameter optimization (tangent skim, valley-to-valley, exponential curve fit), calibration curve generation (linear, quadratic, weighted), and customizable report templates compliant with ISO 17025 documentation requirements. Raw data files (.gcw) are stored in a structured hierarchical directory with embedded metadata (instrument ID, method name, operator, date/time stamp, sequence number). All system events—including method load, injection trigger, detector signal saturation, and maintenance alerts—are logged in a tamper-resistant event log accessible for internal QA review or external audit preparation.

Applications

• Residual solvent analysis in APIs and excipients per ICH Q3C guidelines
• VOC profiling in drinking water and soil extracts (EPA 524.2, 8260D)
• Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) quantification in biodiesel feedstocks (EN 14103)
• Hydrocarbon group-type analysis (PIONA) in gasoline and naphtha streams
• Essential oil composition mapping for quality control in fragrance and botanical industries
• Stability-indicating assays for forced degradation studies (oxidative, thermal, photolytic)

FAQ

Is this GC-2010AF unit fully calibrated and verified prior to shipment?

Yes. Each unit undergoes full operational verification—including leak testing, detector sensitivity assessment (n-decane S/N ≥ 200:1 at 10 pg), retention time repeatability check, and baseline noise evaluation—per SpectraLab’s internal SOP-GC-001. A Certificate of Verification is provided with shipment.
Does the LabSolutions software include 21 CFR Part 11 compliance features?

The installed LabSolutions version supports configurable user roles, electronic signatures, and audit trail export. Full Part 11 compliance requires site-specific validation by the end-user’s IT and QA teams, as mandated by regulatory policy.
Can I upgrade the hardware (e.g., add ECD or TCD) after purchase?

The GC-2010AF chassis supports detector expansion via its dual-detector module bay. Compatible OEM detectors (ECD, TCD, NPD) may be integrated with proper electrical and gas plumbing modifications performed by qualified service engineers.
What consumables and accessories are included?

Standard delivery includes one set of inlet septa, two O-rings for the SPL liner, a 30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 µm DB-5ms column, FID jet cleaning wire, and a complete set of GC-rated gases (He carrier, H₂, air) regulators with stainless steel tubing.