Shimadzu GC-14C Gas Chromatograph Rental System
| Brand | Shimadzu |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported Instrument |
| Model | ZL-GC-14C |
| Daily Rental Rate | USD 70 |
Overview
The Shimadzu GC-14C Gas Chromatograph Rental System is a robust, benchtop analytical platform engineered for precision separation and quantitative analysis of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds. Based on classical packed-column gas chromatography architecture, the GC-14C employs temperature-programmable oven control, dual-channel detector capability (FID/TCD configurable), and analog signal output compatible with legacy data acquisition systems. Though originally introduced in the late 1990s, this instrument remains widely deployed in regulated environments—including QC laboratories in pharmaceutical manufacturing, environmental testing labs conducting EPA Method 8021/8240 analyses, and academic research facilities requiring stable baseline performance for method development and validation. Its mechanical reliability, straightforward pneumatic control system, and compatibility with standard 1/8″ or 1/4″ stainless steel or glass packed columns make it particularly suitable for routine applications where reproducibility, operational simplicity, and long-term uptime are prioritized over ultra-high resolution or automated sample introduction.
Key Features
- Temperature-controlled column oven with programmable ramp rates (0.1–40 °C/min) and isothermal hold capability up to 400 °C
- Dual-detector support: Configurable Flame Ionization Detector (FID) and Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD) modules with independent power and signal conditioning
- Manual or optional electronic pressure control (EPC) for carrier gas (N₂, He, H₂) via precision needle valves
- Integrated analog voltage output (0–1 V or 0–5 V) for direct connection to chart recorders or legacy integrators
- Robust mechanical design with stainless-steel gas pathways and sealed electronics compartment for extended service life
- Rental units undergo full functional verification including leak testing, detector sensitivity calibration (using n-decane for FID), and retention time reproducibility assessment (RSD < 0.5% across 10 injections)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The GC-14C accommodates standard 1/8″ or 1/4″ OD packed columns (up to 4 m length) and select capillary adapters (with appropriate inlet modifications). It supports liquid injection via split/splitless injectors (manual or optional auto-sampler retrofit) and gaseous sampling through gas-tight syringes or valve loops. All rental units comply with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory electrical equipment. While not natively 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, the system supports audit-trail-ready operation when paired with validated third-party chromatography data systems (CDS) that meet GLP/GMP documentation requirements. Methods developed on the GC-14C are routinely referenced in ASTM D3606 (gasoline aromatics), ISO 11843 (detection limit estimation), and USP <621> (chromatographic separations).
Software & Data Management
The GC-14C operates as a hardware-controlled standalone instrument without embedded digital software. Data acquisition relies on external integration: analog output signals are digitized via certified analog-to-digital converters (e.g., Agilent ChemStation A/D modules or Waters Empower-compatible interfaces). Rental packages include pre-configured drivers and signal mapping templates for major CDS platforms. Each unit ships with a complete set of NIST-traceable calibration certificates (detector response, oven temperature uniformity, flow rate verification) and a documented maintenance history log covering detector cleaning cycles, column aging assessments, and seal replacement records—ensuring full traceability for internal QA audits.
Applications
- Residual solvent analysis in pharmaceutical intermediates (ICH Q3C-compliant workflows)
- VOC profiling in soil/water extracts per EPA Method 8260C
- Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) quantification in biodiesel feedstocks (ASTM D6584)
- Pesticide residue screening in food commodities using multi-residue packed-column methods
- Reaction monitoring in fine chemical synthesis under non-GLP R&D conditions
- Teaching chromatography fundamentals in university analytical chemistry laboratories
FAQ
Is the GC-14C compatible with modern LIMS or ELN systems?
Yes—via analog output interfacing with FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant CDS platforms that provide electronic signatures, audit trails, and secure user access controls.
What consumables are included in the rental agreement?
Each rental includes one set of certified carrier gas regulators, five packed columns (selected from OV-1, SE-30, or Porapak Q), and 500 µL gas-tight syringes with PTFE plungers.
Can the instrument be validated for GMP use?
Yes—IQ/OQ protocols aligned with ASTM E2500 and Annex 11 are available upon request; PQ must be performed by the end-user per their SOPs.
What is the minimum rental term?
The standard term is 30 days, with pro-rated billing for extensions beyond the initial period.
Is technical support included during the rental period?
Yes—24/7 remote diagnostics and on-site engineer dispatch (within 48 hours in North America/EU) are covered under the service-level agreement.
