Many Gas Chromatography (GC) labs use helium as a carrier gas because it is faster than nitrogen and safer than hydrogen. Nitrogen offers the greatest efficiency (shortest height equivalent to a theoretical plate), but its maximum efficiency is only obtained when operating at a very slow rate. Hydrogen, on the other hand, is highly reactive and flammable which raises safety concerns. However, by switching to hydrogen or nitrogen for methods that can use alternatives, labs are able to conserve helium for use in essential applications or methods.
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