e-Chronicle – Chromatography Updates
e-Chronicle – March 2026
Your Chromatography Update – Gas Chromatography
In this month's e-Chronicle Newsletter, we've featured a variety of GC-related topics,
including new products, green initiatives, instrumentation, technical resources, and more!
CSI is now using the 12 point SIGNIFICANCE mnemonic to assess greener analytical chemistry technology.
NEW PRODUCT
Restek RMX Deactivated GC Columns
RMX is Restek's next generation fused silica GC column platform. RMX columns are deactivated with novel reagents specifically designed for GC conditions.
The first columns to launch are RMX-5Sil MS. RMX-5Sil MS columns improve limits of detection for SVOCs enough for a
10-fold reduction in both sample and methylene chloride volume!
- Analyze a wide range of problematic compounds with confidence.
- Achieve lower detection limits with picogram-level sensitivity.
- Maximize profitability by extending method performance and column lifetime.
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Reduction in sample size and solvent allows for more samples per column and a greener alternative.
Application notes for different analyses improved by RMX inertness:
Forensics – Identifying Seized Drugs of Abuse
Environmental Analysis – Combining PCB and PAH Analysis into a Single Run
RMX improves pesticide residue testing in foods or botanicals – Customer Testimonal:
"The Restek inert RMX-5Sil MS GC column has made a noticeable difference in how confidently we approach our work. From the start, we observed cleaner baselines, stronger and more stable responses, higher signal-to-noise, and retention times that remained exactly where expected - run after run, even after column replacement…" – Carlos Parra, QC MS Specialist II at NOW Foods
FEATURED PRODUCTS
Keep Your Full GC System Inert With Restek’s Industry-Leading Deactivation Technology
Topaz Inlet Liners
Restek's Topaz Inlet Liners feature revolutionary technology and inertness to deliver the next level of True Blue Performance.
- Deactivation – Unbelievably low breakdown for accurate and precise low-level GC analyses.
- Reproducibility – Unbeatable manufacturing controls and QC testing for superior reliability across compound classes.
- Productivity – Unparalleled cleanliness for maximized GC uptime and lab throughput.
Restek Siltek Treated GC Components
Restek’s Siltek chemical vapour deposition technique gives fused-silica-like inertness.- Keeps the toughness of stainless steel.
- Longer life for lower downtime.
- For low ppb levels of detection in GC.
Siltek Treated Inlet Seals
- For Agilent and similar inlets.
- Can offer greater life and better sensitivity than standard gold-plated seals.
- No change in seal handling.
Siltek Treated FID Jets
- For extremely sensitive analytes and low ppb limits of detection.
- Siltek treatment provides inert surface without compromising physical properties of jet.
- Available in all common formats for 5890, 6890, and 7890 GCs.
FEATURED INSTRUMENTATION
Young In Chromass – ChroZen GC
The state-of-the-art ChroZen GC features enhanced control, sensitivity and reproducibility.
- Intuitive touchpad LCD display for monitoring and control (inlets, detectors, oven, and valves).
- Powerful UPC (Ultimate Pneumatic Control) optimizes carrier gas control providing exceptional accuracy
and precision. - Compatible with Agilent-type inlet consumables and FID jets.
- 15 heated zones with optimized thermal stability for each module (Temperature Stability < ±0.01℃).
- Wide array of detectors.
- Seamless integration with Liquid, Headspace, SPME, Purge & Trap, Thermal Desorption and Pyrolysis Samplers.
- Custom applications and turn-key solutions for ASTM, EPA and USP methods.
CDS Analytical – Purge and Trap
Purge and Trap is the most effective method for extracting and concentrating volatile organic compounds (VOC) from liquids and solids.
CDS Analytical instruments are designed around a few core concepts including compliance to EPA 8260, 524, 624 methods, reliability, expandability, dependability, and competitive pricing. They have been acknowledged as the industry workhorse for decades.
CDS 8500C Purge and Trap System Features:
- High temperature valve and transfer line to reduce carry-over.
- Hydroguard wet trap to minimize moisture and maximize analytical trap lifespan.
- Patented foam sensor eliminates contamination of the sample path.
- Can be used with 5mL or 25mL sparge vessels.
- Optional mass flow controller.
- Heated sparge vessel option.
- Internal standard module option.
- Hot water rinse module option.
Optional CDS 8500A Autosampler Adds Even More Features:
- 110 position sample vial tray.
- 4 individual internal standard addition vessels.
- Soil and dynamic headspace capability.
- Methanol extraction and methanol rinse capability.
- High precision syringe for repeatable sampling volume.
- Powerful, easy to use software interface.
GREEN INITIATIVE
Hydrogen Generators – Fight Rising Helium Costs
Along with improving column performance, changing to hydrogen as a carrier gas improves column performance, is good for the environment, and your pocketbook.
- Replace bulky and awkward helium tanks.
- No demurrage charges.
- Run off distilled water, eliminate re-ordering worries.
Green Chemistry
avouring reagents obtained from renewable sources.
ncrease safety for operator.
EVENTS
Alberta Society for Human Toxicology – Annual General Meeting
March 6 & 7, 2026 – Schedule
Coast Hotel, Canmore, Alberta
Sunnybrook Hospital – Health Science Centre
Conference Room M7110, 7th Floor, M Wing
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
10:30am - 12:30pm
31st Annual Southern Alberta Scientific Equipment (SASE) Trade Show
University of Calgary (Foothills Campus), Health Research Innovation Centre (HRIC) Atrium
Wednesday, March 18, 2026
9:00am – 2:00pm
TECHNICAL TIP
Active Sites in Your GC Aren’t the Only Reasons for Poor Peak Shape
Trajan provides a handy GC troubleshooting chart for the lab.
Like a pilot’s pre-flight checklist, it’s not there to teach you new skills, it’s just to help you remember all your existing tricks
when life gets busy.
