Zero-air generators for gas chromatography
For precise analytical applications
Zero-air generators deliver a continuous flow of high-purity, hydrocarbon-free air, thereby ensuring stable and reproducible measurement results in gas chromatography. They represent a safe and cost-effective alternative to gas cylinders and are ideal for use in laboratories.
What is zero-air?
Zero-air is specially treated air with a hydrocarbon content of less than 0.05 ppm (as methane).
The air is treated by filtration and a catalytic process, in which any remaining hydrocarbons are removed in a heated precious-metal catalyst.
The result is a particularly clean, dry and stable source of air – ideal for sensitive analytical applications.
Advantages of zero-air generators
- Continuous supply of high-purity air
- No need to change gas cylinders or face supply shortages
- Consistent air quality for reproducible results
- Reduced operating costs compared to cylinder-based solutions
- Compact design with minimal space requirements
Applications in gas chromatography
Zero air is used in gas chromatography as an oxidising gas or flame-supporting gas. It is essential for the reliable operation of various detectors, including:
- Flame ionisation detector (GC-FID)
- Flame photometric detector (GC-FPD)
- Atomic emission spectrometer (GC-AES)
- Nitrogen-phosphorus detector (GC-NPD)
The high purity of the air ensures low baseline noise and improves the signal-to-noise ratio.
Variants: Zero-air generators with and without a compressor
ZA2A – Zero-air generator with integrated compressor
- Ideal for laboratories without an existing compressed air supply.
- The integrated compressor unit ensures maximum independence and easy installation.
- Integrated compressor (A-025)
- Hydrocarbon content < 0.05 ppm
- Up to 2,000 ml/min at up to 6 bar
- Low baseline noise for precise analyses
- Compact, stackable design
ZA4 – Zero-air generator without a compressor
- For laboratories with an existing compressed air supply.
- The perfect solution for centralised compressed air systems or existing infrastructure.
- Hydrocarbon content < 0.05 ppm
- Up to 4,000 ml/min at up to 6 bar
- No fluctuations caused by gas cylinders
- Ideal for use with an external compressed air source
- Compact design
The right compressed air solution for the ZA4
The SICOLAB 038 mini compressor station is the ideal complement to the ZA4 and has been specially developed for laboratory use.
- Oil-free operation
- Particularly quiet
- Compact and portable
- Plug-and-play solution
Features and Technology
Our zero-air generators combine efficient filtration with state-of-the-art catalytic technology to ensure maximum operational reliability:
- Highly efficient removal of hydrocarbons
- Integrated filtration down to 0.01 µm
- Intelligent management of the catalyst heating system
- Durable, low-maintenance design
- Compact, stackable benchtop systems
Would you like to find out more about our zero-air generators? We’d be happy to advise you.
Do you have any questions or need assistance?
We’re here to help.
Use our contact form and our team will get back to you shortly.
