With the widespread applications of gas chromatography in various industries such as pharmaceutical, chemical, food and environmental monitoring, the gas chromatography machine has become an indispensable analytical instrument for laboratories. However, its high cost has always been a concern for many potential buyers. This article aims to give you a comprehensive understanding of the price range and factors that affect the cost of gas chromatography, helping you make an informed decision on your purchase.
Key Highlights
- Price range of a new gas chromatography machine
- Cost of a refurbished gas chromatography machine
- Factors that affect the price
- Long lifespan and durability of gas chromatography
- Ways to reduce the purchase cost
The price range of a brand new gas chromatography machine
A brand new gas chromatography machine from top manufacturers like Agilent, Shimadzu, Thermo Fisher Scientific, etc. usually costs between $30,000 to $50,000. This price covers a fully equipped GC system with an autosampler, data processing software, but excludes additional modules like a mass spectrometer. For a GC-MS system, expect to pay over $100,000.
The cost of a refurbished gas chromatography machine
For those looking for more budget-friendly options, a refurbished gas chromatography machine is a good choice. Major GC manufacturers routinely refurbish used instruments and sell them with a warranty. In fact, a refurbished current-generation Agilent 7890 GC bought for around $13,000 to $14,000 would be a real bargain. Always ask for refurbished equipment quotes to benefit from heavy discounts.
Factors affecting the price of a gas chromatography machine
The factors that can significantly impact the gas chromatography price include brand, model, configuration, additional modules, warranty terms, service and support packages. Researchers develop compact portable gas chromatography for field analysis. Popular brands usually carry a higher price tag. Modern GC models with the latest technologies tend to be more expensive than older ones. A GC-MS system with higher resolving power, sensitivity and throughput will cost more than a basic GC. Extensive warranty, on-site support elevate the overall expenditure.
Long lifespan of gas chromatography machines
Gas chromatography machines are very durable instruments capable of lasting 10-15 years or even more with proper use and maintenance. Since there aren't many moving parts inside, well-built GCs continue delivering reliable results even after decades of usage. For instance, an Agilent GC from the early 1990s examined in one laboratory was still working great. This longevity makes refurbished gas chromatographs a low-cost option.
Ways to bring down the purchase cost
Aside from considering refurbished analyzers, other effective methods to reduce GC expenditure include:
Summary
In summary, while the gas chromatography machine certainly represents a major investment, prudent decisions regarding the model, configuration and purchasing approach can make it affordable for most analytical labs. The long service life of GCs also ensures a reasonable cost of ownership over the years of use. We hope this guide has provided useful information to help you select the right GC for your application and budget.