Hexion streamlines lab workflow with Precision - Case Study

World leader in speciality chemicals, Hexion, are using Peak`s Precision series gas generators with their GC to streamline their laboratory workflow in Germany.

Name: Sven Helnigk

Job Title: Chemical Engineer

Company: Hexion GmbH

Location: Iserlohn, Germany, Europe

Sven Helnigk and his team at Hexion in Iselohn, Germany, recently moved to a new facility which gave them the opportunity to upgrade their laboratory equipment. As part of this upgrade Sven Helnigk purchased Peak Scientific Precision gas generators from lab equipment supplier VWR to deliver carrier and detector gas to two GCs.

We asked Sven about his experience with Peak`s Precision gas generators, here is what he had to say:

Typically, what is the focus of your GC analysis - what sort of applications?

"We analyze phenols and phenol derivatives in phenol resins using two gas chromatographs"

What Peak Scientific generators do you have in your laboratory and what GC instruments do they supply?

"We use two Precision Hydrogen Trace 250 and a Precision Zero Air 1.5"

What prompted you to choose a Peak generator and how long have you used them?

"There was already a zero air generator from Peak being used for analysis in the research and development laboratory, which has run reliably for years."

What has been the key benefit of deploying Peak generators as opposed to your previous gas supply solution?

"Security plays a key role because no bottles of H2 can be emptied when there is a leak. Gas supply is also a key consideration: gas lines, bottle cupboard and extraction valves could be paired with our new building but by installing a gas generator no gas bottles needed to be transported and connected."

How would you describe your purchasing experience with Peak in terms of speed of response, ease of ordering, catering for your needs and timing of delivery?

"We had no issues."

Have you ever had a site visit from a Peak engineer, if so, could you describe your experience of this support?

"Yes for installation and commissioning. The visit was short and concise: punctual, friendly, competent and helpful."

Would you recommend Peak Scientific generators to other laboratories - and if so, what would be your main reason for the recommendation?

"Yes! The generators run smoothly, are relatively low-maintenance, the gas quality is much better compared with bottles."

As Sven has indicated with his responses, moving lab allowed the team at Hexion to upgrade their laboratory gas supply from bottled gas to a gas generator. By doing so they have increased safety at their facility by no longer requiring staff to carry heavy gas bottles around the lab or storing highly pressurized gas at their facility. Furthermore, the lab at Hexion can improve their workflow as cylinders can run out mid-analysis and cannot provide the consistent level of purity that can be achieved with a gas generator.