{"id":76478,"date":"2023-01-03T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-01-03T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/discover.restek.com\/?p=76478"},"modified":"2026-01-28T16:03:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T16:03:16","slug":"which-n2-generators-should-be-used-for-lc-msms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/discover.restek.com\/ja\/blogs-de\/gnbl5555\/which-n2-generators-should-be-used-for-lc-msms","title":{"rendered":"Which N2<\/sub> Generators should be used for LC-MS\/MS?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you are using LC-MS\/MS, you are probably using nitrogen for nebulizer\/electrospray gas, and possibly for curtain gas, drying gas or collision gas.  Are you using nitrogen from a cylinder and wondering what your other options are? A nitrogen generator can provide you with clean nitrogen 24 hours a day, continuously for a long period of time with very little maintenance. When compared to using cylinders, gas generators can usually pay for themselves within a year or two, so this can be very cost-effective as a long-term solution. The costs are minimal to maintain such systems and usually just include replacing filters.  Many prefer to use generators versus handling bulky gas cylinders. If you need assistance performing a cost comparison for this, please let us know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our generators for LC-MS\/MS<\/a>\u00a0use compressed air to generate nitrogen up to 99.5% purity. The models that appear on our website offer provide maximum flow rates that range from 34 to 75 L\/min, as shown below. However, additional models are available as custom products, which would not appear on our website. These models might offer higher max. flow rates or perhaps a built-in air compressor, for example.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Catalog #<\/strong><\/td>Product Name<\/strong><\/td>Model Number<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
20677<\/a><\/td>Nitrogen Generator for LC-MS<\/td>N2-14 (general purpose) 60 L\/min max. flow<\/td><\/tr>
22130<\/a><\/td>Nitrogen Generator for LC-MS<\/td>N2-04 Model for ELSD, 24 L\/min max. flow<\/td><\/tr>
22131<\/a><\/td>Nitrogen Generator for LC-MS<\/td>N2-22 Model, 88 L\/min max. flow<\/td><\/tr>
22133<\/a><\/td>Nitrogen Generator for LC-MS<\/td>N2-35 Model, 131 L\/min max. flow<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

We do suggest pairing one generator with one\/each LC-MS\/MS system for best performance.  So, how do you choose the best generator model for your LC-MS\/MS system? The key factors are purity and flow rate, which are listed by the instrument manufacturer. We suggest choosing a generator that produces the needed purity and provides at least 10% more than the flow rate suggested by the LC-MS\/MS manufacturer. A secondary consideration is the desired outlet pressure, which is also given by the instrument manufacturer. Below we have these specifications listed for each model.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Specifications for Parker Balston Nitrogen Generators for LC-MS<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/td>N2-04<\/strong><\/td>N2-14<\/strong><\/td>N2-22<\/strong><\/td>N2-35<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Maximum Nitrogen Flow Rate:<\/td>24 L\/min<\/td>60 L\/min<\/td>88 L\/min<\/td>131 L\/min<\/td><\/tr>
Nitrogen Purity:<\/td>95.0%-99.0%<\/td>95.0%\u201399.5%<\/td>95.0%\u201399.5%<\/td>95.0%\u201399.5%<\/td><\/tr>
Min\/Max Inlet Pressure:<\/td>60 psig\/145 psig<\/td>60 psig\/145 psig<\/td>60 psig\/145 psig<\/td>60 psig\/145 psig<\/td><\/tr>
Electrical Requirements:<\/td>None<\/td>None<\/td>None<\/td>None<\/td><\/tr>
Dimensions:<\/td>16.1″ h x 10.7″ w x 13.4″ d (40.9 cm x 27.2 cm x 34 cm)<\/td>51.5″ h x 18″ w x 16.2″ d (130.8 cm x 45.7 cm x 41.1 cm)<\/td>51.5″ h x 18″ w x 16.2″ d (130.8 cm x 45.7 cm x 41.1 cm)<\/td>51.5″ h x 18″ w x 16.2″ d (130.8 cm x 45.7 cm x 41.1 cm)<\/td><\/tr>
Shipping Weight:<\/td>42.5 lb (19 kg)<\/td>75 lb (34 kg)<\/td>80 lb (36 kg)<\/td>90 lb (41 kg)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

*The maximum flow rates listed assumes 145 psig at 95.0% nitrogen purity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You may wonder why the purities above show a range in the above specifications. This is because the flow rate and pressure both influence the purity. To give you some idea of how this works, for example, in the manual we show a table below that applies to Model N2-14 (our catalog number 20677):<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Continuing further with an example inquiry, let\u2019s say for example the analyst has a Waters\u2122 Xevo TQ MS. Gas requirements are listed here by Waters WKB4039_What_are_the_gas_requirements_for_a_Xevo_TQ_MS<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key information from the above link for this instrument:<\/p>\n\n\n\n