Gas Chromatography Start-Up to Launch First Adopters Programme

VGC Chromatography (USA), one of the fastest growing companies in the gas chromatography (GC) industry, is launching a new product line: differential acceleration GC columns.

VGC’s DA columns produce faster, more-efficient separations than conventional open tubular columns. The key is differential acceleration (DA), an improvement on differential migration, created by a retention gradient along the column. VGC’s DA columns achieve the same or better chromatographic performance as conventional open tubular columns, but in 20-40% less time. VGC’s DA columns are made from the same fused silica capillaries as conventional columns so they are completely compatible with our customers’ existing hardware and methods. These columns differ only in the patented geometry of the stationary phase.

Dr. William Steinecker, Founder and CTO of VGC, is the inventor of DA columns. Dr. Steinecker specialises in analytical chemistry and electronics and has extensive experience with sensors, chromatography, and portable/micro GC systems.

“We are very excited and extremely proud to introduce the first industry-compatible innovation for GC columns in the past 40 years,” says Steinecker. “I say ‘industry-compatible’ because many other innovations have been introduced to the GC industry, such as high speed GC and microGC, that all offer great performance improvements. Unfortunately, with such technologies, the improved separation performance generally comes at the price of hardware changes, method changes, or other limitations. Our DA columns are completely compatible, just connect them to your system and you immediately benefit from differential acceleration!”

To begin business sales, VGC Chromatography is launching a First Adopters Programme. The programme offers free test columns, an application note tailored to the customer’s needs, two free days of technical assistance in the customer’s lab with a PhD-level analyst, 24/7 customer service and 50% off their first order.

“We hope to get feedback from our first customers on price and their experiences with the product,” says Steinecker. “I am confident our customers are going to be thrilled with a 40% performance reduction in their analysis times – I know I am!”