Use this guide to compare common Agilent, Restek, Phenomenex, Supelco, Shimadzu, and other GC column phases with GS-Tek GC column families. Equivalent phase selection should be confirmed against the target method, analyte list, detector, temperature program, and required dimensions.
How to Use This Cross Reference
Start with the phase or column family specified in your method, then compare polarity, selectivity, temperature limits, column dimensions, and application requirements. For regulated or validated methods, confirm equivalency through your laboratory’s qualification process before routine use.
Common GC Column Phase Cross Reference
| Common Competitor Phase / Search Term | Suggested GS-Tek Direction | Typical Applications | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DB-1, HP-1, Rtx-1, SPB-1, ZB-1 | GsBP-1 type non-polar dimethyl polysiloxane GC column | Hydrocarbons, solvents, general non-polar separations | Confirm temperature range and dimensions. |
| DB-5, HP-5, Rtx-5, SPB-5, ZB-5 | GsBP-5 type 5% phenyl / 95% dimethyl polysiloxane GC column | General purpose GC, petrochemical, environmental, flavors, semivolatiles | One of the most common starting points for method transfer. |
| DB-5MS, HP-5MS, Rxi-5Sil MS, ZB-5MS | GsBP-5MS low-bleed GC/MS column | GC/MS, pesticides, PAHs, phenols, environmental methods | Low bleed is important for MS sensitivity and baseline stability. |
| DB-35MS, Rtx-35, ZB-35, 35% phenyl phases | GsBP-35MS type mid-polar GC/MS column | Confirmatory GC/MS, semivolatiles, pesticides, aromatic compounds | Useful when 5% phenyl selectivity is not enough. |
| DB-624, HP-624, Rtx-624, VF-624ms | GsBP-624 type volatile analysis column | VOCs, residual solvents, purgeable organics, EPA/USP-style workflows | Check film thickness and ID carefully for method transfer. |
| DB-WAX, HP-INNOWax, Stabilwax, ZB-WAX | GsBP-Inowax / PEG-WAX type polar GC column | Alcohols, solvents, flavors, FAMEs, oxygenates | Polar PEG selectivity is sensitive to temperature and water exposure. |
| DB-FFAP, Nukol, Stabilwax-DA, ZB-FFAP | GsBP-FFAP type acid-modified PEG column | Free fatty acids, organic acids, alcohols, acidic compounds | Often chosen for acidic analytes and food/flavor workflows. |
| Carbowax 20M, PEG-20M phases | GsBP-Carbowax 20M type polar PEG column | Solvents, alcohols, oxygenated compounds | Confirm phase stability and maximum operating temperature. |
| PLOT Q, GS-Q, Rt-Q-BOND, porous polymer PLOT | GsBP PLOT Q type column | Light hydrocarbons, gases, volatile compounds | Used when adsorption-based separation is required. |
| Molsieve 5A, molecular sieve PLOT columns | GsBP PLOT Molsieve type column | Permanent gases, refinery gas, light gas analysis | Moisture management and conditioning are important. |
| Alumina PLOT KCl / Na2SO4 type phases | GsBP PLOT Al2O3 KCl / Al2O3 type column | C1-C5 hydrocarbons, light hydrocarbon isomers | Choose deactivation chemistry based on target compounds. |
| Blood alcohol GC columns | GsBP-Blood Alcohol column direction | Ethanol, methanol, acetone, isopropanol, forensic alcohol analysis | Confirm headspace method, detector, and internal standard. |
Information Needed for an Equivalent Column Recommendation
- Current column brand, phase, dimensions, and part number
- Target analytes and sample matrix
- Instrument model, inlet, detector, carrier gas, and method conditions
- Required method reference, such as EPA, ASTM, USP, or internal SOP
- Preferred lead time, quantity, and any custom column requirements
FAQ
Can GS-Tek provide an equivalent to an Agilent DB or HP GC column?
GS-Tek can help compare phase chemistry, dimensions, and application requirements against common DB, HP, Restek, Phenomenex, Supelco, and other GC column families. The final selection should be confirmed against your method and validation requirements.
Is an equivalent GC column always a direct drop-in replacement?
No. Similar stationary phase chemistry is only one part of method transfer. Column dimensions, film thickness, temperature limits, inertness, instrument setup, and method conditions can affect retention, resolution, and response.
What should I send for a quote or cross-reference request?
Please send the current part number, phase, dimensions, target application, instrument model, detector, and quantity. If available, include the method name or analyte list.