When planning a new laboratory, it’s tempting to dive straight into instrument specifications, lab furniture layouts, and workflow optimization. But there’s one critical element that often gets postponed until the last minute — and it can become the weakest link in an otherwise state-of-the-art lab.
That’s your gas supply system!
Whether you’re setting up a pharmaceutical analysis lab, an environmental testing facility, or a biotech research hub, your lab’s success relies heavily on a stable, high-purity gas supply. Planning for this early can help you avoid costly mistakes, unexpected downtime, and safety concerns later on.
The hidden costs of treating gas as an afterthought
Picture your lab in full operation: LC-MS systems running critical assays, GC-FIDs mapping out complex compound profiles, TOC analyzers verifying water quality. Now imagine the entire process grinding to a halt because:
- A gas cylinder unexpectedly ran empty mid-sequence.
- Gas purity drifted, compromising sensitive analytical data.
- Bulky cylinders crowded walkways, making both workflow and safety audits stressful.
- High-pressure storage created compliance headaches or near-miss incidents.
These problems aren’t just theoretical. Labs that rely solely on traditional gas cylinders often face interruptions, increased manual handling, and added uncertainty around data quality. Retrofitting new gas infrastructure into an already running lab is both expensive and disruptive.
On-Site gas generation: a modern solution
Thankfully, labs today aren’t limited to external gas deliveries. On-site gas generators have become a proven, reliable alternative, producing high-purity nitrogen, hydrogen, or zero air exactly when and where your lab needs it.
The advantages are compelling:
✅ Consistent purity: Eliminates variability between gas batches or suppliers.
✅ Continuous uptime: No waiting for deliveries or pausing runs to swap cylinders.
✅ Enhanced safety: Reduces manual cylinder handling and lowers high-pressure risks.
✅ More floor space: Frees up valuable real estate for instruments or collaborative work areas.
✅ Lower total costs over time: Cuts ongoing delivery and rental fees.
What to look for in a gas generator
Choosing the right gas solution involves more than just matching flow rates and purity specs. Look for systems that offer:
- Integrated monitoring: Touchscreen displays and CPU-controlled analytics help ensure your gas supply stays within spec and alert you instantly if something goes wrong.
- Quiet, compact designs: Keeps the lab comfortable and minimizes intrusion into your workspace.
- Smart safety features: Such as automatic leak detection and shutoff valves to protect staff and samples.
- Remote diagnostics: Enabling service teams to troubleshoot most issues on the first visit, maximizing uptime.
- Long-term reliability: Built for continuous 24/7 lab operation with minimal maintenance needs.
An industry example: LNI Swissgas
LNI Swissgas specializes in these systems, offering a complete suite of generators for modern lab needs:
- Nitrogen generators for LC-MS, ELSD, or sample evaporation.
- Hydrogen generators tailored for GC-FID or carrier gas requirements.
- Zero air generators for applications like TOC or GC.
- Compact combined units that can deliver multiple gases from a single footprint.
Their systems incorporate built-in leak detection, intuitive touchscreen controls, and remote diagnostics — helping labs around the world ensure seamless operations and dependable data quality.
Plan early, benefit for years
Investing time during the design phase to plan your gas strategy pays off across your lab’s entire lifecycle. It helps you:
Maintain precise, reproducible data thanks to stable, ultra-pure gas streams.
Avoid costly interruptions caused by empty cylinders or delayed deliveries.
Keep staff safer and workflows simpler by reducing manual handling of pressurized tanks.
Design cleaner, more flexible lab spaces that support evolving needs.
Contact us!