Can I use balloon grade helium for gas chromatography and get good results?

Answer 1

Balloon-grade helium is termed "technical purity" and is not very clean. It can contain oil that has leaked into the conduits through which it is transported when pumped and compressed, as well as a variety of particulate dirt.

High purity and Pre-purified grades are tanked clean and will not contaminate a gas chromatography matrix. The tech purity grade can be passed through clean filtration materials, but if the gas if very dirty, the filters will clog.

Answer 2

Yes, you can. However, if inspection authorities see what you are doing, they may disapprove your facility.