Method Development — GCsolution
This page covers creating, configuring, and saving method files (.gcm) in GCsolution for the Shimadzu GC-2025.
Create a New Method
- Launch GCsolution → GC Real Time Analysis → log in
- Software auto-loads the last used method on startup
- To create new: click New (or New Method File) on toolbar, or File → New Method File
- Title bar shows “Untitled” — all parameters reset to defaults
📋 From manual
Set Injection Parameters
Open Instrument Parameters (icon on Assistant Bar).
Auto-sampler tab:
- Set Injection Volume (e.g., 1 µL)
Injection unit tab (e.g., SPL1):
- Set injection port Temperature (high enough to vaporize sample)
- Select Flow Control Mode (e.g., Linear Velocity)
- Enter Linear Velocity and Split Ratio
- Total flow and column flow auto-calculate
For guidance on choosing split vs splitless, see Split_vs_Splitless_Injection.
📋 From manual
Temperature Program
Column tab:
- Enter initial oven Temperature
- Enter Equilibration Time (e.g., 3.0 min)
- In the Temperature Program table, for each ramp enter:
- Rate (°C/min)
- Temperature (°C)
- Hold Time (min)
- Click Redraw to visualize the program on the graph
⚠️ CRITICAL: Column oven temperature must always be lower than detector temperature.
For the theory behind temperature effects on separation, see 1. Temperature.
📋 From manual
Set Detector Parameters
Detector tab (e.g., FID1):
- Set detector Temperature
By default, the detector acquisition stop time is linked to the oven program total time. To unlink: right-click → deselect “Link Oven Program and Acquisition Time”.
General tab:
- Check Auto Flame On → flame auto-ignites when GC reaches ready state
FID Gas Flow Rates
| Gas | Default Flow |
|---|---|
| Hydrogen (H₂) | 40.0 mL/min |
| Air | 400.0 mL/min |
| Makeup (He/N₂) | 30.0 mL/min |
For how FID detection works, see Flame_Ionization_Detection.
📋 From manual
Save and Download
- File → Save Method File As → name the file (saved as
.gcm) - The method file stores: device parameters, data processing parameters, and QA/QC parameters
- Click Download Parameters icon to send settings to the GC
📋 From manual
See Also
- Quick_Start_Guide — Basic startup and single-run procedure
- Quantification_Methods — Setting up calibration curves
- Single_Run_Analysis — Running a sample with your method
- Batch_Processing — Running automated sequences