ASDevices Showcases Argon-Based Analytical Solution at ATC 2025
ASDevices proudly participated in the prestigious Analyzer Technology Conference (ATC) 2025, where Application Director Marc-Antoine Langevin presented groundbreaking research on helium alternatives in gas chromatography applications. The presentation, which took place on April 30th, highlighted the company’s innovative Enhanced Plasma Discharge (EPD) technology and its potential to transform analytical practices across multiple industries.
The Helium Challenge: Rising Costs and Limited Supply
Langevin’s presentation addressed one of the most pressing challenges facing analytical laboratories today. His talk, titled “Argon as an Alternative to Helium in Process-GC Using EPD Technology for the Analysis of Trace-Level Impurities in UHP Gases,” focused on practical solutions to a growing problem.
“Helium has long been the standard carrier gas in chromatography due to its inertness and safety profile,” Langevin explained. “However, global supply constraints have created an urgent need for alternatives.” Furthermore, he noted that substantial price increases have forced many labs to reconsider their analytical methods.
Revolutionary Technology Enables New Possibilities
The core of ASDevices’ solution lies in its proprietary Enhanced Plasma Discharge technology. First introduced in 2017, this innovation takes a different approach than conventional systems. Traditional plasma-based detectors such as DID and PDID rely exclusively on helium. In contrast, ASDevices’ EPD technology generates plasma through a different mechanism.
“Our approach uses a dielectric barrier discharge process,” Langevin noted. “We’ve implemented electron-injection and stabilization electrodes to improve ionization efficiency.” Consequently, this fundamental innovation allows systems to operate with alternative discharge gases. Most importantly, it works with abundant and affordable argon.
Impressive Results: Performance Without Compromise
The presentation featured extensive chromatographic data. These results demonstrated the effectiveness of argon with EPD technology. Attendees saw impressive analyses of various compounds at trace (ppm) and ultra-trace (ppb) levels.
Compound Categories Successfully Analyzed
The system successfully detected several important chemical groups:
- Permanent gases (H₂, O₂, N₂, CH₄, CO, CO₂)
- Light hydrocarbons
- Water (H₂O)
- Noble gases (Kr, Xe)
- Nitrous oxide (N₂O)
- BTEX compounds
- Sulfur compounds
The demonstration proved that laboratories can maintain high analytical standards while reducing dependency on helium. This represents a significant advancement for multiple industries. For instance, semiconductor manufacturing, environmental monitoring, and petrochemical processing will all benefit.
Hands-On Experience: ASDevices Booth at ATC 2025
In addition to the technical presentation, ASDevices maintained an active booth at the conference. Here, attendees could experience the company’s innovative technologies firsthand. André Lamontagne, President of ASDevices, joined Marc-Antoine Langevin at the booth to engage directly with participants.
Having both ASDevices Application Director and President available at the booth created valuable opportunities for in-depth technical discussions. Our team met with numerous GC experts throughout the event to discuss specific analytical challenges and demonstrate how our technologies can address them.
Live Demonstrations Impress Visitors
The booth featured live demonstrations of ASDevices’ analytical systems using argon-based EPD technology. As a result, visitors could see the performance benefits in real-time. Many expressed surprise at the sensitivity levels achieved without helium.
Expert Feedback: Industry Reception
The presentation and booth demonstrations received positive feedback from attendees. Laboratory managers and process engineers showed particular interest in the technology. Above all, they appreciated the potential to optimize costs without sacrificing performance.
“What we have achieved with our EPD technology represents a genuine breakthrough in analytical instrumentation,” said André Lamontagne, ASDevices president. “The ability to use argon instead of helium while maintaining sensitivity at the ppb level could potentially save our clients thousands of dollars annually.”
The presence of André and Marc-Antoine at the event underscored ASDevice’s commitment to understanding and addressing the evolving needs of the analytical community. Many booth visitors expressed challenges related to helium costs and supply chain issues. Therefore, ASDevices leadership gained direct insights into market demands.
Looking to the Future: Next Steps in Analytical Innovation
Following the successful presentation at ATC 2025, ASDevices plans to continue refining applications of its EPD technology. The company sees opportunities across various analytical challenges.
“We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible with this technology,” Lamontagne concluded. “Beyond the cost savings, we’re seeing new applications emerge where the unique properties of argon-based analysis provide advantages over traditional methods. It’s an exciting time for analytical innovation.”
Learn More About Argon-Based GC Analysis
For more information about ASDevices’ EPD technology and argon-based analytical solutions, look into our application note or contact our applications team at sales@asdevices.com.
About ASDevices
ASDevices is a leading provider of innovative analytical solutions, specializing in gas analysis technologies that offer superior performance, reliability, and cost-effectiveness. The company’s Enhanced Plasma Discharge (EPD) technology represents a significant advancement in gas chromatography detection, enabling more flexible, economical, and environmentally sustainable analytical practices across multiple industries.
About Analyzer Technology Conference
The Analyzer Technology Conference (ATC) is the premier global event for professionals in the field of analytical instrumentation and methodology. ATC 2025 brought together industry leaders, researchers, and technology providers to explore cutting-edge developments in analytical science and their practical applications across diverse sectors.
