How much carrier gas is used to sample 1 vial?
Assuming a carrier gas flow-rate of 200mL/minute, three reps/vial and an analysis time per rep of circa 3minutes, then each vial will consume in the order of 2Litres of carrier gas. The cost of carrier gas will vary according to the source, but, assuming a cost for the carrier gas of €2.50/m3*(equals 1,000Litres), then the cost of the carrier gas is approximately 0.5cents/vial. (*this is a typical cost for bottled gas. The cost of carrier gas from a gas generator can be as little as €0.01/m3)