We have a GC Shimadzu with a BID detector without a headspace autosampler in our laboratory.
What is your problem? How do you inject? How do you pre-concentrate your headspace-sample before injection? Even if your stationary phase thickness is quite high (1,8 micrometer, normal 0,3-0,5 micrometer) and the length is 30m, you may need to concentrate your acetaldehyde on an adsorbent cartridge TENAX or CHROMOSORB 102. A PCC (pre-column cooling) injection device is necessary. The problem with headspace analyses often aren't the column, the injector or the GC as such, but the method of sampling. You are welcome to ask me for literature!
Stefan Dahl thank you for the recommendations. The injection will be direct, with a syringe. Most literature indicates either acetaldehyde derivatisation or its pre-concentration. I wonder if I can make a direct injection of acetaldehyde gas into the GC, and what would be the right column?
As I worked during many years at the Food Research Institute - SIK in Gothenburg, got familiar with several headspace methods. Attached file should help you on your way to prepare a suitable method of yours. The column proposed and the GC parameters are as following:
Capillary column (DB-WAX, 58 m × 0.32 mm I.D., film thickness 0.50 μm). Temperature program: 30°C hold for 8 min, 14°C/min up to 200°C, hold for 10 min.
You are always welcome with more questions!