18
1
Installing GC Columns
Conditioning a column before it is installed into the GC/MSD
interface is essential
A small portion of the capillary column stationary phase is often carried
away by the carrier gas. This is called column bleed. Column bleed deposits
traces of the stationary phase in the MSD ion source. This decreases MSD
sensitivity and makes cleaning of the ion source necessary.
Column bleed is most common in new or poorly cross-linked columns. It is
much worse if there are traces of oxygen in the carrier gas when the column
is heated. To minimize column bleed, all capillary columns should be condi-
tioned
before
they are installed in the GC/MSD interface.
Conditioning ferrules is also beneficial
Heating ferrules to their maximum expected operating temperature a few
times before they are installed can reduce chemical bleed from the ferrules.
Tips and hints
• Note that the column installation procedure is different from that for
all
other Hewlett-Packard mass spectrometers and MSDs. Using the
procedure from another instrument will not work.
• For optimal sensitivity performance, install your caapillary column
without
using the installation tool.
• You can remove old ferrules from column nuts with an ordinary push pin.
• Always use carrier gas that is at least 99.999% pure.
• Because of thermal expansion, new ferrules may loosen after heating and
cooling a few times. Check for tightness after two or three heating cycles.
• Always wear clean gloves when handling columns, especially the end that
will be inserted into the GC/MSD interface.
Summary of Contents for 5973
Page 1: ...H Hardware Manual HP 5973 Mass Selective Detector ...
Page 3: ...HP 5973 Mass Selective Detector Hardware Manual ...
Page 25: ...1 Installing GC Columns To condition a capillary column 25 ...
Page 30: ...30 ...
Page 37: ...2 Operating the MSD To view MSD analyzer temperature and vacuum status 37 ...
Page 39: ...2 Operating the MSD To set monitors for MSD temperature and vacuum status 39 ...
Page 41: ...2 Operating the MSD To set the MSD analyzer temperatures 41 ...
Page 43: ...2 Operating the MSD To set the interface temperature from the ChemStation 43 ...
Page 51: ...2 Operating the MSD To remove the MSD covers 51 Upper cover Lower cover ...
Page 92: ...92 ...
Page 105: ...4 Maintaining the MSD To drain the foreline pump 105 Fill cap Drain plug Pump motor ...
Page 113: ...4 Maintaining the MSD To separate the MSD from the GC 113 ...
Page 121: ...4 Maintaining the MSD To reconnect the MSD to the GC 121 ...
Page 141: ...4 Maintaining the MSD To lubricate the side plate O ring 141 Side plate O ring ...
Page 159: ...4 Maintaining the MSD To remove a filament 159 Filament 2 Filament 1 ...
Page 161: ...4 Maintaining the MSD To reinstall a filament 161 Filament 2 Filament 1 ...
Page 210: ...210 ...
Page 214: ...214 ...
Page 232: ...232 7 Analyzer Analyzer heaters and radiators ...
Page 280: ...280 ...
Page 294: ...294 Index ...
Page 296: ...294 Chapter ...
Page 297: ...H Manual Part Number G1099 90027 Copyright 1998 Hewlett Packard Printed in USA 11 98 ...