Thermo Scientific ISQ, User Manual

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2
Changing the Column
Replacing the Factory Installed Column
Thermo Scientific ISQ User Guide 9
12. Remove the column from the column rack and from the GC.
13. Connect the new column to the injector inside the GC.
a. Unwind the column enough to easily connect its ends to the injector and MS.
b. Wipe about 100 mm (4 in.) of the column with a tissue soaked in methanol.
c. Insert the column through the injector retaining nut and ferrule (larger end up). If
the M4 retaining nut is used, slide it on the column through the side cut. Wipe the
column again with a tissue soaked in methanol.
d. Use a scoring wafer to score and break the column about 1 cm (0.4 in.) from the end.
Check for an even, flat cut using a magnifying glass. Repeat if necessary.
e. Insert a notched septum on the column to hold the retaining nut at this position.
Thread the retaining nut into the injector but do not tighten.
f. Ensure that the end of the column is the proper distance into the injector. For the
TRACE 1300/1310 GC the injector depths are measured from the top of the ferrule
and are: splitless = 5 mm; split = 10 mm; PTV and PTVBKF = 30 mm.
g. Adjust the column position so that the septum contacts the bottom of the retaining
nut. Use your fingers to tighten the retaining nut until it starts to grip the column.
h. Tighten the column nut finger-tight until it starts to grip the column plus a quarter
turn.
i. Remove the notched septum from the column.
14. Set up the GC parameters:
a. Set the oven and injector temperature to 50 °C (122 °F).
b. Set the carrier gas flow to 1.0 mL/min.
c. Turn off vacuum compensation, which is located on the Carrier menu of the GC.
Use the column flowmeter connector to verify that there is flow through the column.
If you do not have a flowmeter, dip the column outlet in a small vial of methanol.
Bubbles indicate there is flow through the column. If there is no flow, check that the
carrier gas is on, the GC inlet is pressurized, and the column is not plugged. If there is
still no flow, consult the GC documentation or contact Technical Support.
Note
Wear clean, lint- and powder-free gloves when you handle the column and
injector ferrule.
Tip Slide a notched septum on the column before the injector retaining nut to
make it easier to measure the proper distance between the nut and end of the
column.
Note If you are using a GC other than the TRACE 1300/1310 GC, refer to the
GC user documentation for the correct insertion depth.