6
Maintenance
Removing and Installing a GC Capillary Column
126
TSQ Quantum XLS and TSQ Quantum GC User Guide
Thermo Scientific
c. Wearing clean, lint- and powder-free gloves, unwind about one turn of the capillary
column (shown in
) from the column outlet end.
d. Wipe about 450 mm (18 in.) of the column with a tissue soaked in methanol.
e.
Insert the column through the transfer line nut and ferrule. Wipe the column again
with a tissue soaked in methanol.
f.
Score and break the end of the column with a scoring wafer. With the magnifying
glass, check for an even, flat cut. Repeat if necessary.
g. Insert the column into the transfer line.
i.
Open the lid of the ion source vacuum chamber so that you can get a better view
of the column.
ii. Using the I/R tool, remove the ion volume. See
iii. Insert the column into the transfer line and tighten the transfer line nut by hand.
iv. Push the column in until you can see it through the inlet valve.
v.
Pull the column back just far enough that you cannot see it.
vi. Tighten the transfer line nut and transfer line union.
vii. Using the I/R tool, replace the ion volume. See
8. Condition the transfer line ferrule. Graphite/Vespel
™
ferrules like the transfer line ferrule
require conditioning to ensure a leak-tight seal.
a. Raise the oven temperature to the maximum temperature at which you will operate
the column (normally 300 °C).
b. Wait 10 minutes.
c.
Lower the oven temperature to 30 °C and allow it to cool before continuing.
d. Re-tighten the transfer line nut and the transfer line union.
CAUTION
Burn Hazard.
The GC oven and transfer line might be hot. Allow
them to cool to room temperature before touching them. Do not touch the
injector when it is hot.
Note
Sliding a septum on the column before the transfer line nut helps you
measure the proper distance between the nut and the end of the column. The
column should extend approximately 1 to 2 mm past the end of the transfer line.
CAUTION
The oven might be hot. Allow it to cool to room temperature before
opening it. Do not touch the injector, which will still be hot.