I
NSTALLATION
Column Installation and Conditioning
CP-3800 GC Getting Started Manual
35
Set Carrier
Gas Flow
Rate to
Condition
Column
To condition the column, flow rates need only be approximate. For packed
columns and large bore (0.53 mm ID) capillary columns set the flow rate to
15 - 30 mL/min. Press the FLOW / PRESSURE key, select the appropriate
injector by location, and set the initial flow to 15 - 30 mL/min
(15 mL/min for a large bore column and 30 mL/min for a packed column).
Use the following guide to set an appropriate column flow for the 1079
injector with narrow bore capillary columns. With manual pneumatics the
pressure is set using the 1079 back pressure regulator on the pneumatics
panel. If the 1079 has EFC press the FLOW / PRESSURE key, select the
appropriate injector by location and set the pressure as follows:
Column ID
Head Pressure
250
µ
m
25 psi
320
µ
m
15 psi
530
µ
m
5 psi
Note for
Capillary
Column
Users
Verify gas is flowing through the column by dipping the detector end of
column into a beaker containing a solvent, such as isopropanol. Positive
carrier gas flow should be indicated by a stream of bubbles.
Conditioning
the Injector
and Column
It is important to establish the maximum recommended conditioning
temperature for the installed column. This information is provided with the
column or can be obtained from the column manufacturer. The maximum
allowable temperature for the column does not have to be used for
conditioning purposes. In general the column should be conditioned at 20°C
above the maximum temperature used in the analytical method, or 20°C
below the maximum operating temperature of the column, whichever is
lower.
C A U T IO N
A GC column may be irreversibly damaged if it is heated with air or
moisture present in the pneumatic system. It is important to purge the
column with inert carrier gas before heating the column. After the
column flow is established, allow the carrier gas to purge through the
column for 15 - 20 minutes before heating it.
