Vernier Gas Chromatograph
Mini GC
(Order Code: GC-MINI)
Introduction
The Vernier Mini Gas Chromatograph, or “Mini GC,” is an instrument for
separating, analyzing, and identifying substances contained in a volatile liquid or
gaseous sample. The Mini GC can detect and distinguish between families of
compounds, including alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, aromatic hydrocarbons,
carboxylic acids, esters, ethers, and nitriles (see Appendix A for more details). It has
all of the key components of a traditional gas chromatograph, including an injection
port, temperature and pressure controls, a capillary column through which different
substances pass at different rates depending on various chemical and physical
properties, and a sensor for detecting the arrival of compounds. It has a patented
MEMS chip sensor that allows for room air to be used as a carrier gas.
The Mini GC connects to the USB port on a computer, the LabQuest 2, or the
LabQuest. Both Vernier Logger
Pro
and LabQuest App software allow students to
easily control data-collection parameters, then collect data in real time. After the
peaks are detected, the software allows you to determine retention times and/or
integrate peaks to help quantify the relative amount of each compound present in the
sample.
What is Included with the Mini GC?
Mini GC unit (with 11
m Restek GC column installed)
AC Power Adapter
Hamilton Syringe (1.0
μ
L volume)
Two extra Septa (a third Septum is already installed in your Mini GC)
Two extra Mini GC intake-valve plastic caps (a third cap is already on the unit)
USB cable
Lab Manual:
Gas Chromatography Investigations with the Mini GC
™
Carrying case
Important:
We strongly recommend that you read the entire manual thoroughly
before using the Mini GC for the first time. There are precautions and usage
suggestions throughout this manual that are important to know about, prior to doing
your first data collection. Please wear the appropriate personal safety equipment and
use the instrument in accordance with the instructions in this manual to prevent any
injury.
2
Caution:
The Vernier Mini GC gas chromatograph is designed to analyze
volatile compounds. These compounds may be toxic or highly flammable; therefore,
follow the manufacturer’s instructions when operating this instrument. Serious
personal injury may result from improper use of this instrument. Due to the small
amounts of analytes, there is no hazard that exhaust from the chromatograph could
cause a fire when used according to the instructions. To minimize exposure to
vapors, use this instrument in well-ventilated areas. Refer to the Material Safety Data
Sheet for each compound to be injected into the chromatograph. For personal
protection, we recommend that open reagent containers be handled in a hood or
well-ventilated area.
Logger
Pro
3 or LabQuest App Software Requirements
Logger
Pro
3 (version 3.8 or newer)
software is required if you are using a
computer. LabQuest App version 1.3
or newer is required if you are using
an original LabQuest. (You can check
the LabQuest version by tapping the
Home icon, tapping Control Panel,
and then tapping System Information).
If you own an earlier version of
Logger
Pro
3 software or LabQuest App, you can upgrade to the current version at
no cost by visiting our web site for updates: www.vernier.com/downloads/
Note:
If you use National Instruments LabVIEW software, you can obtain a
LabVIEW VI for collecting with the Mini GC. Go to: www.vernier.com/labview/
Using the Mini GC with a Computer or with LabQuest
1. If you will be collecting
data on a computer, be
sure you are using Logger
Pro
software, version 3.8
or newer.
If you will be collecting
data on an original
LabQuest, make sure the
LabQuest unit has been
updated to version 1.3 or
newer.
2. For your initial trial,
obtain a glass syringe and
a set of vials of one or more of the following five ketones: acetone, 2-butanone,
2-pentanone, 2-hexanone, or 4-methyl-2-pentanone (or a mixture of any of
these 5 ketones. You will test acetone, and also use it to clean the syringe
needle.
