Gc Precautions - Agilent Technologies 5977B Series Operating Manual

1 Introduction

GC precautions

When using hydrogen as a carrier gas, remove the large round plastic cover for
the MSD transfer line located on the GC left side panel. In the unlikely event of
an explosion, this cover may dislodge.
Dangers unique to GC/MSD operation
Hydrogen presents a number of dangers. Some are general, others are unique
to GC or GC/MSD operation. Dangers include, but are not limited to:
• Combustion of leaking hydrogen
• Combustion due to rapid expansion of hydrogen from a high-pressure
• Accumulation of hydrogen in the GC oven and subsequent combustion (see
• Accumulation of hydrogen in the MSD and subsequent combustion
Hydrogen accumulation in an MSD
The MSD cannot detect leaks in inlet or detector gas streams. For this reason, it is
WA R N I N G
vital that column fittings should always be either connected to a column or have a
cap or plug installed.
The MS cannot detect leaks in the valves for the optional JetClean system. It is
WA R N I N G
possible that hydrogen can leak into the MS from this cleaning system. Always turn
off the JetClean system, close the manual hydrogen shutoff valve to the JetClean
MFC, and ensure good vacuum before venting the MS.
All users should be aware of the mechanisms by which hydrogen can
accumulate and know what precautions to take if they know or suspect that
hydrogen has accumulated. (See
mechanisms apply to all mass spectrometers, including the MSD.
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cylinder
your GC documentation and the label on the top edge of the GC oven door)
Table 4 on page 25.) Note that these
5977B Series MSD Operating Manual
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