Conditioning Columns; Tips And Hints - Agilent Technologies 5977B Series Operating Manual

Conditioning columns

Conditioning a column before it is connected to the GC/MS interface is
essential.
A small portion of the capillary column stationary phase is often carried away
by the carrier gas. This is called column bleed. Column bleed deposits traces of
the stationary phase in the MS ion source. This decreases MS sensitivity and
makes cleaning the ion source necessary.
Column bleed is most common in new or poorly cross-linked columns. It is
much worse if there are traces of oxygen in the carrier gas when the column is
heated. To minimize column bleed, all capillary columns should be
conditioned before they are installed in the GC/MS interface. (See
Condition an Intuvo Capillary Column"

Tips and hints

• Always use carrier gas that is at least 99.9995% pure.
• Always wear clean gloves when handling a component's click and run
• Always wear clean gloves when handling a gasket.
• Always wear clean gloves when handling the 9000 GC/MS Tail.
If you are using hydrogen as a carrier gas, the hydrogen gas flow must be off before
WA R N I N G
turning off the MS power. If the foreline pump is off, hydrogen will accumulate in the
MS and an explosion may occur. Read
operating the MS with hydrogen gas.
5977B Series MSD Operating Manual
connectors.
Intuvo 9000 GC Column Maintenance
on page 74.)
"Hydrogen Safety" on page 23 before
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