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Agilent G1701EA MSD Productivity ChemStation
Familiarization Guide
13
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.
How often should the MSD be tuned?
A.
Perform an Autotune on a regular basis: weekly or monthly
depending on use of the MSD. Perform a Check Tune daily
to validate the performance of your instrument. If needed,
perform a Quick Tune.
Q.
There are two autotune options: Tune MSD and Quick
Tune. What are the differences between them?
A.
The Tune MSD maximizes the instrument sensitivity over
the calibrant (PFTBA) mass range (69, 219, and 502).
Quick Tune updates the peak width, mass assignment, and
abundance.
Q.
An analyte elutes before the solvent peak. How can data be
acquired before the solvent peak as well as after?
A.
Method parameters that control the MSD can be modified
to update the method to capture data prior to the solvent
peak. To update the method, use the timed events table to
turn off the filament and data detection after the analyte
elutes but before the solvent elutes. Set an event to turn
the filament and the detector back on after the solvent
peak has eluted.
Q.
The sensitivity for some analytes has become reduced
while some are not being detected at all. How can this be
corrected?
A.
Decreased sensitivity with the GC/MSD system may be
caused by the following situations:
•
Sample: Analytes have evaporated or deteriorated in the
sample.
•
Column: Column may be contaminated; column
maintenance is recommended.
•
GC Inlet: Inlet liner, split vent, or septum may be dirty,
damaged or contaminated; inlet maintenance is required.
•
Column Connection: Loose injection port ferrule or MSD
transfer line ferrule, column installed incorrectly at the
inlet or transfer line.
•
Injector: The syringe is plugged with septum material or
is using an incorrect sampling volume.
Agilent Technologies
145
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