Vernier Mini GC Plus Manual

Vernier Mini GC
Gas Chromatograph
(Order Code: GC2-MINI)
Introduction
The Vernier Mini GC Plus is an instrument for separating, analyzing, and identifying
substances contained in a volatile liquid or gaseous sample. The Mini GC Plus can
detect and distinguish between families of compounds, including alcohols,
aldehydes, ketones, polar-substituted 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 column of the Mini GC Plus can be operated at temperatures ranging from 30°C
to 160°C. The MEMS chip sensor can be operated at two levels of sensitivity,
allowing for a greater range of compounds and injection volumes to be used.
The Mini GC Plus 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 Plus?
 Mini GC Plus unit
 AC Power Adapter
 Hamilton Syringe (1.0 μL volume)
 Two extra septa (a third septum is already installed in your Mini GC Plus)
 USB cable
 Carrying case
 Gas Chromatography: Investigations with the Mini GC, an electronic lab book
with five investigations, available as a free download when you sign in to your
account at www.vernier.com/gc-book
What are the features of the Mini GC Plus?
The Mini GC Plus can detect more compounds than the original Mini GC. The new
features that make this possible include:
 The maximum temperature of the column is 160°C, offering more flexibility in
designing temperature profiles.
 The MEMS chip sensor can be set at either of two levels of sensitivity. Standard

Plus
sensitivity mode works well for polar compounds such as: ketones, alcohols,
and esters. High sensitivity mode works well for compounds such as
halogenated alkanes and substituted aromatics, as well as mixtures with one or
more compound of low concentration.
Details can be viewed online at: www.vernier.com/gc2-mini
Important: We strongly recommend that you read the entire manual thoroughly
before using the Mini GC Plus for the first time. There are precautions and usage
suggestions throughout this manual that are important to know, 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 injury.
Caution: The Vernier Mini GC Plus 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 3.8.6 or newer)
software is required if you are using a
computer. LabQuest App version 1.7
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 are using a LabQuest 2, then
you will need App version 2.1.
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: Information on the use of the Mini GC Plus with National Instruments
LabVIEW software can be found at: www.vernier.com/labview/
Using the Mini GC Plus 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 3.8.6 or newer.
If you will be collecting data on an original LabQuest, make sure the LabQuest
unit has been updated to version 1.7 or newer. If you are using a LabQuest 2,
2