Thermo Scientific Nicolet iS50 GC-IR User Manual page 16

iS50 GC-IR Module
14 iS50 GC-IR Module User Guide
5. Locate the Tee union that joins the transfer and make-up gas lines. Remove the cap nut
and ferrule from the free arm of the straight through portion of the Tee union.
6. Thread the free end of your GC column through the cap nut and a ferrule that fits onto
the column.
7. After you have fed the column through the graphite ferrule, remove 2 to 3 mm from the
end of the column to create a clean end with no burrs or jagged edges.
To do this, score the column with a tool or scribe intended for this purpose and snap off
the end piece.
NOTICE Pieces of graphite, column or dirt in the transfer line or Tee union may
enter the flow cell and block the infrared beam. Keep the Tee union and transfer lines
clean and free of debris.
8. While watching the live display at the left side of the Bench tab, carefully feed the column
through the Tee union and transfer line and into the flow cell.
The live display shows the detector signal. The signal is represented both as an
interferogram (if the Single Beam check box is cleared) and numerically as minimum and
maximum voltage values (if the Min/Max check box is selected). Refer to the OMNIC
Help system if you need more information on Experiment Setup and the live display.
9. When the column enters the flow cell, it will block the infrared beam, causing the height
of the interferogram in the live display to decrease markedly.
You may have trouble guiding the column through the opening in the end cap of the flow
cell. Do not force it, as this may damage or break the end of the column. Instead, rotate
the column gently between your fingers while slowly pushing it further into the transfer
line.
Note If you still cannot get the column to block the beam, just feed in the column as
far as it will go. Some capillary columns are too large to fit through the end cap.
10. Slowly withdraw just enough column so that the interferogram regains its original height.
11. Use a 5/16-in wrench and a 1/4-in wrench to tighten the column nut on the Tee union
until you feel the nut start to offer resistance. Then tighten the nut another one-quarter
turn.
12. Choose OK to close Experiment Setup.
Related Topics
• Installing a Wide-Bore Capillary GC Column
• Connecting the Transfer and Make-up Gas Lines
• Connecting the GC Detector
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