Thermo Scientific TRACE 1600 Hardware Manual page 109

Thermo Scientific
a. Set the oven and injector temperature to 50 °C.
b. Use the column flowmeter connector to verify that there is flow through the column.
If you do not have a flowmeter, dip the column outlet in a small vial of methanol.
Bubbles indicate there is flow through the column. If there is no flow, check that the
carrier gas is on, the GC inlet is pressurized, and the column is not plugged. If there is
still no flow, consult the Troubleshooting section or contact Technical Support.
c. Allow the column to purge for at least 10 minutes.
5. Perform a column leak check.
a. Carefully push the capillary column end into the column section of the
column-flowmeter connector. See
Figure 74. Using a Flowmeter for Leak Check
A
b. If your GC is equipped with the touch screen user interface, select the Leak Check
icon in the Maintenance menu, otherwise perform the Leak Check through the
Chromatography Data System by selecting the proper function.
c. Start the leak check to begin operation. The split and purge valves of the selected
channel are automatically closed and the channel is pressurized with carrier gas to the
leak check setpoint.
d. The system monitors the pressure for one minute. If the pressure does not drop more
than the maximum allowed sensitivity value, then the leak check will pass.
If the leak check did not pass, you should use the leak detector to find and fix the
leaks.
Tip Leaks can be caused by not tightening the fitting on the column flowmeter
connector. We recommend that you check that fitting before looking elsewhere.
e. Repeat the leak check until no leaks are indicated.
6. Calibrate the carrier gas flow (column evaluation).
a. Carefully push the capillary column end into the flow meter section of the column
flowmeter connector. See
Figure 74.
B C
Figure 75.
2
Performing Routine Maintenance
Replacing a Column
TRACE 1600/1610 Hardware Manual 77