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Changing the Column
Thermo Scientific
The ISQ mass spectrometer ships with a factory-tested 15 m x 0.25mm i.d. TR-SQC
column, which the Field Service Engineer uses to qualify the instrument. However, once it
gets dirty, you cannot purchase a new one, so you need to install a column that accommodates
the type and quantity of samples you will be running. You should choose a column that gives
you the best possible resolution, analysis speed, and quantitation.
Note Many nitrile and latex gloves not certified for clean room use contain silicone mold
releasing agents that will contaminate the instrument. For this reason, clean room gloves
are strongly recommended when handling the column. We recommend Cardinal Health
CP100 Nitrile Cleanroom Gloves. See the ISQ Spare Parts Guide for ordering
information.
When determining the type of column for your particular needs, here are a few things to
consider:
• Column Material—Columns made out of fused silica are economical and widely used.
Columns made out of this material have a wide range of stationary phases and are
available in many sizes that can be used with a mass spectrometer.
Large diameter columns made of steel are widely used in process gas analysis, but they are
not typically used on mass spectrometers. There are also metal-clad, fused silica columns,
which have the advantages of fused silica, but the metal makes them resistant to breakage.
These columns are less common and more expensive.
• Stationary Phase—The stationary phase is the most important consideration when
selecting a column. The interaction between the stationary phase and the analyte
determines how well the analytes separate from each other (resolution) and also affects
how quickly the separation occurs (analysis time). Choose a stationary phase that is
compatible with the nature of your analytes and the maximum GC oven temperature you
are going to use.
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ISQ User Guide
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