Tcd Maintenance - Thermo Scientific TRACE GC Ultra Maintenance And Troubleshooting Manual

Chapter 16
Maintaining a Thermal Conductivity Detector

TCD Maintenance

The TCD detector does not usually need current maintenance. Nevertheless, if
you follow a few simple sequences, you will avoid troubles and prolong the
detector's lifetime. Pay a special attention to avoid contamination or damage of
the filaments.
Follow these simple rules:
•
•
•
WARNING! Set
When the column is disconnected, air will enter into the cell and the filament, if
powered, will burn.
For the same reason set
connected. It is a good practice to let the reference and make-up gases flow through
the cells for 10-15 minutes before powering the filaments.
340
Avoid to activate/deactivate the bridge when not necessary. This operation
would considerably reduce the filaments lifetime.
Avoid injecting samples that contain halogenated or acid compounds at high
concentrations.
Ensure that oxygen (air) could not enter into the filaments cells. Oxidation
would irreversibly damage the filaments. Install traps for moisture and oxy-
gen on the gas lines to reduce the hazard.
to
Filament power
Filament power
before disconnecting the column from the detector.
Off
to
On
only if the column has been
Maintenance and Troubleshooting Manual
TCD Maintenance