Precautions And Recommendations For Working On The Column - Waters Xevo TQ-GC Overview And Maintenance Manual

8. Feed the nut and then the replacement ferrule onto the column, ensuring that the tapered
end of the ferrule fits into the nut.
9. Feed the column through the HTL until it exits the spring-loaded tip, enabling you to cut it.
10. Using the ceramic capillary cutter, cut the column cleanly and at right angles across the
column.
11. Retract any excess column back through the HTL until the column aperture is just visible at
the spring-loaded tip.
12. Slide the ferrule and nut onto the heated transfer line, and then finger-tighten.
13. Confirm that the end of the column is correctly positioned.
14. Using the wrench, perform two full turns to tighten the nut to the ferrule interface.
15. Close the oven door.
16. Fit the inner source into the instrument (see
17. Start the instrument (see
18. Heat cycle the GC oven twice at the maximum method temperature.
Note:
For instructions on how to do this, refer to the documentation that accompanied the
GC oven.
19. Set the GC oven to 35 °C.
20. When the GC oven cools, open the oven door.
21. Using the wrench, perform a ¼-turn to tighten the nut.
22. Close the door and restart testing.

4.11.1 Precautions and recommendations for working on the column

When you replace GC columns and perform GC/MS analysis, take the following precautions:
• For instructions on how to operate and maintain the GC oven, refer to the documentation that
accompanied it.
• Prepare the instrument so you can work safely on the source (see
for working on the
• Ensure that the column is regularly maintained. A contaminated column can invalidate the
experiment.
• Always ensure that the ends of the columns are cut cleanly and at right angles to the length of
the column. You must always use a purpose-designed column tool (a ceramic wafer). Use an
eyeglass to ensure that the cut is clean.
• Minimize the amount of handling with your bare hands to limit contamination of the mass
spectrometer, which can cause a high level of background noise. Use lint-free cotton gloves
or a tissue to hold the column while you install it.
Preparing to start the mass
source).
April 27, 2020, 715005564 Ver. 01 (previously released as Rev. A)
Fitting the inner source to the
spectrometer).
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instrument).
Preparing the instrument