Agilent Technologies 7820A Manual 

No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form or by any means (including electronic storage and retrieval or transla- tion into a foreign language) without prior agreement and written consent from Agi- lent Technologies, Inc. as governed by United States and international copyright laws. Manual Part Number G4350-90014 Edition Fifth edition, August 2016 Fourth edition, June 2015 Third edition, November 2014 Second edition, May 2011 First edition, March 2009 Printed in China Agilent Technologies (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. 412 Ying Lun Road Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone Shanghai 200131 P.R. China Warranty The material contained in this docu- ment is provided “as is,” and is sub- ject to being changed, without notice, in future editions. Further, to the max- imum extent permitted by applicable law, Agilent disclaims all warranties, either express or implied, with regard to this manual and any information contained herein, including but not limited to the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a par- ticular purpose. Agilent shall not be liable for errors or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, use, or perfor- mance of this document or of any information contained herein. Should Agilent and the user have a separate written agreement with warranty terms covering the material in this document that conflict with these terms, the warranty terms in the sep- arate agreement shall control. Safety Notices CAUTION A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in damage to the product or loss of important data. Do not proceed beyond a CAUTION notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met. WARNING A WARNING notice denotes a hazard. It calls attention to an operating procedure, practice, or the like that, if not correctly performed or adhered to, could result in personal injury or death. Do not proceed beyond a WARNING notice until the indicated conditions are fully understood and met.

3 Contents 1 About Maintaining the GC Overview of Maintenance 10 Tools and Materials Required for Maintenance 11 Maintenance Methods for the 7820A GC 13 Safety Information 15 Finding a Replacement Part Number 16 2 Removing Covers To Remove the Detector Top Cover 18 To Remove the Pneumatics Cover 19 To Remove the Side Cover 20 To Remove the Electronics Cover 21 3 Maintaining Capillary Columns Consumables and Parts for Columns 24 To Install a Capillary Column Hanger 26 To Install Capillary Column Clips 27 To Condition a Capillary Column 28 To Cut a Loop from a Column 31 To Reverse a Column and Bakeout Contaminants 32 4 Maintaining the Split/Splitless Inlet Consumables and Parts for the Split/Splitless Inlet 36 Exploded Parts View of the Split/Splitless Inlet 39 To Install a Capillary Column with the Split/Splitless Inlet 40 To Change the Septum on the Split/Splitless Inlet 44 To Clean the Septum Seat in the Insert Assembly of the Split/Splitless Inlet 46 To Change the Liner and O-Ring on the Split/Splitless Inlet 48 To Replace the Gold Seal on the Split/Splitless Inlet 50 To Replace the Filter in the Split Vent Line 52 To Clean the Split/Splitless Inlet 55 To Bakeout Contaminants from the Split/Splitless Inlet 57

5 Maintaining the Purged Packed Inlet Consumables and Parts for the Purged Packed Inlet 60 Exploded Parts View of the Purged Packed Inlet 63 To Install a Capillary Column with the Purged Packed Inlet 64 To Change the Septum on the Purged Packed Inlet 68 To Clean the Septum Seat in the Purged Packed Inlet 70 To Install an Adapter on the Purged Packed Inlet 72 To Change the O-Ring on the Purged Packed Inlet 74 To Change the Glass Liner on the Purged Packed Inlet 75 To Install an Insulation Cup on the Purged Packed Inlet 77 To Clean the Purged Packed Inlet 78 To Bakeout Contaminants from the Purged Packed Inlet 80 To Install a Packed Metal Column 81 To Install a Packed Column Adapter on a Detector Fitting 83 To Install a Packed Glass Column 85 To Condition a Packed Column 88 To Install Ferrules on a Packed Metal Column 90 6 Maintaining the Packed Column Inlet Consumables and Parts for the Packed Column Inlet 92 Exploded Parts View of the Packed Column Inlet 94 To Change the Septum on the Packed Column Inlet 95 To Clean the Septum Seat in the Packed Column Inlet 97 To Install an Adapter on the Packed Column Inlet 99 To Change the O-Ring on the Packed Column Inlet 101 To Change the Glass Liner on the Packed Column Inlet 102 To Install an Insulation Cup on the Packed Column Inlet 104 To Clean the Packed Column Inlet 105 To Bakeout Contaminants from the Packed Column Inlet 107 To Install a Packed Metal Column 108 To Install a Packed Column Adapter on a Detector Fitting 110 To Install a Packed Glass Column 112 To Condition a Packed Column 115 To Install Ferrules on a Packed Metal Column 117

5 7 Maintaining the COC Inlet Consumables and Parts for the COC Inlet 120 Exploded Parts View of the COC Inlet 124 To Install a Capillary Column with the COC Inlet 125 To Check the Needle-to-Column Size on the COC Inlet 128 To Change a Septum on the COC Inlet 130 To Install an Insert on the COC Inlet 132 To Clean the COC Inlet 134 To Replace the 7693A Injector Needle Support Guide 136 To Replace the Needle Support Assembly in a 7683B Injector 137 To Replace a Needle in a Syringe 140 To Replace the Fused Silica Needle in a Syringe for the COC Inlet 141 To Bakeout Contaminants from the COC Inlet 143 8 Maintaining the FID Consumables and Parts for the FID 146 Exploded Parts Views of the FID 149 Selecting an FID Jet 151 To Attach a Capillary Column Adapter on an Adaptable FID 153 To Install a Capillary Column in the FID 155 To Replace the FID Collector Assembly 158 To Replace an FID Jet 161 To Perform Maintenance on the FID Collector Assembly 165 To Check the FID Leakage Current 173 To Check the FID Baseline 174 To Install the FID Insulation Cup Assembly (Adaptable FID Only) 175 To Install the Optional FID PTFE Chimney Insert 177 To Bakeout the FID 178 9 Maintaining the TCD Consumables and Parts for the TCD 182 To Install a Capillary Column in the TCD 184 To Install the Optional TCD Capillary Column Adapter 186 To Install a Capillary Column with the Optional TCD Capillary Column Adapter 187

To Bakeout Contaminants from the TCD 190 10 Maintaining the µECD Important Safety Information About the µECD 192 Consumables and Parts for the µECD 194 Exploded Parts View of the µECD 196 To Replace the µECD Fused Silica Indented Mixing Liner and Install the Makeup Gas Adapter 197 To Install a Capillary Column in the µECD 200 To Install the Insulating Cup for the µECD 203 To Bakeout the µECD 205 11 Maintaining the NPD Consumables and Parts for the NPD 208 Exploded Parts View of the NPD 211 Selecting an NPD Jet 212 To Attach a Capillary Column Adapter on an Adaptable NPD 214 To Install a Capillary Column in the NPD 216 To Replace the NPD Bead Assembly 219 To Maintain the NPD Collector, Ceramic Insulators, and Jet 224 To Check the NPD Leakage Current 230 To Bakeout the NPD 231 12 Maintaining the FPD+ Consumables and Parts for the FPD+ 234 Exploded Parts View of the FPD+ 236 To Install a Packed Column Adapter in the FPD+ 237 To Attach a Capillary Column to the FPD+ 239 To Change the FPD+ Wavelength Filter 241 To Remove the FPD+ Cover 244 To Replace the FPD+ Ignitor 246 To Install the FPD+ Cover 248 Cleaning the FPD+ Brazement 249 13 Maintaining the G3435A/G3436A FPD Consumables and Parts for the FPD 252

7 Exploded Parts View of the FPD 254 To Install a Capillary Column Adapter in the FPD 255 To Attach a Capillary Column to the FPD 257 To Change the FPD Wavelength Filter 259 To Remove the FPD Vent Tube 262 To Replace the FPD Ignitor 264 To Install the FPD Vent Tube and Cover 266 14 Maintaining the PCM Consumables and Parts for the PCM 268 Calibrating the PCM Interface 269 Installing or Replacing Frits in the PCM 270 15 Maintaining a Valve Consumables and Parts for Valves 274 Exploded Parts View of GC Rotary Valves 275 To Replace a Gas Sampling Valve Loop 276 To Align a Rotary Valve Rotor 278 To Replace a Rotary Valve in the Valve Box 279 To Remove the Upper Valve Box 282 To Install the Upper Valve Box 284 A Swagelok Connections Making Swagelok Connections 288 Using a Swagelok Tee 292

Maintaining Your GC Agilent Technologies 1 About Maintaining the GC Overview of Maintenance 10 Tools and Materials Required for Maintenance 11 Maintenance Methods for the 7820A GC 13 Safety Information 15 Finding a Replacement Part Number 16 This section provides an overview of the maintenance procedures included in this document. It also lists the tools needed for routine maintenance and the safety information one should be aware of before performing a maintenance task.

1 About Maintaining the GC Overview of Maintenance This manual details the routine tasks needed to maintain the 7820A Gas Chromatograph (GC). The procedures assume a basic knowledge of tool use and of GC operation. Readers are, for example, expected to know how to: • Safely turn devices on and off • Load methods • Change component temperatures, flows, and pressures • Make typical pneumatic connections using Swagelok and other standard fittings • Reset GC service counters Where to find a procedure Included in this manual are chapters on maintaining the following GC components: • Capillary Columns • Split/Splitless Inlet • Purged Packed Inlet • Packed Column Inlet • COC Inlet • FID • TCD • µECD • NPD • FPD+ • FPD • PCM • Valves Each chapter includes: • A list of the most commonly used consumables and parts for the component • An exploded parts view of the component • Detailed procedures for routine maintenance tasks associated with the component

1 Maintaining Your GC 11 Tools and Materials Required for Maintenance Table 1 lists the tools needed for most GC maintenance procedures. The specific tools required to perform a maintenance procedure are listed in step 1 of the procedure. Table 1 Tools and materials for GC maintenance Common tools Wrench, angled, septum nut (19251-00100) Wrench, open-end, 1/4-inch and 5/16-inch (8710-0510)* Wrench, open-end, 9/16-inch and 7/16-inch (8710-0803) Wrench, capillary inlet ( G3452-20512 )* Flathead screwdriver Column cutter, wafer (5181-8836, 4/pk)* Driver, nut, 1/4-inch (8710-1561)* T-20 Torx key (8710-1807) or screwdriver T-10 Torx key (8710-2140) or screwdriver 3-mm hex key wrench (8710-2411) Electronic flow meter(s) or bubble meter(s) capable of calibrated measurements at 1, 10, and 100 mL/min flow ranges. Electronic leak detector Magnifying loupe, 20X (430-1020) Metric ruler Bench vise (for setting Swagelok fittings) Razor or sharp knife Tweezers (8710-0007) or thin needle-nose pliers (8710-0004) Needle-nose pliers ESD wrist strap (for installing new components) Gloves, heat-resistant (for handling hot parts) Wooden cotton swab (for removing FID filters) Tools and materials for cleaning procedures Cleaning brushes—The FID cleaning kit (9301-0985) contains appropriate brushes for cleaning detectors and inlets Cleaning brushes—(8710-1346) For cleaning split/splitless inlet split vent fitting, FID and collectors

1 About Maintaining the GC Jet cleaning wire (.010 inch) Clean, lint-free cloth (to protect contamination-sensitive detector parts) Small ultrasonic cleaning bath with aqueous detergent (for cleaning detector and inlet parts) Gloves, clean, lint-free, nylon (large: 8650-0030, small: 8650-0029) (for handling contamination-sensitive parts) Steel wool, 0- or 00-grade (for cleaning an inlet’s septum seating surfaces) * Included with the GC ship kits Table 1 Tools and materials for GC maintenance (continued)

1 Maintaining Your GC 13 Maintenance Methods for the 7820A GC Before most maintenance procedures, the GC must be made ready. Agilent recommends that you create and store the following maintenance methods into the GC. The methods below will: • Prevent damage to the instrument (electronics, columns, etc.) • Avoid injury to the user (burns, shocks, etc.) • Allow you to perform maintenance on specific areas while leaving the rest of the GC components at operating temperature You can use the software keyboard or your Agilent data system to create, save, and load these methods. General GC Maintenance Method Create this method for instrument column maintenance, detector maintenance, and general GC maintenance tasks. • Set the oven temperature to 35 °C. This allows the oven fan to assist cooling. • Set all inlet temperatures to 35 °C and set inlet gas pressures to 0.0. • If performing column maintenance, remember to wait for the oven and column to cool down before turning off column carrier gas flow at the source. Also remember to cap both ends of the column to keep air out once it is removed. • If you are not performing column maintenance, keep inert carrier gas (helium or nitrogen) flowing to protect the column. • Set all detector temperatures to 35 °C. • If performing FPD+ maintenance, turn off the GC and unplug the power cord. • Some detectors (FID, NPD) use high voltages. For these detectors, turn the electrometer Off to disable the high voltage. NOTE Inlets and detectors at operating temperature may require 12 hours or longer to reach the maintenance method setpoints below.

1 About Maintaining the GC • The filament in the TCD will be damaged if exposed to air while hot. To protect the filament, turn it Off. • Set all detector flows to Off. Once the zones reach < 70 °C, you can perform general GC maintenance. Inlet Maintenance Method This method prepares the inlet for maintenance while leaving the detector at operating temperature. • Set the oven temperature to 35 °C. This allows the oven fan to assist cooling. • Set all inlet temperatures to Off and set inlet gas pressures to 0.0. • If performing column maintenance, remember to wait for the oven and column to cool down before turning off column carrier gas flow at the source. Also remember to cap both ends of the column to keep air out once it is removed. • If you are not performing column maintenance, keep inert carrier gas (helium or nitrogen) flowing to protect the column. • Maintain all temperature setpoints for installed detectors, if desired. • The filament in the TCD will be damaged if exposed to air while hot. To protect the filament, turn it Off. Once the zones reach < 70 °C, you can perform general GC maintenance. WARNING Be careful! The oven, inlet, and/or detector may be hot enough to cause burns. If the oven, inlet, or detector is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. WARNING Be careful! The oven, inlet, and/or detector may be hot enough to cause burns. If the oven, inlet, or detector is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands.

1 Maintaining Your GC 15 Safety Information Before performing a maintenance task, read the important safety and regulatory information found in the Safety and Regulatory Information book.

1 About Maintaining the GC Finding a Replacement Part Number Agilent now provides the Parts Finder tool to help you locate replacement and consumable part numbers. If using an Agilent data system, Parts Finder will be installed. If you want to install the tool on another computer, Parts Finder is included on the Agilent GC and GC/MS User Manuals & Tools DVD. To find a consumable or replacement part using Parts Finder, navigate to the part graphically, based on the part’s location in the GC. Figure 1 Quickly navigate to replacement parts by clicking on images of GC components Part numbers are also included in this manual.

Maintaining Your GC Agilent Technologies 2 Removing Covers To Remove the Detector Top Cover 18 To Remove the Pneumatics Cover 19 To Remove the Side Cover 20 To Remove the Electronics Cover 21 This section describes how to remove covers as needed for routine maintenance. Only the covers listed in this chapter should be removed. Removing other GC covers can compromise the safety features of the GC, leading to personal injury or damage to the instrument.

2 Removing Covers To Remove the Detector Top Cover This cover protects the detectors, valve box, and valve assembly. To remove the detector top cover: 1 Raise it to a vertical position 2 Lift the right side and disengage the pin on the lower left side. CAUTION Do not force the cover, either when installing it or closing it. This could break the plastic parts.

19 To Remove the Pneumatics Cover The pneumatics cover protects the flow manifolds in the back top of the GC. 1 Disconnect any vent tubing connected to the split and septum purge vents. 2 Raise and remove the detector top cover. 3 Remove the screw on the left side of the pneumatics cover that secures the cover to the GC. 4 Loosen the one or two screws on the back of the GC that secure the pneumatics cover to the GC. (Depending on the date of manufacture, the number of screws securing the pneumatics cover to the GC varies.) 5 Lift and remove the cover.

2 Removing Covers To Remove the Side Cover The side cover protects the GC main board and detector boards. 1 Remove the screw on the right side of the GC that secures the side cover to the GC 2 Remove the one or two screws on the back of the GC that secure the side cover to the GC. (Depending on the date of manufacture, the number of screws securing the side cover to the GC varies.) 3 Slide the side cover toward the back of the GC. 4 Tilt the top of the side cover away from the GC and then lift the side cover off of the GC.

21 To Remove the Electronics Cover You may need to remove the electronics cover to perform NPD maintenance. The steps required depend on whether or not an FPD+ is installed. Without FPD+/FPD installed: 1 Raise or remove the detector top cover. 2 Remove the side cover. 3 Remove the screw on the left side of the electronics cover. 4 Loosen the screw on the back of the electronics cover. 5 Remove the cover. With FPD+/FPD installed: 1 Raise or remove the detector top cover. 2 Remove the PMT tube. See To Change the FPD+ Wavelength Filter or To Change the FPD Wavelength Filter as applicable. 3 Remove the heat shield (the metal “bracket” below the PMT tube) by removing the four screws that secure it to the front bracket/support. 4 Remove the side cover. 5 Remove the screw on the left side of the electronics cover. 6 Loosen the screw on the back of the electronics cover. 7 Remove the cover. CAUTION Raising the electronics cover exposes the GC electronics.

Maintaining Your GC Agilent Technologies 3 Maintaining Capillary Columns Consumables and Parts for Columns 24 To Install a Capillary Column Hanger 26 To Install Capillary Column Clips 27 To Condition a Capillary Column 28 To Cut a Loop from a Column 31 To Reverse a Column and Bakeout Contaminants 32

3 Maintaining Capillary Columns Consumables and Parts for Columns See the Agilent catalog for consumables and supplies for a more complete listing, or visit the Agilent Web site for the latest information (www.agilent.com/chem/supplies). Table 2 Nuts, ferrules, and hardware for capillary columns Column id (mm) Description Typical use Part number/quantity .530 Ferrule, Vespel/graphite, 0.8-mm id 0.45-mm and 0.53-mm capillary columns 5062-3512 (10/pk) Ferrule, graphite, 1.0-mm id 0.53-mm capillary columns 5080-8773 (10/pk) Ferrule, graphite, 0.8-mm id 0.53-mm capillary columns 500-2118 (10/pk) Column nut, finger-tight (for 0.53-mm columns) Connect column to inlet or detector 5020-8293 .320 Ferrule, Vespel/graphite, 0.5-mm id 0.32-mm capillary columns 5062-3514 (10/pk) Ferrule, graphite, 0.5-mm id 0.1-mm, 0.2-mm, 0.25-mm, and 0.32-mm capillary columns 5080-8853 (10/pk) Column nut, finger-tight (for .100- to .320-mm columns) Connect column to inlet or detector 5020-8292 .250 Ferrule, Vespel/graphite, 0.4-mm id 0.1-mm, 0.2-mm, and 0.25-mm capillary columns 5181-3323 (10/pk) Ferrule, graphite, 0.5-mm id 0.1-mm, 0.2-mm, 0.25-mm, and 0.32-mm capillary columns 5080-8853 (10/pk) Column nut, finger-tight (for .100- to .320-mm columns) Connect column to inlet or detector 5020-8292 .100 and .200 Ferrule, Vespel/graphite, 0.37-mm id 0.1-mm and 0.2-mm capillary columns 5062-3516 (10/pk) Ferrule, Vespel/graphite, 0.4-mm id 0.1-mm, 0.2-mm, and 0.25-mm capillary columns 5181-3323 (10/pk) Ferrule, graphite, 0.5-mm id 0.1-mm, 0.2-mm, 0.25-mm, and 0.32-mm capillary columns 5080-8853 (10/pk) Ferrule, graphite, 0.4-mm id 500-2114 (10/pk) Column nut, finger-tight (for .100- to .320-mm columns) Connect column to inlet or detector 5020-8292 All Ferrule, no-hole Testing 5181-3308 (10/pk) Capillary column blanking nut Testing–use with any ferrule 5020-8294 Column nut, universal Connect column to inlet or detector 5181-8830 (2/pk)

3 Maintaining Your GC 25 Column cutter, ceramic wafer Cutting capillary columns 5181-8836 (4/pk) Pencil, diamond tipped Cutting capillary columns 420-1000 Ferrule tool kit Ferrule installation 440-1000 Table 2 Nuts, ferrules, and hardware for capillary columns (continued) Column id (mm) Description Typical use Part number/quantity Table 3 Capillary column hangers Description Part Number Column hanger 1460-1914 Capillary column clip kit, for 7-inch column basket G1530-61580

3 Maintaining Capillary Columns To Install a Capillary Column Hanger 1 Select either the front or back hanger position. (Hanger is shown in back position.) 2 Insert the ends of the hanger into the slots in the selected position. WARNING Be careful! The oven may be hot enough to cause burns. If the oven is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. WARNING Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying particles while handling, cutting, or installing glass or fused silica capillary columns. Use care in handling these columns to prevent puncture wounds. Front position Back position

3 Maintaining Your GC 27 To Install Capillary Column Clips 1 Gather the following: • Capillary column clip kit (see “Consumables and Parts for Columns” on page 24.) • T-20 Torx screwdriver 2 Loosen the four corner mounting screws, but do not remove. 3 Slip each corner screw through the large hole on the clip. 4 Slide the clip so that the screw is positioned in the slot. 5 Tighten the screws enough to hold the clips in place. Once the column is installed, fully tighten the four corner screws to secure the clips and column to the oven wall. WARNING Be careful! The oven may be hot enough to cause burns. If the oven is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. WARNING Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying particles while handling, cutting, or installing glass or fused silica capillary columns. Use care in handling these columns to prevent puncture wounds. Column clip Mounting screw

3 Maintaining Capillary Columns To Condition a Capillary Column 1 Gather the following: • One 7/16-inch, and 1/4-inch wrenches • No-hole ferrule (See “Consumables and Parts for Columns” on page 24.) • Column nut 2 Load the GC maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. 3 Install the column into the inlet using the new ferrules. See: • To Install a Capillary Column with the Split/Splitless Inlet • To Install a Capillary Column with the Purged Packed Inlet • To Install a Capillary Column with the COC Inlet WARNING Do not use hydrogen as the carrier for conditioning! It could vent into the oven and present an explosion hazard. WARNING Be careful! The oven and/or detector may be hot enough to cause burns. If the detector is hot, wear gloves to protect your hands. WARNING Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying particles while handling, cutting, or installing glass or fused silica capillary columns. Use care in handling these columns to prevent puncture wounds.

3 Maintaining Your GC 29 4 Cap the detector column fitting. 5 Set a minimum velocity of 30 cm/s, or as recommended by the column manufacturer. Let gas flow through the column at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes to remove air. 6 Program the oven from room temperature to the maximum temperature limit for the column. Increase the temperature at a rate of 10 to 15 °C/min. Hold at the maximum temperature for 30 minutes. 7 Load the GC maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. 8 Attach the column to the detector. For details, select your specific detector from the following list: • To Install a Capillary Column in the FID • To Install a Capillary Column in the NPD • To Install a Capillary Column in the TCD • To Install a Capillary Column in the µECD • To Attach a Capillary Column to the FPD+ WARNING Be careful! The oven and/or detector may be hot enough to cause burns. If the detector is hot, wear gloves to protect your hands. WARNING Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying particles while handling, cutting, or installing glass or fused silica capillary columns. Use care in handling these columns to prevent puncture wounds.

3 Maintaining Capillary Columns 9 Restore the analytical method. • For FID or any FPD+, immediately turn off the flame. • For NPD, immediately turn off the bead. 10 After the GC becomes ready, wait 10 minutes, then ignite the detector flame or bead.

3 Maintaining Your GC 31 To Cut a Loop from a Column 1 Gather the following: • New ferrule(s) for the column inlet connection • Column cutter 2 Load the inlet maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. 3 Loosen the inlet column nut and remove the column from the inlet. 4 Uncoil one loop of column from the column hanger. 5 Cut the unwanted loop from the column. 6 Install the column into the inlet using the new ferrules. See: • To Install a Capillary Column with the Split/Splitless Inlet • To Install a Capillary Column with the Purged Packed Inlet • To Install a Capillary Column with the COC Inlet WARNING Be careful! The oven and/or inlet may be hot enough to cause burns. If the inlet is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. WARNING Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying particles while handling, cutting, or installing glass or fused silica capillary columns. Use care in handling these columns to prevent puncture wounds.

3 Maintaining Capillary Columns To Reverse a Column and Bakeout Contaminants 1 Gather the following: • 1/4-inch wrench • Column cutter 2 Load the maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. 3 Disconnect the column from the inlet and detector. 4 If necessary, cut a loop from the column. (See “To Cut a Loop from a Column” on page 31.) Do not attach the column to the inlet. 5 Remove the column from the hanger and reverse its position (inlet and detector ends) and place the column back on the hanger. 6 Attach the column to the inlet. Select your specific inlet from the following list: • To Install a Capillary Column with the Split/Splitless Inlet • To Install a Capillary Column with the Purged Packed Inlet • To Install a Capillary Column with the COC Inlet 7 Attach your column to the detector. Select your specific detector from the following list: • To Install a Capillary Column in the FID • To Install a Capillary Column in the NPD • To Install a Capillary Column in the TCD • To Install a Capillary Column in the µECD • To Attach a Capillary Column to the FPD+ WARNING Be careful! The oven and/or detector may be hot enough to cause burns. If the detector is hot, wear gloves to protect your hands. WARNING Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying particles while handling, cutting, or installing glass or fused silica capillary columns. Use care in handling these columns to prevent puncture wounds.

3 Maintaining Your GC 33 8 Set the column flow to the normal operating value, or set the capillary column gas velocity to 30 cm/s. For Split/Splitless inlets, select split mode and set the split vent flow to 200 mL/min. 9 Purge the column with carrier flow for at least 10 minutes before heating the oven. 10 Set the inlet temperature to 300 °C or 25 °C above the normal operating temperature. 11 Set the column oven 25 °C above the GC method final oven temperature to bake contaminants out of the inlet, mostly through the split vent. Do not exceed the column manufacturer’s maximum temperature limit. 12 Bakeout for 30 minutes. CAUTION Wear clean, lint-free gloves to prevent contamination of parts with dirt and skin oils.

Maintaining Your GC Agilent Technologies 4 Maintaining the Split/Splitless Inlet Consumables and Parts for the Split/Splitless Inlet 36 Exploded Parts View of the Split/Splitless Inlet 39 To Install a Capillary Column with the Split/Splitless Inlet 40 To Change the Septum on the Split/Splitless Inlet 44 To Clean the Septum Seat in the Insert Assembly of the Split/Splitless Inlet 46 To Change the Liner and O-Ring on the Split/Splitless Inlet 48 To Replace the Gold Seal on the Split/Splitless Inlet 50 Check for leaks. 51 To Replace the Filter in the Split Vent Line 52 To Clean the Split/Splitless Inlet 55 To Bakeout Contaminants from the Split/Splitless Inlet 57

4 Maintaining the Split/Splitless Inlet Consumables and Parts for the Split/Splitless Inlet See the Agilent catalog for consumables and supplies for a more complete listing, or visit the Agilent Web site for the latest information (www.agilent.com/chem/supplies). \Table 4 Split, splitless, direct, and direct connect inlet liners Mode Description Deactivated Part number Split Low-pressure drop, glass wool, single taper, 870 µL Yes 5183-4647 Split Glass wool, 990 µL No 19251-60540 Split—Manual only Empty pin and cup, 800 µL No 18740-80190 Split—Manual only Packed pin and cup, 800 µL No 18740-60840 Splitless Single taper, glass wool, 900 µL Yes 5062-3587 Splitless Single taper, no glass wool, 900 µL Yes 5181-3316 Splitless Dual taper, no glass wool, 800 µL Yes 5181-3315 Splitless—Direct inject 2-mm id, quartz, 250 µL No 18740-80220 Splitless—Direct inject 2-mm id, 250 µL Yes 5181-8818 Direct inject —Headspace or purge and trap 1.5-mm id, 140 µL No 18740-80200 Direct column connect Single taper, splitless 4-mm id Yes G1544-80730 Direct column connect Dual taper, splitless 4-mm id Yes G1544-80700 Table 5 Nuts, ferrules, and hardware for capillary columns Column id (mm) Description Typical use Part number/quantity .530 Ferrule, Vespel/graphite, 0.8-mm id 0.45-mm and 0.53-mm capillary columns 5062-3512 (10/pk) Ferrule, graphite, 1.0-mm id 0.53-mm capillary columns 5080-8773 (10/pk) Ferrule, graphite, 0.8-mm id 0.53-mm capillary columns 500-2118 (10/pk) Column nut, finger-tight (for 0.53-mm columns) Connect column to inlet or detector 5020-8293 .320 Ferrule, Vespel/graphite, 0.5-mm id 0.32-mm capillary columns 5062-3514 (10/pk) Ferrule, graphite, 0.5-mm id 0.1-mm, 0.2-mm, 0.25-mm, and 0.32-mm capillary columns 5080-8853 (10/pk) Column nut, finger-tight (for .100- to .320-mm columns) Connect column to inlet or detector 5020-8292

4 Maintaining Your GC 37 .250 Ferrule, Vespel/graphite, 0.4-mm id 0.1-mm, 0.2-mm, and 0.25-mm capillary columns 5181-3323 (10/pk) Ferrule, graphite, 0.5-mm id 0.1-mm, 0.2-mm, 0.25-mm, and 0.32-mm capillary columns 5080-8853 (10/pk) Column nut, finger-tight (for .100- to .320-mm columns) Connect column to inlet or detector 5020-8292 .100 and .200 Ferrule, Vespel/graphite, 0.37-mm id 0.1-mm and 0.2-mm capillary columns 5062-3516 (10/pk) Ferrule, Vespel/graphite, 0.4-mm id 0.1-mm, 0.2-mm, and 0.25-mm capillary columns 5181-3323 (10/pk) Ferrule, graphite, 0.5-mm id 0.1-mm, 0.2-mm, 0.25-mm, and 0.32-mm capillary columns 5080-8853 (10/pk) Ferrule, graphite, 0.4-mm id 500-2114 (10/pk) Column nut, finger-tight (for .100- to .320-mm columns) Connect column to inlet or detector 5020-8292 All Ferrule, no-hole Testing 5181-3308 (10/pk) Capillary column blanking nut Testing–use with any ferrule 5020-8294 Column nut, universal Connect column to inlet or detector 5181-8830 (2/pk) Column cutter, ceramic wafer Cutting capillary columns 5181-8836 (4/pk) Pencil, diamond tipped Cutting capillary columns 420-1000 Ferrule tool kit Ferrule installation 440-1000 Table 5 Nuts, ferrules, and hardware for capillary columns (continued) Column id (mm) Description Typical use Part number/quantity Table 6 Other consumables and parts for the split/splitless inlet Description/quantity Part number Septum retainer nut for headspace 18740-60830 Septum retainer nut 18740-60835 11-mm septum, high-temperature, low-bleed, 50/pk 5183-4757 11-mm septum, prepierced, long life, 50/pk 5183-4761 Merlin Microseal septum (high-pressure) 5182-3444 Merlin Microseal septum (30 psi) 5181-8815 Nonstick fluorocarbon liner O-ring (for temperatures up to 350 °C), 10/pk 5188-5365

4 Maintaining the Split/Splitless Inlet Nonstick fluorocarbon liner O-ring for Flip Top Inlet Sealing System, 10/pk 5188-5366 Graphite O-ring for split liner (for temperatures above 350 °C), 10/pk 5180-4168 Graphite O-ring for splitless liner (for temperatures above 350 °C), 10/pk 5180-4173 Split vent trap PM kit, single cartridge 5188-6495 Retaining nut G1544-20590 Gold-plated seal (standard application) 5188-5367 Gold-plated seal with cross (high split flows) (includes SS washer) 5182-9652 Stainless steel washer (0.375-inch od), 12/pk 5061-5869 Reducing nut 18740-20800 Column nut, blanking plug 5020-8294 Capillary inlet preventative maintenance kit, split 5188-6496 Capillary inlet preventative maintenance kit, splitless 5188-6497 Table 6 Other consumables and parts for the split/splitless inlet Description/quantity Part number

4 Maintaining Your GC 39 Exploded Parts View of the Split/Splitless Inlet

4 Maintaining the Split/Splitless Inlet To Install a Capillary Column with the Split/Splitless Inlet 1 Gather the following (see “Consumables and Parts for the Split/Splitless Inlet” on page 36): • Column • Ferrule(s) • Column nut • Septum • Column cutter • Isopropanol • Lab tissue • Metric ruler • 1/4-inch open-end wrench • Lint-free gloves 2 Load the GC maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. 3 Verify that the correct glass liner is installed. (See “Consumables and Parts for the Split/Splitless Inlet” on page 36.) 4 Place the column on the hanger with the ends pointing up and the label to the front. WARNING Do not use hydrogen as the carrier for conditioning! It could vent into the oven and present an explosion hazard. WARNING Be careful! The oven and/or inlet may be hot enough to cause burns. If either is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. WARNING Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying particles while handling, cutting, or installing glass or fused silica capillary columns. Use care in handling these columns to prevent puncture wounds. CAUTION Wear clean, lint-free gloves to prevent contamination of parts with dirt and skin oils.

4 Maintaining Your GC 41 5 Place a septum, capillary column nut, and ferrule on the column. 6 Score the column using a glass scribing tool. The score must be square to ensure a clean break. 7 Break off the column end by supporting it against the column cutter opposite the scribe. Inspect the end with a magnifying loupe to make certain there are no burrs or jagged edges. 8 Wipe the column walls with a tissue dampened with isopropanol to remove fingerprints and dust. 9 Position the column so it extends 4 to 6 mm above the end of the ferrule. Slide the septum up the column to hold the column nut at this position. Ferrule Column nut Septum Good Bad

4 Maintaining the Split/Splitless Inlet 10 Thread the column nut into the inlet but do not tighten. 11 Adjust the column position so that the septum contacts the bottom of the column nut. Finger-tighten the column nut until it begins to grip the column. 12 Tighten the column nut an additional 1/4 to 1/2 turn with a wrench so that the column cannot be pulled from the fitting with gentle pressure. 13 Configure the new column. 14 Condition the column per the manufacturer’s recommendation. (See To Condition a Capillary Column.) 15 Install the column into the detector. See: • To Install a Capillary Column in the FID • To Install a Capillary Column in the NPD • To Install a Capillary Column in the TCD • To Install a Capillary Column in the µECD • To Attach a Capillary Column to the FPD+ 16 After the column is installed at both inlet and detector, establish a flow of carrier gas and purge as recommended by the column manufacturer. 17 Restore the analytical method. • For FID or FPD+, immediately turn off the flame. • For NPD, immediately turn off the bead. 4%6 mm

4 Maintaining Your GC 43 18 After the GC becomes ready, wait 10 minutes then ignite the detector flame or bead. 19 Allow the oven, inlet, and detector to equilibrate at operating temperature, then retighten the fittings. WARNING Be careful! The oven, inlet, and/or detector may be hot enough to cause burns. If they are hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands.

4 Maintaining the Split/Splitless Inlet To Change the Septum on the Split/Splitless Inlet 1 Gather the following: • Replacement septum. (See “Consumables and Parts for the Split/Splitless Inlet” on page 36.) • 0- or 00-grade steel wool (optional) • Tweezers 2 Load the inlet maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. 3 Remove the septum retainer nut or Merlin cap. 4 Use tweezers to remove the septum or Merlin Microseal from the retainer nut. Do not gouge or scratch the interior of the septum head. 5 Firmly press the new septum or Merlin Microseal into the fitting. The metal parts side of the Merlin Microseal should face down (toward the oven). 6 Install the septum retainer nut or Merlin cap and finger-tighten. Tighten the septum retainer nut until the C-ring is about 1 mm above the nut. WARNING Be careful! The oven and/or inlet may be hot enough to cause burns. If the inlet is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. Septum Septum retainer nut

4 Maintaining Your GC 45 7 Restore the analytical method. 8 Reset the septum counter. CAUTION Overtightening the septum nut can cause contamination. 1 mm

4 Maintaining the Split/Splitless Inlet To Clean the Septum Seat in the Insert Assembly of the Split/Splitless Inlet 1 Gather the following: • Replacement septum (See “Consumables and Parts for the Split/Splitless Inlet” on page 36.) • 0- or 00-grade steel wool (optional) • Tweezers • Compressed, filtered, dry air or nitrogen 2 Load the inlet maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. 3 Unscrew the insert nut from the inlet body. Lift the septum assembly straight up and away from the inlet to avoid chipping or breaking the liner. 4 Remove the septum retainer nut or Merlin cap. 5 Use tweezers to remove the septum or Merlin Microseal from the retainer nut. (See “To Change the Septum on the Split/Splitless Inlet” on page 44.) 6 Scrub the residue from the retainer nut and septum holder with a small piece of rolled-up steel wool and tweezers. Do not do this over the inlet. WARNING Be careful! The oven and/or inlet may be hot enough to cause burns. If either is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. Split/splitless insert nut

4 Maintaining Your GC 47 7 Use compressed air or nitrogen to blow away the pieces of steel wool and septum. 8 Replace the insert retainer nut, tightening it to firm finger-tightness. Do not overtighten. 9 Firmly press the new septum or Merlin Microseal into the fitting. (See “To Change the Septum on the Split/Splitless Inlet” on page 44.) 10 Replace the septum retainer nut or Merlin cap and finger-tighten. (See “To Change the Septum on the Split/Splitless Inlet” on page 44.) 11 Restore the analytical method.

4 Maintaining the Split/Splitless Inlet To Change the Liner and O-Ring on the Split/Splitless Inlet 1 Gather the following: • Replacement O-ring (See “Consumables and Parts for the Split/Splitless Inlet” on page 36.) • Replacement liner • Tweezers • Lint-free gloves 2 Load the inlet maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. 3 Unscrew the insert nut from the inlet body. Lift the septum assembly straight up and away from the inlet to avoid chipping or breaking the liner. If using a Flip-Top inlet, lift the lever arm. 4 Loosen the O-ring from the sealing surface with tweezers. 5 Grasp the liner with tweezers and pull it out. 6 Inspect the surface of the gold seal for graphite or rubber septum contamination. If required, replace the gold seal. (See “To Replace the Gold Seal on the Split/Splitless Inlet” on page 50.) WARNING Be careful! The oven and/or inlet may be hot enough to cause burns. If either is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. Liner and O-ring in inlet

4 Maintaining Your GC 49 Clean the inlet if there is visible or suspected contamination. (See “To Clean the Split/Splitless Inlet” on page 55.) Clean O-ring residue from sealing surface. 7 Slide a new O-ring onto the replacement liner. 8 Return the liner to the inlet, pushing it all the way in until the liner contacts the gold seal. 9 Replace the insert retainer nut, tightening it to firm finger-tightness. Do not overtighten. If using the Flip-Top inlet, close the lever arm. 10 Turn on the inlet. Allow the inlet and column to purge with carrier gas for 15 minutes before heating the inlet or the column oven. 11 Bakeout contaminants. (See “To Bakeout Contaminants from the Split/Splitless Inlet” on page 57.) 12 Restore the analytical method. 13 Check for leaks. 14 Reset the liner counter. CAUTION Wear clean, lint-free gloves to prevent contamination of parts with dirt and skin oils.

4 Maintaining the Split/Splitless Inlet To Replace the Gold Seal on the Split/Splitless Inlet 1 Gather the following: • Replacement gold seal (See “Consumables and Parts for the Split/Splitless Inlet” on page 36.) • Replacement washer • 1/4-inch wrench (for column) • 1/2-inch wrench • Lint-free gloves 2 Load the inlet maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. 3 Remove the inlet liner. 4 Remove the column from the inlet. Cap the open end of the column to prevent contamination. Remove the insulation cup around the base of the inlet. 5 Loosen and remove the reducing nut. Remove the washer and seal inside the reducing nut. 6 Put on gloves to protect the new gold seal and washer from contamination. Put a new washer in the reducing nut and place the new gold seal on top of it (raised portion facing down). WARNING Be careful! The oven and/or inlet may be hot enough to cause burns. If either is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. CAUTION Wear clean, lint-free gloves to prevent contamination of parts with dirt and skin oils.

4 Maintaining Your GC 51 7 Replace the reducing nut and tighten securely with a wrench. 8 Replace the inlet liner. 9 Install the column and the insulation cup. 10 Bakeout contaminants. (See “To Bakeout Contaminants from the Split/Splitless Inlet” on page 57.) 11 Restore the analytical method. 12 Check for leaks. Inlet gold seal Washer Reducing nut Gold seal side view Make sure raised portion faces down.

4 Maintaining the Split/Splitless Inlet To Replace the Filter in the Split Vent Line 1 Gather the following: • New filter cartridge. (See “Consumables and Parts for the Split/Splitless Inlet” on page 36.) • T-20 Torx screwdriver. 2 Load the inlet maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. 3 Remove the pneumatics cover (top, back of GC). 4 Remove the retaining clip. WARNING Be careful! The oven and/or inlet may be hot enough to cause burns. If either is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. WARNING The split vent trap may contain residual amounts of any samples or other chemicals you have injected into the GC. Follow your company’s safety procedures for handling these types of substances while replacing the trap filter cartridge. Split vent valve Split vent trap Retaining clip

4 Maintaining Your GC 53 5 Completely loosen the two screws that secure the split vent valve in place. 6 Lift the filter trap assembly and split vent valve from the mounting bracket together and unscrew the split vent front weldment on the filter trap assembly. Be careful not to stress the tubing between the split vent valve and the trap. 7 Remove the old filter cartridge and two O-rings. 8 Verify the new O-rings are seated properly on the new filter cartridge. 9 Install the new filter cartridge then reassemble the trap. Do not fully tighten yet. 10 Place the filter trap assembly in the mounting bracket and install the retaining clip. 11 Install the split vent valve. 12 Fully tighten the split vent front weldment onto the trap. 13 Check for leaks.

4 Maintaining the Split/Splitless Inlet 14 Reset the EMF counter. See To reset an EMF counter. 15 Restore the analytical method. 16 Reset the split vent trap counter. 17 Install the pneumatics cover.

4 Maintaining Your GC 55 To Clean the Split/Splitless Inlet 1 Gather the following: • Replacement septum (See “Consumables and Parts for the Split/Splitless Inlet” on page 36.) • Replacement liner • Replacement O-ring • Replacement gold seal • Replacement washer • Solvent that will clean the type of deposits in your inlet • Compressed, filtered, dry air or nitrogen • Beaker • Cleaning brushes—The FID cleaning kit (part number 9301-0985) contains appropriate brushes • Lint-free gloves 2 Load the inlet maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. 3 Remove the inlet liner. (See “To Change the Liner and O-Ring on the Split/Splitless Inlet” on page 48.) 4 Disconnect the column from the inlet. 5 Remove the reducing nut and gold seal. (See “To Replace the Gold Seal on the Split/Splitless Inlet” on page 50.) 6 Place a beaker in the oven under the inlet to catch the solvent. 7 Soak a cleaning brush in the solvent and scrub the inside of the inlet weldment. Repeat 10 times. 8 Rinse the inlet with the solvent. WARNING Be careful! The oven and/or inlet may be hot enough to cause burns. If the inlet is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. CAUTION Wear clean, lint-free gloves to prevent contamination of parts with dirt and skin oils.

4 Maintaining the Split/Splitless Inlet 9 Blow the inside of the inlet dry with compressed air or nitrogen. 10 Install the gold seal and reducing nut. 11 Install the liner and O-ring. 12 Install the column. (See “To Install a Capillary Column with the Split/Splitless Inlet” on page 40.) 13 Check for leaks. 14 Bakeout contaminants. (See “To Bakeout Contaminants from the Split/Splitless Inlet” on page 57.) 15 Restore the analytical method.

4 Maintaining Your GC 57 To Bakeout Contaminants from the Split/Splitless Inlet 1 Put the inlet into split mode. 2 Set the column flow to the normal operating value, or set the capillary column gas velocity to 30 cm/s. 3 Set the inlet split vent flow to 200 mL/min. 4 Purge the column with carrier flow for at least 10 minutes before heating the oven. 5 If the column is attached to the detector, set the detector 25 °C above normal operating temperature. If the column is not attached to the detector, cap the detector fitting. 6 Set the inlet temperature to 300 °C or 25 °C above the normal operating temperature to bakeout contaminants from the inlet, mostly through the split vent. 7 Set the column oven 25 °C above the GC method final oven temperature to bake contaminants from the column. Do not exceed the column manufacturer’s maximum temperature limit. 8 Bakeout for 30 minutes or until the detector baseline is free of contamination peaks. WARNING Be careful! The oven, inlet, and/or detector may be hot enough to cause burns. If they are hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands.

Maintaining Your GC Agilent Technologies 5 Maintaining the Purged Packed Inlet Consumables and Parts for the Purged Packed Inlet 60 Exploded Parts View of the Purged Packed Inlet 63 To Install a Capillary Column with the Purged Packed Inlet 64 To Change the Septum on the Purged Packed Inlet 68 To Clean the Septum Seat in the Purged Packed Inlet 70 To Install an Adapter on the Purged Packed Inlet 72 To Change the O-Ring on the Purged Packed Inlet 74 To Change the Glass Liner on the Purged Packed Inlet 75 To Install an Insulation Cup on the Purged Packed Inlet 77 To Clean the Purged Packed Inlet 78 To Bakeout Contaminants from the Purged Packed Inlet 80 To Install a Packed Metal Column 81 To Install a Packed Column Adapter on a Detector Fitting 83 To Install a Packed Glass Column 85 To Condition a Packed Column 88 To Install Ferrules on a Packed Metal Column 90

5 Maintaining the Purged Packed Inlet Consumables and Parts for the Purged Packed Inlet See the Agilent catalog for consumables and supplies for a more complete listing, or visit the Agilent Web site for the latest information (www.agilent.com/chem/supplies). Table 7 Purged packed inlet parts Description Part number/quantity Preventative maintenance kit 5188-6498 Purged packed glass liners and column adapters Glass liner 5080-8732 (25/pack) or 5181-3382 deactivated (5/pack) 0.53-mm column adapter 19244-80540 1/8-inch column adapter 19243-80530 1/4-inch column adapter 19243-80540 Recommended septa and O-rings for the purged packed inlet 11-mm solid septum, low-bleed, red 5181-1263 (50/pk) 11-mm septum with partial through-hole, low-bleed, red 5181-3383 (50/pk) 11-mm septum, low-bleed, gray 5080-8896 (50/pk) Merlin Microseal septum (30 psi) 5181-8815 11-mm high-temperature silicone septum (350 °C and higher) 5182-0739 (50/pk) Viton O-ring (Top insert weldment) 5080-8898 (12/pk) Table 8 Nuts and ferrules for packed columns Description Typical use Part number/quantity 1/8-inch id Swagelok stainless steel nut, front ferrule, back ferrule 1/8-inch column 5080-8751 (20 each/pk) 1/8-inch id Swagelok brass nut, front ferrule, back ferrule 1/8-inch column 5080-8750 (20 each/pk) 1/8-inch id Vespel/ graphite ferrule 1/8-inch column 0100-1332 (10/pk)

5 Maintaining Your GC 61 1/8-inch id brass tubing nut 1/8-inch column 5180-4103 (10/pk) 1/4-inch id Swagelok stainless steel nut, front ferrule, back ferrule 1/4-inch column 5080-8753 (20 each/pk) 1/4-inch id Swagelok brass nut, front ferrule, back ferrule 1/4-inch column 5080-8752 (20 each/pk) 1/4-inch id Vespel/ graphite ferrule Inlet/detector liner/adapters 1/4-inch column 5080-8774 (10/pk) 1/4-inch id brass tubing nut 1/4-inch column 5180-4105 (10/pk) Table 8 Nuts and ferrules for packed columns (continued) Description Typical use Part number/quantity Table 9 Nuts, ferrules, and hardware for capillary columns Column id (mm) Description Typical use Part number/quantity .530 Ferrule, Vespel/graphite, 0.8-mm id 0.45-mm and 0.53-mm capillary columns 5062-3512 (10/pk) Ferrule, graphite, 1.0-mm id 0.53-mm capillary columns 5080-8773 (10/pk) Ferrule, graphite, 0.8-mm id 0.53-mm capillary columns 500-2118 (10/pk) Column nut, finger-tight (for 0.53-mm columns) Connect column to inlet or detector 5020-8293 .320 Ferrule, Vespel/graphite, 0.5-mm id 0.32-mm capillary columns 5062-3514 (10/pk) Ferrule, graphite, 0.5-mm id 0.1-mm, 0.2-mm, 0.25-mm, and 0.32-mm capillary columns 5080-8853 (10/pk) Column nut, finger-tight (for .100- to .320-mm columns) Connect column to inlet or detector 5020-8292 .250 Ferrule, Vespel/graphite, 0.4-mm id 0.1-mm, 0.2-mm, and 0.25-mm capillary columns 5181-3323 (10/pk) Ferrule, graphite, 0.5-mm id 0.1-mm, 0.2-mm, 0.25-mm, and 0.32-mm capillary columns 5080-8853 (10/pk) Column nut, finger-tight (for .100- to .320-mm columns) Connect column to inlet or detector 5020-8292 .100 and .200 Ferrule, Vespel/graphite, 0.37-mm id 0.1-mm and 0.2-mm capillary columns 5062-3516 (10/pk)

5 Maintaining the Purged Packed Inlet Ferrule, Vespel/graphite, 0.4-mm id 0.1-mm, 0.2-mm, and 0.25-mm capillary columns 5181-3323 (10/pk) Ferrule, graphite, 0.5-mm id 0.1-mm, 0.2-mm, 0.25-mm, and 0.32-mm capillary columns 5080-8853 (10/pk) Ferrule, graphite, 0.4-mm id 500-2114 (10/pk) Column nut, finger-tight (for .100- to .320-mm columns) Connect column to inlet or detector 5020-8292 All Ferrule, no-hole Testing 5181-3308 (10/pk) Capillary column blanking nut Testing–use with any ferrule 5020-8294 Column nut, universal Connect column to inlet or detector 5181-8830 (2/pk) Column cutter, ceramic wafer Cutting capillary columns 5181-8836 (4/pk) Pencil, diamond tipped Cutting capillary columns 420-1000 Ferrule tool kit Ferrule installation 440-1000 Table 9 Nuts, ferrules, and hardware for capillary columns (continued) Column id (mm) Description Typical use Part number/quantity

5 Maintaining Your GC 63 Exploded Parts View of the Purged Packed Inlet Column nut Ferrule Insulation cup Insulation Adapter Adapter nut Ferrule Glass liner O-ring Top insert weldment Merlin Microseal Merlin cap Septum nut Septum

5 Maintaining the Purged Packed Inlet To Install a Capillary Column with the Purged Packed Inlet 1 Gather the following: • Column • Ferrule (See “Consumables and Parts for the Purged Packed Inlet” on page 60.) • Column nut • Glass liner • Viton O-ring • 0.53-mm column adapter • Septum • 1/4-inch wrench • Metric ruler • Lint-free gloves 2 Load the inlet maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. 3 Install a 0.53-mm column adapter. (See “To Install an Adapter on the Purged Packed Inlet” on page 72.) 4 Install a new Viton O-ring. (See “To Change the O-Ring on the Purged Packed Inlet” on page 74.) 5 Place a septum, capillary column nut, and ferrule on the column. WARNING Be careful! The oven and/or inlet may be hot enough to cause burns. If the inlet is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. WARNING Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying particles while handling, cutting, or installing glass or fused silica capillary columns. Use care in handling these columns to prevent puncture wounds. CAUTION Wear clean, lint-free gloves to prevent contamination of parts with dirt and skin oils.

5 Maintaining Your GC 65 6 Score the column using a glass scribing tool. The score must be square to ensure a clean break. 7 Break off the column end by supporting it against the column cutter opposite the scribe. Inspect the end with a magnifying loupe to make certain there are no burrs or jagged edges. 8 Wipe the column walls with a tissue dampened with isopropanol to remove fingerprints and dust. 9 Position the column so it extends 1 to 2 mm above the end of the ferrule. Slide the septum up the column to hold the column nut at this fixed position. Ferrule Column nut Septum Good Bad

5 Maintaining the Purged Packed Inlet 10 Thread the column nut into the inlet adapter but do not tighten. 11 Adjust the column position so that the septum is even with the bottom of the column nut. Finger-tighten the column nut until it begins to grip the column. 12 Tighten the column nut an additional 1/4 to 1/2 turn with a wrench so that the column cannot be pulled from the fitting with gentle pressure. 13 Configure the new column. 14 Condition the column per the manufacturer’s recommendation. (See To Condition a Capillary Column.) 15 Install the column into the detector. See: • To Install a Capillary Column in the FID • To Install a Capillary Column in the NPD • To Install a Capillary Column in the TCD • To Install a Capillary Column in the µECD • To Attach a Capillary Column to the FPD+ 1%2 mm

5 Maintaining Your GC 67 16 After the column is installed at both inlet and detector, establish a flow of carrier gas and purge as recommended by the column manufacturer. 17 Restore the analytical method. • For FPD+, immediately turn off the flame. • For NPD, immediately set the bead voltage to 0.0. 18 After the GC becomes ready, wait 10 minutes then ignite the detector flame or adjust offset on the NPD bead. 19 Allow the oven, inlet, and detector to equilibrate at operating temperature, then retighten the fittings. 20 Reset the column EMF counters. See To Reset an EMF Counter in the Operation Manual. WARNING Be careful! The oven, inlet, and/or detector may be hot enough to cause burns. If the oven, inlet, or detector is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands.

5 Maintaining the Purged Packed Inlet To Change the Septum on the Purged Packed Inlet 1 Gather the following: • Replacement septum (See “Consumables and Parts for the Purged Packed Inlet” on page 60.) • Septum nut wrench • 0- or 00-grade steel wool (optional) • Tweezers 2 Load the inlet maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. 3 Remove the septum retainer nut or Merlin cap. 4 Use tweezers to remove the septum or Merlin Microseal from the retainer nut. Do not gouge or scratch the interior of the septum head. 5 Firmly press the new septum or Merlin Microseal into the fitting. The metal parts side of the Merlin Microseal should face down (toward the oven). WARNING Be careful! The oven and/or inlet may be hot enough to cause burns. If the inlet is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. Septum retainer nut Septum

5 Maintaining Your GC 69 6 Replace the septum retainer nut or Merlin cap and finger-tighten. Tighten the septum retainer nut until the C-ring is about 1 mm above the nut. 7 Restore the analytical method. 8 Reset the septum counter. Merlin Microseal and cap Standard septum CAUTION Overtightening the septum nut can cause contamination. 1 mm

5 Maintaining the Purged Packed Inlet To Clean the Septum Seat in the Purged Packed Inlet 1 Gather the following: • Replacement septum (See “Consumables and Parts for the Purged Packed Inlet” on page 60.) • Septum nut wrench • 0- or 00-grade steel wool (optional) • Tweezers • Compressed, filtered, dry air or nitrogen • Ultrasonic cleaning bath • Lint-free gloves 2 Load the inlet maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. 3 Remove the septum retainer nut or Merlin cap. 4 Loosen the top insert weldment and remove. 5 Use tweezers to remove the septum or Merlin Microseal from the top insert weldment. Do not gouge or scratch the interior of the septum head. 6 Scrub the residue from the top insert weldment and septum nut with a small piece of rolled-up steel wool and tweezers. Ultrasonically clean the retainer nut and top insert weldment. 7 Use compressed air or nitrogen to blow away the pieces of steel wool and septum. 8 Wearing gloves, inspect the O-ring and replace, if necessary. (See “To Change the O-Ring on the Purged Packed Inlet” on page 74.) 9 Install the top insert weldment and hand-tighten firmly. WARNING Be careful! The oven and/or inlet may be hot enough to cause burns. If the inlet is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. CAUTION Wear clean, lint-free gloves to prevent contamination of parts with dirt and skin oils.

5 Maintaining Your GC 71 10 Firmly press the new septum or Merlin Microseal into the fitting. 11 Install the septum retainer nut or Merlin cap and finger-tighten. Tighten the septum retainer nut until the C-ring is about 1 mm above the nut. 12 Restore the analytical method. 13 Reset the septum counter. CAUTION Overtightening the septum nut can cause contamination. 1 mm

5 Maintaining the Purged Packed Inlet To Install an Adapter on the Purged Packed Inlet 1 Gather the following: • Brass tubing nut (see “Consumables and Parts for the Purged Packed Inlet” on page 60.) • Adapter (0.53 mm, 1/8-inch packed, or 1/4-inch packed) • 7/16-inch and 9/16-inch wrench • Vespel/graphite ferrule • Methanol • Lint-free gloves 2 Load the inlet maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. 3 Clean the end of the adapter with a lint-free cloth and methanol to remove contamination such as fingerprints. 4 Place the tubing nut and Vespel/graphite ferrule on the adapter. WARNING Be careful! The oven and/or inlet may be hot enough to cause burns. If the inlet is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. CAUTION Wear clean, lint-free gloves to prevent contamination of parts with dirt and skin oils.

5 Maintaining Your GC 73 5 Insert the adapter straight into the inlet base as far as possible. 6 Hold the adapter in this position and finger-tighten the nut. 7 Tighten an additional 1/4 turn with a wrench. Inlet fitting Ferrule Tubing nut Adapter

5 Maintaining the Purged Packed Inlet To Change the O-Ring on the Purged Packed Inlet 1 Gather the following: • Replacement O-ring (See “Consumables and Parts for the Purged Packed Inlet” on page 60.) • Septum nut wrench • Tweezers • Lint-free gloves 2 Load the inlet maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. 3 Loosen the top insert weldment to remove the top portion of the inlet. 4 Use tweezers to remove the old O-ring. 5 Insert a new O-ring. 6 Install and tighten the top insert weldment. 7 Restore the analytical method. 8 Reset the EMF counter. See To Reset an EMF Counter in the Operation Manual. WARNING Be careful! The oven and/or inlet may be hot enough to cause burns. If the inlet is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. CAUTION Wear clean, lint-free gloves to prevent contamination of parts with dirt and skin oils.

5 Maintaining Your GC 75 To Change the Glass Liner on the Purged Packed Inlet 1 Gather the following: • Replacement glass liner (See “Consumables and Parts for the Purged Packed Inlet” on page 60.) • 9/16-inch wrench • Lint-free gloves 2 Load the inlet maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. 3 Loosen the top insert weldment to remove the top portion of the inlet. 4 Use a thin wire or wood splint to carefully lift and remove the old glass liner. WARNING Be careful! The oven and/or inlet may be hot enough to cause burns. If the inlet is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. Top insert weldment Flared end Glass liner CAUTION Wear clean, lint-free gloves to prevent contamination of parts with dirt and skin oils.

5 Maintaining the Purged Packed Inlet 5 Wearing gloves, inspect the O-ring and replace, if necessary. (See “To Change the O-Ring on the Purged Packed Inlet” on page 74.) 6 Wearing gloves, grasp the flared end (top) of the replacement glass liner with tweezers and install it in the inlet. If the glass liner does not seat properly because a capillary column is installed, remove the column, install the glass liner, and replace the column. (See “To Install a Capillary Column with the Purged Packed Inlet” on page 64.) 7 Install the top insert weldment and hand-tighten firmly. 8 Restore the analytical method. 9 Reset the EMF counter. See To Reset an EMF Counter in the Operation Manual.

5 Maintaining Your GC 77 To Install an Insulation Cup on the Purged Packed Inlet 1 Gather the following: • No-hole ferrule • Column nut 2 Install a plug (for example, a column nut with no-hole ferrule) in the inlet capillary adapter. 3 Push the cup spring to the right. Slide the cup over the inlet fitting so that the insulation at the top of the cup is flush against the oven roof. 4 Place the spring into the groove in the inlet liner. Remove the column nut and no-hole ferrule.

5 Maintaining the Purged Packed Inlet To Clean the Purged Packed Inlet 1 Gather the following: • Replacement O-ring (See “Consumables and Parts for the Purged Packed Inlet” on page 60.) • Replacement glass liner • Replacement septum • Solvent that will clean the type of deposits in your inlet • Compressed, filtered, dry air or nitrogen • Beaker • Cleaning brushes—The FID cleaning kit (part number 9301-0985) contains appropriate brushes • Lint-free gloves 2 Load the inlet maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. 3 Remove the column. 4 Remove the septum nut and septum. 5 Remove the top insert weldment. 6 Remove the glass liner and O-ring. 7 If used, remove the adapter. 8 Ultrasonically clean the septum nut, top insert weldment, and adapter (if used) in a suitable solvent. 9 Place a beaker in the oven under the inlet to catch the solvent. 10 Soak a cleaning brush with the solvent and vigorously scrub the interior walls of the inlet. 11 Blow the inside of the inlet dry with compressed air or nitrogen. WARNING Be careful! The oven and/or inlet may be hot enough to cause burns. If the inlet is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. CAUTION Wear clean, lint-free gloves to prevent contamination of parts with dirt and skin oils.

5 Maintaining Your GC 79 12 Install the adapter, if used. (See “To Install an Adapter on the Purged Packed Inlet” on page 72.) 13 Install the glass liner and O-ring. (See “To Change the Glass Liner on the Purged Packed Inlet” on page 75.) 14 Install the top insert weldment and finger-tighten. 15 Install the septum and septum nut. (See “To Change the Septum on the Purged Packed Inlet” on page 68.) 16 Attach the column. (See “To Install a Capillary Column with the Purged Packed Inlet” on page 64.) 17 Check for leaks. 18 Restore the analytical method. 19 Set the septum and glass liner counters.

5 Maintaining the Purged Packed Inlet To Bakeout Contaminants from the Purged Packed Inlet 1 Set the column flow to the normal operating value, or set the capillary column gas velocity to 30 cm/s. 2 Purge the column with carrier flow for at least 10 minutes before heating the oven. 3 If the column is attached to the detector, set the detector 25 °C above normal operating temperature. If the column is not attached to the detector, cap the detector fitting. 4 Set the inlet temperature to 300 °C or 25 °C above the normal operating temperature. 5 Set the column oven 25 °C above the GC method final oven temperature to bake contaminants out of the inlet. Do not exceed the column manufacturer’s maximum temperature limit. 6 Bakeout for 30 minutes or until the detector baseline is free of contamination peaks.

5 Maintaining Your GC 81 To Install a Packed Metal Column 1 Gather the following: • 7/16-inch, 9/16-inch, and 1/2-inch wrenches • Lint-free gloves 2 Load the GC maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. 3 Prepare the packed metal column. (See “To Install Ferrules on a Packed Metal Column” on page 90.) 4 Install the 1/8-inch or 1/4-inch packed column inlet adapter, if necessary. (See “To Install an Adapter on the Purged Packed Inlet” on page 72.) 5 Attach the column to the inlet adapter. Finger-tighten the nut. 6 Tighten the nut an additional 1/4 turn with a wrench (for a 1/8-inch column) or an additional 3/4 turn (for a 1/4-inch column). Use two wrenches, one on the column nut and the other on the adapter, to prevent the adapter from rotating. 7 Configure the new packed column (make sure either column length or diamter is zero). 8 Condition the column, if necessary. (See “To Condition a Packed Column” on page 88.) 9 Load the GC maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. WARNING Be careful! The oven, inlet, and/or detector may be hot enough to cause burns. If the oven, inlet, or detector is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. CAUTION Wear clean, lint-free gloves to prevent contamination of parts with dirt and skin oils. WARNING Do not use hydrogen as the carrier for conditioning! It could vent into the oven and present an explosion hazard.

5 Maintaining the Purged Packed Inlet 10 If required, install the detector adapter. (See “To Install a Packed Column Adapter on a Detector Fitting” on page 83.) 11 Attach the column to the detector or detector adapter. Finger-tighten the nut. 12 Tighten the nut an additional 1/4 turn with a wrench (for a 1/8-inch column) or an additional 3/4 turn (for a 1/4-inch column). 13 Establish a flow of carrier gas and purge as recommended by the packing manufacturer. Generally: • 20 to 30 mL/min for 2-mm id glass or 1/8-inch od metal columns • 50 to 60 mL/min for 4-mm id glass or 1/4-inch od metal columns 14 Restore the analytical method. • For NPD, immediately set the bead voltage to 0.0. 15 After the GC becomes ready, wait 10 minutes then ignite the detector flame or adjust offset on the NPD bead. 16 Allow the oven, inlet, and detector to equilibrate at operating temperature, then retighten the fittings. WARNING Be careful! The oven, inlet, and/or detector may be hot enough to cause burns. If the oven, inlet, or detector is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. WARNING Be careful! The oven, inlet, and/or detector may be hot enough to cause burns. If the oven, inlet, or detector is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands.

5 Maintaining Your GC 83 To Install a Packed Column Adapter on a Detector Fitting 1 Gather the following: • 7/16-inch, 9/16-inch, and 1/2-inch wrenches • Vespel/graphite ferrule (See “Consumables and Parts for the Purged Packed Inlet” on page 60.) • Brass column nut • Lint-free gloves • Adapter. Select the appropriate adapter from one of the parts lists shown below: • Consumables and Parts for the FID (Packed columns can only be installed on an adaptable FID.) • Consumables and Parts for the TCD • Consumables and Parts for the NPD • Consumables and Parts for the FPD+ • For µECD, 1/4-inch packed columns require no adapter. For 1/8-inch packed columns, see Consumables and Parts for the µECD. 2 Load the GC maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. 3 Assemble a nut and a ferrule onto the adapter. WARNING Be careful! The detector may be hot enough to cause burns. If the detector is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. CAUTION Wear clean, lint-free gloves to prevent contamination of parts with dirt and skin oils.

5 Maintaining the Purged Packed Inlet 4 Insert the adapter straight into the detector base as far as possible. 5 Hold the adapter in this position and finger-tighten the nut. 6 Tighten an additional 1/4 turn with a wrench (for a 1/8-inch column) or an additional 3/4 turn (for a 1/4-inch column).

5 Maintaining Your GC 85 To Install a Packed Glass Column 1 Gather the following: • 9/16-inch wrench • Two 1/4-inch brass nuts (See “Consumables and Parts for the Purged Packed Inlet” on page 60.) • Two 1/4-inch Vespel/graphite ferrules • Lint-free gloves 2 Load the GC maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. 3 Assemble a brass nut and Vespel/graphite ferrule on each end of the column. Glass columns must be simultaneously inserted into the inlet and detector and installed parallel to the oven door. When conditioning the column, do not attach the column to the detector. 4 If conditioning the column, insert the column into the purged packed inlet until it bottoms. Withdraw the column 1 to 2 mm. Finger-tighten the inlet column nut. (See “To Condition a Packed Column” on page 88.) WARNING Be careful! The oven, inlet, and/or detector may be hot enough to cause burns. If the oven, inlet, or detector is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. CAUTION Wear clean, lint-free gloves to prevent contamination of parts with dirt and skin oils. CAUTION Overtightening the column nut or forcing it to bottom in either the inlet or detector may shatter the column.

5 Maintaining the Purged Packed Inlet 5 Tighten the inlet column nut 1/4 turn with a wrench. 6 After conditioning, remove the column from the inlet. 7 Simultaneously insert the column into the inlet and detector fittings but do not force it. It may be necessary to start the long end of the column in the inlet at an angle to clear the oven floor. 8 Withdraw the column 1 to 2 mm from both the inlet and detector. Finger-tighten both column nuts. 9 Tighten both column nuts 1/4 turn with a wrench. 10 Configure the new packed column (make sure either column length or diameter is zero). 11 Establish a flow of carrier gas and purge as recommended by the packing manufacturer. Generally: • 20 to 30 mL/min for 2-mm id glass or 1/8-inch od metal columns • 50 to 60 mL/min for 4-mm id glass or 1/4-inch od metal columns 12 Restore the analytical method. • For NPD, immediately set the bead voltage to 0.0. 13 After the GC becomes ready, wait 10 minutes then ignite the detector flame or adjust offset on the NPD bead. WARNING Do not use hydrogen as the carrier for conditioning! It could vent into the oven and present an explosion hazard. CAUTION Overtightening the column nut or forcing it to bottom in either the inlet or detector may shatter the column.

5 Maintaining Your GC 87 14 Allow the oven, inlet, and detector to equilibrate at operating temperature, then retighten the fittings. WARNING Be careful! The oven, inlet, and/or detector may be hot enough to cause burns. If the oven, inlet, or detector is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands.

5 Maintaining the Purged Packed Inlet To Condition a Packed Column 1 Gather the following: • Capillary adapter, column nut, and no-hole ferrule (for FID and NPD), or 1/8-inch Swagelok cap (for TCD) • Two 7/16-inch wrenches • 1/4-inch open-end wrench • Lint-free gloves 2 Load the GC maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. 3 Install the proper liner in the inlet and attach the column. (See “To Install a Packed Metal Column” on page 81.) 4 Cap the detector(s) fittings with the capillary adapter, no-hole ferrule and column nut (FID and NPD) or 1/8-inch cap (TCD). 5 Enter a column flow as recommended by the packing manufacturer or an appropriate flow as follows: • 20 to 30 mL/min for 2-mm id glass or 1/8-inch od metal columns • 50 to 60 mL/min for 4-mm id glass or 1/4-inch od metal columns 6 Raise the oven temperature slowly to the conditioning temperature for the column. The conditioning temperature is never higher than the maximum temperature limit for the column; 30 °C less than the maximum is usually sufficient. WARNING Do not use hydrogen as the carrier for conditioning! It could vent into the oven and present an explosion hazard. WARNING Be careful! The oven, inlet, and/or detector may be hot enough to cause burns. If the oven, inlet, or detector is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. CAUTION Wear clean, lint-free gloves to prevent contamination of parts with dirt and skin oils.

5 Maintaining Your GC 89 7 Continue conditioning overnight at the final temperature. Cool the oven to room temperature with carrier flow on. 8 Attach the column to the detector and maintain established flow. (See “To Install a Packed Metal Column” on page 81.)

5 Maintaining the Purged Packed Inlet To Install Ferrules on a Packed Metal Column 1 Gather the following: • Wrenches • Stainless steel male Swagelok fitting, 1/4- or 1/8-inch od • Brass Swagelok nut and ferrule set (See “Consumables and Parts for the Purged Packed Inlet” on page 60.) • Lint-free gloves 2 Verify that the column end is cut square and is free of burns and deformation. 3 Secure the fitting in a bench vise. 4 Assemble a Swagelok nut and ferrules onto the column. 5 Fully insert the column into the vise-held fitting, then withdraw 1–2 mm. Finger-tighten the nut. 6 Tighten the nut an additional 3/4 turn with a wrench (for a 1/8-inch column) or an additional 1-1/4 turn (for a 1/4-inch column). 7 Unscrew the column nut from the vise-held fitting and remove the column. Ferrules should now be set in place on the column with the column end correctly positioned. CAUTION Wear clean, lint-free gloves to prevent contamination of parts with dirt and skin oils. Front ferrule Back ferrule Column nut

Maintaining Your GC Agilent Technologies 6 Maintaining the Packed Column Inlet Consumables and Parts for the Packed Column Inlet 92 Exploded Parts View of the Packed Column Inlet 94 To Change the Septum on the Packed Column Inlet 95 To Clean the Septum Seat in the Packed Column Inlet 97 To Install an Adapter on the Packed Column Inlet 99 To Change the O-Ring on the Packed Column Inlet 101 To Change the Glass Liner on the Packed Column Inlet 102 To Install an Insulation Cup on the Packed Column Inlet 104 To Clean the Packed Column Inlet 105 To Bakeout Contaminants from the Packed Column Inlet 107 To Install a Packed Metal Column 108 To Install a Packed Column Adapter on a Detector Fitting 110 To Install a Packed Glass Column 112 To Condition a Packed Column 115 To Install Ferrules on a Packed Metal Column 117

6 Maintaining the Packed Column Inlet Consumables and Parts for the Packed Column Inlet See the Agilent catalog for consumables and supplies for a more complete listing, or visit the Agilent Web site for the latest information (www.agilent.com/chem/supplies). Table 10 Packed column inlet parts Description Part number/quantity Preventative maintenance kit 5188-6498 Packed column glass liners and column adapters Glass liner 5080-8732 (25/pack) or 5181-3382 deactivated (5/pack) 1/8-inch column adapter 19243-80530 1/4-inch column adapter 19243-80540 Recommended septa and O-rings for the packed column inlet 11-mm solid septum, low-bleed, red 5181-1263 (50/pk) 11-mm septum with partial through-hole, low-bleed, red 5181-3383 (50/pk) 11-mm septum, low-bleed, gray 5080-8896 (50/pk) Merlin Microseal septum (30 psi) 5181-8815 11-mm high-temperature silicone septum (350 °C and higher) 5182-0739 (50/pk) Viton O-ring (Top insert weldment) 5080-8898 (12/pk) Table 11 Nuts and ferrules for packed columns Description Typical use Part number/quantity 1/8-inch id Swagelok stainless steel nut, front ferrule, back ferrule 1/8-inch column 5080-8751 (20 each/pk) 1/8-inch id Swagelok brass nut, front ferrule, back ferrule 1/8-inch column 5080-8750 (20 each/pk) 1/8-inch id Vespel/ graphite ferrule 1/8-inch column 0100-1332 (10/pk) 1/8-inch id brass tubing nut 1/8-inch column 5180-4103 (10/pk)

6 Maintaining Your GC 93 1/4-inch id Swagelok stainless steel nut, front ferrule, back ferrule 1/4-inch column 5080-8753 (20 each/pk) 1/4-inch id Swagelok brass nut, front ferrule, back ferrule 1/4-inch column 5080-8752 (20 each/pk) 1/4-inch id Vespel/ graphite ferrule Inlet/detector liner/adapters 1/4-inch column 5080-8774 (10/pk) 1/4-inch id brass tubing nut 1/4-inch column 5180-4105 (10/pk) Table 11 Nuts and ferrules for packed columns (continued) Description Typical use Part number/quantity

6 Maintaining the Packed Column Inlet Exploded Parts View of the Packed Column Inlet Column nut Front ferrule Insulation cup Insulation Adapter Adapter nut Ferrule Glass liner Top insert weldment Merlin Microseal Merlin cap Septum nut Septum O-ring Back ferrule

6 Maintaining Your GC 95 To Change the Septum on the Packed Column Inlet 1 Gather the following: • Replacement septum (See “Consumables and Parts for the Packed Column Inlet” on page 92.) • Septum nut wrench • 0- or 00-grade steel wool (optional) • Tweezers 2 Load the inlet maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. 3 Remove the septum retainer nut or Merlin cap. 4 Use tweezers to remove the septum or Merlin Microseal from the retainer nut. Do not gouge or scratch the interior of the septum head. 5 Firmly press the new septum or Merlin Microseal into the fitting. The metal parts side of the Merlin Microseal should face down (toward the oven). WARNING Be careful! The oven and/or inlet may be hot enough to cause burns. If the inlet is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. Septum retainer nut Septum

6 Maintaining the Packed Column Inlet 6 Replace the septum retainer nut or Merlin cap and finger-tighten. Tighten the septum retainer nut until the C-ring is about 1 mm above the nut. 7 Restore the analytical method. 8 Reset the septum counter. Merlin Microseal and cap Standard septum CAUTION Overtightening the septum nut can cause contamination. 1 mm

6 Maintaining Your GC 97 To Clean the Septum Seat in the Packed Column Inlet 1 Gather the following: • Replacement septum (See “Consumables and Parts for the Packed Column Inlet” on page 92.) • Septum nut wrench • 0- or 00-grade steel wool (optional) • Tweezers • Compressed, filtered, dry air or nitrogen • Ultrasonic cleaning bath • Lint-free gloves 2 Load the inlet maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. 3 Remove the septum retainer nut or Merlin cap. 4 Loosen the top insert weldment and remove. 5 Use tweezers to remove the septum or Merlin Microseal from the top insert weldment. Do not gouge or scratch the interior of the septum head. 6 Scrub the residue from the top insert weldment and septum nut with a small piece of rolled-up steel wool and tweezers. Ultrasonically clean the retainer nut and top insert weldment. 7 Use compressed air or nitrogen to blow away the pieces of steel wool and septum. 8 Wearing gloves, inspect the O-ring and replace, if necessary. (See “To Change the O-Ring on the Packed Column Inlet” on page 101.) 9 Install the top insert weldment and hand-tighten firmly. WARNING Be careful! The oven and/or inlet may be hot enough to cause burns. If the inlet is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. CAUTION Wear clean, lint-free gloves to prevent contamination of parts with dirt and skin oils.

6 Maintaining the Packed Column Inlet 10 Firmly press the new septum or Merlin Microseal into the fitting. 11 Install the septum retainer nut or Merlin cap and finger-tighten. Tighten the septum retainer nut until the C-ring is about 1 mm above the nut. 12 Restore the analytical method. 13 Reset the septum counter. CAUTION Overtightening the septum nut can cause contamination. 1 mm

6 Maintaining Your GC 99 To Install an Adapter on the Packed Column Inlet 1 Gather the following: • Brass tubing nut (see “Consumables and Parts for the Packed Column Inlet” on page 92.) • Adapter (1/8-inch packed or 1/4-inch packed) • 7/16-inch and 9/16-inch wrench • Vespel/graphite ferrule • Methanol • Lint-free gloves 2 Load the inlet maintenance method and wait for the GC to become ready. 3 Clean the end of the adapter with a lint-free cloth and methanol to remove contamination such as fingerprints. 4 Place the tubing nut and Vespel/graphite ferrule on the adapter. WARNING Be careful! The oven and/or inlet may be hot enough to cause burns. If the inlet is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands. CAUTION Wear clean, lint-free gloves to prevent contamination of parts with dirt and skin oils.

6 Maintaining the Packed Column Inlet 5 Insert the adapter straight into the inlet base as far as possible. 6 Hold the adapter in this position and finger-tighten the nut. 7 Tighten an additional 1/4 turn with a wrench. Inlet fitting Ferrule Tubing nut Adapter