How to Install a Capillary Column on 5977 Series GC/MSD

Answer

This Information Applies To: 5977A and 5977B  

Content: This procedure is to guide the installation of a capillary column on 5977A/B GC/MS with a standard column nut or self-tightening nut.

Warning:  a. The GC and MS operate at high temperatures. Do not touch any parts of GC and MS until you are sure they are cool. b. Always wear safety glasses when handling capillary columns. Use care to avoid puncturing your skin with the end of the column.

Tip: Always wear clean gloves to prevent contamination while handling any parts that go inside the GC or the analyzer chambers.

1. Vent the MS, see How To Vent (shut down) the GC/MSD - EI - MassHunter. Open the vent valve by turning the knob counterclockwise.

   

2. Install a capillary column in the inlet, see Capillary Column Installation Quick Reference Guide. Alternatively, use a Self Tightening column nut (part number G3440-81011) with short graphite/vespel (15%/85%) ferrules to install the column.

   

3. Condition the column.

4. Identify the ion source:

   1. 5977A/B SST EI, Inert EI, Xtr EI, CI ion sources are identified by opening the door and visually examining the source.

   2. 5977B High Efficiency Source (HES) ion source is identified on the front cover.

      

Installing the column in the MS:

1. Open the analyzer chamber and ensure that the end of the GC/MS interface is visible:

   1. The 5977A/B SST and inert EI interfaces will have the end of the column will be visible inside the analyzer chamber: 

      

   2. The 5977A Xtr EI, 5977B Xtr / HES EI and 5977A/B CI. Remove the tip seal assembly (including ceramic tip seal, spring, and tip cap) to make the tip of the column visible:

      5977A Xtr EI 1-Tip seal 2-Tip cap	5977B Xtr and HES EI 1-Tip seal 2- Tip cap	5977A/B CI 1-Tip seal and spring

       

2. Slide the column into the GC/MS interface. The tapered end of the ferrule must point towards the nut. Alternatively, use a self tightening nut (part number G3440-81011) for MS interface. A self tightening nut is also available for the GC inlet (part number G3440-81011).

   1- GC/MS interface 2- Ferrule 3- Nut	1-Self tightening nut for inlet, 2-Self tightening nut for MS

3. Adjust the column by pushing the column through the ferrule, cut the column, then pull back until it extends the following distance from GC/MS interface:

   1. SST/Inert/Xtr EI source, 1 to 2 mm.

   2. High efficiency source, 4 to 5 mm. 

   3. CI Source, about 1 mm.

      Tip: Use fused silica tubing cutter to cut the column. The cut end of the column must have be flat with no cracks or jagged edges. Use the flashlight and magnifying loupe if necessary to see the end of the column inside the analyzer chamber. Do not use your finger to feel for the column end.

4. Tighten the nut:  

   1. Self-tightening nut: Turn the nut in the clockwise direction, continue to tighten until you feel the ferrule grip the column. 

   2. Standard nut: Finger tighten the nut then use a spanner to tighten the nut 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Check the nut’s tightness after one or two heat cycles and tighten as appropriate.

      Caution: Over-tightening the nut may damage the column or block the column flow.

       

5. Check the GC oven to be sure that the column does not touch the oven walls.

6. Tighten the nut 1/4 to 1/2 turn.

7. Check the nut’s tightness after one or two heat cycles as it may loosen. Tighten if necessary.

8. For 5977A Xtr EI, 5977B Xtr and HES EI and 5977A/B CI interfaces:

   1. Install the tip seal spring

   2. Align and gently slide the ceramic tip seal, next step

   3. For 5977A with Xtr source, slide the tip cap and tighten two screws onto the tip cap.

   4. For 5977B with Xtr and HES source, screw the knurled nut onto the end of the interface.

      5977A with Xtr source 1-Spring 2-Tip seal 3-Tip cap	GC/MS CI source1-Tip seal and spring	5977B with Xtr and HES source 1-Knurled nut 2-Spring

9. Check the alignment of the ion source and the interface tip seal for CI GC/MS and EI GC/MS with an Xtr and HES source. When the ion source is aligned correctly, the front analyzer chamber can be closed with the interface tip seal. spring tension the only applied pressure. 

10. Close the analyzer chamber door.

Learn more on how to effectively operate your GC/MS: Agilent 5977 GC/MSD with MassHunter Workstation e-Learning course available from Agilent education.