Replacing the Split Vent Trap Cartridge Filter on a 8890/8860 GC System

Answer

This Information Applies To: Agilent 8890/8860 GC Systems with SSL, MMI, PTV, or VI inlets. 

Issue

Split vent trap replacement is recommended as part of the scheduled preventive maintenance. Sometimes, it has to be replaced when the inlet pressure is too high, or the split vent flow cannot be reached. 

The replacement frequency will vary with the GC application.

For other GC models, see: Replacing the Split Vent Trap Cartridge Filter on a 7890/7820 GC System 

Items Required

• QuickPick PM kit, for split vent trap (p/n 5188-6495), includes filter cartridge and two O-rings
• Torx T-20 key 

Steps to follow

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

1. Turn off the inlet heater that uses the split vent trap and the oven. Allow them to cool down.

   Warning: Be careful! The oven or inlet may be hot enough to cause burns. If either is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands.

    

   Tips: The 8860/8890 GCs provide a build in GC maintenance wizard: Maintenance > Inlets, select the inlet, then select Perform Maintenance > Replace Split Vent Trap > Start Maintenance. The wizard will walk through the steps needed to replace the filter (those same steps are repeated below).

   Figure 1 8860/8890 maintenance wizard.

    

2. Set the total flow to zero and turn off the carrier gas supply pressure.

3. Remove the pneumatics cover.

   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

4. Completely loosen the knurled nut that secures the split vent trap.

   
   Figure 2. Trap assembly 8860/8890
   

   Figure 3. Open trap assembly 8860/88900
   1. Filter Cartridge, 2. Trap assembly body

5. Remove the old filter cartridge and two O-rings.

6. Install the new filter cartridge and verify that the new O-rings are seated properly on the new filter cartridge. 

7. Reassemble the trap using your fingers to fully tighten the knurled nut. The nut should thread easily. If the knurled nut does not thread easily, loosen, reassemble the two parts of the trap, and thread again. Do not force it.

   Tips: The GC maintenance wizard will perform checks at the appropriate times, including Leak & Restriction tests, and will automatically reset the maintenance counters. Select Finished, then select OK to exit the GC maintenance wizard.

8. Check for leaks. How to Run and Interpret the Inlet Leak and Restriction Test for the Agilent 7890/8860/8890 GC Systems 

9. Install the pneumatics cover. 

10. Restore the analytical method

Learn how to effectively maintain your 8890/60 GC: 8860 GC Maintenance Manual and 8890 GC Maintenance Manual user manuals on Agilent.com.