Column Configuration for the 8860/8890 GC System

Answer

This Information Applies To: 8860/8890 GC, Smart Key

Issue

If the column configuration has been defined in the method, the instrument will calculate the pressure to maintain the target column flow rate. The column configuration must be edited or calibrated when a new column is installed, or the column is trimmed during routine maintenance.

Steps to follow

The column configuration can be edited by the following methods:

• Touch screen interface

• Browser interface by editing the configuration settings

• Browser interface by calibrating the column

• OpenLab CDS version 2.x, see GC Column Configuration Using OpenLab CDS Software

   

  Tip: The 8890 GC is Smart Key compatible. The Smart Key compatible columns are supplied with a Smart Key that plugs into the instrument, and automatically identifies the column and monitors column use. Column length can be adjusted through the calibration options in the browser interface or the OpenLab CDS version 2x software. Calibration changes are saved on the Smart Key and, thus, adapted parameters will be available when the column and Smart Key are moved to another GC.

   

Touch screen Interface

1. On the touch screen press Settings > Configuration > Columns (Figure 1):

          
   
   Figure 1. Touch screen 

2. Select the appropriate column and edit the settings. Save changes by pressing Apply.

Browser interface by editing the configuration

1. Go to Method > Configuration > Columns in the browser interface to open the list of configured columns (Figure 2):
   For information on the browser interface, see How to Use the Browser Interface for 8890 and 8860 GC Systems

   
   
   Figure 2. Selecting the column

2. Select an action:

   • To delete a column from the list: select the respective column and choose Remove.

   • To edit the configuration: double-click the column. In the dialog box, edit the column configuration as appropriate and select OK (Figure 3):

            
     
     Figure 3. Edit column configuration

Browser interface by calibrating the column

1. Go to Method > Configuration > Columns in the browser interface and click the appropriate column (Figure 2). 
   Note: For information on the browser interface, see: How to Use the Browser Interface for 8890 and 8860 GC Systems

2. Select Calibrate to open the Column Calibration window (Figure 4):

   
   
   Figure 4. Calibrate options

3. Select an action:

   • Set Column Length to change the column length.

   • Adjust Column Length to enter the length trimmed from the column.

   • Reset To Manufacturer Specifications when installing a new column.

4. Select OK to save the changes.

Learn how to effectively maintain your Agilent GC columns:  GC-0GEN-1070e – Installation, Care, and Maintenance of Capillary GC Columns e-learning course available from Agilent education.