Recommended Parameters for GC Maintenance Methods

Answer

This Information Applies To: Agilent GC systems

Issue

Before most maintenance procedures, the GC must be set to safe temperatures, pressures, or flows. You can create and save the maintenance method in the controlling software or the GC itself. A proper maintenance method will protect the user from injures, and the instrument from damage while performing maintenance.

Tips: The Intuvo 9000, 8890 and 8860 GC systems will load the right instrument setpoints while performing guided maintenance procedures through the touch screen, or the browser interface. However, a general GC maintenance method is good to have for specific troubleshooting procedures.

Steps to Follow

From the controlling software, or the GC itself, create an acquisition method and set the following parameters:

1. Set the oven temperature to 35 °C. This temperature allows the oven fan to assist cooling.
2. Set all inlet temperatures to 35 °C.
3. Set inlet gas pressures/column flow as per the regular analytical method:
   • If performing column or inlet maintenance, remember to wait for the oven and column to cool down to below 50 °C before turning off inlet gas pressures.
   • If you are not performing column or inlet maintenance, keep inlet gas pressure/column flow On to keep inert carrier gas (helium or nitrogen) flowing to protect the column.
4. Prepare the detectors:
   1. Set all detector temperatures to 35 °C.
   2. Set all detector flows to Off.

Notes for specific detectors

• • FID: Turn off the flame (this will turn off the air and hydrogen flows)
  • TCD: Turn off the filaments
  • NPD: Turn off the bead voltage (this will turn off the air and hydrogen flows)
  • FPD: Turn off the flame (this will turn off the air and hydrogen flows) and the photomultiplier voltage
    Note: When performing FPD or NPD maintenance, turn off the GC and unplug the power cord.
  • SCD/NCD:
    • Turn off hydrogen flow upper and lower, and Ozone flow/generator.
    • Turn off heat for burner and base.
    • Allow oxidizer and pump to stay on until burner and base are below 100 °C.

Save the method with an identifiable name (for example General Maintenance Method). Send the method to the GC and wait for the parameters to reach the setpoint before beginning maintenance.

Learn how to effectively maintain your Agilent GC system:  Agilent 7890 Series Gas Chromatograph Maintaining Your GC Agilent 8860 Gas Chromatograph Maintaining Your Gas Chromatograph (GC) Agilent 8890 Gas Chromatograph Maintaining Your Gas Chromatograph (GC) user manuals on Agilent.com