This Information Applies To: Agilent GC systems Issue When a GC heater cannot reach setpoint, or taking too long to reach setpoint, the GC will enter a "Thermal Shutdown" (or similar heater error) state to protect itself. This state will turn off all the GC heated zones (inlets, oven, detectors, valve box, MS transfer line). Sometimes the error or GC status will specify which heated zone has failed, but it is a better practice to isolate which heated zone is triggering the error. Steps...

This Information Applies To: Agilent Single Quad GC/MS instruments Issue Turn on and pump down the Single Quad GC/MS to an operating vacuum using OpenLab CDS software. Background The GC/MS needs to operate at a vacuum that is high enough to...

This Information Applies To: Agilent 5977A/B GC/MSD with MassHunter GC/MS Acquisition Software Issue: This article describes the procedure to safely pump down (start) 5977A/B GC/MSD with Electron Ionization (EI) Steps To follow: Before you turn on the MSD: The vent valve should be open slightly. All other vacuum seals and fittings must be in place and fastened correctly. The front side plate screw should not be tightened, unless hazardous carrier, JetClean system hydrogen, or reagent...

This Information Applies To: Agilent 5977A/B GC/MSD with MassHunter GC/MS Acquisition Software Issue: This article describes the procedure to safely vent (shut down) the 5977A/B GC/MSD with Electron Ionization (EI) The MSD will be damaged by incorrect venting. A diffusion pump will push back upstream vaporized pump fluid onto the analyzer if the MSD is vented before the diffusion pump has fully cooled. The turbo pump will be damaged if it is vented while spinning at more than 50% of its normal...

This Information Applies To: Agilent single quadrupole and triple quadrupole GC/MS systems Issue During troubleshooting, it can be useful to isolate the MS detector from the rest of the GC system (sample introduction, inlet, column etc.). Background Blanking off the MS will help to determine if an issue is coming from the MS detector itself or the GC. Some examples where this procedure might be useful: Noisy or unusual baseline. Tuning difficulties. Leaks (high oxygen and nitrogen...