Using a Column Installation Tool to Install a Capillary Column on Agilent 5977A/B GC/MSD

This Information Applies To: Agilent GC/MS 5977A, 5977B 

Content

This article shows how to install a capillary column on 5977A/B GC/MS using a column installation tool.

Steps to follow: 

Warning: – The GC and MS operate at high temperatures. To avoid burns, do not touch any parts of GC and MS until you are sure they are cool. – Always wear safety glasses when handling capillary columns. Use care to avoid puncturing your skin with the end of the column. – Always wear clean gloves while handling any parts that go inside the GC or the analyzer chambers.

1. To vent the MS, loosen the vent valve by turning the knob counterclockwise gently until you hear air being drawn into the chamber (see Figure 1). For more information, please see How To Vent (Shut Down) the GC/MSD - EI - MassHunter.

 
Figure 1. GC/MS vent valve

2. Use a standard column nut to install a capillary column into the GC inlet (Capillary column installation quick reference guide). Alternatively, you could use a Self Tightening column nut (part number G3440-81011).

3. Condition the column.

4. Slide a standard column nut and conditioned ferrule onto the free end of the GC column. The tapered end of the ferrule must point towards the nut (see Figure 2). Slide the column into the column installation tool (see Figure 3, part number G1099-20030). Make sure the column end projects a specified distance past the end of the column installation tool. It is best to push the column the whole way through, cut the column, then pull back until it’s at a specified length. See the following information for the specified lengths for each type of source.

• For an SST/Inert/Xtr EI source installation, the column extends 1 to 2 mm past the end of the column installation tool. 

• For a High Efficiency Source (HES) installation, the column extends 4 to 5 mm. 

• For a CI Source Installation, the column extends about 1 mm.

 
Figure 2.  1-Ferrule  2-Standard column nut

 
Figure 3. GC/MSD column installation tool

5. Alternatively, you could also use a Self Tightening column nut (see Figure 4, part number G3440-81013) with a short ferrule to install a column. See Figure 5 for ferrule part numbers.

 
Figure 4.  Self-tightening column nut for MS

Figure 5. Short graphite/vespel (15%/85%) ferrules

6. Take out the column with the nut from the column installation tool, slide it into the GC/MS interface, hand-tighten the nut. Ensure that the position of the column does not change as you tighten the nut, and be sure to not over tighten the nut. if you use a self tightening nut, tighten the nut in the clockwise direction, continue to tighten until you feel the ferrule grip the column.

7. Check the GC oven to be sure that the column does not touch the oven walls. Column installing steps are finished here for a self tightening nut. Continue steps 8 and 9 for a standard column nut.

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

9. Check the nut’s tightness after one or two heat cycles and retighten as required.