Low ion Abundances on samples, normal tune file

We cleaned the ion source, cut the column, changed the inlet from front to back (because the front inlet has some issue). After these maintenances, the tune file looks good, the ion abundance in tune file is similar as before. However, low TIC was observed with 1uL injection of our samples, with about 0.2 relative abundance compared to before. And we tried to inject 5 uL to increase the signal, however, the TIC didn't improve significantly. The results obtained can go forward but we want to know what is the reason here. Does anyone meet similar issue? Thanks.

Parents
  • 5 µL of what solvent at what inlet temperature and pressure with what liner installed?  What inlet mode - Split or Splitless?  What are the column dimensions? Configuration? Flow rate?  Check out the GC Calculators available here:   GC Calculators and Method Translator Software | Agilent    Use the Vapor Volume calculator to see if what you are injecting will fit in the liner.  Just injecting more sample does not necessarily mean you will see larger peaks. 

    if the tune is fine, then the MS is fine.  Do you run the samples in Scan or SIM?  What about the detector setting - Absolute, Relative, or Gain?  What is the EMV used in the run?  Are you sure you have pointed to the correct tune file in the method?

    In windows file explorer under the method subdirectory (e.g.  SampleRun.M) is a file   acqmeth.txt  .  That file contains the GC and MS parameters used in your method.   Please upload that file here.

  • Hi Paul, 

    Thanks for the response. We are using Agilent 5183-4702 liner, HP-5ms Ultra Inert Columns (Part Number:19091S-433UI, 30 m, 0.25 mm, 0.25 µm, 7 inch cage).

    We are running in Scan, absolute. I always use autotune, I didn't find a place to choose a tune file in the method setting.

    Please find attached acqmeth, now and before the maintenance

    
                                   INSTRUMENT CONTROL PARAMETERS:    GCMS#1
                                   ----------------------------------------
    
       C:\MSDCHEM\1\METHODS\ZXH-STEROL-M6-MS-1ULIN-SPLITLESS.M
          Fri Jun 02 13:19:43 2023
    
    Control Information
    ------- -----------
    
    Sample Inlet      :  GC
    Injection Source  :  GC ALS
    Mass Spectrometer :  Enabled
    
    Oven
    Equilibration Time                           0.5 min
    Oven Program                                 On
        200 �C for 1 min
        then 4 �C/min to 276 �C for 1 min
        then 2 �C/min to 290 �C for 2 min
    Run Time                                     30 min
    
    
    
    
    
    Front Injector
    Syringe Size                                 10 �L
    Injection Volume                             1 �L
    Solvent A Washes (PreInj)                    5
    Solvent A Washes (PostInj)                   5
    Solvent A Volume                             8 �L
    Solvent B Washes (PreInj)                    0
    Solvent B Washes (PostInj)                   2
    Solvent B Volume                             8 �L
    Sample Washes                                0
    Sample Wash Volume                           8 �L
    Sample Pumps                                 6
    Dwell Time (PreInj)                          0 min
    Dwell Time (PostInj)                         0 min
    Solvent Wash Draw Speed                      300 �L/min
    Solvent Wash Dispense Speed                  6000 �L/min
    Sample Wash Draw Speed                       300 �L/min
    Sample Wash Dispense Speed                   6000 �L/min
    Injection Dispense Speed                     6000 �L/min
    Viscosity Delay                              0 sec
    Sample Depth                                 Disabled
    
    
    
    Front SS Inlet He
    Mode                                         Splitless
    Heater                                       On    300 �C
    Pressure                                     On    16.089 psi
    Total Flow                                   On    54 mL/min
    Septum Purge Flow                            On    3 mL/min
    Gas Saver                                    On    20 mL/min After 2 min
    Purge Flow to Split Vent                     50 mL/min at 2 min
    
    
    Back SS Inlet He
    Mode                                         Split
    Heater                                       On    125 �C
    Pressure                                     On    19.417 psi
    Total Flow                                   On    14 mL/min
    Septum Purge Flow                            On    3 mL/min
    Gas Saver                                    On    20 mL/min After 2 min
    Split Ratio                                  10 :1
    Split Flow                                   10 mL/min
    
    
    Thermal Aux 2 {MSD Transfer Line}
    Heater                                       On
    Temperature Program                          On
        280 �C for 0 min
    Run Time                                     30 min
    
    
    Column #1
    
    350 �C: 30 m x 250 �m x 0.25 �m
    In: Front SS Inlet He
    Out: Vacuum
    
    (Initial)                                    200 �C
    Pressure                                     16.089 psi
    Flow                                         1 mL/min
    Average Velocity                             38.737 cm/sec
    Holdup Time                                  1.2907 min
    Flow Program                                 On
        1 mL/min for 0 min
    Run Time                                     30 min
    
    
    Column #2
    
    350 �C: 30 m x 250 �m x 0.25 �m
    In: Back SS Inlet He
    Out: Front Detector FID
    
    (Initial)                                    200 �C
    Pressure                                     19.417 psi
    Flow                                         1 mL/min
    Average Velocity                             30.944 cm/sec
    Holdup Time                                  1.6158 min
    Flow Program                                 On
        1 mL/min for 0 min
    Run Time                                     30 min
    
    
    
    
    
    Front Detector FID
    Heater                                       Off
    H2 Flow                                      Off
    Air Flow                                     Off
    Makeup Flow                                  On    5 mL/min
    Const Col + Makeup                           Off
    Flame                                        Off
    Electrometer                                 On
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Signals
     Test Plot                                   Save Off
                                                 50 Hz
     Test Plot                                   Save Off
                                                 50 Hz
     Test Plot                                   Save Off
                                                 50 Hz
     Test Plot                                   Save Off
                                                 50 Hz
    
    
                                    MS ACQUISITION PARAMETERS
    
    
    General Information
    ------- -----------
    
    Tune File                : atune.u
    Acquistion Mode          : Scan
    
    
    MS Information
    -- -----------
    
    Solvent Delay            : 10.00 min
    
    EMV Mode                 : Gain Factor
    Gain Factor              : 1.00
    Resulting EM Voltage     : 1753
    
    [Scan Parameters]
    
    Low Mass                 : 50.0
    High Mass                : 550.0
    Threshold                : 150
    Sample #                 : 2       A/D Samples    4
    Plot 2 low mass          : 50.0
    Plot 2 high mass         : 550.0
    
    [MSZones]
    
    MS Source                : 230 C   maximum 250 C
    MS Quad                  : 150 C   maximum 200 C
    
    
                                 END OF MS ACQUISITION PARAMETERS
    
    
                                  TUNE PARAMETERS for SN: US83140737
                            -----------------------------
    
     Trace Ion Detection is OFF.
    
     EMISSION    :      34.610
     ENERGY      :      69.922
     REPELLER    :      21.914
     IONFOCUS    :      90.157
     ENTRANCE_LE :      16.000
     EMVOLTS     :    1752.941
                                   Actual EMV  :    1752.94
                                   GAIN FACTOR :       1.00
     AMUGAIN     :    1586.000
     AMUOFFSET   :     113.438
     FILAMENT    :       1.000
     DCPOLARITY  :       0.000
     ENTLENSOFFS :      19.325
     MASSGAIN    :    -775.000   
     MASSOFFSET  :     -42.000   
    
                               END OF TUNE PARAMETERS
                          ------------------------------------
    
    
    
                                     END OF INSTRUMENT CONTROL PARAMETERS
                                     ------------------------------------
    
    
    .

    
                                   INSTRUMENT CONTROL PARAMETERS:    GCMS#1
                                   ----------------------------------------
    
       C:\MSDCHEM\1\METHODS\ZXH-STEROL-M10-40MIN-MS-1ULIN-SPLITLESS-BACK.M
          Thu Aug 31 13:15:54 2023
    
    Control Information
    ------- -----------
    
    Sample Inlet      :  GC
    Injection Source  :  GC ALS
    Mass Spectrometer :  Enabled
    
    Oven
    Equilibration Time                           0.5 min
    Oven Program                                 On
        200 �C for 1 min
        then 4 �C/min to 270 �C for 1 min
        then 1 �C/min to 290 �C for 0.5 min
    Run Time                                     40 min
    
    
    
    
    
    Back Injector
    Syringe Size                                 10 �L
    Injection Volume                             1 �L
    Solvent A Washes (PreInj)                    2
    Solvent A Washes (PostInj)                   0
    Solvent A Volume                             5 �L
    Solvent B Washes (PreInj)                    0
    Solvent B Washes (PostInj)                   2
    Solvent B Volume                             5 �L
    Sample Washes                                0
    Sample Wash Volume                           1 �L
    Sample Pumps                                 6
    Dwell Time (PreInj)                          0 min
    Dwell Time (PostInj)                         0 min
    Solvent Wash Draw Speed                      300 �L/min
    Solvent Wash Dispense Speed                  6000 �L/min
    Sample Wash Draw Speed                       300 �L/min
    Sample Wash Dispense Speed                   6000 �L/min
    Injection Dispense Speed                     6000 �L/min
    Viscosity Delay                              0 sec
    Sample Depth                                 Disabled
    
    
    
    Front SS Inlet He
    Mode                                         Splitless
    Heater                                       Off
    Pressure                                     Off
    Total Flow                                   Off
    Septum Purge Flow                            Off
    Gas Saver                                    On    20 mL/min After 2 min
    Purge Flow to Split Vent                     50 mL/min at 2 min
    
    
    Back SS Inlet He
    Mode                                         Splitless
    Heater                                       On    300 �C
    Pressure                                     On    19.417 psi
    Total Flow                                   On    19 mL/min
    Septum Purge Flow                            On    3 mL/min
    Gas Saver                                    On    20 mL/min After 2 min
    Purge Flow to Split Vent                     15 mL/min at 0.75 min
    
    
    Thermal Aux 2 {MSD Transfer Line}
    Heater                                       On
    Temperature Program                          On
        230 �C for 0 min
    Run Time                                     40 min
    
    
    Column #1
    
    350 �C: 30 m x 250 �m x 0.25 �m
    In: Back SS Inlet He
    Out: Vacuum
    
    (Initial)                                    200 �C
    Pressure                                     16.089 psi
    Flow                                         1 mL/min
    Average Velocity                             38.737 cm/sec
    Holdup Time                                  1.2907 min
    Flow Program                                 Off
        1 mL/min for 0 min
    Run Time                                     40 min
    
    
    Column #2
    
    350 �C: 30 m x 250 �m x 0.25 �m
    In: Back SS Inlet He
    Out: Front Detector FID
    
    (Initial)                                    200 �C
    Pressure                                     19.417 psi
    Flow                                         1 mL/min
    Average Velocity                             30.944 cm/sec
    Holdup Time                                  1.6158 min
    Flow Program                                 Off
        1 mL/min for 0 min
    Run Time                                     40 min
    
    
    
    
    
    Front Detector FID
    Heater                                       Off
    H2 Flow                                      Off
    Air Flow                                     Off
    Makeup Flow                                  On    3 mL/min
    Const Col + Makeup                           Off
    Flame                                        Off
    Electrometer                                 On
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Signals
     Test Plot                                   Save Off
                                                 50 Hz
     Test Plot                                   Save Off
                                                 50 Hz
     Test Plot                                   Save Off
                                                 50 Hz
     Test Plot                                   Save Off
                                                 50 Hz
    
    
                                    MS ACQUISITION PARAMETERS
    
    
    General Information
    ------- -----------
    
    Tune File                : atune.u
    Acquistion Mode          : Scan
    
    
    MS Information
    -- -----------
    
    Solvent Delay            : 10.00 min
    
    EMV Mode                 : Gain Factor
    Gain Factor              : 1.00
    Resulting EM Voltage     : 2165
    
    [Scan Parameters]
    
    Low Mass                 : 50.0
    High Mass                : 550.0
    Threshold                : 150
    Sample #                 : 2       A/D Samples    4
    Plot 2 low mass          : 50.0
    Plot 2 high mass         : 550.0
    
    [MSZones]
    
    MS Source                : 230 C   maximum 250 C
    MS Quad                  : 150 C   maximum 200 C
    
    
                                 END OF MS ACQUISITION PARAMETERS
    
    
                                  TUNE PARAMETERS for SN: US83140737
                            -----------------------------
    
     Trace Ion Detection is OFF.
    
     EMISSION    :      34.610
     ENERGY      :      69.922
     REPELLER    :      33.641
     IONFOCUS    :      90.157
     ENTRANCE_LE :       3.000
     EMVOLTS     :    2188.235
                                   Actual EMV  :    2164.71
                                   GAIN FACTOR :       0.99
     AMUGAIN     :    1604.000
     AMUOFFSET   :     104.938
     FILAMENT    :       1.000
     DCPOLARITY  :       0.000
     ENTLENSOFFS :      19.827
     MASSGAIN    :    -767.000   
     MASSOFFSET  :     -47.000   
    
                               END OF TUNE PARAMETERS
                          ------------------------------------
    
    
    
                                     END OF INSTRUMENT CONTROL PARAMETERS
                                     ------------------------------------
    
    

Reply
  • Hi Paul, 

    Thanks for the response. We are using Agilent 5183-4702 liner, HP-5ms Ultra Inert Columns (Part Number:19091S-433UI, 30 m, 0.25 mm, 0.25 µm, 7 inch cage).

    We are running in Scan, absolute. I always use autotune, I didn't find a place to choose a tune file in the method setting.

    Please find attached acqmeth, now and before the maintenance

    
                                   INSTRUMENT CONTROL PARAMETERS:    GCMS#1
                                   ----------------------------------------
    
       C:\MSDCHEM\1\METHODS\ZXH-STEROL-M6-MS-1ULIN-SPLITLESS.M
          Fri Jun 02 13:19:43 2023
    
    Control Information
    ------- -----------
    
    Sample Inlet      :  GC
    Injection Source  :  GC ALS
    Mass Spectrometer :  Enabled
    
    Oven
    Equilibration Time                           0.5 min
    Oven Program                                 On
        200 �C for 1 min
        then 4 �C/min to 276 �C for 1 min
        then 2 �C/min to 290 �C for 2 min
    Run Time                                     30 min
    
    
    
    
    
    Front Injector
    Syringe Size                                 10 �L
    Injection Volume                             1 �L
    Solvent A Washes (PreInj)                    5
    Solvent A Washes (PostInj)                   5
    Solvent A Volume                             8 �L
    Solvent B Washes (PreInj)                    0
    Solvent B Washes (PostInj)                   2
    Solvent B Volume                             8 �L
    Sample Washes                                0
    Sample Wash Volume                           8 �L
    Sample Pumps                                 6
    Dwell Time (PreInj)                          0 min
    Dwell Time (PostInj)                         0 min
    Solvent Wash Draw Speed                      300 �L/min
    Solvent Wash Dispense Speed                  6000 �L/min
    Sample Wash Draw Speed                       300 �L/min
    Sample Wash Dispense Speed                   6000 �L/min
    Injection Dispense Speed                     6000 �L/min
    Viscosity Delay                              0 sec
    Sample Depth                                 Disabled
    
    
    
    Front SS Inlet He
    Mode                                         Splitless
    Heater                                       On    300 �C
    Pressure                                     On    16.089 psi
    Total Flow                                   On    54 mL/min
    Septum Purge Flow                            On    3 mL/min
    Gas Saver                                    On    20 mL/min After 2 min
    Purge Flow to Split Vent                     50 mL/min at 2 min
    
    
    Back SS Inlet He
    Mode                                         Split
    Heater                                       On    125 �C
    Pressure                                     On    19.417 psi
    Total Flow                                   On    14 mL/min
    Septum Purge Flow                            On    3 mL/min
    Gas Saver                                    On    20 mL/min After 2 min
    Split Ratio                                  10 :1
    Split Flow                                   10 mL/min
    
    
    Thermal Aux 2 {MSD Transfer Line}
    Heater                                       On
    Temperature Program                          On
        280 �C for 0 min
    Run Time                                     30 min
    
    
    Column #1
    
    350 �C: 30 m x 250 �m x 0.25 �m
    In: Front SS Inlet He
    Out: Vacuum
    
    (Initial)                                    200 �C
    Pressure                                     16.089 psi
    Flow                                         1 mL/min
    Average Velocity                             38.737 cm/sec
    Holdup Time                                  1.2907 min
    Flow Program                                 On
        1 mL/min for 0 min
    Run Time                                     30 min
    
    
    Column #2
    
    350 �C: 30 m x 250 �m x 0.25 �m
    In: Back SS Inlet He
    Out: Front Detector FID
    
    (Initial)                                    200 �C
    Pressure                                     19.417 psi
    Flow                                         1 mL/min
    Average Velocity                             30.944 cm/sec
    Holdup Time                                  1.6158 min
    Flow Program                                 On
        1 mL/min for 0 min
    Run Time                                     30 min
    
    
    
    
    
    Front Detector FID
    Heater                                       Off
    H2 Flow                                      Off
    Air Flow                                     Off
    Makeup Flow                                  On    5 mL/min
    Const Col + Makeup                           Off
    Flame                                        Off
    Electrometer                                 On
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Signals
     Test Plot                                   Save Off
                                                 50 Hz
     Test Plot                                   Save Off
                                                 50 Hz
     Test Plot                                   Save Off
                                                 50 Hz
     Test Plot                                   Save Off
                                                 50 Hz
    
    
                                    MS ACQUISITION PARAMETERS
    
    
    General Information
    ------- -----------
    
    Tune File                : atune.u
    Acquistion Mode          : Scan
    
    
    MS Information
    -- -----------
    
    Solvent Delay            : 10.00 min
    
    EMV Mode                 : Gain Factor
    Gain Factor              : 1.00
    Resulting EM Voltage     : 1753
    
    [Scan Parameters]
    
    Low Mass                 : 50.0
    High Mass                : 550.0
    Threshold                : 150
    Sample #                 : 2       A/D Samples    4
    Plot 2 low mass          : 50.0
    Plot 2 high mass         : 550.0
    
    [MSZones]
    
    MS Source                : 230 C   maximum 250 C
    MS Quad                  : 150 C   maximum 200 C
    
    
                                 END OF MS ACQUISITION PARAMETERS
    
    
                                  TUNE PARAMETERS for SN: US83140737
                            -----------------------------
    
     Trace Ion Detection is OFF.
    
     EMISSION    :      34.610
     ENERGY      :      69.922
     REPELLER    :      21.914
     IONFOCUS    :      90.157
     ENTRANCE_LE :      16.000
     EMVOLTS     :    1752.941
                                   Actual EMV  :    1752.94
                                   GAIN FACTOR :       1.00
     AMUGAIN     :    1586.000
     AMUOFFSET   :     113.438
     FILAMENT    :       1.000
     DCPOLARITY  :       0.000
     ENTLENSOFFS :      19.325
     MASSGAIN    :    -775.000   
     MASSOFFSET  :     -42.000   
    
                               END OF TUNE PARAMETERS
                          ------------------------------------
    
    
    
                                     END OF INSTRUMENT CONTROL PARAMETERS
                                     ------------------------------------
    
    
    .

    
                                   INSTRUMENT CONTROL PARAMETERS:    GCMS#1
                                   ----------------------------------------
    
       C:\MSDCHEM\1\METHODS\ZXH-STEROL-M10-40MIN-MS-1ULIN-SPLITLESS-BACK.M
          Thu Aug 31 13:15:54 2023
    
    Control Information
    ------- -----------
    
    Sample Inlet      :  GC
    Injection Source  :  GC ALS
    Mass Spectrometer :  Enabled
    
    Oven
    Equilibration Time                           0.5 min
    Oven Program                                 On
        200 �C for 1 min
        then 4 �C/min to 270 �C for 1 min
        then 1 �C/min to 290 �C for 0.5 min
    Run Time                                     40 min
    
    
    
    
    
    Back Injector
    Syringe Size                                 10 �L
    Injection Volume                             1 �L
    Solvent A Washes (PreInj)                    2
    Solvent A Washes (PostInj)                   0
    Solvent A Volume                             5 �L
    Solvent B Washes (PreInj)                    0
    Solvent B Washes (PostInj)                   2
    Solvent B Volume                             5 �L
    Sample Washes                                0
    Sample Wash Volume                           1 �L
    Sample Pumps                                 6
    Dwell Time (PreInj)                          0 min
    Dwell Time (PostInj)                         0 min
    Solvent Wash Draw Speed                      300 �L/min
    Solvent Wash Dispense Speed                  6000 �L/min
    Sample Wash Draw Speed                       300 �L/min
    Sample Wash Dispense Speed                   6000 �L/min
    Injection Dispense Speed                     6000 �L/min
    Viscosity Delay                              0 sec
    Sample Depth                                 Disabled
    
    
    
    Front SS Inlet He
    Mode                                         Splitless
    Heater                                       Off
    Pressure                                     Off
    Total Flow                                   Off
    Septum Purge Flow                            Off
    Gas Saver                                    On    20 mL/min After 2 min
    Purge Flow to Split Vent                     50 mL/min at 2 min
    
    
    Back SS Inlet He
    Mode                                         Splitless
    Heater                                       On    300 �C
    Pressure                                     On    19.417 psi
    Total Flow                                   On    19 mL/min
    Septum Purge Flow                            On    3 mL/min
    Gas Saver                                    On    20 mL/min After 2 min
    Purge Flow to Split Vent                     15 mL/min at 0.75 min
    
    
    Thermal Aux 2 {MSD Transfer Line}
    Heater                                       On
    Temperature Program                          On
        230 �C for 0 min
    Run Time                                     40 min
    
    
    Column #1
    
    350 �C: 30 m x 250 �m x 0.25 �m
    In: Back SS Inlet He
    Out: Vacuum
    
    (Initial)                                    200 �C
    Pressure                                     16.089 psi
    Flow                                         1 mL/min
    Average Velocity                             38.737 cm/sec
    Holdup Time                                  1.2907 min
    Flow Program                                 Off
        1 mL/min for 0 min
    Run Time                                     40 min
    
    
    Column #2
    
    350 �C: 30 m x 250 �m x 0.25 �m
    In: Back SS Inlet He
    Out: Front Detector FID
    
    (Initial)                                    200 �C
    Pressure                                     19.417 psi
    Flow                                         1 mL/min
    Average Velocity                             30.944 cm/sec
    Holdup Time                                  1.6158 min
    Flow Program                                 Off
        1 mL/min for 0 min
    Run Time                                     40 min
    
    
    
    
    
    Front Detector FID
    Heater                                       Off
    H2 Flow                                      Off
    Air Flow                                     Off
    Makeup Flow                                  On    3 mL/min
    Const Col + Makeup                           Off
    Flame                                        Off
    Electrometer                                 On
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    Signals
     Test Plot                                   Save Off
                                                 50 Hz
     Test Plot                                   Save Off
                                                 50 Hz
     Test Plot                                   Save Off
                                                 50 Hz
     Test Plot                                   Save Off
                                                 50 Hz
    
    
                                    MS ACQUISITION PARAMETERS
    
    
    General Information
    ------- -----------
    
    Tune File                : atune.u
    Acquistion Mode          : Scan
    
    
    MS Information
    -- -----------
    
    Solvent Delay            : 10.00 min
    
    EMV Mode                 : Gain Factor
    Gain Factor              : 1.00
    Resulting EM Voltage     : 2165
    
    [Scan Parameters]
    
    Low Mass                 : 50.0
    High Mass                : 550.0
    Threshold                : 150
    Sample #                 : 2       A/D Samples    4
    Plot 2 low mass          : 50.0
    Plot 2 high mass         : 550.0
    
    [MSZones]
    
    MS Source                : 230 C   maximum 250 C
    MS Quad                  : 150 C   maximum 200 C
    
    
                                 END OF MS ACQUISITION PARAMETERS
    
    
                                  TUNE PARAMETERS for SN: US83140737
                            -----------------------------
    
     Trace Ion Detection is OFF.
    
     EMISSION    :      34.610
     ENERGY      :      69.922
     REPELLER    :      33.641
     IONFOCUS    :      90.157
     ENTRANCE_LE :       3.000
     EMVOLTS     :    2188.235
                                   Actual EMV  :    2164.71
                                   GAIN FACTOR :       0.99
     AMUGAIN     :    1604.000
     AMUOFFSET   :     104.938
     FILAMENT    :       1.000
     DCPOLARITY  :       0.000
     ENTLENSOFFS :      19.827
     MASSGAIN    :    -767.000   
     MASSOFFSET  :     -47.000   
    
                               END OF TUNE PARAMETERS
                          ------------------------------------
    
    
    
                                     END OF INSTRUMENT CONTROL PARAMETERS
                                     ------------------------------------
    
    

Children
  • There are two columns configured to the Back inlet.  This will cause issues.  Fix the column configurations.  For optimal results both columns should be running in  Constant Flow mode. 1.2 ml/min of helium is optimum for the MSD.

    There are a number of differences between the before and after methods.

    The oven program changed, before was 4 °C/min to 276 °C and now it's to 270 °C

    Many of the injector parameters are different. Solvent A washes, solvent A volume, Solvent B volume Sample wash volume.  Doing any washes with less than a fully syringe requires the use of a PTFE tipped plunger in the syringe to reduce premature wear.  This is stated in the sampler manuals.

    ALWAYS use viscosity delay of 2 seconds or more.

    The inlet pressure and flow parameters are different.  It is critical to have sufficient flow in the inlet.  Gas saver 20 ml/min is marginal with high final oven temperatures, like your 290 °C.  Please increase gas saver to 30 ml/min.  Also - purge flow to split vent 15 ml/min does not sweep the ~1 ml volume liner quickly enough to remove any solvent residue in the liner.  Increase that flow to 50 ml/min or more.

    The transferline before was 280 °C and now is 230 °C.

    The EMV is different, probably due to tuning.   Your GCMS Serial Number US83140737 is a 5975C - TAD Inert XL EI/CI MSD ...from October 2008.   Has the electron multiplier, a consumable part, ever been replaced?  Have the ion source insulators been replaced?  If the lenses have been cleaned multiple times per year for almost fifteen years then the entire ion source may need to be replaced, too, depending on how hard you clean and with what method.  See: (+) GCMS Ion Source Cleaning - Videos - GC/MS Portal - Agilent Community

    Is the system still using a Pfeiffer MVP-070-C reciprocating rough pump?  Has it been replaced ever?  

    If two columns are configured to one injection port, the diagram on the GC driver page shows it.  

    If you click on the ellipses after the tune file name, a tune file selection window opens.

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  • Thank you for pointing out these questions. We will try to change these parameters accordingly. 

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