Parameter changes from FID method to MS

Start by downloading the Method Translator:  GC Calculators and Method Translator Software | Agilent . Also use this online tool: GC Column Selector | Agilent

What type of samples do you run now? What is the matrix? What are the compounds of interest? Can you upload an annotated chromatogram?

A 15m × 0.32 column does not have enough restriction to be used with a GCMS. The vacuum and the low optimal range of flow for decent ion source use preclude it. For decent column flow control the inlet pressure must always be >= 5 psi and the total flow >= 20 ml/min.  Have you considered switching to hydrogen carrier gas as that affects the column choice as well.

Thank you.

The column we have chosen for this MS method is the following --> 30mx0.32 mmx0.50 um Ref 123-103E . Is it ok?

 We have entered the following data into the Method Translator application, and the following result was obtained:

How can we determine the outlet flow value if we only know the flow rate from the original method? 

The sample is an oily ester plasticizing excipient.

Chromatogram:

Thank you in advanced!

The optimum flow for the GC/MS ion source is 1.2 ml/min of helium with a reasonable range of 0.8 to 1.4 ml/min. It will work at higher flows to 2.0 ml/min but there are tradeoffs.  The method translator tried to get there at 1.28 ml/min - that's fine.  However, the starting inlet pressure at 120’ C initial oven temperature using the translator is less than 5 psi at only 3.5 psi.  Please reconsider your column choice and purchase either a 30m × 0.25 mm id or a 20m × 0.18 mm id one.  You could also use a 60m × 0.32 mm id column, but only 30m of 0.32 mm id is not enough restriction to the MS.

That chromatography is not very pretty and the peaks are very small. Are they only barely 2 pA tall on the FID?  What is the injected solvent or is this a headspace run?  How do you prepare the samples?