3 Intuvo 9000 GC Column Maintenance
5975/5977 Series MSD Operating Manual 53
Conditioning columns
Conditioning a column before it is connected to the GC/MS interface is essential.
A small portion of the capillary column stationary phase is often carried away by
the carrier gas. This is called column bleed. Column bleed deposits traces of the
stationary phase in the MS ion source. This decreases MS sensitivity and makes
cleaning the ion source necessary.
Column bleed is most common in new or poorly cross-linked columns. It is much
worse if there are traces of oxygen in the carrier gas when the column is heated.
To minimize column bleed, all capillary columns should be conditioned before
they are installed in the GC/MS interface. (See “To Condition an Intuvo Capillary
Column” on page 68.)
Tips and hints
• Always use carrier gas that is at least 99.9995% pure.
• Always wear clean gloves when handling a component’s click and run
connectors.
• Always wear clean gloves when handling a gasket.
• Always wear clean gloves when handling the 9000 GC/MS Tail.
•
If you are using hydrogen as a carrier gas, the hydrogen gas flow must be off
before turning off the MS power. If the foreline pump is off, hydrogen will
accumulate in the MS and an explosion may occur. Read “Hydrogen
Safety” on page 19 before operating the MS with hydrogen gas.
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