Agilent Technologies 6850 Series II - Page 50

Columns and Traps
Installing packed glass columns
Released: March 2004 6850 Series II GC User Information page 50 of 256
Installing glass packed columns
1. Assemble a brass nut and graphitized Vespel ferrule on each end of the
column.
Alternative method: Install a 1/4-in. nut, back ferrule, and two O-rings on
each end of the column. An extra O-ring below the nut keeps the nut from
dropping into the coiled portion of the column.
2. Insert the column into the inlet until it bottoms. Insert the column into the
detector fitting but do not force it. It may be necessary to start the long
end of the column in the inlet at an angle.
3. Withdraw the column 1 to 2 mm from both the inlet and detector. Tighten
both column nuts finger tight.
Caution Overtightening the column nut or forcing it to bottom in both the inlet and
detector may shatter the column.
4. Tighten both column nuts 1/4 turn with a wrench. If you use graphitized
Vespel ferrules, proceed to step 5. If you use O-rings, proceed to step 6.
5. Set flow through the column and raise the inlet, detector, and oven to
operating temperature. Then set the oven to ambient and allow it to cool.
6. Use the wrench to tighten the nut an additional 1/2 turn. Tighten further as
necessary to prevent leakage.
7. Condition your column, if needed. (See “Conditioning packed columns” on
page 26.)
Recommended Alternative installation method
Graphitized vespel ferrule
1/4-in. nut
1/4-in. od glass column
O-rings
Back ferrule (note orientation)
1/4-in. nut