26 Operation Manual
2 Installing GC Columns
Columns
Columns
Many types of GC columns can be used with the MS, but there
are some restrictions.
During tuning or data acquisition the rate of column flow into
the MS should not exceed the maximum recommended flow.
Therefore, there are limits to column length and flow. Exceeding
recommended flow will result in degradation of mass spectral
and sensitivity performance.
Remember that column flows vary greatly with oven
temperature. See “To Calibrate the Column” on page 58 for
instructions on how to measure actual flow in your column. Use
the flow calculator in the Agilent Instrument Utilities software,
and Table 2 to determine an acceptable column flow. For
expected column outlet flow pressures, use the values shown in
Table 3 for EI mode and Table 6 for CI mode.
Table 2 Gas flows
Feature
High-vacuum pump 1 Split flow turbo
High-vacuum pump 2 Split flow turbo
High-vacuum pump 3 Turbo
Optimal carrier gas flow, mL/min 1.0 to 1.5
Reagent gas flow, mL/min 1 to 2
Collision cell gas flow 1.5
Maximum recommended gas flow, mL/min
*
* Total gas flow into the MS = column flow + collision cell gas flow + reagent gas
flow (if applicable) + Agilent Quick Swap flow (if applicable)
2.0
Maximum gas flow, mL/min
†
† Expect degradation of spectral performance and sensitivity.
2.4
Maximum column id 0.32 mm (30 m length)
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