Preventive Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Chromatographic symptoms
127
You are using a packed inlet and a 530-µm column
Capillary columns used with packed inlets do have some inherent sample
discrimination characteristics. See “Suggestions for packed inlets with 530-µm
columns” on page 55.
You are using a packed column
Double-check the following:
• Is the inlet temperature correct for this particular sample?
• Is the sample reacting with the inlet liner or fittings?
There is a leak in the GC system
Replace the septum and check the fittings for leaks. If the leaking septum has
experienced less than 200 injections, check for the following:
• The septum retainer nut is too tight. See “Changing septa” on page 54.
• The syringe needle is not straight. See “Inspecting syringes” on page 51.
• The syringe is not installed correctly. See “Installing syringes” on page 52.
• The injector bracket is not aligned to the injection port. See the
appropriate link manual that describes the installation.
Sample is not stable
Some samples change with heat or ultraviolet light. Check the sample stability.
There are several ways to reduce the change:
• Use the tray quadrants to cool the sample.
• Use amber sample vials.
• Store the samples in a protected environment.
Vial caps are loose
Loose vial caps can cause selective loss of lighter materials from a sample. The
caps should not rotate easily if installed properly. See “Crimp capping sample
vials” on page 30.
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