18 Operation Manual
2 Operating Basics
To Start Up the GC
Successful operation begins with a properly installed and
maintained GC. The utility requirements for gases, power
supply, venting of hazardous chemicals, and required
operational clearances around the GC are detailed in the
Agilent GC, GC/MS, and ALS Site Preparation Guide.
1 Check gas source pressures. For required pressures, see
the Agilent GC, GC/MS, and ALS Site Preparation Guide.
2 Turn on the carrier and detector gases at their sources
and open the local shutoff valves.
3 Turn on the cryo coolant at its source, if used.
4 Turn on the GC power. Wait for Power on successful to
display.
5 Install the column.
6 Check that the column fittings are leak free. See the
Troubleshooting manual.
7 Load the analytical method. See “To load a method”.
8 Wait for the detector(s) to stabilize before acquiring data.
The time required for the detector to reach a stable
condition depends on whether the detector was turned off
or its temperature was reduced while the detector
remained powered.
Table 1 Detector stabilization times
Detector type Stabilization time starting
from a reduced temperature
(hours)
Stabilization time starting
from detector off
(hours)
FID 2 4
TCD 2 4
uECD 4 18 to 24
FPD 2 12
NPD 4 18 to 24