Chapter 5 53
Operation
Chapter 5
Operation
This chapter describes how to operate the Model 5380 PFPD for GC analyses.
Starting the PFPD System
Once the PFPD assembly, Detector Controller, pneumatics, and WinPulse are
installed, and all of the necessary electronic connections have been made, the
system is ready to be started. Before starting the system, ensure that the GC is
correctly configured for the application. The PFPD is designed as a low flow
capacity column detector, and maximum sensitivity is obtained with flow rates of
1–2 mL/min. The maximum flow rate is 5 mL/min, but there may be some loss of
sensitivity. Flow exceeding 5 mL/min may be possible only when H
2
is used as a
carrier gas. When the carrier gas flow is 4–6 mL/min, use the 3-mm combustor.
The subsequent steps for the initial setup of the PFPD are as follows:
1. Plug in the GC’s power cord and turn on the GC.
2. If WinPulse is not already running, activate the WinPulse software program
on the attached PC by double-clicking on the WinPulse icon. After the
WinPulse Mode Initialization screen appears, click on the Online operation
mode. This accesses the Main Screen.
3. Go to the Parameters menu and select Board/Channel to access the Board/
Channel screen. Verify that the ignitor current is set to 2.8 A.
4. Using the GC’s electronic keyboard, set the detector to the appropriate
temperature and allow 15 minutes for the detector to reach a steady state.
For the detection of sulfur gas, the PFPD temperature should be 250°C. For
the analysis of sulfur pesticides, the PFPD temperature should be 300°C to
achieve equimolar response without internal adsorption.
5. If the initial gas flows were not set during installation or if they were adjusted
after installation, follow the sequence below:
• Verify that the air and H
2
supply lines are pressurized to at least 60 psig.
Open the valves on the cylinders supplying H
2
and air to the PFPD’s
pneumatic system.
• Replace the flame arrestor located on top of the detector cap with the
barbed fitting (Part #202077), and attach a flowmeter to the fitting.
!
CAUTION: An
excessively high
ignitor current
will shorten the
lifetime of the
ignitor.
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