| The following procedure is a quick, easy, trouble-free sequence for installing a capillary column. For more in-depth installation information, refer to Section II. - Cool all heated zones.
- Replace spent oxygen and moisture traps.
- Clean and/or deactivate injector and detector sleeves if necessary.
- Replace critical injector and detector seals.
- Replace septum.
- Set make-up and detector gas flow rates.
- Carefully inspect the column for damage or breakage.
- Cut 10 centimeters from each end of the column.
- use a sapphire scribe (cat.# 20115) or ceramic scoring wafer (cat.# 20116) to cut fused silica capillary columns.
- use the serrated edge of a ceramic scoring wafer (cat.# 20116) or the edge of a sharp file to cut metal capillary columns.
- Install a nut and ferrule on each end of the column.
- Cut an additional 10 centimeters from each end of the column to remove ferrule fragments.
- Mount the capillary column in the oven using a bracket that protects the column from becoming scratched or abraded.
- Insert column the appropriate distance into the inlet as indicated in the instrument manual.
- Set the approximate column flow rate by adjusting the head pressure to the value listed on the test chromatogram included with the column.
- Set split vent, septa purge, and any other applicable inlet gases according to the instrument specifications.
- Confirm the flow by immersing the column outlet in a vial of solvent (acetone or isopropyl alcohol).
- Insert column the appropriate distance into the detector as indicated in the instrument manual.
- Check for inlet and outlet leaks using a thermal conductivity leak detector (cat.#'s 21607, 20130, or 21609). Do not use soaps or liquid-based leak detectors or the column may be damaged.
- Set injector and detector temperatures. Turn the detector on when the temperatures have equilibrated. Caution - do not exceed the phase's maximum operating temperature!
- To set the proper dead time (linear velocity), inject methane (cat.# 20197) or a non-retained substance compatible with the detector being used.
- Verify system integrity by checking the dead volume peak. It should not tail.
- Condition the column at its maximum operating temperature to stabilize the baseline. (See the test chromatogram included with the column for the maximum temperature.)
- Set oven to appropriate temperature and inject methane (cat.# 20197) or an appropriate unretained substance, again to set the proper linear velocity.
- Inject a duplicate of the original test mixture or your specific test mixture to confirm proper installation, system, and column performance.
- Calibrate the instrument and inject samples.
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