Peak Performers
Injection Port Maintenance with FastPack™ Inlet Kits
By Donna Lidgett, GC Accessories Product Marketing Manager
What are the benefits of using a FastPack™ Inlet Kit?
FastPack™ inlet kits include all the parts needed to maintain your system. Injection port
maintenance should be performed prior to installing any capillary column, and on a routine basis,
based on the number of injections made and the cleanliness of the samples. Maintenance includes
replacing the injection port (inlet) liner, the critical inlet seals, and the septum.
Why replace an injection port liner?
For optimum column performance, the injection port (inlet) liner must be free of septum particles,
sample residue, or ferrule fragments. Peak shape degradation, poor reproducibility, sample decomposition,
and ghost peaks all are associated with using a dirty (contaminated) liner.
Why replace the critical seal?
The critical seal must fit tightly around the inlet liner, to prevent carrier gas from leaking around the
outside of the liner. Replace the critical seal prior to installing an inlet liner.
Why replace the septum?
The septum maintains a leak-tight seal that excludes air from the inlet. Frequent replacement prevents
fragmentation and leaks. Multiple injections and continuous exposure to hot injection port surfaces will
decompose the septum and can create particles, which can fall into the inlet liner. Septum particles are
a potential source of ghost peaks, loss of inertness, and carrier gas flow occlusion. Allow a new septum
sufficient time to condition in the injector, to reduce the incidence of ghost peaks. To avoid contamination,
always use forceps when handling septa.
Why replace the inlet seal?
In Agilent split/splitless injection ports, the inlet seal sits at the base of the injector. Dirt,
non-volatile residue, septum fragments, and other undesirable materials contaminate the inlet seal and
decrease analytical linearity. The only way to maintain optimum performance is by frequently changing
the inlet seal and ensuring the seal is leak-tight.
- Convenient: all the parts you need in one package—no hunting for individual items.
- Economical: costs less than the sum of the individual parts.
- Clean: Mylar® bag is factory sealed; no contamination of the products from weeks in the lab.
Inlet Liners
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