Installing the SPME Arrow Conversion Kit
Description
The SPME Arrow is a robust and versatile sample preparation device. To take full advantage of its many benefits, you first need to configure your GC. In this Restek Tip, we outline the parts you need, show you how to correctly install them, and answer some common questions.
Solid phase microextraction, or SPME, is a fast and versatile sample preparation technique that reduces sample handling and solvent consumption. It can be used for headspace and immersion sampling while producing very clean extracts.
To learn more about SPME, watch our ‘What is SPME?’ video.
Additional Resources
- How to Select the Correct Conversion Kit for Your SPME Arrow Fiber
- Set Your Sights on Superior Performance — Restek PAL SPME Arrow
Restek Recommended Tools & Parts
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Transcript
The SPME Arrow is a versatile and robust sample preparation device offering you increased sensitivity, reproducibility, and ruggedness.
In this Restek Tip, we’re going to show you how to configure your GC to take full advantage of this technique.
The first step is to select the correct SPME Arrow Conversion Kit that’s specific to your GC. This kit contains several critical pieces to accommodate the larger diameter of the SPME Arrow.
The contents of your kit will vary by instrument, but typically includes the weldment, adaptor cup, liner, septum, and septum nut. Be sure to follow any instructions included in your kit since they will be specific to your GC.
To begin the installation, you will first need to turn off your GC’s carrier gas and cool the inlet.
Next, change out the weldment piece or inlet part, along with the septum nut. These parts have been specifically reformatted to maintain existing functionality while accommodating the SPME Arrow.
This installation is typically very simple, but since some weldments have gas-lines, consult your instrument’s manual to ensure these connections have a leak-tight seal.
Finally, you will need to change your GC inlet liner. For SPME applications, we typically use a straight liner and avoid liners with any unique geometries.
For SPME Arrow applications, we recommend an inlet liner with a larger ID like the 1.8 mm ID straight/SPME inlet liner which is compatible with both the 1.1 and 1.5 mm Arrows.
Now that everything has been installed, we can restore the instrument to normal settings, condition these new inlet parts, and start running samples!
And that’s it! You’re done. That’s how you prepare your GC to use SPME Arrows.
Now, you may be wondering, “if I want to run a non SPME Arrow application, will I need to change all of these parts back?” The answer is no! Your new septum nut and weldment will be completely fine. However, if you are using a Merlin Microseal instead of a traditional septum, you will need to change that to the correct style for your next application. In addition, you may also want to change your inlet liner to the appropriate geometry.
If you need any help or would like to learn more about SPME Arrows, visit us at restek.com. Like and subscribe to view more videos like these, and thank you for joining us for this Restek Tip!