Installation of Guard Column

Required parts

No.
Part name
Category
Required quantity
Note
①
Guard column
Inert fused silica tubing
②
Kimwipes
③
Capillary cutter
Parts for Capillary Column Connection
1
④
Press-Tight connector
Parts for Capillary Column Connection
This is a consumable item. Use at 325 °C or lower.
⑤
Leak detector
1
Leak detector LD239 (GL Science, P/N: 2702-19330)
⑥
Loupe, 22X, 2-193-06
Other
1
⑦
Organic cleaning solvents (acetone, ethanol, etc.)

Procedure

Step 1

Cut the guard column(①) into a length of approximately 2 m.

Step 2

Using the capillary cutter(③), cut the connecting parts of the guard column and analytical column straight.

Note

Use a loupe(⑥) to check that the parts are correctly cut.

Step 3

Add a small amount of solvent (acetone or ethanol (⑦)) onto a sheet of Kimwipes (②) and wipe away any dirt on the seal surface of the connecting parts of both columns.

Note

Wetting the tips of the columns with solvent makes the tips slippery, which makes it easier to insert them into the Press-Tight connectors.

Step 4

Apply appropriate force to insert the guard column tip into the Press-Tight connector(④) until it is firmly pressed into the connector.

Note

Applying excessive force may crush the column tip.

Hint

A dark line will be visible when the column tip is firmly inserted into the Press-Tight connector.

Step 5

Follow the same procedure for the tip of the column for analysis, and insert it into the opposite opening of the Press-Tight connector.

Step 6

Wind the guard column around the analytical column's capillary cage so as to prevent it from coming into contact with the inner walls of the oven.

Step 7

Install the guard column in the GC like normal columns and start up the instrument.

Step 8

Check for any leaks.

Note

It is recommended that you use a leak detector(⑤) to check for leaks in the Press-Tight connector's connecting parts.

Step 9

Age the column with the following analytical conditions.

Note

Rapid heating and cooling may cause the column to fall out.

Step 10

Check for any leaks again.


Note

Make sure that the column's operating temperature does not exceed the Press-Tight connector's operating temperature limit (325 °C).