Inspection and Replacement of FID Collector

Required devices

No.
Parts name
Category
Required number
Note
①
Tweezers
Other
1
②
FID Collector
Hydrogen Flame Ionization Detector (FID)
1
③
Screwdriver
Other
1

Procedures

Step 1

On the instrument monitor or workstation, check that the temperature of the column oven is lower than 40 °C, and check that the temperatures of the injection port and detector are 50 °C or lower.
After checking the temperatures, turn OFF the main power to the instrument.

Step 2

Open the INJ/DET cover (★1).

Step 3

Disconnect the BNC cable and power cable from the high voltage unit (★2).

Step 4

Loosen the knurled screw (★3), and remove the high voltage unit.

Hint

The screws have a fall-prevention structure, so removal is not necessary.

Note

Be careful not to lose the spring of the high voltage unit when removing it.

Step 5

Remove the stopper plate, and remove the igniter.

Step 6

Loosen the two screws, and remove the upper cover (★4).

Hint

The screws have a fall-prevention structure, so removal is not necessary.

Step 7

Lift the collector (②) to remove it.

Step 8

If the inside of the collector or the insulator (white part) is dirty, clean it. For cleaning, use cotton swabs or a soft brush soaked in organic solvent (acetone, hexane, etc.). Scratching the inside of the collector may cause noise.

Hint

Soaking in organic solvent (hexane, acetone, etc.) is also effective.
Ultrasonic cleaning provides even better cleaning results.

Step 9

If there is heavy soiling or rust, replace the collector with a new one.
Turn the upper cover (★4) upside down, and place the collector (②) on top of it.

Note

Align the hole on the side of the collector with the side hole of the upper cover.

Step 10

Pass the spring part of the high voltage unit through the hole on the side of the collector, and fix the high voltage unit with the knurled screw.
The upper cover and high voltage unit are designed to be at the same height.

Note

The knurled screw can be tightened by hand, but if the high voltage unit is loose, tighten it by about 1/4 turn with a tool such as a flathead screwdriver.

Step 11

Attach the assembled collector, upper cover, and high voltage unit to the FID body, and tighten the two screws to secure them.

Note

Ensure that the screws are tightened alternately and gradually to apply even force to the collector.

Step 12

Attach the igniter, and fix it with the stopper plate.

Step 13

Connect the BNC cable and power cable to the high voltage unit.

Step 14

Close the INJ/DET cover.

Note

If the collector was cleaned using organic solvents, increase the detector temperature to 20–30°C above the normal operating temperature and perform a bake-out for about 3–4 hours prior to use.
Residual organic solvents can contribute to noise and other issues.