TABLE OF CONTENTS - BGB Analytik AG

GC and GC/MS
GC Column Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Excessive Baseline Noise
Possible Cause Solution Comments
Injector contamination Clean the injector; replace liner, gold seal Try a condensation test; gas lines may also
need cleaning
Column contamination Bake-out the column Limit the bake-out to 1-2 hours
Solvent rinse the column Only for bonded and cross-linked phases
Check for inlet contamination
Detector contamination Clean the detector Usually the noise increases over time and
not suddenly
Contaminated or low quality gases Use better grade gases; also check for expired
gas traps or leaks
Usually occurs after changing a gas cylinder
Column inserted too far into the detector Reinstall the column Consult GC manual for proper insertion distance
Incorrect detector gas flow rates Adjust the flow rates to the recommended values Consult GC manual for proper flow rates
Leak when using an MS, ECD, or TCD Find and eliminate the leak Usually at the column fittings or injector
Old detector filament, lamp or
electron multiplier
Replace appropriate part
Septum degradation Replace septum For high temperature applications use an
appropriate septum
350 www.agilent.com/chem/supplies
GC Column Troubleshooting and Maintenance
These at-a-glance troubleshooting tables will help you pinpoint and fix the most common GC
column problems.
Please consult Agilent's J&W GC Column Installation Guide (part number 830-0120) and
the Agilent J&W GC Column Selection Guide (publication number 5989-6159EN) for more indepth
information, including:
• Comprehensive column selection principles
• Maintenance procedures, including column installation, conditioning, testing, and storage
• Strategies for increasing your productivity
• The most current method development procedures
To request your copy of the Agilent J&W GC Column Selection Guide, visit
www.agilent.com/chem/guides.
The Agilent J&W GC Column Installation Guide comes standard with every Agilent J&W GC
column. You can also request a copy by contacting your local Agilent Representative or
Agilent Authorized Distributor.