Should I take the opportunity to acquire this GC?

[jearles]

Hi all! I am rather a novice to this stuff and could use some help. I've been kinda thrown in the the deep end learning my way around this after the previous investigator left, and have basic training on operating our GC - enough to do basic repairs and run samples (I had some 'formal' training on this GC but it didn't really extend to knowledge outside that). So please be patient if what I ask sounds stupid, lol

Here's the specs on what I currently have: GC: SRI 8610C, Detectors: TCD and RGD, Column: Alltech Haysep DB 100/120 30'x1/8"x0.085" SS, Carrier Gas: Argon

We use it to analyze dissolved gases in groundwater (H2, N2, O2, CO, CH4, CO2, N2O). While I have the RGD (it'll pick up H2, CO, sometimes CH4), we don't really (IMO) need it (prior to my taking over running it the data was rarely/never included in reports sent out to our group). I've been operating it on my own now for about a year and a half, and have enough problems with it to be annoying to say the least.

Another division has a HP5890 that they are getting rid of that is in working condition (according to them) that I could get at no cost to me (other than any repairs if needed or if I'd have to change anything for my use). It has an HP5971 mass selective detector, the data collection computer attached is a HP Vectra 486s/20, and interfaces with an IEEE cable. I'm not positive if it has the data system with it, just was told that the manual says it runs on the HP59944 or HP G1034 MS chem station (the lady who has it never used it herself, someone else in her group did, so this is just what info she emailed me).

So does this sound like something that would be a good thing for me to nab? Could I modify it for my use to do what I want? We do have someone else in my division that operates (or has operated) a HP5890, so I should (hopefully) be able to get some help setting it up if I do get it.

Thanks!
Jennifer

[Don_Hilton]

The kinds of questions I would have are 1) what would you want the instrument to do? 2) What would it take to get the isntrument to do that and 3) what kind of budget constraints are you working with. (A side question is: If it is good and working, why do they want to get rid of it?)

You may discover that you have insufficient budget to get the instrument to do what you want it to do - and would be acquring a large box that would get in your way for years. I've navigated around such treasures in the lab - and then only got older and more out of date.

You are looking at an instrument with a mass spectral detector and a very old computer. If the computer dies, you have a problem. Check the computer to see if you can copy data files to media that are readable on other computers. If the computer dies, you have the issues of getting a new computer - and dealing with the interface. You describe as IEEE and I assume you are talking about what others call HPIB. There are posts elsewhere on this site discussing interfacing HPIB with newer computers.

You will find posts about the 5890 GC still up and running. The only problem that I wuld see with the one you are looking at is the HPIB interface. If you are going to run the mass spec, you will need this. If you are going to get rid of the mass spec and change to another detector, you may want to see if you can locate the serial interface kit, that would allow you to upgrade computers more easliy.

I have a personal fondness for the HP5971, having done some projects on one -- was that 20 years ago? However it is kind of like keeping a 1992 or 1993 auto running. Make sure that when they say it runs, they are talking about more than the power indicator lamps coming on.

[AICMM]

jearles,

It sounds to me like you don't need the MSD part of this unit and it may just occupy space as Don notes. Since you are connected to the MSD, I would bet that the GC already has an HP-IP card which can be the main problem with inheriting a 5890. If it does not come with the computer, you will need the corresponding HP-IB card on the computer side but all of that is do-able. If it does come with a PC, the card is probably still in the PC. Also, you will probably need to chase down software although you can hook up peaksimple if you want. What you get out of the deal, from what I read, is a really dependable basic chassis which you will have to put work into to make it work. For example, does the GC have any detectors, does it have a gas sampling valve,....

Having said all that, I have 4 5890's running at various times doing projects because (as Peter notes) they have the flexibility to be butchered for funky projects and not tell me that I don't have some EPC or board that is required to do what I need to do.

In short, you can make it work reliably if you are willing to put some effort into it.

Best regards,

AICMM

[Johnny Rod]

As someone said in another thread the other day, MSD might be the "best" detector but it isn't much good for small gases like the ones you list. Unless you have another use for it then it isn't going to add much. Is your current GC going to pop any time? Does the 5890 have other detectors installed? TBH as it's free I'd nab it and worry about it later! You could always find a TCD to put in it later on.

[jearles]

Thanks for your replies! I'm not sure how long my current GC is going to last, its shut down at the moment and I'm afraid its going to need major repairing (beyond what I can do) again, so that partially prompted my interest in this other GC (that and it was free, which budgets being what they are nowadays, doesn't hurt. In fact its being offered up by this other division because they're being cut-back and wont' be needing the GC anymore apparently.)

Turns out another lab tech in our division has a 5890 that no one is using & has offered to let me use it. It appears to have what I need as far a detectors (namely a TCD, also has a FID), and appears to be working - neither of us have had time to do more than boot it up, but it was used this summer so crossing my fingers...

Thanks again!
Jennifer

[twranger]

Definately recommend 5890's, but a few points:
Electronic pressure control nice, but not required.
I think you're biggest problem will be data collection. I wouldn't bother with Chemstation, unless you already have it, EZChrom is much easier to work with. HPIB conversion is easy, as are most parts for these instruments as there are so many out there. GenTech or others should be able to help with that.
The advantage with fixing your SRI would be it is simpler, and I assume cheaper, than anything related to Agilent. Plus you are already familar with it. However, if you want to attach autosamplers its probably easier with the 5890.
You'll probably want a different column as well, capillary if you can. Plot columns work well for the gasses, as does Resteks ShinCarbon if you stick with packed columns. And switch to helium carrier?

Good luck, TW