separating permanent gases with PLOT column; MS detection

[Rich]

Does anyone have experience with this? I need to be able to separate nitrogen from carbon monoxide, and a PLOT column is probably the best there is. Further, I need to do it with MS detection for the sensitivity. The problem lies with the potential for getting particles off the PLOT column in the mass spec. The plot is typically 0.32mm ID with particle sizes on the order of 3 um. Any ideas?

Rich

[Bernd]

Hello Rich,

You may have a problem: the carriergas flow to the MS with 0.32mm inner diameter column.
If Your matrix is N2 and CO2 is to detect, a PPQ is a good choice. At the end of this PLOT column add if not installed a "particel trap" 2meters, this traps 99,99% of all flying objects (function as a fly trap in the past).
No influence on chromatography in this case is known.
But the best sensitivity You will obtain with a methanizer in the end of the column, here CO and CO2 is reacting with H2 to CH4 and can up to the ppb level detected in a FID. I have realized few times in Germany.

Regards
Bernd