Column Check

[MaximusBrutus]

I'm currently trying to analyze if the columns in an old GC-14B have been burnt out or not. I am new to GC work and was wondering if any of you guys know a good temperature gradient etc etc to make sure these columns arent busted. They are 2m by 2mm silco steel, 10% stabilwax (other is 10% RTX-1), 100/120 Silco Port-w, RESTEK make.

Thanks so much for any aid that can be offered,

Mark

[MaximusBrutus]

And by etc. etc. i also mean to ask for air and Nitrogen flow levels, which i am still unclear on as well.

[chromatographer1]

Brutus,

If you check your manuals they will give you the proper flow rate for the gases required in your GC. If you do not have the manuals then call the company who built the GC.

Do you have any chromatograms from the original user of the GC?

I would compare old chromatograms to new ones using the same conditions. This will probably tell you if the columns are still suitable for the use you wish to make of them.

The columns probably only cost a minimal amount, $150 or less each. How much is your time worth? How much does a bad analysis cost you?

Figure out what a new column is worth to you and how much a bad column will cost you in time and material.

Sometimes it is better just to replace rather than to waste time in deciding but not always really knowing if a used column is adequate to the task asked of it.

With a new column in hand you can compare the results with a used column. Worst case, you throw a used column away; best case, you have a spare already purchased. Just my two cents worth.

best wishes,

Rod