Chromatography Forum

This splitless glass insert column was probably since the day 1 on a HP 5890 GC. I used a knife to cut off the o-ring as much as possible, but the it won't move at all.

How to remove a stuck insert without permanently destruct it? Anyboy has ideas?

I'd remove the column and the inlet nut/gold seal (in the column compartment). Then I'd use one of the 1/4 inch stainless steel liners (provided with the GC) and tap downwards with a small hammer. Sure the old liner will probably break, but just wash out any particles with a solvent like methanol, and brush clean, rinse again, and reinstall with new liner, new gold seal and washer, etc.

I find that a sharp cork borer ( usually nickel-coated brass ) will slide over the outside of the liner and cut the O-ring from the insert all the way down to the O-Ring seat ( being brass, the seat isn't damaged ).

I also will remove the column nut and seal, but force the insert UP - as the viton/silicone becomes so hard after prolonged use at high temperatures it's difficult to push any residual O-Ring past the lower seat. . I tap out the insert using a short piece of plastic rod ( such as packs of 10 1/4" Swagelok ferrules come on ).

If I even use a hammer on glass, I use a small piece of hard wood or plastic to dissipate shock - never broken an insert yet.

Bruce Hamilton

Thank you, Bruce and Consumer Products Guy for the quick reply!
I will see if I can get it off.

Hey Bruce Hamilton is from New Zealand: no wonder he accesses this from "down under" !!!

Try heating the inlet up to normal working temp and remove the liner when it is still hot.....be careful.

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