Chromatography Forum

Hi
I wanted to know whether it is possible to add a mass detector(MS) to a GC-FID Agilent 8890 system. we want to use both detectors at same time for wastewater samples.

Thanks

Hi
I wanted to know whether it is possible to add a mass detector(MS) to a GC-FID Agilent 8890 system. we want to use both detectors at same time for wastewater samples.

Thanks

Yes and no. No because I doubt oven conditions for GC/MS method would possibly be same as for GC/FID, and you want both methods at the same time.

Do you plan to do 1 column or 2?

Two columns split just after the injector is much easier to control, 1 column split before the detectors requires an accurate length of restrictor column between the splitter and the MS to keep the MS from drawing in more flow than going to the FID.

The easiest to do it two columns using two injectors and injecting simultaneously.

With any combination of two columns, make sure the temperature limits agree or you will be limited to the lower limit column.

I know Agilent software will work with the two detectors, and two injectors if doing it that way. Not sure about other manufacturers.

I've not worked with the non-MS version of a recent Agilent, but at least on a 5890 it's not exactly a small task to configure one for an MS in the first place. You need a hole in the left side of the oven and also need the heater connection for the transfer line. On 5890s, you need a different left side door(or a willingness to cut up the one you have). I seem to remember that newer ones may have a plug that can be knocked out.

Still, though, I'd want to involve an FSE/independent service engineer to make the physical changes needed to the GC to interface it with a mass spec.

Other than that, yeah, an MS/FID split is a very doable combination and James has given you some ideas about how to get that.

In the grand scheme of things, though, a 5977 is going to cost a whole lot more than what you paid for your 8890. Rather than trying to field upgrade, I might look at selling it as-is and buying a turn-key 8890/5977/FID system, or you might save some money on a refurb 7890/5977. The MS/FID combo is common enough(in fact, the last time I got a quote on a system, I was cross shopping an 8890/7000QQQ and TSQ 9000/Trace 1310, both said "Might as well add on an FID since it's $10K extra").

We have some systems with one inlet and ms/fid detector..splitted post column. You will need some hardware (splitter, epc, capillary restrictor) but this solution works very well, if is what are you looking for