Columns Lifespan

[narejo]

I am new in this field, so i will appreciate if some one can be of any help, presently i am working with Daniel 2350A & ABB 800 Online Gas Chromaographs, i would like to know that how that is there any kind of efficiency test type thing to check the lifespan of the coulmns of these chromatographs.
I would really be very thankfull if soeme one can help out as it will help me in making a maintenance schedule for these GC's , here i would like to mention that basically i am not a chemistry guy rather i am a computer systems engineer but now some how i am in this field and working with these GC's.
Thanks
narejo

[chromatographer1]

The issue is the stream composition of the analyzer and the columns involved.

BTU gas applications will generally last for years without servicing. But if you get a upload of oily base from the conditioner then all bets are off.

GENERALLY most analyzer users plan to replace their columns every 6 to 12 months as a general servicing protocol, even perhaps every 24 months.

It is sorta like cars, some are driven without undue stress and you can change your oil every 6000 miles. Others in dusty conditions require every 2000 miles. Race cars need an oil change every race of 500 miles.

Remember your mileage may vary.

Contact me if you want more information. I used to work for both Daniel and AAI.

Rodney George
Senior Research and Development Scientist
Gas Separations Research
Supelco
595 North Harrison Road
Bellefonte, PA 16823

814-359-5737 voice
814-359-5459 fax
rgeorge@sial.com

[narejo]

First of all i would like to thanks chromatographer1 for taking some time out and posting a reply.
You have mentioned stream composition and columns involved, well as far as columns are concerened we usually accquire them from the origianl vendors, like for Daniel's we accquire it directly from daniel's, so could u please explain what actually you meant from columns involved.
Any ways your reply will really help me a lot in my job.

[chromatographer1]

The materials and the temperature the materials are subjected to determine the lifespan to a large degree.

A methyl silicone phase heavily loaded onto diatomaceous earth column if given only clean dry samples of hydrocarbons will last a very long time if not subjected to high temperatures or oxygen for example. BTU columns have been known to need replacement only after several years use. Porous polymer columns also can last a long time if kept clean and at low temperatures. Water, oxygen, acids, bases, and reactive analytes can reduce the life of columns.

I hope this helps.