Load GC-FID Standby Method After Sequence Completes

[kvircks]

I am using Agilent ChemStation (E.02.01.1177); however, I can't figure out how to load a method for standby purposes after my sequence finishes. After my sequence finishes, I would like to turn off the flame and slow the column flow. I know how to create a method with all these parameters. Is there a way I can tell the instrument to load the Standby method upon sequence completion? My first thought was to just create an injection that utilizes the standby method (possibly injecting air). Our lab uses barcodes that are read before injection. After the injection, the method would just revert to the initial method parameters.

Is there a keyword or command that can be placed at the end of the sequence table to simply load the method and avoid an injection altogether?

[GasMan]

You could try this.
After the last sample vial in your sequence table, enter a line without a vial number but using your standby method. This will then load your standby method and start a 'blank run'.

Gasman

[kvircks]

I was wondering if something like that would work. I will give it a try on Monday. Thanks!

[Consumer Products Guy]

I was wondering if something like that would work. I will give it a try on Monday. Thanks!

Yes, it will work, either for GC or for HPLC; we have done this for over 20 years.

[dblux_]

Yes, it will work, either for GC or for HPLC; we have done this for over 20 years.

Are you sure ?

This is MSD ChemStation.

[Consumer Products Guy]

Make a new method where the gas flows are where you want them.

Enter that as the last line in your sequence table.

[dblux_]

Make a new method where the gas flows are where you want them.

Enter that as the last line in your sequence table.

Not that simple , the question was:

"Is there a keyword or command that can be placed at the end of the sequence table to simply load the method and avoid an injection altogether?"

[kvircks]

Turns out ChemStation will not allow me to leave vial locations blank or set to 0 in the sequence. I receive an out of range error. Returning to my previous question, is there a way at the end of the sequence to simply have a method load and not run? Like I said, all I want the method implementation to do is shut off the FID flames and slow the column flowrates down. Any thoughts?

[dblux_]

Turns out ChemStation will not allow me to leave vial locations blank or set to 0 in the sequence. I receive an out of range error.

Not true. Only MSD ChemStation doesn't allow empty vial location field in sequence table.

Returning to my previous question, is there a way at the end of the sequence to simply have a method load and not run? Like I said, all I want the method implementation to do is shut off the FID flames and slow the column flowrates down. Any thoughts?

Yes. Two ways for your purpose.

[AICMM]

Three comments. One, why not just make an injection with the "rest" method of something relatively innocuous like hexane or pentane? Two, why not put a vial number in the table and not put a vial there? You will get an error message when it cannot pick up the vial but so what. Three, if I am not mistaken, MSD Chemstation used to revert to the top level method when it was done with the sequence. If that is still the case (it's been a while) make the top method the "rest" method and the correct method throughout the sequence.

Best regards,

AICMM

[kvircks]

Three comments. One, why not just make an injection with the "rest" method of something relatively innocuous like hexane or pentane? Two, why not put a vial number in the table and not put a vial there? You will get an error message when it cannot pick up the vial but so what. Three, if I am not mistaken, MSD Chemstation used to revert to the top level method when it was done with the sequence. If that is still the case (it's been a while) make the top method the "rest" method and the correct method throughout the sequence.

Best regards,

AICMM

Thanks for the input. I did have the same idea as far as a blank injection goes. Any method that involves an injection would do they trick. I know plenty of tricks to get the method to implement. However, I was wondering if there is a "true" way of accomplishing what I am asking, which is simply loading a method by some sort of command.

[dblux_]

The command is: GCMethodLoad "full path and method file name"

[Yama001]

If make sure your standby method is loaded when you start your sequence, it will be reloaded after your analytical sequence is finished. No need to put it in your sequence table.

[sllimbri65]

yes, the last method you load manually before you start your run, will load when the run is complete.