Chromatography Forum

We are using Agilent's 6890 GC with ChemStation B.03.02[341] with an FID detector only. When a sample runs, a solvent peak dominates the chromatogram within the first few minutes, and we would like to know how to keep the solvent signal from being acquired in our data. Thank you.

Inhibit integration until after the solvent has eluted.

Peter

Agree w/ ^ but wish to add a bit...

One should pay attention to the solvent front as it can be a less than subtle indicator of a leak in the column compartment. You need not include it in your data, but it should be inspected periodically. I might be more inclined to inhibit integration as suggested above and also manually scale chromatograms so that it goes off scale or is not displayed as a result of starting your x axis after it has eluted. This way, one could go back and look at it if a leak, flashback or other problem is suspected.

I agree with the last two posts but I would also like to add something

You can increase your flow to lessen the solvent peak but you will also decrease you retention times and possibly decrease you recovery.

The solvent peak will also tell you about your systems heath. Fat peak could show you that you have a dirty glass liner or a plug in your column

Jones

And, if you have a choice of solvent -- carbon disulfide is a wonderful solvent for FID. Do be aware that it will react with some compounds, like amines - so it is not appropriate for some samples.