Quick Question about Agilent GC Column Installation

[cthomppp]

I am trying to install an Agilent HP-1 capillary column into a HP 5890 Series ii GC, but for the life of me, I am unable to find information about how long the column should extend past the ferrule on the outlet end. I found the users manual online (link below), and the column should extend 4-6 mm on the inlet side, but it does not tell me how long the other end should be. Any information/advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

http://www.meadowshplc.com/pdfs/5890.pdf

[uzman]

Push the column to the jet as long as it goes , then pull half a milimeter and fix.

[Peter Apps]

I'll go along with uzman, but pull back 2 or 3 mm; the column can get pushed upwards as the ferrule seats, and then the column tip being too close to the jet tip restricts the hydrogen and makeup flow.

Peter

[Consumer Products Guy]

I'll go along with uzman, but pull back 2 or 3 mm; the column can get pushed upwards as the ferrule seats, and then the column tip being too close to the jet tip restricts the hydrogen and makeup flow. Peter

This.

[Stunt]

^^ Nailed it.

Also, after you get a good run, you can pull your column out, measure it, and consistently achieve that measurement using an installation guage.

http://www.restek.com/catalog/view/3014/21399

[cthomppp]

Thanks so much for all the replies! I got the column installed!

Now, if only I could get the FID lit. I was able to get it lit earlier, so I don't think column installation is the issue. I've been using a grill lighter for the past couple hours trying to get the FID re-lit, but my thumbs about to fall off with no progress. Using a grill lighter to aid in lighting the FID has worked previously for this machine.

Any advice? Should I try to clean the FID or anything?

[Consumer Products Guy]

With our 5890, I typically turn off the aux. gas, press the ignitor, and blow gently into the FID opening to light it. Did that twice today.

[Peter Apps]

Check that you ave the correct flow rates to the detector - using an independent flow meter, not the onboard GC pneumatics.

Peter

[CE Instruments]

Trust you did pull back for 2-3mm ? It is possible with narrow columns to push through the jet which stops the FID lighting, also if still in the jet tip it can block the gas flows. Pushed some old graphite up the jet to block the tip ?

[cthomppp]

Thanks for all the replies! I still can't seem it get it to light though. The other FID (FID B) on the machine is also difficult to light, but will light if I use a grill lighter and press the ignition. I had to switch from the B port to the A port, because although FID B will light, it produces an unreliable/unresponsive signal (either sticks at zero or sticks at a VERY high value). FID A is at least responsive - the signal jumps and produces peaks every time I attempt to light it.

Could anyone provide me the air to hydrogen flow ratio/values they use to successfully light their HP5890? (I have the AUX gas turned off during lighting) Thanks!

[skunked_once]

On my 5890s, my flows are 33-36 ml/min hydrogen and 330-360 ml/min air. I turn the makeup flow off when lighting the flame. Check the following thread also.

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=14238

[rb6banjo]

I too go with 30:300:30 for H2:Air:makeup (helium in my case).

My HP/Agilent rep taught me this trick years ago. As you're pressing the ignition button, gently blow some air across the top of the chimney. More times than not, it works! I would think that the gas flows are already turbulent enough but somehow, the agitation created when I gently blow air over the top makes it light. As I said, it works more times than not.