Chromatography Forum

We have a Shimadzu QP2010 single-quad GC/MS. The problem we are experiencing is severe coring when using the SPME fibers with the plug type septa. It is happening to such an extent that we need to open the injection port every 2-3 days and take little bits of septum out. Are we the only ones experiencing these problems? Any ideas on how to fix this?

Be careful not to over tighten the septa..

I think you can get merlin microseals for Shimadzu instruments, if so you should go down this route as we have done the same with our Agilent and Varian instruments with SPME. It also makes it less likely to damage the SPME fibre

Hi,
This is a problem with most systems. I have tried pre-drilled septa - it might help.
But you will still get a bit of coring. I haven't used the merlin micro-seal - but that would likely
be the best lasting solution.

FCCHEESE - are they easy to install? Do you use a SPME autosampler? Any changes need to be made to autosampler?

Thanks
WK

The front edges of a SPME needle are sharp right angles. Round them off with a very fine abrasive that does not shed particles (a fine diamond or ceramic knife sharpener for e.g.) and they do less damage to septa.

Peter