short column life
Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2014 9:56 pm
Hi all,
I have a Agilent 6890/5973 GC/MS that is approximately 12 years old. We have been doing the same analysis on it the entire time it has been in our laboratory-a screen for about 50 pesticides. Typical column life for this instrument with this analysis and our sample load is about 6-8 months. In the last year, we have noticed that the column life is decreasing, sometimes needing to change in less than 2 months. Sample prep has not changed, maintenance is being done routinely, and I am stumped at what is causing the short life. Inlet maintenance (septa, liner, gold seal, column cut-back) has been done continuously, we have changed the split vent lines and cartridge, we have cleaned the inlet with a gun barrel brush. We have changed the syringe. I would appreciate any suggestions you might have to try, it is frustrating to have to change the column this often. Thanks!
I have a Agilent 6890/5973 GC/MS that is approximately 12 years old. We have been doing the same analysis on it the entire time it has been in our laboratory-a screen for about 50 pesticides. Typical column life for this instrument with this analysis and our sample load is about 6-8 months. In the last year, we have noticed that the column life is decreasing, sometimes needing to change in less than 2 months. Sample prep has not changed, maintenance is being done routinely, and I am stumped at what is causing the short life. Inlet maintenance (septa, liner, gold seal, column cut-back) has been done continuously, we have changed the split vent lines and cartridge, we have cleaned the inlet with a gun barrel brush. We have changed the syringe. I would appreciate any suggestions you might have to try, it is frustrating to have to change the column this often. Thanks!