Agilent 6890 and Attenuation

[Anthony Doyle]

Recently one of our analysts suggested to increase attenuation, in order to improve sensitivity for the analysis of one residual solvent. We injected a standard, with the following 'table' inserted into the 'runtime' option in the 'instrument actuals' part of the method.

Time Parameter Value
0 Attenuation 0
20 Attenuation 5
22 Attenuation 0

No increase/decrease in area was observed for the two peaks that elute between 20 and 22minutes.

Does anybody know anything about altering attenuation with 6890's?! Any pointers would be really appreciated.

[Anthony Doyle]

Apologies

We're using an FID on the 6890N series.

[chromatographer1]

I don't believe changing the attentuation will affect the amplifier setting or change the sensitivity of the detector.

A change in range is required.

best wishes,

Rod

[dblux_]

AFAIK changing the attenuation affects only the amplitude of analog signal to recorder not the digital signal.
Correct me if I'm wrong.

[chromatographer1]

I checked the documentation on our 6890 and that is correct.

best wishes,

Rod