Chromatography Forum

I would like to know an average lifetime of filaments used in GC/MS and what factors it depends on (only the solvent cut time?). We have Shimadzu 2010 QP. First filament lasted only 255 h of 1500 h supposed. Any suggestions as to why the filament might have blown so suddenly would be appreciated. Anica

Not being familiar with Shimadzu MSD's (only HP/Agilent), I'd hafta say that 1000 to 1500 hours is about right in my experience. If this is indeed your first filament, it might have just been a statistical fluke (i.e. that particular filament might have been a "lemon"). You have checked the filament voltage setting to make sure that it's not in excess of what would be reasonable (~70 electron volts or thereabouts is typical for most applications)? Your system is tight and leak-free? (besides contributing to high baselines and poor sensitivity, too much air in system could shorten filament lifetime).

Very important factor for life time filament is level of water and air.Check
gas purifier for moisture and oxigene.

Perica

Scientific Instrument Services rebuilds filaments for a good price and does a good job. Often better than the original from the manufacturer.