Chromatography Forum

So I posted a while ago about connecting a packed column to a splt/splitless injector. I got some good info, but now I've been told that I also need to adjust my FID. Anyone succesfully converted a split/splitless and FID to a packed column system?

I have one Agilent 5890 GC set up like that, as I wasn't adventurous enough to swap out the packed inlet from a non-used GC. For Agilent, there is a packed column jet which screws in instead of the capillary column jet. There is also a stainless steel FID adapter which takes the place of the capillary FIC connector. You don't use make-up gas as the flow through the column is about the same as that. At the inlet end, the SS inlet liner is held in with an O-ring from the top. On my 5890, I actually cut (with a hacksaw) a spare capilary inlet nut and use that with a vespel ferrule to hold in the liner, more secure than just the O-ring. I have the septum purge capped off in front. I don't have EPC on that unit. I don't know how to post a photo, so leave your E-mail if you want me to take a photo and send it.

ross at storagecontrol dot com

Hey CPG thanks again. I never got that Integrator you gave me working. I don't know if the print head is dead or what.

How do I tell if I have EPC? This is a used GC and I'm unsure of what components are actually installed. I know it has 2 S/S and 2 FIDs.

Thanks.

Vox,

The number of knobs per injector is a dead give away. Three knobs is manual control, one knob is EPC. Also, second function inj temp should give you a pressure if you have an EPC.

I would use a piece of megabore for the inlet as a transfer line from the injector. Regarding the detector, Agilent sells a fitting and the column will go straight in. Do want to use the packed jet and don't want make-up.

Best regards.

What happens to my make-up gas line? Where should I plug that off?

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These are some pictures of what I'm dealing with. Thanks.

OK, you've got the 5890 without EPC, just like the one I set up for packed column use. You've got the accessory pressure gauge panel inside the left, that's good, but not really necessary if your inlet pressure controls on the front panel are operable. I have the front septum purge vent capped off, but not the split flow vent. The two liners should be available from Agilent if you don't have them, same with the packed-column FID jet (it is shorter, and has a smaller entry than the capillary jet as capillary column actually goes up inside its jet). Maybe Monday I can E-mail a photo of the inside of the oven, I didn't need to do anything inside that left panel.

The auxillary gas knob on the front panel justs needs to stay in the OFF position, that's all. The FID jet simply gets replaced using a 1/4 inch nut driver. Pay attention to exactly how the FID parts come out before you get down to it, to make reassembly easier.

Thanks, I would really appreciate a picture if you get a chance. Any downside to doing this? Why does agilent tell me I can't change my s/s to a packed inlet? Which liners are you using? I'm unsure what you mean by cutting the inlet nut, but I'll probably see what you mean if you send me a pic.

Thank you, CPG comes through again! One of these days this thing will actually run!

Agilent tells you that you can't convert 5890 SS to packed column because their packed column inlet kit is no longer available (I know, I checked about 2 years ago, because for that we could've purchased the kit and had it installed as "capital"). But you can install a packed column in the SS inlet, we also used to do this on our 5840 becuase the inlet under the autosampler was SS (I didn't like that only the O-ring held the liner in, however, why I modified the agilent inlet nut when I did this on the 5890). I'll try to remember to take a photo as it is installed, then pull it out and take a second photo. The inlet adapter and FID adapter are standard Agilent parts, but I can't remember offhand if my liner takes a glass sleeve or not, I'll check. Sorry the 3396 wouldn't print, maybe you can get one cheap off Ebay (I see a 3390 and a 3392 there today for $10).

Vox,

In my opinion Agilent says it cannot be done because you really need to buy a 6890... I've done it and seen it done many other times. For the inlet, if you dont want to use a megabore transfer line, try 19243-80530 and you put your 1/8" packed column directly through that fitting into your injector. They even diagram it in their old users manual. You'll need a 1/4" graphite or vespel ferrule to hold the fitting in the inlet.

Best regards.