RestekCapillaryColumn InstallationGuide
Section I: Brief Installation Procedure
The following procedure is a quick, easy, trouble-free sequence for installing a capillary
column. For more in-depth installation information, refer to
1. Cool all heated zones.
2. Replace spent oxygen andmoisture traps.
n and/or deactivate injector and detector sleeves if necessary.
4. Replace critical injector and detector seals.
Replace septum.
6. Set make-up and detector gas flow rates.
7. Carefully inspect the column for damage or breakage.
8. Cut 10 centimeters from each end of the column.
m
use a sapphire scribe (cat.# 20115) or ceramic scoringwafer (cat.# 20116) to
cut fused silica capillary columns.
m
use the serrated edge of a ceramic scoringwafer (cat.# 20116) or the edge of a
sharp file to cut metal capillary columns.
9. Install a nut and ferrule on each end of the column.
10. Cut an additional 10 centimeters from each end of the column to remove ferrule
fragments.
11. Mount the capillary column in the oven using a bracket that protects the column
from becoming scratched or abraded.
12. Insert column the appropriate distance into the inlet as indicated in the instrument
manual.
13. Set the approximate column flow rate by adjusting the head pressure to the value
listed on the test chromatogram includedwith the column.
14. Set split vent, septa purge, and any other applicable inlet gases according to the
instrument specifications.
15. Confirm the flow by immersing the column outlet in a vial of solvent (acetone or
isopropyl alcohol).
16. Insert column the appropriate distance into the detector as indicated in the
instrument manual.
17. Check for inlet and outlet leaks using a thermal conductivity leak detector (cat.#'s
21607, 20130, or 21609). Do not use soaps or liquid-based leak detectors or the
columnmay be damaged.
18. Set injector and detector temperatures. Turn the detector onwhen the
temperatures have equilibrated. Caution - do not exceed the phase'smaximum
operating temperature!
19. To set the proper dead time (linear velocity), inject methane (cat.# 20197) or a non-
retained substance compatiblewith the detector being used.
20. Verify system integrity by checking the dead volume peak. It should not tail.
21. Condition the column at itsmaximum operating temperature to stabilize the
baseline. (See the test chromatogram includedwith the column for themaximum
RestekCapillaryColumn InstallationGuide, Section I
