Agilent 8890/8850 Gas Chromatograph

Operation Manual
Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2024 Warranty Safety Notices
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Operation Manual
Contents
1 Getting Started
The Gas Chromatograph 12
Before Operating Your GC 14
Chromatography Using a GC 16
Inlets 17
Automatic injectors 17
Automatic sampling valves 17
GC Columns and Oven 18
Detectors 20
Touchscreen 22
System Operation 24
Touchscreen 24
Browser Interface 25
Data System 25
Browser Interface 27
Status Indicator 31
GC Status 33
Status Colors and details 33
Alert tones 34
Error conditions 34
Clearing a shutdown condition 34
Overview of Running a Sample 36
Instrument Control Using a Data System 37
Changes to the touchscreen 37
Changes to the browser interface 38
Correcting Problems 39

2 Help and Information

Where to Find Information 42
Help from the Touchscreen 43
Touchscreen Help 44
Help from a Browser 47
Context-Sensitive Help 51

Operation Manual 3
 3 Startup and Shutdown
To Start Up the GC 54
To Put the GC into Standby Mode 55
To Shut Down the GC 56

4 Touchscreen Operation
Navigation 58
Run controls 59
Status/control tray 60
Entering Data 61
Home View 62
Flow path page 63
Status page 63
Plot page 64
Methods View 67
Sequence View 68
Diagnostics View 69
Maintenance View 70
Logs View 71
Settings View 72
Help Menu 73
Touchscreen Functionality When the GC Is Controlled by an Agilent Data
System 74

5 Methods
What is a Method? 76
What Is Saved in a Method? 77
What Happens When You Load a Method? 78
Editing the Active Method 79
To edit the active method 79
GC hardware changes 79
Create a Method 80
Load a Method 81
Running Methods 82
Pre Run and Prep Run 82

4 Operation Manual
 Manually prepare for the run 82
To manually inject a sample with a syringe and start a run 82
To run a method to process a single ALS sample 83
To abort a method 83
Events 84
Using run time events 84
Programming run time events 85
The run table 85
Editing events in the run table 85
Deleting run time events 85
Inlets 86
Carrier gas flow rates 86
About gas saver 87
To set the PTV or COC coolant parameters 87
To set MMI coolant parameters 88
About Oven Temperature Programming 90
Oven ramp rates 90
Oven cryogenic cooling parameters 91
Columns 93
Nickel Catalyst Tube 94
About the nickel catalyst tube 94
Detectors 95
FID 95
FPD+ 96
NPD 98
TCD 99
ECD 100
Valves 101
The 8890 valve box 101
Valve control 101
Valve types 103
Controlling a valve 103
GC Output Signals 107
Analog signals 107
Digital signals 109
Column compensation 112
Test plot 113

Operation Manual 5
 6 Sequences
What is a Sequence? 116
Running a Sequence from the Touchscreen 117
Recoverable Errors 118

7 Diagnostics
About Diagnostics 120
Trend Plots 120
The system health report 120
Automated testing 121
Self-guided diagnostics 122
Gather Log Files 122
Warnings and Errors 123
Using the Diagnostics View 124
Performing Diagnostic Tests 125
Troubleshooting 127

8 Maintenance
Early Maintenance Feedback (EMF) 130
Counter types 130
Thresholds 130
Default Thresholds 131
Perform Maintenance 132
Available Counters 134
Viewing Maintenance Counters 137
To Enable, Reset, or Change a Limit for an EMF Counter 138
EMF Counters for Columns 140
EMF Counters for Autosamplers 141
Counters for 7693A and 7650 ALS with EMF-enabled firmware 141
Counters for ALS with earlier firmware 141
EMF Counters for MS Instruments 142

9 Logs
Logs View 144
Maintenance logs 145
Run log 145
System log 145

6 Operation Manual
 10 Settings
About Settings 148
Service Mode 149
About 151
Calibration 152
Maintaining EPC calibration—inlets, detectors, PCM, PSD, and
AUX 152
To zero a specific flow or pressure sensor 153
System Settings 155
Configuring the IP address for the GC 155
To set system date and time 157
To change the system locale 158
To set system power saving features 159
To access stored run data 160
To control Browser Interface access 161
To run the system setup routine 162
Tools (Browser Interface) 163
Performing a column compensation run 163
Power 165

11 Configuration
About Configuration 168
Configuration Changes 169
Configure a new device 169
Configure an existing device 169
Valve Configuration 172
To configure valves 172
Inlet Configuration 174
Columns 176
To configure a single column 177
To configure a packed column 178
To configure a composite column 178
Additional notes on column configuration 180
To configure multiple columns 180
Inlets and outlets 181
A simple example 181
Slightly more complex example 182

Operation Manual 7
 Oven 183
To configure the oven 183
Detector Configuration 185
Analog Output Settings 186
MSD Configuration 187
System-level communications 187
MSD configuration 187
GC/MS systems 188
To enable or disable MS communications 190
To use the GC when the MS is shut down 190
Headspace Sampler (8697) 191
Headspace Sampler (7697) 192
Headspace sampler configuration 192
System-Level communications 192
To enable or disable HS communications 193
Miscellaneous Settings 194
Readiness 195
LTM Columns (8890 GC) 196
Valve Box 197
PCMs 198
Aux EPCs 199

12 Resource Conservation
Resource Conservation 202
Sleep methods 202
Wake and condition methods 203
To Set the GC to Conserve Resources 205

13 Programming
Clock Time Programming 208
Using clock time events 208
Adding events to the clock table 208
Deleting clock time events 208

14 Flow and Pressure Modules

About Flow and Pressure Control 210
Maximum Operating Pressure 212

8 Operation Manual
 Auxiliary Pressure Controllers 213
Restrictors 214
Example: Using the PCM Channels 216
PIDs 217

15 Inlets
Inlet Overview 220
About the Split/Splitless Inlet 221
Selecting the correct S/SL inlet liner 221
About the Multimode Inlet 223
MMI split mode minimum operating pressures 223
Selecting the correct MMI liner 224
About the Purged Packed Column Inlet 226
About the Cool On-Column Inlet 227
Setup modes of the COC inlet 227
Retention gaps 227
About the PTV Inlet 228
PTV sampling heads 228
About the Volatiles Interface 229
VI operating modes 229
About the VI split mode 230
About the VI splitless mode 232
About the VI direct mode 235
Preparing the Interface for Direct Sample Introduction 238
VI direct mode setpoint dependencies 240
VI direct mode initial values 240
Direct mode parameters 240

16 Columns and Oven

About the Oven Insert (8890 GC) 244
Hydrogen Sensor 245
Usage 245
Audible Alarm 245
Instrument logs 245
Calibration 246
Status information 246
Operation with an Agilent data system 247

Operation Manual 9
 17 Chromatographic Checkout
About Chromatographic Checkout 250
To Prepare for Chromatographic Checkout 251
To Check FID Performance 253
To Check TCD Performance 258
To Check NPD Performance 262
To Check ECD Performance 266
To Check FPD+ Performance (Sample 5188-5953) 270
Preparation 270
Phosphorus performance 270
Sulfur performance 274
To Check FPD+ Performance (Sample 5188-5245, Japan) 276
Preparation 276
Phosphorus performance 276
Sulfur performance 280

18 Chinese Metrology Testing

FPD+ and ECD Unit Conversion Factors 284
Conversion factors for the FPD+ 284
Conversion factor for the ECD 284
Using the Conversion Factors 286
References 287

19 Glossary

10 Operation Manual
1 Getting Started
The Gas Chromatograph 12

Before Operating Your GC 14

Chromatography Using a GC 16

Inlets 17
Automatic injectors 17
Automatic sampling valves 17

GC Columns and Oven 18

Detectors 20

Touchscreen 22

System Operation 24

Browser Interface 27

Status Indicator 31

GC Status 33

Overview of Running a Sample 36

Instrument Control Using a Data System 37

Correcting Problems 39

This document provides an overview of the Agilent 8890 Gas Chromatograph (GC) and the
Agilent 8850 Gas Chromatograph along with detailed operating instructions.

Some graphics may not represent your GC. Not all features listed may be available at
introduction of product.

Operation Manual 11
1 Getting Started

The Gas Chromatograph

ALS

Detectors

Touchscreen

Status
Indicator
Oven
Smart ID
Keys

Oven door
button

Power switch

Figure 1. The 8890 GC

12 Operation Manual
1 Getting Started

ALS

Detector

Status
Indicator
Oven lid
Oven lid
button

Touchscreen

Power switch

Figure 2. The 8850 GC

Operation Manual 13
1 Getting Started

Before Operating Your GC

Before operating your GC, be sure to read the safety and regulatory information available on
the Agilent website or the Browser Interface with a connected web browser. The most
common safety hazards when working on the GC are:
• Burns caused by touching heated areas on or in the GC.
• Release of pressurized gas containing hazardous chemical compounds caused by
opening inlets.
• Glass cuts or puncture wounds caused by sharp capillary column ends.
• Use of hydrogen as a GC carrier gas.

Magnetic Fields:
Magnets may affect the functioning of pacemakers, implanted heart defibrillator's, or other
active implanted medical devices (AIMD).

Magnetic on
the inside of the
Smart ID Key
cover

Magnetic on the
inside of the
oven door

Figure 3. 8890 GC

The 8890 GC contains magnets on the inside of the oven door and on the inside of Smart ID
Key cover. Users that wear an AIMD are advised to avoid these magnets when the oven door is
open and when the Smart key cover is open.

14 Operation Manual
1 Getting Started

Magnetic on the
underside of the lid

Figure 4. 8850 GC

The 8850 GC contains a magnet on the underside of the lid. Users that wear an AIMD are
advised to avoid these magnets when the lid is open.

Operation Manual 15
1 Getting Started

Chromatography Using a GC
Chromatography is the separation of a mixture of compounds into individual components.

There are three major steps involved with separating and identifying components of a mixture
using a GC. They are:
1 Injecting a sample into the GC. (This takes place at the inlet.)
2 Separating the sample into individual components. (This takes place inside the column in
the oven.)
3 Detecting what compounds were in the sample. (This is done in the detector.)
During this process, status messages from the GC are displayed, and user changes to
parameter settings can be made through the GC touchscreen, Browser Interface, or data
system.

16 Operation Manual
1 Getting Started

Inlets
Inlets are where samples are injected into the GC. The Agilent 8890 GC can have a maximum
of two inlets, identified as Front Inlet and Back Inlet.
The following inlet types are available:
• Split/splitless inlet (SSL)
• Purged packed inlet (PP)
• Multi-Mode Inlet (MMI)
• Cool on column inlet (COC)
• Programmed Temperature Vaporization Inlet (PTV)
• Volatiles Interface (VI)
The Agilent 8850 GC has a maximum of one inlet (SSL, COC or PP).
The type of inlet chosen is based on the type of analysis being done, the type of sample being
analyzed, and the column being used.
Samples can be injected into the inlets by hand using a syringe, or an automatic sampling
device (such as an Agilent Automatic Liquid Sampler or Agilent Headspace Sampler).

Automatic injectors
The Agilent 8890 GC can accommodate up to two autoinjectors, identified as Front Injector
and Back Injector. The Agilent 8850 GC can accommodate one autoinjector.

Automatic sampling valves

The optional sampling valves are simple mechanical devices that introduce a sample of fixed
size into the carrier gas stream. Valves are most frequently used to sample gases in constantly
flowing streams.
The Agilent 8890 GC can accommodate up to two gas or liquid sampling valves, identified as
Valve #1 and Valve #2.
The Agilent 8850 GC can accommodate one gas sampling valve or one liquid sampling valve.

The valves are located inside the sampling valve box.

Operation Manual 17
1 Getting Started

GC Columns and Oven

GC columns are located inside a temperature-controlled oven. Generally, one end of the
column is attached to the inlet, while the other end is attached to the detector.
Columns vary in length, diameter, and internal coating. Each column is designed for use with
different compounds.
The purpose of the column and the oven is to separate the injected sample into individual
compounds as it travels through the column. To aid this process, the GC oven can be
programmed to speed the sample flow through the column.
The Agilent 8890 GC can accommodate up to six columns, identified as Column #1 through
Column #6.
The 8890 will have six Smart ID Key slots on the front of the instrument. These keys hold
configuration information about the columns on the system. The Column Smart ID Keys will
define column information that could be transferred between GCs. After inserting a Smart ID
Key, you will be prompted to input which number column (1-6) the key corresponds to. After
setting the column number, set the inlet and outlet connections. The GC will then lock this
column’s configuration as long as the Smart ID Key remains installed.
After removing a Smart ID Key, the GC will provide a confirmation message to confirm that the
key was removed intentionally. If confirmed, the corresponding column can be either
deconfigured, or left configured and unlocked.
To open the GC 8890 column oven, press the oven door button. See Figure 1.
To open the GC 8850 column oven, first remove any installed ALS injector and set it aside.
Then press the oven lid button to open the oven lid. See Figure 2.

Figure 5. 8890 Smart ID key

18 Operation Manual
1 Getting Started

Smart ID key

Figure 6. 8850 Smart ID key

Operation Manual 19
1 Getting Started

Detectors
Detectors identify the presence of compounds as they exit the column.
As each compound enters the detector, an electrical signal proportional to the amount of
compound detected is generated. This signal is generally sent to a data analysis system—such
as Agilent OpenLab CDS ChemStation edition—where it shows up as a peak on a
chromatogram.
The 8890 GC can accommodate up to four detectors (three mounted on top of the GC, and
one mounted in a side carrier), identified as Front Detector, Back Detector, Aux 1 Detector, and
Aux 2 Detector.
A complete selection of detectors (FID, TCD, NPD, NCD, FPD+, ECD, SCD, and MSD) are
available. The type of detector chosen is based on the type of analysis required.

Back
Detector
(not shown) Front
Aux 1 Detector
Detector
(not shown)

Aux 2 Detector
(side mounted,
not shown)

Figure 7. 8890 Detector locations

An Aux 1 Detector may only be a TCD or FPD+. Other detector types are not supported in this
NOTE position.
An Aux 2 Detector may only be a TCD, ECD, NPD, or FID. Other detector types are not
supported in this location.

20 Operation Manual
1 Getting Started

Detector

Figure 8. 8850 Detector location

The 8850 GC can accommodate one detector (FID or TCD).

Operation Manual 21
1 Getting Started

Touchscreen
The touchscreen shows GC status and activity information, and allows you to start, stop, and
prepare the GC to run a sample. The touchscreen also provides access to GC setpoints,
real-time signals, diagnostics, maintenance information, logs, and instrument configuration
settings. More information about the touchscreen can be found in the Touchscreen Help. For
more information on accessing the Touchscreen Help, see “Help from the Touchscreen”.
To save energy and increase display life, the touchscreen darkens after an operator specified
period of inactivity. Touching the screen brightens it again.

Figure 9. View status, status listing, and live plots.

22 Operation Manual
1 Getting Started

Figure 10. Navigate between home, setpoints, automated maintenance, and help.

Figure 11. Closable run control and status tray.

See “Touchscreen Operation” for a detailed description of the touchscreen functions and
capabilities.

Operation Manual 23
1 Getting Started

System Operation
The GC can be controlled using the touchscreen, the Browser Interface, and an Agilent data
system.

Touchscreen
The touchscreen provides direct control of configuration settings, access to diagnostic and
maintenance functions, logs, and access to help, as well as the ability to make temporary
changes in setpoints. Use the touch display to:
The touchscreen provides controls for:
• Setting the GC IP address
• Selecting the touchscreen language
• Viewing status data and real-time plots.
• Monitor GC and run status
• Editing the current method setpoints (current oven temperature, flows, and so forth)
• Monitor system health
• Perform maintenance tasks
• Perform diagnostic tasks and tests and resolve diagnostic conditions
• Track consumables usage and usable life remaining
• Make system settings, for example system locale, IP address setup, and so forth
• View system logs
• Set GC clock table and resource conservation events
The tray at the bottom of the touchscreen provides run control:

Prep Run: Typically required before manual injections to

exit any gas saver mode and to prepare the inlet flows for
injection.

Start

Stop: Stops the current run.

Some tasks, such as setting the IP address, can only be performed using the touchscreen.
If enabled in the browser interface, the touchscreen can also load and run sequences.
When a data system is controlling the GC, setpoint changes and other features may be
disabled in the touchscreen.

24 Operation Manual
1 Getting Started

Browser Interface
The Browser Interface provides many of the same functions as the touchscreen.The Browser
Interface provides for instrument setup and control, as well as the ability to run the instrument
stand-alone (without a connected data system). The Browser Interface can be viewed using
any typical web browsing device, such as a computer or tablet, provided the device is
connected to the same gateway as the GC. Use the Browser Interface to:
• Create methods
• Run samples and sequences of samples
• Run diagnostic tests
• Check status and performance of the GC
• Perform maintenance procedures
• Check maintenance details and reset counters
• Change language settings
• Access on-line help
To connect to the Browser Interface:
1 On a a tablet or computer connected to the same gateway as the GC, open a browser
window.
2 Navigate to http://GC Name or IP Address. For example, if the GC IP address is 10.1.1.100,
navigate to http://10.1.1.100.
3 If prompted, enter the access code. (The access code is available at the GC touchscreen.)
For more information regarding the Browser Interface, see “Browser Interface”.
If multiple users connect to a GC using the Browser Interface, only the first connection has
normal control.
When a data system is controlling the GC, setpoint changes and other features may be
disabled in the Browser Interface.

Data System
The data system adapter provided with Agilent data systems, such as OpenLab CDS, provides
full control of the GC for creating methods, running samples, and so forth. Use the data system
to:
• Create methods
• Run samples and sequences of samples
• Monitor GC and run status
• Monitor system health
• Track consumables usage and usable life remaining
• Make some system settings
• View system logs
• Set GC clock table and resource conservation events

Operation Manual 25
1 Getting Started

In addition, the data system adapter provides access to the complete help and user
information. From anywhere within the method editor for the GC, select Help and Information
Browser Interface from the navigation tree.
Also note:
• The data system adapter does not provide direct access to all of the GC's diagnostic and
maintenance features.
• The data system cannot directly use any methods or sequences created in the Browser
Interface.
• When connected to the GC, the data system adapter can be set to restrict anyone from
making certain changes at the touchscreen or with a Browser Interface.

26 Operation Manual
1 Getting Started

Browser Interface
You can control and monitor the GC using a web browser that is on the same gateway as the
GC. An internet connection is not required. This Browser Interface can be accessed by using
computer browser clients and mobile device client browsers, such as tablets. The Browser
Interface provides complete control of the GC. Use it to perform tasks such as:
• Configuring GC gas types and flows
• Performing automated maintenance procedures
• Running diagnostic tests
• Creating, editing, and loading methods
• Running samples
• Creating, editing, and loading sequences of samples
• Monitoring GC performance (viewing logs, current statuses, and plots)
While connected to your GC with a data system, you can not edit methods, edit sequences, and
start or stop runs using the Browser Interface. See “What is a Method?” for more details.

Edit GC Methods,
Sequences,
Settings, and
more
Access your Help
& Information
Suite

View context
sensitive help
about your
current screen

When using the Browser Interface, the GC stores run data internally. Access can be granted to
allow a connected computer on the same gateway to access this data and copy it for analysis.
Note that run data can only be deleted by using the Browser Interface directly, or by the GC
according to either date or disk space settings.

Operation Manual 27
1 Getting Started

To connect to the GC using a browser:

1 If you do not know the GC's IP address or host name, use the touchscreen to find it.

2 Open a web browser. Supported browsers include Chrome, Safari (on a tablet), Internet
Explorer 11, and Edge. Make sure the browser version is up to date.
3 Enter http://xxx.xx.xx.xxx, where xxx.xx.xx.xxx is the GC's IP address. (If
using a host name, enter it instead.) In this example, the GC IP address is 10.1.1.101.
Accessing the Browser Interface only requires that the tablet or computer be connected to
the same gateway as the GC; no internet connection is required.

For more information on how to utilize the Browser Interface, click the Help tab to access the
Help & Information suite, or click the < on the right side of the screen to access the context
sensitive help. See “Help from a Browser” and “Context-Sensitive Help” for more information.

28 Operation Manual
1 Getting Started

Help &
Information
suite

Context
sensitive help

Figure 12. Accessing help from the Browser Interface

Figure 13. Context sensitive help

Operation Manual 29
1 Getting Started

Browser
Interface

Figure 14. Complete Help and Information content

This manual focuses on GC operation using the touchscreen. While many functions are similar
between the touchscreen and Browser Interface, refer to the help provided in the Browser
Interface when using it to control the GC.

30 Operation Manual
1 Getting Started

Status Indicator
The GC includes a status indicator on the front panel to allow you to quickly determine the
status and readiness of the GC. The status indicator changes color depending on the current
state of the GC.
• Green: Indicates that GC is ready for operation.
• Yellow: Indicates that the GC is not ready for operation. Power is on and available, but not
all parameters have reached operating setpoints, or a maintenance or diagnostic task is in
progress. A warning or other message may exist. Check the GC touchscreen for additional
information.
• Red: Indicates a fault or other serious condition. A fault or other message may exist. Check
the GC touchscreen for additional information. The GC cannot be used until the fault
condition is resolved.

Status
Indicator

Figure 15. 8890 Status Indicator

Operation Manual 31
1 Getting Started

Status
Indicator

Figure 16. 8850 Status Indicator

32 Operation Manual
1 Getting Started

GC Status
When the GC is ready to begin a run, the touchscreen shows STATUS: READY FOR INJECTION.
Alternately, when a component of the GC is not ready to begin a run, the touchscreen shows
STATUS: NOT READY and the status indicator on the GC front panel is yellow. Tapping the
Diagnostics tab displays indications of why the GC is not ready.

Status Colors and details

Colors provide quick GC status:

Ready (all settings at setpoint)

Run in progress

Not ready

Maintenance mode (an automated maintenance

task is running)
Preparing sample

GC is in sleep mode

GC is in an error state

Status text displayed in the status tray can include:

Status text Comment

CONDITIONING RUN GC is performing a conditioning run after waking from Sleep.

COOLDOWN The GC is performing a cooldown between runs.

DIAGNOSTIC MODE The GC is currently performing a diagnostic test.

ERROR An error is preventing normal operation. Check the Diagnostics and Logs tabs for
more information.

H2 SHUTDOWN The GC is shut down: heaters are turned off, the oven flaps are open, and gas
flows are off.

MAINTENANCE MODE The GC is running a user maintenance procedure.

MSD VENTING The GC is set to provide flows appropriate for MSD venting.

MSD VENTED The MSD is vented.

NORMAL No conditions prevent operation. The GC may or may not be ready to begin a run.

POST RUN The GC is executing a method post run program.

Operation Manual 33
1 Getting Started

Status text Comment

PREPARING SAMPLE During a run, a connected ALS is performing sample preparation.

PREP RUN The GC is in the Prep Run state, preparing for an injection.

RUN The GC is performing a run.

SLEEP The GC is in sleep mode. To wake the GC, apply a setpoint change, download a
method, or from an Agilent data system select "Wake Up."

SLEEP DEFERRED Due to ongoing activity, the GC did not enter sleep mode when scheduled. The GC
will enter sleep mode after it is has been idle for at least 15 minutes.

SHUTDOWN A GC component is preventing the GC from operating normally. Check for a

diagnostic condition or message at the Diagnostics tab.

Alert tones
The GC provides information via beeps.
A series of warning beeps sounds before a shutdown occurs. The GC starts with one beep. The
longer the problem persists, the more the GC beeps. After a short time the component with the
problem shuts down, the GC emits one beep, and a brief message is displayed. For example, a
series of beeps sounds if the inlet gas flow cannot reach setpoint. The message Inlet flow
shutdown is briefly displayed. The flow shuts down after 2 minutes.

Before resuming GC operations, investigate and resolve the cause of the hydrogen
WAR N IN G shutdown.

One beep sounds when a problem exists, but the problem will not prevent the GC from
executing the run. The GC will emit one beep and display a message. The GC can start the run
and the warning will disappear when a run starts.
Fault messages indicate hardware problems that require user intervention. Depending on the
type of error, the GC emits no beep or a single beep.

Error conditions
If a problem occurs, the GC status bar changes to Not Ready, the GC status indicator turns
yellow, a number appears next to the Diagnostics tab, and the status tray and Diagnostics tab
list the condition that is causing the Not Ready condition. Select Diagnostics to view the issue
and resolve it.
When configured for enhanced GC-MS or GC-HS communications, error messages from the
connected instruments will also be displayed.

Clearing a shutdown condition

When a component is shut down, the GC becomes Not Ready, the status indicator and status
bar turn yellow, and the Diagnostics tab displays a number in a red circle to indicate that there
are a number of warnings or other issues that require attention. Diagnostics > Warnings and
Errors will display any current conditions that require attention.

34 Operation Manual
1 Getting Started

To clear a shutdown condition, select Diagnostics > Warnings and Errors, then select a
condition to view its possible causes and resolutions. Choose a Setpoint Action. Select Keep
Shutdown Zone On to clear the alert and turn on all zones. Select Turn Shutdown Zone Off to
clear the alert and turn on all zones except the shutdown zone.
Note that Hydrogen shutdowns initiated from the hydrogen sensor can only be cleared by
power cycling (rebooting) the GC. After the GC restarts, the affected hydrogen flows and
heaters will remain turned off. (Note that the GC can only shut down hydrogen flows for
devices under its control.) Determine the cause of the shutdown and resolve it. See the
Troubleshooting manual.

Operation Manual 35
1 Getting Started

Overview of Running a Sample

Operating the GC involves the following tasks:
• Setting up the GC hardware for an analytical method.
• Starting up the GC. See “To Start Up the GC”.
• Preparing any attached sampler. Install the method-defined syringe; configure solvent and
waste bottle usage and syringe size; and prepare and load solvent, waste, and sample
vials, as applicable. Refer to the documentation provided with your ALS or Headspace
Sampler (HS) for details on its installation, operation, and maintenance.
• Setting up the active method, or editing sequences.
• See the Agilent data system documentation.
• For standalone GC operation see “Editing the Active Method”.
• Running the method or sequence.
• See the Agilent data system documentation.
• For standalone GC operation, see “To manually inject a sample with a syringe and start
a run” and “To run a method to process a single ALS sample”.
• Monitoring sample runs from the GC touchscreen, Browser Interface, or Agilent data
system. See “Home View”, or the Agilent data system documentation.
• Shutting down the GC. See “To Put the GC into Standby Mode” or “To Shut Down the GC”.

36 Operation Manual
1 Getting Started

Instrument Control Using a Data System

The GC is typically controlled by an attached data system such as Agilent OpenLab CDS.
Please refer to the online help included in the Agilent data system for details on how to load,
run, or create methods and sequences using the data system.

Changes to the touchscreen

A connected data system can limit the features available at the touchscreen. These changes
can include:
• Disable the touchscreen Start button. (Start is always available for manual injections.)
• Disable real-time plots.
• Disable clock changes.
• Disable data deletion.
• Disable advanced troubleshooting features and diagnostic features, especially those which
start diagnostic runs. Automated maintenance and diagnostic procedures will not include
steps that require a blank or other confirmation run.
If a feature is disabled, it will appear gray, or will show a lock icon, as shown in Figure 17 below.

Figure 17. Lock icon indicates a feature locked by a data system

These features will be still available through the data system.

Operation Manual 37
1 Getting Started

Changes to the browser interface

A connected data system can limit the features available at the browser interface. These
changes can include:
• Disable sequence controls. The Sequence tab will not be available.
• Disable real-time plots.
• Disable data deletion.
• Disable peak evaluation and troubleshooting/diagnostic features that start diagnostic
runs. Automated maintenance and diagnostic procedures will not include steps that
require a blank or other confirmation run.
If a feature is disabled, it will appear gray, or will show a lock icon.

These features will be still available through the data system.

38 Operation Manual
1 Getting Started

Correcting Problems
If the GC stops operation because of a fault, check the touchscreen or Browser Interface for
any messages. The GC includes diagnostics functions to help you determine the cause of a
fault.
1 Use the touchscreen, Browser Interface, or data system to view the alert. (See “Home
View” and “Diagnostics” for details.)
2 Tap the stop button on the touchscreen, click the stop button on the Browser Interface,
or turn off the offending component in the data system.
3 Diagnose the problem using the built in diagnostics tools on the GC. See “Diagnostics”.
4 Resolve the problem by, for example, changing gas cylinders or fixing the leak.
Once the problem is fixed, you may need to power cycle the instrument. Most shutdown errors
can be cleared from the LUI, but some may require a power cycle.

Operation Manual 39
1 Getting Started

40 Operation Manual
2 Help and Information
Where to Find Information 42

Help from the Touchscreen 43

Touchscreen Help 44

Help from a Browser 47

Context-Sensitive Help 51

Operation Manual 41
2 Help and Information

Where to Find Information

Agilent provides an extensive amount of documentation for installing, operating, and
maintaining the instrument directly from the GC. In addition, there are multiple ways to access
the comprehensive Help and Information suite either from the touchscreen, through a
browser, or from your Agilent data system.
• “Help from the Touchscreen”.
Includes a comprehensive suite of documentation including context-sensitive information
and tips right from the GC touchscreen.
• “Help from a Browser”.
The complete set of user information is available directly from the GC by using a
connected web browser.
• “Context-Sensitive Help”.
In addition to the complete set of user documentation, context-sensitive information is
also available from the Browser Interface.
• The Agilent web site (www.agilent.com).
The Agilent web site provides information about the complete Agilent line of products,
including samplers and mass selective detectors. The available information includes
manuals, applications, technical briefs, and more.
When unpacking the instrument, make sure you take a look at the provided GC Quick Start
Poster to help you quickly get familiar with your GC, as well as setup and configure your
instrument. This poster can also be found in your browser help, in the familiarization section.

42 Operation Manual
2 Help and Information

Help from the Touchscreen

Available right at your fingertips from the GC is an extensive amount of on-board
documentation designed to assist with topics such as getting started, familiarization,
installation, operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and other useful information.
There are several ways to access this information, including through the touchscreen help '?'
menu. Here you will find not only context-sensitive information, but also a listing of tips to
quickly guide you to information needed, and a full Help and Information suite with topics
about maintenance, diagnostics, part views, operations, settings, and familiarization. See
“Touchscreen Help” for additional information and features available with the touchscreen
help package.

Operation Manual 43
2 Help and Information

Touchscreen Help
When using the GC, a help menu is available by selecting the question mark (?) in the upper
right corner of the touchscreen. The help menu provides access to context-sensitive
information about the screen you are viewing, tips, access to the full Help & Information suite,
as well as an Index to assist in finding needed information.

1 About This Screen provides context-sensitive details about the screen currently being
viewed.

44 Operation Manual
2 Help and Information

2 Tips provides helpful information on how to use the GC. Individual tips are provided which
contain answers to frequently asked questions, as well as links to frequently used
procedures.

3 Help & Information provides comprehensive, in-depth information related to maintenance,

diagnostics, part views, operation, settings, and more.

• Maintenance: How to take care of the inlets, detectors, and modules available on this
configured GC.
• Part Views: The consumable parts for inlets, detectors, and modules configured on this
GC.
• Settings: Configuration and calibration for each available module on this GC. Also
includes explanation for the Instrument Scheduler.

Operation Manual 45
2 Help and Information

• Diagnostics: Automated and manual tests available on this GC.

• Operation: How to use the inlets, detectors, and modules available on this configured
GC.
• Familiarization: Where to find information regarding the GC, using the touch display,
how to use the system setup wizard, accessing the feature tour, and an overview of the
GC parts.
4 The Index provides an alphabetized list of the topics contained in the touchscreen help.

46 Operation Manual
2 Help and Information

Help from a Browser

You can access an extensive amount of on-board documentation that is designed to assist
with topics such as getting started, familiarization, installation, operation, maintenance,
troubleshooting, and other useful information. Access to the internet is not required to use this
enhanced help package. Accessing this help only requires that your PC or tablet be connected
to the same gateway as your GC.
This enhanced version of Help & Information can be easily accessed through:
• The Browser Interface. Access the Help & Information suite by clicking the Help tab in the
Browser Interface. See “Browser Interface” for instructions on connecting to the Browser
Interface.

• Your Agilent data system. Access the Help & Information suite by clicking the Help &
Information Browser Interface link at the top of the tree view.

Operation Manual 47
2 Help and Information

• A web browser on any device that is on the same gateway as the GC. Access the Help &
Information suite by typing http://xxx.xx.xx.xxx/info into your web browser of
choice, where xxx.xx.xx.xxx is the IP address or host name of your GC.

Accessing the Help & Information suite provides you with the following information:

48 Operation Manual
2 Help and Information

• Knowledgebase: manuals, installation info, safety info, and site prep.

• Getting Started: BrowserUI tutorial, Quick Start Poster, eFam, a GC Feature Tour, the
System Setup Wizard, and instructional videos.
• Maintenance: information for performing maintenance on your configuration (inlets,
detectors, etc.).
• System Operation: information on operating your GC, such as its settings, or EMF
counters.
• Diagnostics: information on the diagnostic tests, self-guided diagnostics, and tasks
available on your GC.
• Browser Interface Help: help and instructions for using the Browser Interface.
• Online Resources: links to Agilent University, Agilent YouTube, Agilent Community,
services, and more.
By default, the help is filtered to only show information pertaining to your GC’s configuration. If
information does not appear to be available, be sure to enable all help content. To check your
active filters, click the icon in the top right corner of the Help & Information screen. These
filters allow you to show or hide information pertaining to the various components of your GC,
such as information about specific detectors or inlets.
In addition, you can set frequently visited topics as favorites for easy access. To do so,
navigate to the desired topic, and click the icon. Once a topic has been added to your
favorites, the icon becomes filled in. Click this icon again to remove the topic from your
favorites. Your favorites can be viewed at any time by clicking the icon. From here, click any
of the listed topics to quickly access them, or click the to remove the topic from your
favorites.
The history icon lists the recent help topics visited in the current browser session. From
here, select any of the listed topics to revisit them. Select Clear History to remove all topics
from your history.

Operation Manual 49
2 Help and Information

Search all
available info
Add and
remove
favorites, Filter
content, and
view your
history

Show/hide the
table of
contents

50 Operation Manual
2 Help and Information

Context-Sensitive Help
Available from each of the Browser Interface pages is the ability to access context-sensitive
information or help. Select the < from the right side of the screen to access information and
tips relevant to the page you are viewing. About this Screen provides several links to relevant
help topics. When clicked, these links open their corresponding topics within the help tray.
Under Tips, you will see snippets of useful information about the current page. Additionally,
some pages will provide links to additional documentation, such as the link to the Method
Wizard in the example below.

To minimize the topic you are viewing, click the > between the context sensitive help and the
page you are viewing. Click the > again to minimize the context sensitive help tray.

Operation Manual 51
2 Help and Information

52 Operation Manual
3 Startup and Shutdown
To Start Up the GC 54

To Put the GC into Standby Mode 55

To Shut Down the GC 56

Operation Manual 53
3 Startup and Shutdown

To Start Up the GC
Successful operation begins with a properly installed and maintained GC. The utility
requirements for gases, power supply, venting of hazardous chemicals, and required
operational clearances around the GC are detailed in the Agilent 8890 Gas Chromatograph Site
Preparation Guide and the Agilent 8850 Gas Chromatograph Site Preparation Guide.
1 Check gas source pressures. For required pressures, see the Agilent 8890 Gas
Chromatograph Site Preparation Guide and the Agilent 8850 Gas Chromatograph Site
Preparation Guide.
2 Turn on the carrier and detector gases at their sources and open the local shutoff valves.
3 Turn on the cryo coolant at its source, if used.
4 Turn on the GC power. Wait for Power on successful to display on the touchscreen.
5 Install the column.
6 Check that the column fittings are leak free.
7 Set a method for the GC to use.
If using a data system, download the method to the GC.
If using the touchscreen, see “Editing the Active Method”
8 Wait for the detector(s) to stabilize before acquiring data. The time required for the
detector to reach a stable condition depends on whether the detector was turned off or its
temperature was reduced while the detector remained powered.

Table 1 Detector stabilization times

Detector type Stabilization time starting from Stabilization time starting from
a reduced temperature (hours) detector off (hours)

FID 2 4

TCD 2 4

ECD 4 18 to 24

FPD+ 2 12

NPD 4 18 to 24

54 Operation Manual
3 Startup and Shutdown

To Put the GC into Standby Mode

1 Wait for the current run to finish.
2 If the active method has been modified, save the changes.

Never leave flammable gas flows on if the GC will be unmonitored. If a leak develops, the gas
WAR N IN G could create a fire or explosion hazard.

3 Reduce oven temperature to 50 °C or lower. Reduce detector and inlet temperatures to

between 150 and 200 °C. If desired, the detector can be turned off. See Table 1 to
determine if it is advantageous to shut down the detector for a short time period. The time
required to return the detector to a stable condition is a factor.

Operation Manual 55
3 Startup and Shutdown

To Shut Down the GC

1 Put the GC into general maintenance mode by selecting Maintenance > Instrument >
Perform Maintenance > Start Maintenance, and wait for the GC to become ready.
2 Turn off the main power switch.

Be careful! The oven, inlet, and/or detector may be hot enough to cause burns. If they are hot,
WAR N IN G wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your hands.

56 Operation Manual
4 Touchscreen Operation
Navigation 58
Run controls 59
Status/control tray 60

Entering Data 61

Home View 62
Flow path page 63
Status page 63
Plot page 64

Methods View 67

Sequence View 68

Diagnostics View 69

Maintenance View 70

Logs View 71

Settings View 72

Help Menu 73

Touchscreen Functionality When the GC Is Controlled by an Agilent Data System 74

This section describes the basic operation of the Agilent GC touchscreen.

Operation Manual 57
4 Touchscreen Operation

Navigation
The touchscreen shows GC status and activity information (current temperatures, flows,
pressures, and information about GC readiness), and allows you to start, stop, and prepare the
GC to run a sample. The touchscreen also provides access to GC setpoints, real-time signals,
diagnostics, maintenance information, logs, and instrument configuration settings.
The touchscreen provides access to all GC settings, controls, and information. Touch a control
to access more information, to enable a setting or control, or to enter data using a touch
keyboard or keypad interface, as applicable. See Figure 18.
Help and
information

Navigation
tabs

Page selection
buttons

Main display area

Status/control tray
Run controls

Figure 18. Touchscreen home page

The navigation tabs provide access to different functional areas. Selecting a tab brings up the
corresponding panel.
The currently selected page or tab is highlighted.
Selecting the ? (help and information) tab provides access to online help and documentation
for the GC.
On the home page, selecting one of the page selection buttons loads the corresponding page.
The main display area provides information related to the selected functional area/page. This
area contains status displays, controls, settable parameters, and so on.

58 Operation Manual
4 Touchscreen Operation

Depending on which page is selected, additional controls may appear. This can include page
selection buttons, selectable tabs, back and next buttons, scroll buttons, and so on.
See Figure 19.
Additional
controls
Selectable tabs

Previous or higher
level page

Page selection
buttons

Scroll buttons

Figure 19. Additional controls

Scroll buttons are enabled if additional information or settings are available via scrolling.

Run controls
The run controls are located on the Status/control tray. The run controls are used to start, stop,
and prepare the GC to run a sample.

The Prep Run control activates processes required to

bring the GC to the starting condition for a run (such as
turning off the inlet purge flow for a splitless injection).
This is typically required before manual injections to exit
any gas saver mode and to prepare the inlet flows for
injection.

The Start control starts a run after manually injecting a

sample. (When you are using an automatic liquid sampler
or gas sampling valve, the run is automatically activated
at the appropriate time.)

Operation Manual 59
4 Touchscreen Operation

The Stop control immediately terminates the run. If the

GC is in the middle of a run, the data from that run may be
lost.

For details on running methods, see “Running Methods”.

The Start and the Prep Run buttons can be disabled by a connected data system. See
“Instrument Control Using a Data System” on page 37.

Status/control tray
The status/control tray provides details on the current status of the GC, the current sequence
and method (if connected to an Agilent data system), the time remaining for the current
operation being performed by the GC, run controls, and so on.
The status/control tray is color coded to reflect the run or ready status of the GC:
• Green – Ready for a run
• Yellow – Not Ready or Shutdown
• Blue – Run in Progress
• Purple – Preparing Sample
• Teal – Sleep mode
• Red – Error
• Dark orange – Maintenance Mode (a maintenance task is running)
Any Early Maintenance Feedback (EMF) flags are also displayed. See “Early Maintenance
Feedback (EMF)”.
The tray can be expanded by selecting the up arrow on the tray. See Figure 20.

Figure 20. Status/control tray - expanded

The tray can be minimized by selecting the arrow on the tray.

60 Operation Manual
4 Touchscreen Operation

Entering Data
When you touch a data entry field, a touch keyboard or keypad appears, as applicable.
See Figure 21.

Touch keypad

Figure 21. Touch keypad for data entry

If you enter an out of range entry, it is highlighted in a different color.

If the field is a drop-down list box (indicated by a down arrow to the right of the displayed
contents of the field), select it to open the list, and then select the desired entry. See Figure 22.

Drop-down
list box

Figure 22. Drop-down list box for data entry

Operation Manual 61
4 Touchscreen Operation

Home View
The home view’s Flow Path page shows flow path information (including current temperatures
and flow rates), run status (including user selectable status items), a real-time plot of the
current chromatogram, and related information. See Figure 23.

Page selection
buttons

Figure 23. Home view

Three pages are available on the home view:

• Flow path
• Status
• Plot
These pages are displayed by selecting the corresponding page selection button on the left
side of the home view.
Each page is described below.

62 Operation Manual
4 Touchscreen Operation

Flow path page

The flow path page provides details on sample flow through the GC. This includes visual
indications of whether an ALS is installed on the GC, the inlet type(s), column setup, and
detector type(s), along with corresponding setpoints. See Figure 24.

Figure 24. Home view - flow path page

Selecting a setpoint brings up the method editor with the selected setpoint displayed. If the
setpoint is enabled, the keypad used to set the setpoint value is displayed.
Selecting a component, or a setpoint which is not currently enabled, brings up the method
editor with the component displayed but without the keypad displayed. See “Methods”.
When you edit a method in this way, changes are immediately applied when a parameter value
is changed, without the need to apply the changes to the GC. This is referred to as On-the-fly
editing. See “Editing the Active Method” for more information.

Status page
The status page displays a user-selectable list of parameters, along with their setpoints and
actual values. See Figure 25.

Operation Manual 63
4 Touchscreen Operation

Figure 25. Home view - status page

Selecting + Add brings up a dialog box which allows you to choose a parameter to add to the
displayed list. See Figure 26.

Figure 26. Status page dialog box for adding parameters

Selecting the X in the right side of a parameter entry brings up a confirmation dialog box that
allows you to remove the corresponding parameter from the page.

Plot page
The plot page displays a plot of the currently selected signal. See Figure 27.

64 Operation Manual
4 Touchscreen Operation

Figure 27. Home view - plot page

Clicking or tapping the plot cycles the displayed zoom between 1x, 2x, and 4x at the point
where the plot is clicked or tapped.
Selecting the displayed signal name opens a Plot Options dialog box. This allows you to select
which signal to display. See Figure 28.

Figure 28. Plot Options dialog box

Use the Signal Name drop down list box to select which parameter to display on the plot.

Operation Manual 65
4 Touchscreen Operation

The displayed X-Axis interval is 1 to 60 minutes. The Y-Axis Range is negative infinity to
infinity. Selecting either field brings up a keypad which allows you to set the corresponding
value.
If the plot is not currently running, selecting Start Plot starts it. If the plot is currently running,
selecting Stop Plot halts data collection and display. (When changing the Signal Name, it may
be necessary to select Stop Plot and then Start Plot to display the signal.)
The plot feature can be disabled by a connected data system. See “Instrument Control Using
a Data System” on page 37.

66 Operation Manual
4 Touchscreen Operation

Methods View
From the touchscreen, the Methods view provides access to the method currently being used
(Active Method). Use this view to edit the Active Method. From the Browser Interface, The
Methods view provides access to the locally-stored methods, including the method currently
being used (Active Method).

Figure 29. Methods view

Selecting Edit brings up the method editor for the Active Method. See “Methods” for more
details.

Operation Manual 67
4 Touchscreen Operation

Sequence View
If enabled in the browser interface, the Sequence view provides controls to load and execute
an existing sequence. Note that when present, the touchscreen tabs change. The Settings tab
becomes an icon. See Figure 30 below.

Settings

Figure 30. Changes when local sequences are enabled in the browser interface

See “Sequences” on page 115 for more information.

68 Operation Manual
4 Touchscreen Operation

Diagnostics View
The Diagnostics view provides access to diagnostic tests for the installed inlet and detectors,
as well as access to the System Health Report.
Additionally, the view provides a list of all current alerts.

Figure 31. Diagnostics view

See “Diagnostics” for details.

Operation Manual 69
4 Touchscreen Operation

Maintenance View
The Maintenance View provides access to the Agilent GC Early Maintenance Feedback (EMF)
features. See Figure 32.

Figure 32. Maintenance view

EMF provides injection-based, run-based, and time-based counters for various consumable
and maintenance parts, as well as the instrument itself. Use these counters to track usage of
GC components. Replace or recondition items before potential degradation impacts
chromatographic results.
The Maintenance view provides visual indications of maintenance status and is used to track
and perform maintenance tasks.
The View Logs button brings up the Maintenance Log from the Logs view. See “Logs”.

70 Operation Manual
4 Touchscreen Operation

Logs View
The Logs view provides listings of GC events including maintenance events, run events, and
system events, sorted by date/time. See Figure 33.

Figure 33. Logs view

See “Logs” for more details.

Operation Manual 71
4 Touchscreen Operation

Settings View
The Settings View provides access to instrument configuration functions, scheduler functions,
service mode settings, calibration settings, system settings, system tools, power controls
(restart or shutdown) and system details. See Figure 34.

Figure 34. Settings view

See “Settings” for more details.

Note that if the Sequence view is enabled in the browser interface, the Settings tab changes to
an icon. See Figure 35.

Figure 35. Settings shown as gear icon when the Sequence tab is available

72 Operation Manual
4 Touchscreen Operation

Help Menu
The Help view can be accessed by selecting the ? tab. From here, you can access a full Help
and Information suite, additional information about the screen you are currently viewing, and
more. See “Touchscreen Help” for more information on what each option in the dropdown
menu provides.

Operation Manual 73
4 Touchscreen Operation

Touchscreen Functionality When the GC Is

Controlled by an Agilent Data System
When an Agilent data system controls the GC, the data system defines the setpoints and runs
the samples. If configured to lock the touchscreen, the data system can prevent the changing
of setpoints.
When an Agilent data system controls the GC, the touchscreen can be used:
• To view run status by selecting the Home view
• To view the method settings by using the Method view
• To display the last and next run times, the run time remaining, and the post-run time
remaining
• To abort a run
Stopping a run using the touchscreen or Browser Interface immediately ends the run. The data
system may retain the data already collected, but no further data is collected for that sample.
Agilent data systems may allow the next run to begin, depending on the data system and its
settings for handling errors.
See also “Instrument Control Using a Data System” on page 37.

74 Operation Manual
5 Methods
What is a Method? 76

What Is Saved in a Method? 77

What Happens When You Load a Method? 78

Editing the Active Method 79

Create a Method 80

Load a Method 81

Running Methods 82

Events 84

Inlets 86
About gas saver 87
To set the PTV or COC coolant parameters 87
To set MMI coolant parameters 88

About Oven Temperature Programming 90

Columns 93

Nickel Catalyst Tube 94

Detectors 95
FID 95
FPD+ 96
NPD 98
TCD 99
ECD 100

Valves 101
The 8890 valve box 101
Valve control 101
Valve types 103
Controlling a valve 103

GC Output Signals 107

Analog signals 107
Digital signals 109
Column compensation 112
Test plot 113

Operation Manual 75
5 Methods

What is a Method?
A method is the group of settings required to analyze a specific sample.
Since every type of sample reacts differently in the GC—some samples require a higher oven
temperature, others require a lower gas pressure or a different detector—a unique method
must be created for each specific type of analysis.
The GC also can store several specialized methods. The GC stores three methods used for
resource conservation, called SLEEP, CONDITION, and WAKE. When configured for use with an
attached MS, the GC also provides a method called MS VENT, used to change GC setpoints to
values appropriate for a safe MS venting process. Create these methods using an Agilent data
system. See “Resource Conservation” for more information about these specialized methods.
Methods can be created and edited using the Browser Interface. Methods can also be created,
edited, and stored on a connected data system. While a data system is connected to your GC,
any attempt to connect to your GC via the Browser Interface will result in the Browser Interface
having limited functionality. You will not be able to edit methods, edit sequences, and start or
stop runs until the data system is disconnected. Similarly, once a Browser Interface is
connected to your GC, any subsequent Browser Interfaces attempting to connect will not be
able to edit methods, edit sequences, and start or stop runs until the first session is
disconnected.
Methods and sequences created using the Browser Interface are not directly accessible from
a connected data system. Methods and sequences created using a connected data system
are not directly accessible using the Browser Interface.

76 Operation Manual
5 Methods

What Is Saved in a Method?

Some of the settings saved in a method define how the sample will be processed when the
method is used. Examples of method settings include:
• The oven temperature program
• The type of carrier gas and flows
• The type of detector and flows
• The type of inlet and flows
• The type of column
• The length of time to process a sample
Setpoint parameters can be stored for the components shown in Table 2.

Table 2 Setpoint parameter components

Component Component

Oven Aux temp

Valve 1–8 Aux EPC

Front and back inlet Aux column

Columns 1 to 6 Aux detector 1 and 2

Detectors 1–4 Post run

Analog 1 and 2 Run table

Front and back injector Sample tray

Data analysis and reporting parameters are also stored in a method when it is created on an
Agilent data system, for example OpenLab CDS or MassHunter software. These parameters
describe how to interpret the chromatogram generated by the sample and what type of report
to print.
The GC method also includes sampler setpoints. Refer to the sampler documentation for
details on setpoints for the supported device:
• For the 7650A ALS, see its Installation, Operation, and Maintenance manual.
• For the 7693A ALS, see its Installation, Operation, and Maintenance manual.
• For the 7697A HS, see its Installation and First Startup manual and Operation manual.
• For the CTC PAL3 AS, see its Installation and First Startup manual and Operation
manual.
Current setpoint parameters are saved when the GC is turned off, and loaded when you turn
the instrument back on.

Operation Manual 77
5 Methods

What Happens When You Load a Method?

There are two kinds of methods:
• The active method—This is sometimes referred to as the current method. The settings
defined in this method are the settings the GC is currently maintaining.
• Stored methods—User-created methods can be stored in the GC, along with one SLEEP
method, one WAKE method, one CONDITION method, an MS VENT method, and a default
method.
When a method is loaded from the data system, or when a method is applied from the
Browser Interface, the setpoints of the Active Method are immediately replaced with the
setpoints of the method loaded.
• The method loaded becomes the active (current) method.
• The GC front panel status indicator will be yellow (not ready) and will stay yellow until the
GC reaches all of the settings specified by the method that was just loaded.

78 Operation Manual
5 Methods

Editing the Active Method

The Active Method is the current collection of setpoints being used by the GC. Using the
touchscreen you can edit these settings, and any changes apply immediately. When you
download a method from the Browser Interface or an Agilent data system, that method
becomes the new Active Method.
The Active Method setpoint parameters are stored when the GC is turned off, and loaded when
you turn the instrument back on.
The Active Method cannot be saved from the touchscreen, however, you can upload the
current GC settings into the Browser Interface or Agilent data system, and then save them as a
new method.

To edit the active method

1 Individually select each component for which setpoint parameters are appropriate for your
method. See Table 2.
2 Examine the current setpoints and modify as desired. Repeat for each component as
appropriate.
3 Examine the current setpoints for the ALS, if appropriate, and modify as desired.
4 Changes you make to the active method are automatically applied to the GC.

GC hardware changes
When you change the hardware your GC is using, your GC will use the default settings for the
new components. Before operating your GC with its new components, check and update the
relevant settings as needed.

Operation Manual 79
5 Methods

Create a Method
Methods may be created using your Agilent data system, or via the Browser Interface. For
more information on creating a method using your data system, refer to the documentation
provided with your data system.
From the Browser Interface:
1 Click Method on the control ribbon.
2 Click the Create New button . You are prompted to name your method and save.
3 From the navigation tree, select each instrument device, and set its method parameters to
the desired values.
4 Click Configuration > Modules. Check the gas configuration for each inlet and detector.
(Gas configuration was initially set when the Setup Wizard was run at installation.) Make
any changes if needed.
Click Configuration > Columns. If the installed columns include Smart ID Keys, the
column configurations are set by the Smart ID Keys. IF not, edit the column configuration
as needed. Double-click a column to edit it.
5 Click Columns. For each column, set the control mode, select the On checkbox, and set the
flow on the column.
6 Click Inlets, and then select either the front or back inlet. Set the inlet mode, temperatures,
and other parameters needed for your method. Repeat for the other inlet, if present.
7 Click Detectors. For each detector being used, set the detector temperature and gas flows.
Select all check boxes to turn the detector on.

Carrier Gas Flow Correction setting recommendations

NOTE
• Column + Fuel = Constant (H2 carrier in Constant Pressure mode)
• Column + Makeup = Constant (He/N2 carrier Constant Pressure mode)
• Constant Makeup and Fuel Flow (any carrier in Constant Flow mode)

8 Click Oven. Set the initial oven temperature, ramp temperatures, and times for your
method. Select the Heater On checkbox. For an isothermal run, do not create any ramps.
9 Click Signals. Choose the signals to be included in the data file when a run is initiated.
Normally this is Front Signal or Back Signal for detector output. Select the Save check box
and select a data rate that meets the needs of your chromatography.
10 Click ALS/Tray, then select either the front or back injector. Set the Injection Volume,
washes, and pumps.

It is important to do both sample and solvent washes to eliminate carryover and keep the
NOTE syringe clean. Pumping the plunger multiple times eliminates air bubbles in the syringe for
better reproducibility.

11 If using a tray, click ALS/Tray > Other. Set Sample Overlap if desired.
12 Click the Save button to save your method.

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Load a Method
1 Connect to the GC using the Browser Interface. See “Browser Interface”.
2 Open or create the desired method. See “Create a Method”.
3 If needed, click the Save button to save the method.
4 Click the Download button to load the method to your GC.

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Running Methods
Pre Run and Prep Run
With some inlets and operating modes, certain instrument setpoints are different between
runs than during an analysis. To restore the setpoints for injection, you must place the GC into
the Pre Run state.
You must use the Pre Run state when:
• Using gas saver with any inlet.
• Using splitless mode with any inlet.
• Using a pressure pulse mode with any inlet.
• Using the solvent vent mode of the PTV inlet.
• Using the direct or splitless mode of the Volatiles Interface.
• Using the solvent vent mode of the MMI inlet.
• Using the direct mode of the MMI inlet.
There are three ways to begin Pre Run—manually (select before each run), automatically
(for Agilent samplers), or using Auto Prep Run (for non-Agilent samplers). The three methods
are discussed below.
During the Pre Run state:
• The status on the touchscreen changes to indicate the GC is preparing for the injection.
• Setpoints change to the correct values for injection.
• Inlet, detector, and oven equilibration times begin.
When all criteria for a run are met, the Status/Control tray indicates that the GC is ready for
sample injection.

Manually prepare for the run

Select before you inject a sample manually. The GC enters the Pre Run state. When the
touchscreen indicates that the GC is ready, begin the analysis.
If you are using an Agilent automatic sampling system, the Prep Run function is automatic.

Non-Agilent samplers
With most automatic injection systems, you do not need to use the button. If your sampler
or automation controller (for example, an integrator or workstation) does not support the Prep
Run function, you must set the GC to Auto Prep Run.

To manually inject a sample with a syringe and start a

run
1 Prepare the sample syringe for injection.
2 Load the desired method. See “Load a Method”.

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3 Navigate to the Home view and select Prep Run . See “Run controls” for more
information.
4 Wait for status Ready to display.
5 Insert the syringe needle through the septum and all the way into the inlet.
6 Simultaneously depress the syringe plunger to inject the sample and select Start .

To run a method to process a single ALS sample

1 Prepare the sample for injection.
2 Load the sample vial into the assigned location in the ALS tray or turret.
3 Load the desired method. (See “Load a Method”.)
4 Navigate to the Home view and select Start to initiate the ALS syringe cleaning, sample
loading, and sample injection method. After the sample is loaded into the syringe, the
sample is automatically injected when the GC reaches the ready state. See “Run controls”
for more information.

To abort a method
1 Select Stop .
2 When you are ready to resume running analyses, load the appropriate sequence or
method. (See “Load a Method”.)

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Events
Run time programming during a method allows certain setpoints to be changed during a run
as a function of the chromatographic run time. Thus an event that is programmed to occur at
2 minutes will occur 2 minutes after every injection.
• Controlling column switching or other valves
• Changing analog signal definition, zero, or range
• Controlling an auxiliary pressure channel
• Changing polarity of a thermal conductivity detector (TCD)
• Make sample flow bypass TCD filament
• Turning the hydrogen flow to a nitrogen-phosphorus detector (NPD) on or off
• Switching digital signal output (requires an Agilent data system)
• Pausing (“freezing”) and resuming digital signal output (requires an Agilent data system)
• Performing signal math on the front and back detectors.
The changes are entered into a run table that specifies the setpoint to be changed, the time for
the change, and the new value. At the end of the chromatographic run, most setpoints
changed by a run time table are returned to their original values.
Valves can be run time programmed but are not restored to their starting position at the end of
the run. You must program the reset operation in the run table if this action is desired.

Using run time events

The Events page in the Method tab is used to program the following timed events.
• Valves (1-10)
• Multiposition valve
• Signal type
• Analog signal definition, zero, and range
• Auxiliary pressures (1 through 9)
• TCD negative polarity (on/off)
• Detector gas flow (on/off), including NPD H2 fuel gas
• Inlet septum purge flow
• AO signal range
• AO signal source
• AO signal zero
• Bypass TCD Filament

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Programming run time events

1 Select Method.
2 Select Events.
3 Input the time at which you want the event to occur, select the event you want to program,
select the position of the hardware that is being controlled, and set the desired setpoint.

The run table

The programmed events are arranged in order of execution time in the Run Table.

Editing events in the run table

1 Select the event you wish to edit. If the desired event is not immediately visible, use the up
and down arrows to the right to scroll up and down the table until it is.
2 Select the parameter you want to change.
3 Input the new value

Deleting run time events

1 Select the event you wish to delete.
2 Select Delete.

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Inlets
The Inlets page in the Method tab is used to modify the method parameters and each inlet
connected to your GC. Common parameters include the heater temperature and inlet
pressure. See Figure 36. To modify your inlets’ method parameters:
1 Select Method > Inlets.
2 Select the inlet you want to modify.
3 Scroll to the desired setting, and edit as necessary.

Figure 36. Common Inlet parameters

Carrier gas flow rates

The flow rates in Table 3 are recommended for all column temperatures.

Table 3 Column size and carrier flow rate

Column type Column size Carrier flow rate, mL/min
Hydrogen Helium Nitrogen
Packed 1/8-inch 30 20
1/4-inch 60 40
Capillary 0.05 mm id 0.5 0.4 n/a
0.10 mm id 1.0 0.8 n/a
0.20 mm id 2.0 1.6 0.25
0.25 mm id 2.5 2.0 0.5
0.32 mm id 3.2 2.6 0.75
0.53 mm id 5.3 4.2 1.5

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About gas saver

Gas saver reduces carrier flow from the split vent after the sample is on the column. It applies
to the Split/Splitless, Multimode, and PTV inlets (all modes) and to the split and splitless
modes of the Volatiles Interface. It is most useful in split applications.
Column head pressure and flow rate are maintained, while split vent flows decrease. Flows—
except column flow—remain at the reduced level until you press .

Start Gas saver time, 3

Split mode 50 Prep Run Regular flow

Run ends
40
Split vent flow
mL/min 30
20 Gas saver Gas saver

10

-2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Time, min
Start
Gas saver time, 5
Splitless mode 50 Purge time, 2 min
Prep Run Run ends
40 Purge flow
Split vent flow
mL/min 30
20 Gas saver Gas saver

10

-2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Time, min

The pulsed modes of the split/splitless, multimode, and PTV inlets are similar except for the
pressure pulse starting at and ending at Pulse time.

To use gas saver

1 Select Method > Inlets.
2 Scroll down until the Gas Saver option is visible.
3 Select the checkbox next to Gas Saver to enable it.
4 Input the Setpoint. The setpoint must be at least 15 mL/min greater than the column flow.
5 Input the Time.

To set the PTV or COC coolant parameters

Select Method > Inlets. Use the down arrow to scroll until the cryo settings are visible

Cryo Cooling Selecting the checkbox next to Cryo Cooling enables cryogenic cooling of the
inlet at the specified Cryo use temperature setpoint, Deselecting the checkbox disables
cooling.

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Fast Cooldown This feature is separate from Cryo Cooling.Fast Cooldown makes the oven
cool faster after a run than it would without assistance. This feature is useful when maximum
sample throughput is necessary, however it does use more coolant. Fast Cooldown turns off
soon after the oven reaches its setpoint and Cryo Cooling takes over, if needed.

Fault Detection Shuts down the inlet temperature if it does not reach setpoint in 16 minutes
of continuous cryo operation. Note that this is the time to reach the setpoint, not the time to
stabilize and become ready at the setpoint

Cryo Use Temperature This setpoint determines the temperature at which cryogenic cooling
is used continuously. The inlet uses cryogen to achieve the initial setpoint. If the initial setpoint
is below the Cryo Use Temperature, cryogen is used continuously to achieve and maintain the
setpoint. Once the inlet temperature program starts, the cryogen will be turned off when the
inlet exceeds the Cryo Use Temperature. If the initial setpoint is above the Cryo Use
Temperature, cryogen is used to cool the inlet until it reaches the setpoint and then it is turned
off. At the end of a run, the inlet waits until the oven becomes ready before it uses cryogen.
If the inlet is to be cooled during a run, cryogen will be used to achieve the setpoint. This may
have a negative impact on the chromatographic performance of the oven and cause distorted
peaks.

Timeout Detection Use this setting to conserve cryogenic fluid. If selected, the instrument
shuts down the inlet and cryogenic (subambient) cooling (if installed) when no run starts in the
number of minutes specified. The setpoint range is 2 to 120 minutes (default 30 minutes).
Turning cryo timeout off disables this feature. We recommend cryo timeout enabling to
conserve coolant at the end of a sequence or if automation fails. A Post Sequence method
could also be used.

To set MMI coolant parameters

Select Method > Inlets. Use the down arrow to scroll until the cryo settings are visible

Cryo Cooling Selecting the checkbox next to Cryo Cooling enables cryogenic cooling of the
inlet at the specified Use cryo temperature setpoint, Deselecting the checkbox disables
cooling.

Fast Cooldown This feature is separate from Cryo. Fast Cooldown makes the oven cool
faster after a run than it would without assistance. This feature is useful when maximum
sample throughput is necessary, however it does use more coolant. Cryo Cooling turns off
soon after the oven reaches its setpoint and Cryo Cooling takes over, if needed.

Fault Detection This parameter is available with N2 cryo and CO2 cryo Cryo types. Shuts
down the inlet temperature if it does not reach setpoint in 16 minutes of continuous cryo
operation. Note that this is the time to reach the setpoint, not the time to stabilize and become
ready at the setpoint.

Cryo Use Temperature If N2 cryo or CO2 cryo is the Cryo type, this setpoint determines the
temperature below which cryogenic cooling is used continuously to hold the inlet at setpoint.
Set the Cryo Use Temperature equal to or higher than the inlet setpoint to cool the inlet and
hold the setpoint until the inlet temperature program exceeds the Cryo Use Temperature. If the
Cryo Use Temperature is less than the inlet setpoint, cryogen will cool the inlet to the initial
setpoint and turn off.

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Timeout Detection This parameter is available with N2 cryo and CO2 cryo Cryo types. Use
this setting to conserve cryogenic fluid. If selected, the instrument shuts down the inlet and
cryogenic cooling when no run starts in the number of minutes specified. The setpoint range is
2 to 120 minutes (default 30 minutes). Turning cryo timeout off disables this feature. We
recommend cryo timeout enabling to conserve coolant at the end of a sequence or if
automation fails. A Post Sequence method could also be used.
Use cryo temperature behaves differently in Compressed air mode than it does in N2 cryo or
CO2 cryo mode. In Compressed air mode, the air coolant is used to cool the inlet regardless of
the Use cryo temperature setpoint during the cooling cycle. If the inlet reaches setpoint, the air
coolant is turned off and stays off. If the oven temperature is high enough, or the inlet was very
hot previously, it is possible that the inlet temperature will rise and the GC will go not ready. For
this reason, it is better to set the instrument cooling configuration as N2 cryo, or CO2 cryo,
using compressed air as the coolant. Using compressed air, the LN2 hardware cools the inlet
faster than the LCO2 hardware.
Never use LCO2 or LN2 as your coolant while the instrument is configured in Compressed air
mode.

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About Oven Temperature Programming

You can program the oven temperature from an initial temperature to a final temperature
using up to 32 ramps during a run.
A single ramp temperature program raises the initial oven temperature to a specified final
temperature at a specified rate and holds at the final temperature for a specified period of
time.

Final time 1
Final temperature 1

Rate 1
Rate 2 = 0

Initial time 1
Initial temperature

The multiple-ramp temperature program is similar. You can program the oven from an initial
temperature to a final temperature, but with various rates, times, and temperatures in between.
Multiple ramps can also be programmed for temperature decreases as well as increases.

Final time 2
Final temperature 2

Rate 2

Final time 1
Final temperature 1 Rate 3 = 0
Rate 1
Initial time 1
Initial temperature

Oven ramp rates

To use the fast oven ramp rates (a 240 V power option is required), your electric service must
be able to supply ≥ 200 V at ≥ 15 Amp.
The highest rate that you can achieve depends on many factors, including the room
temperature, temperatures of the inlets and detectors, the amount of material inside the oven
(columns, valves, etc.), and whether or not this is the first run of the day.
The optional oven insert for fast chromatography (see “About the Oven Insert (8890 GC)”),
increases oven ramp rates for the back column. Table 4 lists typical oven ramp rates.

Table 4 8890 GC Oven ramp rates

100/120 V oven 200/220/230/240 V oven

ramp rate (°C/minute) ramp rate (°C/minute)

Temperature Without insert With optional Without insert With optional

range (°C) insert insert

50 to 70 75 120 120 120

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Table 4 8890 GC Oven ramp rates (continued)

100/120 V oven 200/220/230/240 V oven

ramp rate (°C/minute) ramp rate (°C/minute)

Temperature Without insert With optional Without insert With optional

range (°C) insert insert

70 to 115 45 95 95 120

115 to 175 40 65 65 110

175 to 300 30 45 45 80

300 to 450 20 35 35 65

Isothermal runs
An isothermal run is one in which the oven is maintained at a constant temperature. For an
isothermal run, set Rate 1 to zero.
1 Select Oven to open the oven parameter list.
2 Enter the oven temperature for the isothermal run.
3 Enter the number of minutes (Initial time) that you want the oven to stay at this
temperature. This time is the duration of the run.
4 If Rate 1 is not already 0, enter zero for an isothermal run

Oven cryogenic cooling parameters

All cryogenic setpoints are found in Method > Oven.

Cryo Cooling Select or deselect this checkbox to enable or disable cryogenic cooling
respectively.

Quick cool This feature is separate from Cryo. Quick cool makes the oven cool faster after a
run than it would without assistance. This feature is useful when maximum sample
throughput is necessary, however it does use more coolant. Quick cool turns off soon after the
oven reaches its setpoint and Cryo takes over, if needed.

Ambient Temperature The temperature in the laboratory. This setpoint determines the
temperature at which cryogenic cooling is enabled:
• Ambient temp + 25°C, for regular cryo operation
• Ambient temp + 45°C, for Quick Cryo Cool.

Timeout Detection Cryo timeout occurs, and the oven shuts off, when a run does not start
within a specified time (10 to 120 minutes) after the oven equilibrates. Turning cryo timeout off
disables this feature. We recommend that it be turned on because cryo timeout conserves
coolant at the end of a sequence or if automation fails. A Post Sequence method could also be
used.

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Fault Detection Shuts the oven down if it does not reach setpoint temperature after 16
minutes of continuous cryo operation. Note that this is the time to reach the setpoint, not the
time to stabilize and become ready at the setpoint. For example, with a cool on-column inlet
and cryo control in the oven track mode, it may take the oven 20 to 30 minutes to achieve
readiness.
If the temperature goes below the minimum allowed temperature (–90°C for liquid nitrogen, –
70°C for liquid CO2), the oven will shut down.
The COC, MMI, and PTV inlets must use the same cryo type as configured for the oven.

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Columns
The column flow mode determines whether pressure or flows are available as setpoints for
the GC inlets. When all columns in the flow path are defined, you can enter pressures or flows.
If any column in the flow path is not defined, then the settings for the inlet may be restricted
based on the inlet type and whether the column is in flow or pressure mode.
There are two different flow modes that control the mass flow rate through the column:
Constant flow and Ramped flow. The flow rates are corrected to NTP (normal temperature
and pressure, 25 °C and 1 atmosphere).
There are two different pressure modes that control the pressure at the head of the column;
Constant pressure and Ramped pressure. These pressures are gauge pressures—the
difference between the absolute pressure and the local atmospheric pressure.

Constant flow Maintains a constant mass flow rate of carrier gas in the column throughout
the run. If the column resistance changes due to a temperature program, the column head
pressure is adjusted to keep the flow rate constant. This can shorten runs significantly.

Ramped flow Increases the mass flow rate in the column during the run according to a
program you enter. A column flow profile can have up to three ramps, each consisting of a
programmed increase followed by a hold period.
The pressure modes are not available if the column is not defined or the inlet’s mode is set to
Flow control. Pressures are gauge pressures—the difference between the absolute pressure
and the local atmospheric pressure.
Because most detectors present little resistance to the column flow, the gauge pressure at the
column head is usually the same as the pressure difference between column inlet and exit.
The mass selective detector and the atomic emission detector are the exceptions.
• Constant pressure— Maintains a constant gauge pressure at the head of the column
throughout the run. If the column resistance and gas density changes during a run, the
gauge pressure does not change but the mass flow rate does.
• Ramped pressure— Increases the column head gauge pressure during the run according
to a program you enter. A column pressure profile can have up to three ramps, each
consisting of a programmed increase followed by a hold period.

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Nickel Catalyst Tube

About the nickel catalyst tube
The Nickel Catalyst Tube accessory, 3534A, is used for trace analysis of CO and CO2 with a
flame ionization detector. The gas sample is separated on the column and passed over a
heated catalyst in the presence of hydrogen, which converts the CO and CO2 peaks to CH4.

Sample Hydrogen Air

Carrier gas Gas sample valve Column Nickel catalyst FID

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Detectors
For help creating a new method, or troubleshooting detector problems, see the recommended
starting conditions for each detector.
The makeup gas line of your detector parameter list changes depending on your instrument
configuration. If you have an inlet with the column not defined, the makeup flow is constant.

FID
FID automatic reignition (Lit offset)
Lit offset is the expected minimum difference between the FID output with the flame lit and the
output with the flame off. The GC checks this value during runs and when loading a method.
During a run, if the output falls below the Lit offset value, the FID will attempt to reignite three
times. If after the third attempt the output does not increase by at least this value, the detector
shuts down all functions except temperature and makeup gas flow.
When loading a method that includes a Flame On setting, the GC performs a similar check. If
the detector output is less than the Lit offset, it will attempt reignition after reaching method
setpoints.
The default setting for Lit offset is 2.0 picoamps. This is a good working value for all but very
clean gases and systems. You may want to lower this setpoint if the detector attempts to
reignite when the flame is still on, thus producing a shutdown.
To change Lit offset:
1 Select Settings.
2 Select Configuration.
3 Select Detectors.
4 Select your FID from the detectors listed at the top of the window.
5 Enter the new value.
1 In the browser interface, go to Method> Configuration > Modules.
2 Enter a new Lit Offset value for the desired detector.
3 Save the method.

The newly entered Lit offset is not applied/referenced against the detector output until the
NOTE next ignition cycle.

Recommended starting conditions

See Table 5 for guidelines and rules to select initial detector settings for new methods.

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Table 5 Recommended starting conditions

Gas type Suggested flow rate

Carrier gas (hydrogen, helium, nitrogen)

Packed columns 10 to 60 mL/min

Capillary columns 1 to 5 mL/min

Detector gases

Hydrogen 40 mL/min*

Air 450 mL/min*

Column plus capillary makeup (N2 is 50 mL.min*

recommended, or He as an alternative)

Detector Temperature

If < 150 °C, the flame will not light. Agilent recommends a temperature ≥ 300 °C to prevent
condensation damage. The detector temperature should be approximately 20 °C greater than
highest oven ramp temperature.

* The hydrogen / air ratio should be 8% to 12% to keep the flame lit

FPD+
The sample burns in a hydrogen- rich flame, where some species are reduced and excited. The
gas flow moves the excited species to a cooler emission zone above the flame where they
decay and emit light. A narrow bandpass filter selects light unique to one species, while a
shield prevents intense carbon emission from reaching the photomultiplier tube (PMT).
The light strikes a photosensitive surface in the PMT where a light photon knocks loose an
electron. The electron is amplified inside the PMT for an overall gain of up to a million.

Storage
The FPD+ should not be stored at temperatures above 50 °C.

FPD+ linearity
Several mechanisms produce sulfur emission. The excited species is diatomic, so that
emission intensity is approximately proportional to the square of the sulfur atom
concentration.
The excited species in the phosphorus mode is monatomic, leading to a linear relationship
between emission intensity and atom concentration.

Inlet liners for use with the FPD+

Compounds containing sulfur may adsorb on an inlet liner and degrade the GC’s performance.
Use deactivated, clean liners or a cool on-column inlet, which injects directly onto the column.
For best results use Agilent Ultra Inert liners:
• Splitless 5190-2293
• Split 5190-2295

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FPD+ temperature considerations

The FPD+ provides two temperatures zones, one for the transfer line (the main detector
temperature) and one for the emission block. For the transfer line temperature, we
recommend a temperature that is 25 °C higher than the highest column temperature.
The emission block temperature ranges from 125—175 °C. Typically, the default temperature
of 150 °C is sufficient for most applications. However, when setting the emission block
temperature, consider the following:
• If using the GC oven at high temperature (>325 °C) with the transfer line set to 400 °C, set
the emission block temperature to 165 °C to avoid a system Not Ready if the emission
block temperature cannot be maintained.
• If using the transfer line at 400 °C, set the emission block temperature to at least 150 °C to
avoid a system Not Ready.
• For sulfur analyses, the highest area response will be realized with the lowest possible
emission block temperature.
• For phosphorus analyses, the area response is independent of the emission block
temperature.

Recommended starting conditions

The FPD+ provides two temperatures zones, one for the transfer line (the main detector
temperature) and one for the emission block. For the transfer line temperature, we
recommend a temperature that is 25 °C higher than the highest column temperature. The
emission block temperature ranges from 125—175 °C. Typically, the default temperature of
150 °C is sufficient for most applications.
Flows for the maximum sensitivity FPD+ flame, which is hydrogen-rich and oxygen-poor.
Helium, either as carrier or makeup gas, may cool the detector gases below the ignition
temperature.

Table 6 Recommended starting conditions

Gas type Suggested flow rate

Carrier gas (hydrogen, helium, nitrogen)

Packed columns 10 to 60 mL/min

Capillary columns 1 to 5 mL/min

Detector gases

Hydrogen 60 mL/min

Air 60 mL/min

Column plus capillary makeup 60 mL.min

As with the FID, the FPD has a Lit Offset associated with it. The default Lit OIffset for the FPD is
2.0 pA.

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NPD
Setting NPD adjust offset on the clock table
You can use the Clock table feature to begin Adjust offset at a specified time.

Extending the NPD bead life

These actions, together with the automated heatup and adjust procedures, can extend bead
life considerably.
• Use the lowest practical Adjust Offset value. This will result in a lower applied bead current
during operation.
• Run clean samples.
• Turn the bead off when not in use.
• Keep the detector temperature high (320 to 335 °C).
• Turn the hydrogen flow off during solvent peaks and between runs.

Turning hydrogen off during a solvent peak When using the NPD, the baseline shifts after a
solvent peak and can take some time to stabilize, especially with chlorinated solvents. To
minimize this effect, turn off the hydrogen flow during the solvent peak and turn it back on
after the solvent elutes. With this technique, the baseline recovers to its original value in less
than 30 seconds. This also extends the life of the bead. The hydrogen can be turned on and off
automatically as part of a Run Table. See “Events”.

Turning hydrogen off between runs To extend bead life, turn off the hydrogen flow between
runs. Leave all other flows and the detector temperature on. Turn on the hydrogen flow for the
next run; the bead will ignite almost immediately. The process can be automated with Run
Table entries.

Recommended Starting conditions

Table 7 Recommended starting conditions

Gas type Suggested flow rates

Carrier gas (helium, hydrogen, nitrogen*) Capillary: choose an optimal flow rate
based on column dimensions.

Detector gases

Hydrogen 1 to 3 mL/min

Air 60 mL/min

Makeup Flow (He, N2†) 1 to 20 mL/min, less is recommended

Bead voltage
Blos bead.
• Use Auto Adjust, Dry Bead, and let the GC set the applied bead current for you.

* Flow rate must be less than 3 mL/min when using hydrogen as carrier gas.
† Helium is recommended for best peak shapes.

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TCD
Chemically active compounds reduce TCD filament life
The tungsten-rhenium TCD filament has been chemically passivated to protect against oxygen
damage. However, chemically active compounds such as acids and halogenated compounds
may attack the filament. The immediate symptom is a permanent change in detector
sensitivity due to a change in filament resistance.
If possible, such compounds should be avoided. If this is not possible, the TCD cell may have
to be replaced frequently.

Changing the TCD polarity during a run

Negative polarity On inverts the peak so the integrator or Agilent data system can measure it.
Negative Polarity can be a run table entry; see “Events”.

Detecting hydrogen with the TCD using helium carrier gas

Hydrogen is the only element with thermal conductivity greater than helium, and mixtures of
small amounts of hydrogen (<20%) in helium at moderate temperatures exhibit thermal
conductivities less than either component alone. If you are analyzing for hydrogen with helium
carrier gas, a hydrogen peak may appear as positive, negative, or as a split peak.
There are two solutions to this problem:
• Use nitrogen or argon-methane as carrier gas. This eliminates problems inherent with
using helium as carrier, but causes reduced sensitivity to components other than
hydrogen.
• Operate the detector at higher temperatures—from 200 °C to 300 °C.
You can find the correct detector operating temperature by analyzing a known range of
hydrogen concentrations, increasing the operating temperature until the hydrogen peak
exhibits normal shape and is always in the same direction (negative relative to normal
response to air or propane) regardless of concentration. This temperature also ensures high
sensitivity and linear dynamic range.
Because hydrogen peaks are negative, you must turn negative polarity on at appropriate times
so the peak appears positive.

Recommended Starting conditions

Table 8 Recommended starting conditions
Gas type Suggested flowrates
Carrier gas Packed: 10 to 60 mL/min
(hydrogen, helium, nitrogen) Capillary: 1 to 5 mL/min
Reference 15 to 60 mL/min
(same gas type as carrier)
Capillary makeup Packed: 2 to 3 mL/min
(same gas type as carrier) Capillary: 5 to 15 mL/min
Detector temperature
<135 °C, cannot turn on filament
If detector temperature goes below 125 °C, the filament turns off.
Detector temperature should be 30 °C to 50 °C greater than the highest oven ramp temperature.

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ECD
ECD linearity
The ECD response factor versus concentration curve is linear for four orders of magnitude or
more (linear dynamic range = 104 or higher) for a broad range of compounds. You should still
run a calibration curve on your samples to find the limits of the linear range for your materials.

ECD makeup gas notes

If the carrier gas type is different from the makeup gas type, the makeup gas flow rate must be
at least three times the carrier gas flow rate.
ECD sensitivity can be increased by reducing the makeup gas flow rate.
ECD chromatographic speed (for fast peaks) can be increased by increasing the makeup gas
flow rate.

ECD temperature programming

The ECD is flow sensitive. If you are using temperature programming, in which the column
flow resistance changes with temperature, set up the instrument as follows:
• Set the carrier gas in the Constant flow mode. Set detector makeup gas to Constant
makeup.
• If you choose to work in the constant pressure mode, the makeup gas should be set in the
Column + makeup = constant mode.

Recommended starting conditions for new ECD methods

Use the following information when selecting temperatures and flows. Maximum source
pressure must not exceed 100 psi. Use the maximum source pressure to achieve maximum
makeup flow rate.

Table 9 Recommended starting conditions

Gas type Suggested flow rates

Carrier gas
Packed columns (nitrogen or 30 to 60 mL/min
argon-methane)
Capillary columns (hydrogen, nitrogen, or 0.1 to 20 mL/min,
argon-methane) depending on diameter

Capillary makeup (nitrogen or 10 to 150 mL/min

argon-methane) (30 to 60 mL/min typical)

Temperature

250 °C to 400 °C
Detector temperature is typically set 25 °C greater than the highest oven ramp temperature.

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Valves
The 8890 valve box
The GC holds up to four valves in a heated valve box on top of the oven.
The valve box is the preferred location for valves because it is a stable temperature zone,
isolated from the column oven.

Valve box, shown with

3 valves

Valve heater

Valve heater

Figure 37. Diagram of valve locations on GC

Valves may also be mounted inside the column oven.

Valve control
Valves can be controlled manually from the touchscreen, Browser Interface, or as part of a
clock or run time program. Note that only sampling valves automatically reset at the end of a
run. Other valve types remain at the new position until activated again. For other valve types,
you must include any desired resets in the program.

The valve drivers

A valve driver is the software and circuitry in the GC that controls a valve or related function.
There are ten drivers known as Valve 1 through Valve 10.

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Table 10 Valve drivers

Valve number Type Volts Power or current Use

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 Current source 24 VDC 13 watts Pneumatic valve

control

9 and 10 Current source 24 VDC 100 mA Relays and low-power

devices

7 and 8 Contact closure 48 VDC or 48 VAC RMS Control an external

current source

The internal valve drivers

Valve drivers 1 through 6 are usually used to control pneumatically operated valves mounted
in the valve box. The wiring for these appears at a set of connectors inside the right cover of
the GC.
Pneumatically driven valves are controlled by solenoids mounted near the connectors that
control the flow of air to the valve actuators.

Connector V1
Interface

Connector V2
or
Connector V3
Run table Internal valve drivers
(1 through 6)
Connector V4
or
Connector V5

Clock table
Connector V6

There is no direct relationship between the location of a valve in the valve box and the driver
that controls it. This depends on how the solenoids are wired and the actuators are plumbed.
Manual valves must be switched by hand, and are heated or unheated.

The external valve drivers

Valve drivers 9 and10 control a current that may be used to drive a relay or other low-power
device. Valve drivers 7 and 8 switch a current from an external source. Electrical details are in
Table 10.
These drivers, particularly Valve 7 and 8, may be used to control a motor driven multiposition
valve for stream selection.
All four of these drivers appear on the External Event connector on the back of the GC.

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Interface
Valve 9 (pin 1) and
ground (pin 3 or 4)
or
Valve 10 (pin 2) and
External valve drivers ground (pin 3 or 4)
Run table
(8 through 10)
Valve 7 (pin 5
or and pin 6)
Valve 8 (pin 7
Clock table and pin 8)

Valve types
The possible valve types are:

Sampling A two-position (load and inject) valve. In load position, an external sample stream
flows through an attached (gas sampling) or internal (liquid sampling) loop and out to waste.
In inject position, the filled sampling loop is inserted into the carrier gas stream. When the valve
switches from Load to Inject, it starts a run if one is not already in progress. See the example
on page 104.

Switching A two-position valve with four, six, or more ports. These are general-purpose
valves used for such tasks as column selection, column isolation, and many others. For an
example of valve control, see page 105.

Multiposition Also called a stream selection valve. It is usually used to select one from a
number of gas streams and feed it to a sampling valve for analysis. It has a special actuator
that advances the valve one position each time it is activated, or it may be motor driven. An
example that combines a stream selection valve with a gas sampling valve is on page 105.

Other Could be anything.

Not installed There is no valve installed in this position.

Controlling a valve
From the run or clock time tables
The Valve On and Valve Off commands can be run time or clock time programmed. See
“Events” and “Clock Time Programming”.
If a valve is rotated by a run time program, it is not automatically returned to its initial position
at the end of the run. You must program this reset operation yourself.

Switching valve: column selection

This is the plumbing for a single valve, configured as a switching valve, that selects one of two
columns for analysis. It has no configuration parameters.

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Front column

From inlet or
sampling valve

To detector

ON OFF

Back column

When the valve is set to On, the front column is selected. When the valve is set to Off, the back
column is selected
Use a run table entry to ensure that the valve is in the Off state between runs.

Sampling valve
If a valve is configured as a sampling valve, it starts a run automatically when it is switched to
the Inject position. This can be done by a subsequence or clock table entry. You may have two
gas sampling valves installed.
To column

Carrier in

LOAD position INJECT position

Loop

Sample in
Sample out

Sampling valves have two positions:

Load position The loop (external for gas sampling, internal for liquid sampling) is flushed with
a stream of the sample gas. The column is flushed with carrier gas.

Inject position The filled loop is inserted into the carrier gas stream. The sample is flushed
onto the column. The run starts automatically.
Carrier gas may be provided by an (optional) auxiliary gas channel. To do this, configure the
column and specify an Aux # channel as the inlet. The channel then becomes programmable
with four operating modes.
The gas sampling valve control parameters are:

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Load time Time in minutes that the valve remains in the Load position before becoming
ready.

Inject time Time in minutes that the valve remains in the Inject position before returning to
the Load position.
The sampling valve cycle is:
1 The sampling valve rotates to the Load position. Load time begins. Valve is not ready.
2 Load time ends. The valve becomes ready.
3 If everything else is ready, the GC becomes ready. If anything is not ready:
• If you are using Clock Table or sequence control, the GC waits until everything is ready,
then executes the valve inject command.
• If you are not using Clock Table or sequence control, the valve injection can be made at
any time from the keyboard.
4 The sampling valve rotates (keyboard command or sequence control) to the Inject
position. Inject time begins. The run begins.
5 Inject time ends. Return to step 1.

Multiposition stream selection valve with sampling valve

Several manufacturers provide multiposition stream selection valves that can be driven by
valve drivers 7 or 8. Only one multiposition valve can be configured.
If a valve is configured as a multiposition valve and has a BCD position output connected to
the GC, the valve position can be selected directly.

Sampling valve

Multiposition stream
selection valve

Sample streams in
Selected stream out

If the GC has one valve configured as a multiposition valve and another configured as a gas or
liquid sampling valve, it assumes that they are to be used in series. This “double configuration”
can be used to replace an automatic liquid sampler and sample tray in an analytical sequence.
The multiposition valve becomes the sample tray; the sampling valve becomes the injector.
Two configuration parameters provide mechanical and electrical compatibility with most
multiposition valve actuators.

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Step time In seconds, is a delay between successive actuator movements. It allows time for
the actuator mechanism to prepare for the next movement.

BCD Inverted Complements the BCD input; 1’s become 0’s and 0’s become 1’s. This
accommodates coding convention differences among manufacturers.

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GC Output Signals
Signal is the GC output to a data handling device, analog or digital. It can be a detector output
or the output from flow, temperature, or pressure sensors. Two signal output channels are
provided.
Signal output can be either analog or digital, depending on your data handling device. Analog
output is available at either of two speeds, suitable to peaks with minimum widths of
0.004 minutes (fast data rate) or 0.01 minutes (normal rate). Analog output ranges are 0 to 1 V,
0 to 10 V.
Digital output rates are set by your Agilent data system, such as OpenLab CDS or MassHunter
Workstation.
See Table 11 for the conversions from units shown on the GC display to units as shown in
Agilent data systems and integrators.

Table 11 Signal conversions

Signal type 1 display unit is equivalent to:

Detector:

FID, NPD 1.0 pA (1.0 × 10-12 A)

FPD+ 150 pA (150 × 10-12 A)

TCD 25 uV (2.5 × 10-5 V)

ECD 1 Hz

Analog input board (use to connect the GC to 15 µV

non-Agilent detector)

Nondetector:
Thermal 1 °C

Pneumatic:
Flow 1 mL/min
Pressure 1 pressure unit (psi, bar, or kPa)
Diagnostic Mixed, some unscaled

When outputting a column pressure signal, the GC reports the pressure in absolute units. For
example, an inlet pressure of 68.9 kpa would be reported as 170.2 kpa.

Analog signals
If you use an analog recorder, you may need to adjust the signal to make it more usable. Zero
and Range in the Signal parameter list do this.

Analog zero

Zero Subtracts value entered from baseline. Either select On to set Zero at the current signal
value, or enter a number between -500,000 and +500,000 as the setpoint to subtract from the
baseline.

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This is used to correct baseline elevation or offsets. A common application is to correct a

baseline shift that occurs as the result of a valve operation. After zeroing, the analog output
signal is equal to the Value line of the parameter list minus the Zero setpoint.
Zero can be programmed as a run time event. For details, see “Events”.

Analog range

Range Scales data coming from the detector

Range is also referred to as gain, scaling, or sizing. It sizes the data coming from the detector
to the analog signal circuits to avoid overloading the circuits (clamping). Range scales all
analog signals.
If a chromatogram looks like A or B in the next figure, the data needs to be scaled (as in C) so
that all peaks are visible on the paper.
Valid setpoints are from 0 to 13 and represent 20 (=1) to 213 (=8192). Changing a setpoint by
1 changes the height of the chromatogram by a factor of 2. The following chromatograms
illustrate this. Use the smallest possible value to minimize integration error.

A: Range = 0 B: Range = 3 C: Range = 1

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There are limits to usable range settings for some detectors. The table lists the valid range
setpoints by detector.

Table 12 Range limits

Detector Usable range settings (2x)

FID 0 to 13

NPD 0 to 13

FPD+ 0 to 13

TCD 0 to 6

ECD 0 to 6

Analog input 0 to 7

Range may be run time programmed. See “Events” for details.

Analog data rates

Your integrator or recorder must be fast enough to process data coming from the GC. If it
cannot keep up with the GC, the data may be damaged. This usually shows up as broadened
peaks and loss of resolution.
Speed is measured in terms of bandwidth. Your recorder or integrator should have a
bandwidth twice that of the signal you are measuring.
The GC allows you to operate at two speeds. The faster speed allows minimum peak widths of
0.004 minutes (8 Hz bandwidth), while the standard speed allows minimum peak widths of
0.01 minutes (1.6 Hz bandwidth).
If you use the fast peaks feature, your integrator should operate at around 15 Hz.

Selecting fast peaks (analog output)

1 Select Settings > Configuration.
2 Select Analog Out.
3 Select the checkbox next to Fast Peaks.
Agilent does not recommend using Fast peaks with a thermal conductivity detector. Since the
gas streams switch at 5 Hz, the gain in peak width is offset by increased noise.

Digital signals
The GC outputs digital signals only to an Agilent data system. The following discussions
describe features that impact the data sent to data systems, not the analog data available to
integrators. Access these features from the data system. These features are not accessible
from the GC touchscreen or Browser Interface.

Zero signal
Available only from an Agilent data system.

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Digital signal outputs respond to a zero command by subtracting the signal level at the time of
the command from all future values.

Signal Freeze and Resume

Available only from an Agilent data system.
Some run time operations, such as changing signal assignments or switching a valve, can
cause baseline upsets. Other factors can cause baseline upsets also. The GC can compensate
for this by pausing (freezing) the signal at a particular value, using that signal value for a
specified duration, and then resuming normal signal output.
Consider a system that uses a switching valve. When the valve switches, an anomaly occurs in
the baseline. By freezing and resuming the signal, the anomaly can be removed so that the
peak identification and integration software operates more smoothly.

Baseline upset due to valve switch

Pause signal here

Resume signal here

Data rates with Agilent data systems

The GC can process data at various data rates, each corresponding to a minimum peak width.
The table shows the effect of data rate selection.

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Table 13 Agilent data system data processing

Data rate, Hz Minimum peak Relative Detector Column type

width, minutes noise

1000 0.0002 6.96 FID/NPD Narrow-bore,

0.05 mm

500 0.0004 5 FID/NPD Narrow-bore,

0.05 mm

200 0.001 3.1 FID/FPD+/NPD Narrow-bore,

0.05 mm

100 0.002 2.2 FID/FPD+/NPD Capillary

50 0.004 1.6 ECD/FID/FPD+/NPD

20 0.01 1 ECD/FID/FPD+/NPD

10 0.02 0.7 ECD/FID/FPD+/NPD

5 0.04 0.5 ECD/FID/FPD+/NPD to

/TCD

2 0.1 0.3 ECD

1 0.2 0.22 ECD

0.5 0.4 0.16 ECD

0.2 1.0 0.10 ECD

0.1 2.0 0.07 ECD Slow packed

You cannot change the data rate during a run.

You will see higher relative noise at the faster sampling rates. Doubling the data rate can
double peak height while the relative noise increases by 40%. Although noise increases, the
signal-to-noise ratio is better at the faster rates.
This benefit only occurs if the original rate was too low, leading to peak broadening and
reduced resolution. We suggest that rates be chosen so that the product of data rate and peak
width in seconds is about 10 to 20.
The figure shows the relationship between relative noise and data rates. Noise decreases as
the data rate decreases until you get to data rates of around 5 Hz. As the sampling rate slows,
other factors such as thermal noise increase noise levels.

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Relative noise level

Excess noise (due to flow,
oven temperature, detector
block temperatures, etc.)

Faster data rates Slower data rates

Column compensation
In temperature programmed analysis, bleed from the column increases as the oven
temperature rises. This causes a rising baseline which makes peak detection and integration
more difficult. Column compensation corrects for this baseline rise.
A column compensation run is made with no sample injected. The GC collects an array of data
points from all 4 detectors, whether installed, off, or working. If a detector is not installed or is
turned off, that part of the array is filled with zeros.
Each array defines a set of curves, one for each detector, that can be subtracted from the real
run to produce a flat baseline. The next figure illustrates the concept.

Chromatogram with
rising baseline
Blank column
Chromatogram with
compensation
column compensation
profile

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All conditions must be identical in the column compensation run and the real run. The same
detector and column must be used, operating under the same temperature and gas flow
conditions.

Test plot
Test plot is an internally generated “chromatogram” that can be assigned to a signal output
channel. It consists of three baseline-resolved, repeating peaks. The area of the largest is
approximately 1 Volt-sec, the middle one is 0.1 times the largest, and the smallest is 0.01 times
the largest.

Test plot can be used to verify the operation of external data processing devices without
having to perform repeated chromatographic runs. It may also be used as a stable signal to
compare the results from different data processing devices.
To use the Test Plot:
1 Select Method > Analog Out.
2 Select the dropdown under Signal Type.
3 Select Test Plot.
Test Plot is the default choice for the analog outputs. Test Plot can also be selected as a digital
signal when using the Browser Interface or a data system.

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What is a Sequence? 116

Running a Sequence from the Touchscreen 117

Recoverable Errors 118

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What is a Sequence?
A sequence is a list of samples to be analyzed along with the method to be used for each
analysis. Sequences can be set up from the Browser Interface, or from the connected Agilent
data system. Refer to the help provided in the Browser Interface or data system for details.

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Running a Sequence from the Touchscreen

When enabled by the browser interface, you can load and run a browser interface sequence.
1 Create a sequence in the browser interface and save it.
2 On the touchscreen, go to Sequence.
3 Select a sequence from the drop-down list. Only sequences created in the browser
interface are available.
4 When ready, select Run.
The GC provides the following controls:
Run: Start the loaded sequence.
Pause: Complete the current sample, do not start new samples.
Resume: Continue a paused sequence with next new sample.
Abort: Stop the current run and sequence.

To enable this feature, connect to the GC using the browser interface. Go to Settings, then
select Local Sequence.
A data system can disable this feature. See “Instrument Control Using a Data System”.

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Recoverable Errors
For details on how this feature works in your data system, refer to its help and documentation.
Some types of errors, such as an ALS missing vial error or a headspace sampler vial size
mismatch, may not always justify stopping an entire sequence. These errors are called
recoverable errors, since you may be able to recover from them and continue running a
sequence, if desired. Agilent data systems now provide features to allow you to control how
the system will react to these types of errors. When using an Agilent data system, the data
system will now control whether or not the sequence pauses, aborts completely, continues
with the next sample, and so on, for each type of recoverable error.
Note that the data system only controls what happens to the next run in the sequence, not the
current run, except when set to immediately abort. (In that case, the data system typically
aborts the current run and the sequence.)
For example, selecting the Stop control on the GC always halts the current run. However,
the data systems can allow you to choose whether to continue with the next run or to pause or
to abort the whole sequence.

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About Diagnostics 120
The system health report 120
The system health report 120
Automated testing 121
Self-guided diagnostics 122
Gather Log Files 122
Warnings and Errors 123

Using the Diagnostics View 124

Performing Diagnostic Tests 125

Troubleshooting 127

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About Diagnostics
The GC provides diagnostics features for inlets, detectors, and other installed components.
This includes tests that are performed by the operator and automated testing that is
performed by the GC without operator intervention.
The Diagnostics view provides access to current warnings and errors, diagnostic tests, the
system health report, blank and detector evaluation reports, peak evaluation reports,
automated troubleshooting, and gas and power usage statistics.
Select a link to access the desired reports or tests. See Figure 38.

Figure 38. Diagnostics view

To view active warning and error conditions, select Warnings and Errors. This panel displays
the list of conditions that require attention. If the GC has not identified any conditions that
require attention, the panel will be blank. Touch a condition to see a list of possible causes and
resolutions.

Trend Plots
When viewing Blank Evaluation reports, Detector Evaluation reports, and Peak Evaluation
reports, select Chromatographic Trend Plot to plot how these data have changed over time.

The system health report

To access the system health report, select View System Health Report. The system health
report appears.
The system health report includes the following types of information:
• System information

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• System Configuration details

• Active instrument conditions
• Column details
• Early Maintenance Feedback details
• Diagnostic test results
• Network information
• Status snapshot information

Automated testing
The GC performs continuous, automated testing of the following items. If a failure occurs, an
alert appears on the diagnostic tab. In addition, an entry is made in the appropriate log.
See below for a list of the continuously monitored signals and states:
Detector:
• Supply voltage
• ADC (analog to digital converter) references
• FID flameout
• NPD bead open/short
• Igniter open/short
• Collector short
• Electrometer not plugged in
• TCD filament open or short
• TCD switching valve open or short
• FPD flameout
EPC (Electronic Pneumatic Control) - Inlets, detectors, and other modules.
ADC (analog to digital converter) references
Actuator movements
Thermal:
• Sensor open/short
• Missing heater
• Wrong heater
• Heater current:
• Quiescent
• Leakage
Configuration Mismatch

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Self-guided diagnostics
The GC offers several useful diagnostic checks to use when troubleshooting issues with the
GC or method. See below for a list of self-guided diagnostic tests available:
Inlet tests:
• Leak & Restriction test
• Gas Supply Pressure test
• Split Vent Restriction test
• Pressure Decay test
• Septum Purge test
• Gas Identification test
Detector tests:
• FID Jet Restriction test
• FID Leakage Current test
• FPD Dark Current check
Other tests:
• Hydrogen sensor calibration check. If the optional hydrogen sensor is installed, this test
verifies sensor operation.

Gather Log Files

The GC provides many diagnostic tools to automatically diagnose itself. If you need to contact
Agilent for support, please use the convenient Gather Logs feature (found in the browser
interface on the Diagnostics tab, and also available in the data system) and provide the
collected information when you contact Agilent support. Gather Logs will bundle all relevant
logs files and data in a convenient package file. This information will be used to diagnose and
resolve any issues. Information gathered includes GC and PC time information, the system
logs, and firmware revisions. You can also include setpoints, instrument configuration, the last
five runs of sample information, and the last five data runs.
From an Agilent data system, find Gather Logs on the Maintenance Actions tab when
accessing the GC method parameters. The data system command will also include the data
system version and related basic details.

Log options
In addition to the normal logs (run log, system log, maintenance log, and so forth), optionally
include the active method, run information log, run data logs, and the trend analysis database.
When including the trend analysis database, the log file will include EMF, diagnostic test, peak
evaluation, detector evaluation, and blank evaluation data. Collecting this information will
increase the time needed to generate the log file.

Available Logs
Use the selection list in Available Logs to search for, load, and delete existing log files as
desired.

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Warnings and Errors

When the GC determines a condition that requires attention, it lists the condition in Diagnostics
> Warnings and Errors. Select a condition to see a list of possible causes and resolutions. A
blank screen means that the GC has not identified any issues that require attention.

Figure 39. Example listing of warning and error conditions

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Using the Diagnostics View

To use the Diagnostics view:
1 Select Diagnostics. The Diagnostics view appears.
2 Select Diagnostic Tests. The Diagnostic Tests page appears. See Figure 40.

Figure 40. Diagnostic Tests page

3 Select Inlets, Detectors, or another link, as desired. The corresponding page will appear.
For example, selecting Inlets brings up the Inlet Diagnostic Tests page. See Figure 41.

Figure 41. Inlet Diagnostic Tests page

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Performing Diagnostic Tests

To perform a diagnostic test:
1 Access the desired test from the Diagnostics view. See “Using the Diagnostics View”.
2 Select the desired test. The corresponding test page appears. The test page includes a test
description and an indication of the parameter being tested. See Figure 42.

Figure 42. Leak & Restriction Test page

3 Select Start Test. Testing is initiated. Test details are displayed along with test results.
See Figure 43.

Figure 43. Leak & Restriction Test page

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The currently running test can be aborted by selecting Cancel. This brings up a dialog box
which allows you to confirm that you want to cancel the test. See Figure 44.

Figure 44. Abort dialog box

Note that some diagnostic tests normally perform confirmation runs using blank or other
samples. These confirmation runs can be disabled by a connected data system. In this case,
the diagnostic test will run, but will not perform any steps that require a run. See “Instrument
Control Using a Data System” on page 37.

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Troubleshooting
The GC also provides automated chromatographic troubleshooting procedures that may be
suggested following an automated diagnostic test or condition. The troubleshooting can also
be started manually when desired, for example as part of method development. See the
troubleshooting manual and the browser interface help for more information.

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Early Maintenance Feedback (EMF) 130
Counter types 130
Thresholds 130
Default Thresholds 131

Perform Maintenance 132

Available Counters 134

Viewing Maintenance Counters 137

To Enable, Reset, or Change a Limit for an EMF Counter 138

EMF Counters for Columns 140

EMF Counters for Autosamplers 141

Counters for 7693A and 7650 ALS with EMF-enabled firmware 141
Counters for ALS with earlier firmware 141

EMF Counters for MS Instruments 142

Selecting the maintenance navigation tab shows buttons for counters by component, lets you
view the maintenance log, and lets you start automated, step-by-step maintenance procedures
for various components. These procedures also include automated tests as needed to help-
be sure the GC is ready when maintenance is complete. See the GC Maintaining Your GC
manual for more information.

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Early Maintenance Feedback (EMF)

The GC provides injection- and time-based counters for various consumable and maintenance
parts. Use these counters to track usage and replace or recondition these items before
potential degradation impacts the chromatographic results.
If using an Agilent data system, these counters can be set and reset from within the data
system.

Counter types
Counters are provided for injections, runs, and time. Each type is described below.
Injection counters increment whenever an injection occurs on the GC via an ALS injector,
headspace sampler, or sampling valve. Manual injections do not increment counters. The GC
differentiates between front and back injections, and only increments counters associated
with the configured injection flow path.
For example, consider the following GC:

Configured front flow path Configured back flow path

Front injector Back injector

Front inlet Back inlet

Column 1 (GC oven) Column 2 (GC oven)

Purged Union / Aux EPC 1 Back detector

Column 3 (GC oven)

Front detector

In this example, for a front ALS injection, the GC will increment counters for the front injector,
front inlet, and the front detector, but it would not increment the back injector, back inlet, or
back detector counters. For the columns, the GC would increment the injection counters for
columns 1 and 3, and the oven cycles counter for all 3 columns.
Run counters increment against the number of runs performed on the GC.
Time counters increment against the GC clock. Changing the GC clock changes the age of
tracked consumables.

Thresholds
The EMF feature provides two warning thresholds: Service Due and Service Warning. When
either threshold is passed, an indication appears on the Maintenance tab on the GC
touchscreen ribbon.
Selecting the Maintenance tab brings up the Maintenance view. See Figure 45.

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Figure 45. Maintenance view

Selections are available for any installed component.

Two thresholds are settable for any given item:
• Service Due: When the counter exceeds this number of injections, runs, or days, a red
warning icon appears on the corresponding button, and an entry is made in the
Maintenance Log.
• Service Warning: When the counter exceeds this number of injections or days, an orange
warning icon appears on the corresponding button, indicating that the component needs
maintenance soon.
Both thresholds are set independently for each counter. You can enable one or both, as
desired. The Service Due limit must be larger than the Service Warning limit.

Default Thresholds
Selected counters have default thresholds to use as a starting point.
If you want to change a default limit, enter a conservative limit based on your experience. Use
the warning feature to alert you when service is approaching, then track performance to
determine if the Service Due threshold is too high or too low.
For any EMF counter, you may need to adjust the threshold values based on the demands of
your applications.

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Perform Maintenance
For many common maintenance procedures, your GC contains a detailed walkthrough of each
procedure. These procedures may be accessed by selecting Maintenance > your desired
component > Perform Maintenance. Once here, select your desired maintenance procedure,
and select Start Maintenance to begin the walkthrough.

Many non-automated maintenance procedures require you to put the GC in maintenance

mode prior to performing any maintenance. To do so, select Maintenance > Instrument >
Perform Maintenance, select the checkbox next to Maintenance Mode, and then select Start
Maintenance.
Putting the GC into a maintenance mode can include:
• Setting low temperatures to avoid burns and other injuries
• Setting reduced flows to avoid safety hazards and to prevent damage to the instrument
• Venting a mass selective detector (MSD)
• Making other settings to prevent damage to the instrument (electronics, columns, and so
forth) or to connected instruments (MSD)
For example, to change the gas clean filter, select Maintenance > Instrument > Perform
Maintenance, select the checkbox next to Gas Clean Filter Maintenance, and then select Start
Maintenance. This cools down the required components of the GC, and then walks you
through the procedure for replacing the gas clean filter.
Note that some maintenance procedures normally perform confirmation runs using blank or
other samples. These confirmation runs can be disabled by a connected data system. In this
case, the maintenance procedure will run, but will not perform any steps that require a run. See
“Instrument Control Using a Data System” on page 37.

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When performing an automated maintenance procedure:

• The GC status indicator turns yellow
• The touchscreen status bar color changes

• The GC is Not Ready

To exit maintenance mode, either complete the running maintenance procedure or exit/abort
it. Maintenance procedures also end when the GC is turned off. If aborting a running
maintenance procedure, make sure that all GC parts and consumables have been installed,
configured, and so forth.

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Available Counters
Table 14 lists the most common counters available. The available counters will vary based on
the installed GC options, consumables, and future updates.

Table 14 Common EMF counters

GC Parts with a counter Type Default value

Component

Detectors
FID Collector Number of injections

Jet Number of injections

Ignitor Number of ignition attempts

TCD Switching solenoid On time

Filament on time On time

ECD Insert liner Number of injections

Time since wipe test On time 6 months

NPD Bead Number of injections

Collector Number of injections

Bead baseline offset pA Value

Bead baseline voltage Voltage value Blos bead: 1.045

Bead current integral pA-sec Value

Bead on time On time Blos bead: 2400 h

FPD+ Ignitor Number of ignition attempts

PMT Number of injections

PMT On time 6 months

Inlets

SSL Gold seal Number of injections 5000

Gold seal Time 90 days

Liner Number of injections 200

Liner Time 30 days

Liner O-ring Number of injections 1000

Liner O-ring Time 60 days

Septum Number of injections 200

Split vent trap Number of injections 10,000

Split vent trap Time 6 months

MMI Liner Number of injections 200

Liner Time 30 days

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Table 14 Common EMF counters (continued)

GC Parts with a counter Type Default value

Component

Liner O-ring Number of injections 1000

Liner O-ring Time 60 days

Septum Number of injections 200

Split vent trap Number of injections 10,000

Split vent trap Time 6 months

Cooling cycles Number of injections

Clean bottom seal Number of injections 1000

PP Liner Number of injections 200

Liner Time 30 days

Septum Number of injections 200

Top weldment O-ring Number of injections 10,000

Top weldment O-ring Time 1 year

COC Septum Number of injections 200

PTV Column adapter silver Number of injections 5000

seal

Liner Number of injections 200

Liner Time 30 days

Split vent trap Number of injections 10,000

Split vent trap Time 6 months

PTFE ferrule Number of injections

PTFE ferrule Time 60 days

VI Split vent trap Number of injections 10,000

Split vent trap Time 6 months

Columns

Column Injections onto Number of injections

column

Oven cycles Number of injections

Length Value

Run count Number of runs

Valves

Valve Rotor Activations (number of

injections)

Maximum Value
temperature

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Table 14 Common EMF counters (continued)

GC Parts with a counter Type Default value

Component

Instrument

Instrument On time Time

Run count Number of runs

Filters Time

Hydrogen sensor (optional)

Hydrogen On time since Time 6 months

sensor calibration

ALS Injectors

ALS Syringe Number of injections 800

Syringe Time 2 months

Needle Number of injections 800

Plunger moves Value 6000

Mass spectrometers

Mass Pump Time (days) 1 year

spectrometer

Filament 1 Time (days) 1 year

Filament 2 Time (days) 1 year

Source (time since last Time (days) 1 year

cleaning)

EMV at last tune V 2600

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Viewing Maintenance Counters

To view the maintenance counters:
1 Select the Maintenance tab. See Figure 45.
2 Select the desired component type. The Status column lists the counter for the
corresponding component. See Figure 46.

Figure 46. Detector Maintenance page

3 Scroll to view additional components, as applicable.

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To Enable, Reset, or Change a Limit for an EMF

Counter
When using the GC without a data system, enable or change the limit for a counter as follows:
1 Locate the counter you wish to change. See “Viewing Maintenance Counters”.
2 Select the Details listing for the counter you want to change. The dialog includes a trend
plot for past reset events for this counter. See Figure 47.

Figure 47. Settings dialog box

The trend plot legend includes the following controls:

• User Reset: Select to toggle manual counter resets.
• Maintenance Reset: Select to toggle counter resets performed automatically when
using an automated maintenance procedure.
• Service Due: Select to toggle the Service Due limit on the plot.
• Service Warning: Select to toggle the Service Warning limit on the plot.
3 To modify a threshold:
a Select the threshold entry. A data entry dialog box appears.
b Enter the desired value. See “Default Thresholds”.
4 To enable or disable a warning, select or deselect Enable for the corresponding counter.
5 Select Apply. The dialog box closes. The entered value is displayed in the corresponding
field.
6 To reset the counter:
a Select Reset Counter. A confirmation dialog box appears.
b Select Yes. The confirmation dialog box closes.

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7 Select Apply.
The GC logs each counter reset. Access this data from the maintenance log.
Note that any change to a Service Due or Service Warning limit does not appear on the plot
until the next counter reset.

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EMF Counters for Columns

Because GC columns are sometimes transferred from GC to GC or from front to back on the
same GC, the EMF counters for GC columns are associated not with the GC, but with the
column’s serial number. This serial number is found from the column's Smart ID key, or the
columns database if using an Agilent data system, or can be entered manually.
• If the column is reconfigured on the same GC, for example, changed from column #1 to
column #2, the GC will transfer the EMF data to the new column position, and will continue
to cumulatively track EMF data.
• If a column is completely removed from the GC (the current GC configuration no longer
includes that column serial number), the GC will track the EMF data for any new column
using the new column's data.
• When available, the GC stores column EMF data on the column's Smart ID key or in the
columns database. The data in the Smart ID key and columns database do not get reset by
the GC.
If not using a Smart ID key or a column database, the column data is available only on the GC
while the column is installed. It is important to always enter the column serial number so that
EMF data can be tracked for the column.
Column EMF data will not transfer between GCs when not using a Smart ID key or a data
system with a columns database. If using an Agilent data system, column EMF data may not
transfer between data system installations (each data system usually has its own columns
database).

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EMF Counters for Autosamplers

The GC provides access to the counters for the autosampler. The functionality for ALS
counters depends on the ALS model and firmware version. In all cases, the GC shows EMF
counter status and allows you to enable, disable, and reset the counters using the touchscreen
or Browser Interface.

Counters for 7693A and 7650 ALS with EMF-enabled

firmware
If using an Agilent 7693 injector with firmware version G4513A.10.8 (or higher), or a 7650
injector with firmware version G4567A.10.2 (or higher), each injector independently tracks its
EMF counters.
• The injector counters will increment as long as the injector is used on an 8890/8850 Series
GC. You can change positions on the same GC or install the injector on a different GC
without losing the current ALS counter data.
• The ALS will report an exceeded limit only when mounted on an 8890/8850 GC.

Counters for ALS with earlier firmware

If using a 7693 or 7650 injector with earlier firmware, or if using another injector model, the GC
tracks the counters for that injector. The GC uses the injector serial number to distinguish
between installed injectors, but only maintains up to two sets of counters—one for the front
injector, and one for the back injector.
• The GC will track injector counters regardless of installed position (front or back inlet).
Because the GC tracks the injector serial number, you can change the injector position
without losing the counters as long as the injector remains installed on the GC.
• Each time the GC detects a new injector (different model or different serial number), the GC
resets the ALS counters in the new injector’s position.

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EMF Counters for MS Instruments

When configured to an Agilent MS that supports enhanced communications (such as a 5977
Series MSD or 7000C Triple Quadrupole MS), the GC reports the EMF counters as tracked by
the MS. The MS provides its own EMF tracking.
When connected to an earlier model MS (for example, a 5975 Series MSD or 7000B MS), the
GC tracks the MS counters, not the MS.
For GC-MS, GC-HS, and GC-MS-HS systems, all EMF counters are available at the GC
touchscreen. In addition, most counters can be reset at the GC touchscreen. Some counter
types, for example, a counter which requires a calibration to be performed on a headspace
sampler, cannot be reset at the GC touchscreen, but can still be viewed.

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Logs View 144
Maintenance logs 145
Run log 145
System log 145

This section describes the log features available on the Agilent GC.

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Logs View
The Logs view provides listings of GC events including maintenance events, run events,
system events, sequence events, run history, and logs for certain connected instruments (such
as an 8697 headspace sampler), sorted by date/time. See Figure 48.

Figure 48. Logs view

Selecting one of the buttons on the Logs view brings up the corresponding log page.
See Figure 49.

Figure 49. Maintenance Logs page

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For Maintenance and System log items, items are sorted by date and time. For Run log items,
relative time (from the start of the run) is used.
Use the scroll buttons to scroll through the log entries.
Select Cancel to return to the Logs view.

Maintenance logs
The maintenance log contains entries made by the system when:
• A system event occurs (for example, a detector shutdown)
• Any component counter reaches a monitored limit
The log entry contains a description of the maintenance event and the date/time that the event
occurred. In addition, each user task related to the counter is recorded in the log, including
resetting, enabling, or disabling monitoring, and changing limits or units (cycles or duration).

Run log
The run log is cleared at the start of each new run. During the run, any deviations from the
planned method (including touchscreen or Browser Interface intervention) are listed in the run
log table.

System log
The system log records significant events that occur during GC operation. Some of the events
also appear in the run log if they occur during a run.

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About Settings 148

Service Mode 149

About 151

Calibration 152
Maintaining EPC calibration—inlets, detectors, PCM, PSD, and AUX 152
To zero a specific flow or pressure sensor 153

System Settings 155

Configuring the IP address for the GC 155
To set system date and time 157
To change the system locale 158
To set system power saving features 159
To access stored run data 160
To control Browser Interface access 161
To run the system setup routine 162

Tools (Browser Interface) 163

Performing a column compensation run 163

Power 165

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About Settings
The Settings view provides access to configuration and system settings for the GC.
Selecting Settings on the touchscreen control ribbon brings up the Settings view.
See Figure 50.

Figure 50. Settings view

• Select Configuration to access the GC configuration settings. See “Configuration”.

• Select Scheduler to access the GC Instrument Schedule settings. See “Resource
Conservation”.
• Select Service Mode to access the service mode settings for the GC. See “Service Mode”.
• Select About to get information about this GC. See “About”.
• Select Calibration to access the calibration functions. See “Calibration”.
• Select System Settings to access the system settings for the GC, including setting the
network address, system date and time, touchscreen settings, system setup information,
and so on. See “System Settings”.
• Select Tools to access the Tools page. See “Tools (Browser Interface)”.
• Select Power to access the Power dialog box. See “Power”.

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Service Mode
The Service Mode feature allows you to view the installed GC system component details. This
includes serial numbers, firmware versions, voltages, currents, temperatures, and so on.

Figure 51. Service Mode page

To view the specifications for the various components of your instrument:

1 Select the desired component type. The Service Mode page for the selected component
appears. See Figure 52.

Figure 52. Instrument Service Mode page

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2 Use the page selection buttons on the left side of the page to display related functional
information.

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About
The About feature allows you to view details about the GC.
The About screen lists the GC manufacturing date, serial number, firmware revision, and help
and information revision.

Figure 53. About page

Select Close on the About page to return to the Settings view.

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Calibration
Calibration allows you to adjust the following items (when available):
• ALS
• Inlets
• Oven
• Detectors
• EPC modules
• Hydrogen sensor (optional). See “Hydrogen Sensor” on page 245.

Figure 54. Calibration page

To change the calibration settings:

1 Use the page selection buttons on the left side of the page to display related functional
information.
2 Make changes to calibration settings as desired. See “Maintaining EPC calibration—inlets,
detectors, PCM, PSD, and AUX”, “To zero a specific flow or pressure sensor” for more
information.
3 Select Apply. The entered changes are saved to the GC.

Maintaining EPC calibration—inlets, detectors, PCM,

PSD, and AUX
The EPC gas control modules contain flow and/or pressure sensors that are calibrated at the
factory. Sensitivity (slope of the curve) is quite stable, but zero offset requires periodic
updating.

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Flow sensors
All inlet modules use flow sensors, as do PSDs, and channel 1 of a PCM. If the Auto flow zero
feature is selected, they are zeroed automatically after each run. This is the recommended
setting. They can also be zeroed manually—see “To zero a specific flow or pressure sensor”.”

Pressure sensors
All EPC control modules use pressure sensors. They must be zeroed individually. There is no
automatic zero for pressure sensors.

Auto Zero flow

A useful calibration option is Auto Zero flow. When selected, after the end of a run, the GC
shuts down the flow of gases to an inlet, waits for the flow to drop to zero, measures and
stores the flow sensor output, and turns the gas back on. This takes about two seconds. The
zero offset is used to correct future flow measurements.

Auto zero septum purge

This is similar to Auto zero flow, but is for the septum purge flow.

Zero conditions
Flow sensors are zeroed with the carrier gas connected and flowing.
Pressure sensors are zeroed with the supply gas line disconnected from the gas control
module.

Zero intervals

Table 15 Flow and Pressure Sensor Zero Intervals

Sensor type Module type Zero interval

Flow All Use Auto flow zero and/or

Auto zero septum purge

Pressure Inlets

Small capillary columns Every 12 months

(id ≤ 0.32 mm)

Large capillary columns At 3 months, at 6 months,

(id > 0.32 mm) then every 12 months

Auxiliary channels Every 12 months

Detector gases Every 12 months

To zero a specific flow or pressure sensor

1 Select Settings > Calibration > Detectors, and select the desired detector.
2 Select On next to the desired sensor to zero it.
3 For Flow sensors. Verify that the gas is connected and flowing (turned on).

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4 For Pressure sensors. Disconnect the gas supply line at the back of the GC. Turning it off is
not adequate; the valve may leak.
5 Reconnect any gas line disconnected in the previous step and restore operating flows.

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System Settings
System settings includes setting the network address, system date and time, access and
storage details, locale setting, and system setup information.

Figure 55. System Settings page

Use the page selection buttons on the left side of the page to display related functional
information.
Select Apply to save any changes made to the GC.

Configuring the IP address for the GC

For network (LAN) operation, the GC needs an IP address. It can get this from a DHCP server,
or it can be entered directly from the touchscreen. In either case, see your LAN administrator
for appropriate settings.

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To use a DHCP server

1 From the System Settings page, select the Network page selection button. The Network
Configuration page appears. See Figure 56.

Figure 56. Network Configuration page

2 Select Enable DHCP.

3 Select Apply.
4 If prompted, restart the GC. See “Power”.

To set the LAN address at the touchscreen

1 From the System Settings page, select the Network page selection button.
2 If Enable DHCP is selected:
a Deselect Enable DHCP.
b When prompted, restart the GC. See “Power”.
c Return to the System Settings page
3 Enter the Host Name or the IP Address in its corresponding field
4 Enter the Gateway number in the corresponding field.
5 Enter the subnet mask in the Net Mask field.
6 Select Apply.
7 If prompted, restart the GC. (See “Power”.)

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To set system date and time

1 From the System Settings page, select the Date and Time page selection button. The Date
and Time page appears. See Figure 57.

Figure 57. System Settings page

2 Select the Current Date field. A keypad appears.

3 Enter the current date.
4 Select Apply. The keypad closes. The selected date is displayed in the field.
5 Select the Current Time field. A keypad appears.
6 Enter the current time.
7 Select Apply. The keypad closes. The selected time is displayed in the field.
8 Choose the appropriate Time Zone from the corresponding drop-down list box.
9 Select Apply. The GC saves all of the changes made.
This feature can be disabled by a connected data system. See “Instrument Control Using a
Data System” on page 37.

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To change the system locale

1 From the System Settings page, select the Locale page selection button. The Locale
Settings page appears. See Figure 58.

Figure 58. Locale Settings page

2 Choose the desired Language from the corresponding drop-down list box.
3 Select Apply. The GC saves the change made. The system is changed to the selected
locale. This may take a few moments.

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To set system power saving features

1 From the System Settings page, select the Power Saving page selection button. The Power
Saving page appears. See Figure 59.

Figure 59. Power Saving page

2 To enable display dimming:

a Select the Dim display after: check box. The corresponding data entry fields and
drop-down list box are enabled.
b Use the data entry fields and drop-down list box to set the desired values.
3 To enable display shut off:
a Select the Shut off display after: check box. The corresponding data entry field and
drop-down list box are enabled.
b Use the data entry field and drop-down list box to set the desired values.
4 To change the default display brightness:
a Select the Display brightness field. A keypad appears.
b Enter the desired brightness value.
c Select Apply. The keypad closes. The selected value is displayed in the Display
brightness field.
d Select Preview (for 5 seconds). The screen brightness adjusts to the specified value
for five seconds.

The dim display value must be less than the display brightness value.
NOTE
The display brightness value must be greater than 0.

5 Select Apply. The GC saves all of the changes made.

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To access stored run data

If using the Browser Interface to perform runs and collect data, the GC stores the result data
internally. To access that data:
1 From the System Settings page, select Access. Note the displayed PIN.

2 Select Local Data Storage. Note the path to the GC share.

3 On your PC, map a network drive to the GC share. When prompted, connect using the
credentials:
user: results
password: the PIN (default: 0000).

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To control Browser Interface access

The GC is set so that a four-digit PIN must be used to perform the following actions for your
GC:
• Delete run data.
• Mount a share drive.
By default, the PIN is set to 0000. Additionally, you may choose to require the PIN to access the
Browser Interface. To set a new PIN:
1 From the System Settings page, select Access.
2 Select the PIN field and input a new PIN.
3 If desired, select the checkbox next to Access Browser Interface to require the PIN for
Browser Interface access.

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To run the system setup routine

1 From the System Settings page, select the System Setup page selection button. The
System Setup page appears. See Figure 60.

Figure 60. System Setup page

2 Select Run System Setup. A set of demonstration slides is displayed on the touchscreen.
These slides illustrate the primary steps for setting up your GC for use. Certain slides allow
you to enter setup information which is available elsewhere in the GC user interface. These
items include:
• System data and time. See “To set system date and time”
• Displayed pressure units.
• System network address. See “Configuring the IP address for the GC”
• Inlet and detector gas types. See “Inlet Configuration”
Additionally, you are asked whether the GC is connected to a data system, and prompted
to perform checkout. See “Chromatographic Checkout”.
3 Follow the instructions on the screen to view the demonstration.

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Tools (Browser Interface)

The Tools page in the browser interface allows you to perform column compensation runs for
the installed columns on the GC. See Figure 61.

Figure 61. Tools page

In temperature programmed analysis, bleed from the column increases as the oven
temperature rises. This causes a rising baseline which makes peak detection and integration
more difficult. Column compensation corrects for this baseline rise.
A column compensation run is made with no sample injected. The GC collects an array of data
points from any installed detectors. If a detector is not installed or is turned off, that part of the
array is filled with zeros.
Each array defines a set of curves, one for each detector, that can be subtracted from the real
run to produce a flat baseline.
When a connected data system is used, the raw signal, and the column compensation data, is
output to the data system so that a compensated, and uncompensated, signal are available for
analysis.

Performing a column compensation run

All conditions must be identical in the column compensation run and the real run. The same
detector and column must be used, operating under the same temperature and gas flow
conditions.
Up to four column compensation runs can be made. The GC retains the results of these runs
for later use.
Any column compensation run can then be used to compensate a rising baseline during a run.

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1 Go to Settings > Tools. With the Tools page displayed, select the desired
Column Compensation in the Start Specified Run column. The GC performs the column
compensation run. No injection occurs as a part of this run.
2 Use the connected data system to edit the method. Set the detector to Subtract from
Signal: Column compensation Curve #x (where x is the number of the column
compensation run).
3 Run the method. The results use the column compensation run data to compensate for
baseline changes in the column.
This feature can be disabled by a connected data system. See “Instrument Control Using a
Data System” on page 37.

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Power
The Power Options dialog box allows you to shut down or restart the GC from the touchscreen.

Figure 62. Power Options dialog box

To restart the GC, select Restart. The GC restarts.

To shut down the GC, select Shut Down. The GC shuts down.

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About Configuration 168

Configuration Changes 169

Valve Configuration 172

Inlet Configuration 174

Columns 176
To configure a single column 177
To configure a packed column 178
To configure a composite column 178
Additional notes on column configuration 180
To configure multiple columns 180
Inlets and outlets 181
A simple example 181
Slightly more complex example 182

Oven 183

Detector Configuration 185

Analog Output Settings 186

MSD Configuration 187

System-level communications 187
MSD configuration 187
GC/MS systems 188
To enable or disable MS communications 190
To use the GC when the MS is shut down 190

Headspace Sampler (8697) 191

Headspace Sampler (7697) 192

Miscellaneous Settings 194

LTM Columns (8890 GC) 196

Valve Box 197

PCMs 198

Aux EPCs 199

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About Configuration
A device’s configuration properties are constant for an instrument hardware setup, unlike
method settings which can change from sample run to sample run. Two example
configuration settings are the gas type flowing through a pneumatic device and the operating
temperature limit of a device. The GC will try to set any configuration properties necessary for
any device that it finds installed. For example, if the GC knows it is connected to an MSD, it will
automatically configure the MSD heated transfer line. The only settings that need to be
configured manually are items that can be changed depending on your analysis, such as
installed columns and carrier gas type, or an item which may be installed in a non-standard
location. For example, an auxiliary EPC module installed in an inlet EPC module position may
require manual configuration.
Ensure all devices have been configured correctly prior to running any samples.

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Configuration Changes
Configure a new device
Upon startup, the GC will attempt to identify any device that was not installed prior to
shutdown. The GC may require you to provide additional information, such as the type of
device installed, or which heater a given device was attached to. To configure a new device:
1 Select Settings > Service Mode > Setup.

2 Select the new device type from the list on the left side of the screen.
3 Fill out any required parameters. Potential parameters include:
• Type: Select the type of device installed, such as the MS model.
• Line voltage.
• Heater(s): Select the heater(s) that the device is plugged into.
• Sensor(s): Select the sensor the device is plugged into.
• LVDS: Select the LVDS channel the device is plugged into.
• Valve: Select the valve used to control your inlet’s cryo.
• Presence
4 Select Apply to save the changes to your GC.

Configure an existing device

To change the configuration properties for a device that has already been configured:

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1 Select Settings. The Settings view appears. See Figure 63.

Figure 63. Settings view

2 Select Configuration.

Figure 64. Configuration page

3 Select the desired device type from the list on the left side of the screen. The properties for
the selected device type appear on the right side of the screen.
4 Scroll to the device setting and change the property. This can involve making a selection
from a list, or entering a numeric value.

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5 When all required changes have been made, select Apply. The entered changes are saved
to the GC.

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Valve Configuration
Valve configuration provides the ability to specify valve types, loop volumes, step times, and
BCD inversion settings. BCD inversion allows for changing the BCD input (1’s become 0’s and
0’s become 1’s). This feature accommodates coding convention differences between valve
manufacturers.
Note that the Valves page appears regardless of whether any valves are currently installed in
the GC.

To configure valves
1 Select Settings > Configuration > Valves. See Figure 65.

Figure 65. Valves page

2 Use the Valve Type drop-down list box to select the corresponding valve type. The possible
valve types are:
• Gas Sampling Two-position (load and inject) valve. In load position, an external sample
stream flows through an attached (gas sampling) or internal (liquid sampling) loop and
out to waste. In inject position, the filled sampling loop is inserted into the carrier gas
stream. When the valve switches from Load to Inject, a run starts if one is not already in
progress.
• Switching Two-position valve with four, six, or more ports. These are general-purpose
valves used for such tasks as column selection, column isolation, and many others.
• Multi-position Also called a stream selection valve. It selects one from a number of gas
streams and feeds it to a sampling valve. The actuator may be ratchet- (advances the
valve one position each time it is activated) or motor-driven.
• Other Something else.
• Not installed Self-explanatory.

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3 Enter the loop volume using the corresponding Loop Vol. text field.
4 Enter the Step Time in the corresponding test field
5 For multi-position valves, use the BCD Inverted drop-down list box to select the whether to
invert the BCD input.
6 Select Apply. The entered changes are saved to the GC.

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Inlet Configuration
1 Select Settings > Configuration > Inlets. The properties for the selected device type appear
on the right side of the screen. See Figure 66.

Figure 66. Inlets page

2 Select the desired gas type from the Carrier Gas Type drop-down list box.
3 Select Enable under Readiness if using this inlet. If Readiness is disabled, the GC becomes
ready even if this device has not reached or cannot reach its setpoints.

Figure 67. Flow Path page

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4 Adjust the settings for the second inlet as necessary.

5 Select Apply. The entered changes are saved to the GC.

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Columns
Length The length, in meters, of a capillary column. Enter 0 for a packed column or if the
length is not known.

Diameter The inside diameter, in millimeters, of a capillary column. Enter 0 for a packed
column.

Film thickness The thickness, in microns, of the stationary phase for capillary columns.

Inlet Identifies the source of gas for the column.

Outlet Identifies the device into which the column effluent flows.

Thermal zone Identifies the device that controls the temperature of the column.

In_Segment Length The length, in meters, of the In Segment of a composite column. Enter 0
to disable. See “To configure a composite column”.

Out_Segment Length The length, in meters, of the Out Segment of a composite column.
Enter 0 to disable. See “To configure a composite column”.

Segment 2 Length The length, in meters, of the Segment 2 of a composite column. Enter 0 to
disable. See “To configure a composite column”.

Column ID lock The Column ID lock can either be set manually, or will be automatically set
when using a column with a SmartID key. When a column is locked, the column dimensions
can not be edited through the Browser Interface, touchscreen, or a connected data system. If a
locked column does not have an associated SmartID key, it may be manually unlocked via the
touchscreen.

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To configure a single column

You define a capillary column by entering its length, diameter, and film thickness. You then
enter the device controlling the pressure at the Inlet (end of the column), the device controlling
the pressure at the column Outlet, and the Thermal zone that controls its temperature.
With this information, the instrument can calculate the flow through the column. This has great
advantages when using capillary columns because it becomes possible to:
• Enter split ratios directly and have the instrument calculate and set the appropriate flow
rates.
• Enter flow rate or head pressure or average linear velocity. The instrument calculates the
pressure needed to achieve the flow rate or velocity, sets that, and reports all three values.
• Perform splitless injections with no need to measure gas flows.
• Choose any column mode. If the column is not defined, your choices are limited and vary
depending on the inlet. Except for the simplest configurations, such as a column
connected to a specific inlet and detector, we recommend that you begin by making a
sketch of how the column will be connected.
To configure a capillary column:
1 Select Settings > Configuration > Columns.
2 Under Column Type, select Capillary.
3 Input the Length, Diameter, and Film Thickness into the appropriate fields.
If you do not know the column dimensions—they are usually supplied with the column—
or if you do not wish to use the GC calculating features, enter 0 for either Length or
Diameter. The column will be not defined.

Agilent recommends always defining capillary columns.

NOTE

4 Under Inlet connection, select the desired inlet from the dropdown menu. Selections
include the installed GC inlets, and installed Aux and PCM channels.
5 Under Outlet connection, select the desired outlet from the dropdown menu.
• Available choices include the installed Aux and PCM channels, front and back detectors,
and MSD.
• When a detector is selected, the outlet end of the column is controlled at 0 psig for the
FID, TCD, FPD+, NPD, and ECD or vacuum for the MSD.
• If the column exhausts into a nonstandard detector or environment (neither ambient
pressure nor complete vacuum), select Other and enter the outlet pressure.
6 Under Thermal zone, select the desired thermal zone from the dropdown menu.
7 Set the Min Temp, Max Temp, and Max Program Temp for your column.
8 Set the column’s
• Manufacturer
• Date Manufactured
• Serial Number

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• Part Number
• Phase Tag
• Column ID Lock. If using an optional barcode scanner, this will be set to Locked by the
data system. Normally, set to Unlocked when not using a barcode scanner.
9 Set In_Segment Length, Out_Segment Length, and Segment 2 Length to 0 to disable
composite column configuration. See “To configure a composite column” for information.
10 Select Apply. This saves the changes to the GC.

To configure a packed column

To configure a packed column:
1 Select Settings > Configuration > Columns.
2 Under Column Type, select Packed.
3 Set the Min Temp, Max Temp, and Max Program Temp for your column.
4 Set the column’s
• Manufacturer
• Date Manufactured
• Serial Number
• Part Number
• Phase Tag
• Column ID Lock. If using an optional barcode scanner, this will be set to Locked by the
data system. Normally, set to Unlocked when not using a barcode scanner.
5 Under Inlet connection, select the desired inlet from the dropdown menu. Selections
include the installed GC inlets, and installed Aux and PCM channels.
6 Under Outlet connection, select the desired outlet from the dropdown menu.
• Available choices include the installed Aux and PCM channels, front and back detectors,
and MSD.
• When a detector is selected, the outlet end of the column is controlled at 0 psig for the
FID, TCD, FPD+, NPD, and ECD or vacuum for the MSD.
• If the column exhausts into a nonstandard detector or environment (neither ambient
pressure nor complete vacuum), select Other and enter the outlet pressure.
7 Under Thermal zone, select the desired thermal zone from the dropdown menu.
8 Set In_Segment Length, Out_Segment Length, and Segment 2 Length to 0 to disable
composite column configuration. See “To configure a composite column” for information.
9 Select Apply. This saves the changes to the GC.

To configure a composite column

A composite column is a capillary column that passes through multiple heating zones. A
composite column consists of a main segment and one or more additional segments. There
may be one segment on the input side of the main segment (In Segment) and up to two
segments on its output side (Out Segment, Segment 2). Each of the four segments' lengths,

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diameters, and film thicknesses can be specified separately. Also, the zones that determine
the temperatures of each of the four segments are specified separately. The three additional
segments are often uncoated (zero film thickness) and, serving as connectors, are of shorter
length than the main segment. It is necessary to specify these additional segments so that the
flow-pressure relationship for the composite column can be determined.
Composite columns differ from multiple columns because for composite columns, 100% of
the column flow continues through a single column or through multiple column segments
without additional makeup gas.

In segment
MSD
Transfer Line

Analytical column
Out segment

To configure a composite column:

1 Select Settings > Configuration > Columns.
2 Under Column Type, select Composite from the dropdown menu.
3 Input the Length, Diameter, and Film Thickness into the appropriate fields.
4 Under Inlet connection, select the desired inlet from the dropdown menu. Selections
include the installed GC inlets, and installed Aux and PCM channels.
5 Under Outlet connection, select the desired outlet from the dropdown menu.
6 Under Thermal zone, select the desired thermal zone from the dropdown menu.
7 Select the down arrow on the right side of the window to view additional settings.
8 In the second screen, set the Length, Diameter, and Film Thickness for each segment.
9 In the Heated By column, select the heating source for each column segment from the
dropdowns.
10 In the third screen, set the Min Temp, Max Temp, and Max Program Temp for your column.
11 In the fourth screen, you can set the column’s
• Manufacturer

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• Date Manufactured
• Serial Number
• Part Number
• Phase Tag
• Column ID Lock. If using an optional barcode scanner, this will be set to Locked by the
data system. Normally, set to Unlocked when not using a barcode scanner.
12 Select Apply. This saves the changes to the GC.

Additional notes on column configuration

You should check configurations for all columns to verify that they specify the correct pressure
control device at each end. The GC uses this information to determine the flow path of the
carrier gas. Only configure columns that are in current use in your GC’s carrier gas flow path.
Unused columns configured with the same pressure control device as a column in the current
flow path cause incorrect flow results.
It is possible, and sometimes appropriate, to configure both installed columns to the same
inlet.
When splitters or unions exist in the carrier gas flow path, without a GC’s pressure control
device monitoring the common junction point, the individual column flows cannot be
controlled directly by the GC. The GC can only control the inlet pressure of the upstream
column whose inlet end is attached to a GC’s pressure control device. A column flow
calculator available from Agilent, and provided with Agilent capillary flow devices, is used for
determining pressures and flows at this type of junction.
Some pneumatic setpoints change with oven temperature because of changes in gas
viscosity. This may confuse users who observe pneumatics setpoints changing when their
oven temperature changes. However, the flow condition in the column remains as specified by
the column mode (constant flow or pressure, ramped flow or pressure) and the initial setpoint
values.

To configure multiple columns

To configure multiple columns, repeat the procedure above for each column.
These are the available choices for Inlet, Outlet, and Thermal zone. Some will not appear on
your GC if the specific hardware is not installed.

Table 16 Choices for column configuration

Inlet Outlet Thermal zone

Front inlet Front detector GC oven

Back inlet Back detector Auxiliary oven

Aux# 1 through 9 MSD Aux thermal zone 1

PCM A, B, and C Aux detector 1 Aux thermal zone 2

Aux PCM A, B, and C Aux detector 2 Aux thermal zone 3

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Table 16 Choices for column configuration (continued)

Inlet Outlet Thermal zone

Unspecified PCM A, B, and C

PSD Aux PCM A, B, and C

Front inlet

Back inlet

PSD

Other

Inlets and outlets

The pressure control devices at the inlet and outlet ends of a column, or series of columns in a
flow path, control its gas flow. The pressure control device is physically attached to the column
through a connection to a GC inlet, a valve, a splitter, a union, or other device.

Table 17 Column inlet end

If the column gas flow source is: Choose:

An inlet (SS, PP, COC, MMI, PTV, VI, or other) with electronic pressure The inlet.
control

A valve, such as gas sampling The auxiliary (Aux PCM) or pneumatics (PCM) control module channel
that provides gas flow during the inject cycle.

A splitter with an EPC makeup gas supply The Aux PCM or EPC channel that provides the makeup gas

A device with a manual pressure controller Unknown

Similar considerations apply for the column outlet end. When a column exits to a splitter,
select the GC’s pressure control source attached to the same splitter.

Table 18 Column outlet end

If the column exhausts into Choose:

A detector The detector.

A splitter with a makeup gas supply The Aux PCM or EPC channel that provides makeup gas flow to the
splitter.

A device with a manual pressure controller Unknown

A simple example
An analytical column is attached at its inlet end to a split/splitless inlet located at the front of
the GC and the column outlet is attached to an FID located at the front detector position.

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Table 19 Analytical column

Column Inlet Outlet Thermal zone

Analytical column Front split/splitless Front FID GC oven

Since only a single column is configured, the GC determines that it controls the inlet pressure
to the column by setting the front inlet pressure and the outlet pressure is always atmospheric.
The GC can calculate a pressure for the front inlet that can exactly overcome the resistance to
flow presented by this column at any point during a run.

Slightly more complex example

A precolumn is followed by a AUX 1 pressure controlled splitter and two analytical columns.
This requires three column descriptions.

Table 20 Precolumn split to two analytical columns

Column Inlet Outlet Thermal zone

1 - Precolumn Front inlet AUX 1 GC oven

2 - Analytical column AUX 1 Front detector GC oven

3 - Analytical column AUX 1 Back detector GC oven

The GC can calculate the flow through the precolumn using the precolumns physical
properties to calculate the column’s resistance to flow, along with the front inlet pressure and
the AUX 1 pressure. Your analytical method can set this flow directly for the precolumn.
For the flow in the two parallel analytical columns 1 and 2, the GC can use the column’s
physical properties to calculate the split flow through each individual column, at a given AUX 1
pressure, with both columns exiting to atmospheric pressure. Your analytical method can only
set the flow/pressure for the lowest numbered column in the split, in this case, Analytical
column #2. If you try to set the flow for column #3, it will be ignored and the flow for column #2
will be used.
If other columns are currently defined, they may not use AUX 1, Front inlet, Front detector, or
Back detector in their configuration.

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Oven
Readiness When enabled, the GC will not become ready until the oven reaches its setpoints.

Oven Standby When enabled, the oven temperature changes to the specified Temperature
after the GC has been idle for the entered Time. A usage example would be to set the standby
temperature to a relatively high value to keep the system clean between runs (reduce
carryover) when the GC may sit idle for long periods.

Maximum temperature Sets an upper limit to the oven temperature. Used to prevent
accidental damage to columns. The range is 70 to 450 °C (8890 GC) or 70 to 350 °C (8850
GC). See the column manufacturer’s recommendations.

Cryo (8890 GC) These setpoints control liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) or liquid nitrogen (N2)
cooling of the oven.
The cryogenic valve lets you operate the oven below ambient temperature. Minimum
attainable oven temperature depends on the type of valve installed.
The GC senses the presence and type of cryogenic valve and disallows setpoints if no valve is
installed. When cryogenic cooling is not needed or cryogenic coolant is not available, the
cryogenic operation should be turned off. If this is not done, proper oven temperature control
may not be possible, particularly at temperatures near ambient.

External Oven (8890 GC) Isothermal internal oven and programmed external oven used to
calculate column flow.

Slow Cool Down Mode (8890 GC) On reduces the oven fan speed during the cool down cycle.

Limit Ballistic Power Reduce oven power when heating at maximum rate to limit the current
drawn from the power line.

To configure the oven

1 Select Settings > Configuration > Oven.
2 Use the oven configuration window to set the Maximum Temperature, Limit Ballistic
Power, and set the Oven Standby.

If the GC uses cryogenic cooling, it automatically configures the coolant type.

NOTE

3 Select Apply. The entered changes are saved to the GC.

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Figure 68. Configuring the oven

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Detector Configuration
If you are operating with column defined, you have a choice of two makeup gas modes. To set
the makeup gas for a detector:
1 Select Settings > Configuration > Detectors, then select the tab for the detector to
configure. See Figure 69.

Figure 69. Detectors page

2 If available, select the makeup gas type that is plumbed to the detector. Depending on your
detector type and the carrier gas selection, the gas type may be already set for you.
3 Make or enter settings for the detector, as applicable:
• Lit Offset. FID and FPD+. See “Detectors”.
• Readiness. Enable if using this detector. When disabled, the GC becomes ready even if
this device has not reached or cannot reach its setpoints.
• Target Offset. NPD only. Enter the default target offset. The GC will slowly try to reach
this target value after the detector flows are read, the temperature is stable, and the dry
bead time has elapsed.
4 Select Apply. The entered changes are saved to the GC.

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Analog Output Settings

When connecting the GC to an integrator or recorder, the device must be fast enough to
process data coming from the GC. If it cannot keep up with the GC, the data may be incorrect
or corrupted. This usually shows up as broadened peaks and loss of resolution.
Speed is measured in terms of bandwidth. The recorder or integrator should have a bandwidth
twice that of the signal being measured.
The GC can operate at two speeds. The faster speed allows minimum peak widths of 0.004
minutes (8 Hz bandwidth), while the standard speed allows minimum peak widths of 0.01
minutes (1.6 Hz bandwidth).
If using fast peaks feature, the integrator should operate at approximately 15 Hz.

Agilent does not recommend using Fast peaks with a TCD detector. Since the gas streams
NOTE switch at 5 Hz, the gain in peak width is offset by increased noise.

To change the analog output settings:

1 Select Method > Analog Out, and then select either Analog Out 1 or Analog Out 2.

Figure 70. Analog output settings page

2 To use fast peaks for either analog output channel, select the corresponding Fast Peaks
check box.

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MSD Configuration
System-level communications
When the GC and other Agilent instruments that support enhanced communications, such as
an MS or HS, are configured together, they communicate with and react to each other. The
instruments share events and data to provide interaction and efficiency. As the state of one
instrument changes, the other instruments react accordingly. For example if you start to vent
an MS, the GC automatically changes flows and temperatures. If the GC enters its "sleep" state
to conserve resources, so do the MS and HS. When programming the HS, the HS automatically
incorporates the current GC method setpoints to calculate timing and throughput.
One of the primary advantages of enhanced communications is that instruments can protect
themselves and each other from damage. Events that cause this type of interaction include:
• GC shutdowns
• MS venting
• MS shutdowns
Another advantage of enhanced communications is the convenience provided at a system
level:
• Consolidated EMF tracking
• Synchronized instrument clocks (requires an Agilent data system)
• Synchronized instrument schedules (sleep/wake)
• Pass-through display of connected instrument errors to the GC display

MSD configuration
The method for configuring a connected MSD varies based on the model of MSD being used.

5977B GC/MSD
The 5977B connects to the GC via an LVDS cable to one of the ELVDS communication ports
on the rear of the GC. Because of this, the GC treats the MSD as a detector. No communication
configuration is necessary.
To change the MSD settings:

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1 Select Settings > Configuration > Detectors. See Figure 71.

Figure 71. Detector MSD settings page

2 Select LCOMM from the dropdown menu under Connection Type.

3 Enter details for, and control, the MSD. This includes temperature setpoints,
communication settings, MSD information and initiating venting, pump downs, and
reboots.
4 Select Apply. The entered changes are saved to the GC.

5975, 5977A, 7000A/B/C/D, 7010A/B GC/MS, 7250 GC/QTOF

These devices connect to the GC via a LAN cable either to the LAN cable on the rear of the GC
or to the GC via the laboratory network. To change the settings:
1 Select Settings > Configuration > Detectors. See Figure 71.
2 Select DCOMM from the dropdown menu under Connection Type.
3 Enter details for, and control, the MSD. This includes temperature setpoints,
communication settings, MSD information and initiating venting, pump downs, and
reboots.
4 Select Apply. The entered changes are saved to the GC.

GC/MS systems
This section describes GC behaviors and features that require an MS or MSD that supports
enhanced GC-MS communications. (Refer to the MS documentation for details.)

Venting the MS
When you use the MS keypad to initiate fast venting, or when you use the Agilent data system
to start venting, the MS alerts the GC. The GC loads the special MS Vent method. The GC
keeps the MS Vent method loaded until:

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• The MS becomes ready again.

• You manually clear the MS Vent state.
During the venting process the MS will notify the GC that venting is complete. The GC will then
set very low flows at each flow- or pressure-controlled device leading back through the column
configuration chain to the inlet. For example, for a configuration that uses a purged union at
the transfer line, the GC will set the pressure at the purged union to 1.0 psi, and the pressure at
the inlet to 1.25 psi.
If using hydrogen carrier gas, the GC will simply turn the gas off to prevent hydrogen
accumulation in the MS.
Note that while in the MS Vent state, the GC will not go into MS Shutdown after losing
communications with the MS.

MS Shutdown events
When configured with an MS or MSD that supports enhanced GC-MS communications, the
following events will cause an MS Shutdown in the GC:
• Loss of communications with the MS, when not venting the MS. (Requires no
communications for a length of time.)
• MS reports a high vacuum pump failure.
When the GC enters an MS shutdown:
• The GC aborts any current run.
• The oven is set to 50 °C. When it reaches that setpoint, it turns off.
• The MS transfer line temperature is turned off.
• If using a flammable carrier gas, the gas is turned off after the oven cools (for the MS
column flow path only).
• If not using a flammable carrier gas, the GC will set very low flows at each flow- or
pressure-controlled device leading back through the column configuration chain to the
inlet. For example, for a configuration that uses a purged union at the transfer line, the GC
will set the pressure at the purged union to 1.0 psi, and the pressure at the inlet to 1.25 psi.
• The GC displays the error state and notes the events in the logs.
The GC will not be usable until the error state is cleared or until the MS is unconfigured from
the GC. See “To use the GC when the MS is shut down”.
If the MS is repaired or clears its error, or if communications are restored, the GC will
automatically clear this error state.

GC Pressure Shutdown events

If the GC goes into a pressure shutdown for the carrier gas going to the MS transfer line, the
MS will log this event. As part of the shutdown steps, the GC will also turn off the MS transfer
line. (See the GC Troubleshooting manual for more information about GC shutdown behaviors.

To Set Up a Vent Method

A good MS Vent method does the following:
• Turns off the MS transfer line heater.

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• Turns off the inlet heater.

• Sets the oven to a low temperature, < 50 °C, for fast cool down.
• Sets the column flow rate into the MS to as high a flow as you feel is appropriate and safe.
For turbo pumps, set the flow to 15 mL/min or to the maximum flow rate possible for the
column configuration (note that rates above 15 mL/min may not provide additional
benefits). For diffusion pumps, typically set the flow to 2 mL/min (never exceed 4 mL/min).
When you first configure a GC-MS system on an Agilent data system, you will be prompted to
create this method if it does not already exist.
You must create this method to use the MS’s fast venting feature.

To enable or disable MS communications

To temporarily disable GC-MS communications:
1 Select Settings > Configuration > Detectors.
2 Scroll until the Enable Communication checkbox is visible.
3 Select or deselect the checkbox next to Enable Communication to enable or disable
communication with the MS.

To use the GC when the MS is shut down

To use the GC while an MS is being repaired or maintained, do the following:
Be careful to avoid settings that send carrier gas into the MS, or which raise the temperature of
parts which might cause burns when working on the MS.
1 Disable MS communications. See “To enable or disable MS communications”.
2 If needed, completely uninstall the MS from the GC.

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Headspace Sampler (8697)

The GC considers the Agilent 8697 headspace sampler to be an integrated part. Once installed,
no further setup is needed for communication. To configure the headspace sampler, go to
Settings > Configuration > Headspace. See the 8697 documentation for details.

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Headspace Sampler (7697)

Headspace sampler configuration
The 7697A headspace sampler is supported by the GC. The headspace sampler connects to
the GC via a LAN cable either to the LAN port on the rear of the GC, or to the GC via the
laboratory network. To change the settings:
1 Select Settings > Configuration > Headspace. See Figure 72.

Figure 72. Headspace settings page

2 Use this page to enter details for, and control, the headspace sampler.
3 Select Apply. The entered changes are saved to the GC.

System-Level communications
When the GC and other Agilent instruments that support enhanced communications, such as
an MS or HS, are configured together, they communicate with and react to each other. The
instruments share events and data to provide interaction and efficiency. As the state of one
instrument changes, the other instruments react accordingly. For example if you start to vent
an MS, the GC automatically changes flows and temperatures. If the GC enters its "sleep" state
to conserve resources, so do the MS and HS. When programming the HS, the HS automatically
incorporates the current GC method setpoints to calculate timing and throughput.
One of the primary advantages of enhanced communications is that instruments can protect
themselves and each other from damage. Events that cause this type of interaction include:
• GC shutdowns
• MS venting
• MS shutdowns

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Another advantage of enhanced communications is the convenience provided at a system

level:
• Consolidated EMF tracking
• Synchronized instrument clocks (requires Agilent data system)
• Synchronized instrument schedules (sleep/wake)
• Pass-through display of connected instrument errors to the GC display
See the Installation and First Startup manual for configuration details.

To enable or disable HS communications

To temporarily disable GC-HS communications:
1 Select Settings > Configuration > Headspace.
2 Use the down arrow to scroll until the Enable Communication checkbox is visible.
3 Select or deselect the checkbox next to Enable Communication to enable or disable
communication with the headspace.

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Miscellaneous Settings
The GC provides the option to change the pressure units displayed by the GC.
To change the displayed pressure units:
1 Select Settings > Configuration > Misc. See Figure 73.

Figure 73. Miscellaneous settings page

2 Select the desired units type from the Pressure Units list.
• psi—pounds per square inch, lb/in2
• bar—absolute cgs unit of pressure, dyne/cm2
• kPa—mks unit of pressure, 103 N/m2
3 Select Apply. The entered changes are saved to the GC.

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Readiness
The states of the various hardware components are among the factors that determine
whether the GC is Ready for analysis.
Under some circumstances, you may not wish to have a specific component’s readiness
considered in the GC readiness determination. This parameter lets you make that choice. The
following components allow readiness to be ignored: inlets, detectors, the oven, and PCM.
For example, suppose an inlet heater is defective but you don’t plan to use that inlet today. By
deselecting the Enable checkbox under Readiness for that inlet, you can use the rest of the GC.
After the heater is repaired, reselect the checkbox or the run could start before that inlet’s
conditions are ready.
To ignore a component's readiness, tap Settings > Configuration, then select the component.
Scroll down until the Readiness field is visible, then tap the Enable checkbox to remove its
checkmark.
To re-enable a component's readiness, tap Settings > Configuration, then select the
component. Scroll down until the Readiness field is visible, then tap the Enable checkbox to
restore its checkmark.

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LTM Columns (8890 GC)

Low Thermal Mass (LTM) controllers and columns mount on the front door of the GC.
Configure an LTM series II column module as a composite column. When using using a LTM
Series II column module, the GC obtains the following parameters from the column module
itself during startup: primary column dimensions (length, id, film thickness, and basket size),
and column maximum and absolute maximum temperatures.
Configure the column type, the In and Out segment dimensions, and so forth as needed.
Note that LTM columns can be edited only for certain parameters: column length (within a
small percentage, for calibration purposes) and id (within a small percentage). Since the LTM
Series II column module contains its column information, and since the column type is not
changeable, changing other dimensions (for example, film thickness) does not apply.
See “To configure a composite column”.

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Valve Box
The valve box mounts on top of the column oven. The 8890 GC may contain up to six valves
mounted on heated blocks. Each block can accommodate two valves. The 8850 GC valve box
may contain one valve.
Valve positions on the blocks are numbered. We suggest that valves be installed in the blocks
in numeric order.
All heated valves in a valve box are controlled by the same temperature setpoint.
To Configure a Valve:
1 Select Settings > Configuration > Valves.
2 For each valve installed, select the valve type, then set the loop volume, step time, and BCD
inversion as applicable to the valve type.
3 Click Apply to store the changes.

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PCMs
A pressure control module (PCM) provides two channels of gas control.
To configure a PCM:
1 Select Settings > Configuration > PCMs.
2 Select the PCMs Aux Mode:
• Forward Pressure: Pressure is being sensed downstream from the flow proportional
valve.
• Back pressure: Pressure is being sensed upstream from the flow proportional valve.
3 Select the Gas Type for channel 1, the forward-pressure control channel.
4 Select the Gas Type for the auxiliary channel (channel 2).
Channel 1 of the PCM provides forward pressure or forward flow control. It can be used to
provide column flow or pressure for valved systems, sample preparation devices, or advanced
flow devices like splitters or switches.
Channel 2, or the auxiliary channel, can only provide forward pressure regulation when
plumbed normally, or back pressure regulation when reversed. Thus, channel 2 (reversed) can
be used as a controlled leak. If the input pressure drops below setpoint, the regulator can close
down to restore it. If the input pressure rises above setpoint, the regulator can open to restore
it.

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Aux EPCs
An auxiliary pressure controller provides three channels of forward-pressure regulation. Three
modules can be installed for a total of nine channels.
The numbering of the channels depends on where the controller is installed. Within a single
module, channels are numbered and labeled.
To configure an Aux EPC:
1 Select Settings > Configuration > Aux EPCs.
2 For each channel, select the Gas Type.

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Resource Conservation 202
Sleep methods 202
Wake and condition methods 203

To Set the GC to Conserve Resources 205

This section describes the resource-saving features of the GC. When used with other
instruments configured for enhanced communications, additional features become available
for the GC-MS, GC-HS, or HS-GC-MS system.

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Resource Conservation
The GC provides an instrument schedule to conserve resources such as electricity and gases.
Using the instrument schedule, you can assign sleep, wake, and conditioning methods that
allow you to program resource usage. A Sleep method sets low flows and temperatures. A
Wake method sets new flows and temperatures, typically to restore operating conditions. A
Condition method sets flows and temperatures for a specific run time, typically high enough to
clean out contamination if present.
Load the sleep method at a specified time during the day to reduce flows and temperatures.
Load the wake or condition method to restore analytical settings before operating the GC
again. For example, load the sleep method at the end of each day or work week, then load the
wake or condition method an hour or so before arriving to work the next day.

Sleep methods
Use a connected data system to create a sleep method to reduce gas and power usage during
times of reduced activity.
When creating a sleep method, consider the following:
• The detector. While you can reduce temperatures and gas usage, consider the stabilization
time required to prepare the detector for use. The power savings is minimal.
• Connected devices. If connected to an external device such as a mass spectrometer, set
compatible flows and temperatures.
• The inlets. Maintain sufficient flow to prevent contamination.
• Cryo cooling. Devices which use cryo cooling may start immediately using cryogen if the
wake method requires it.
See Table 21 for general recommendations.

Table 21 Sleep method recommendations

GC Component Comment

Columns • Maintain some carrier gas flow to protect the columns.

Oven • Reduce temperature to save power.

• Turn off to save the most power.

Inlets For all inlets:

• Reduce temperatures. Reduce temperatures to 40 °C or Off to save the most power.

Split/splitless • Use split mode to prevent diffusion of contamination from the vent line. Use reduced split ratio.
• Reduce pressure. Consider using current Gas Saver levels, if used.

Multimode • Use split mode to prevent diffusion of contamination from the vent line. Use reduced split ratio.
• Reduce pressure. Consider using current Gas Saver levels, if used.
• Reduce temperature.

PTV • Use split mode to prevent diffusion of contamination from the vent line. Use reduced split ratio.
• Reduce pressure. Consider using current Gas Saver levels, if used.
• Reduce temperature.

VI • Use split mode to prevent diffusion of contamination from the vent line. Use reduced split ratio.
• Reduce pressure. Consider using current Gas Saver levels, if used.

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Table 21 Sleep method recommendations (continued)

GC Component Comment

PP • Reduce temperature.

Detectors

FID • Turn off the flame. (This turns off hydrogen and air flows.)
• Reduce temperatures. (Keep at or above 150 °C to reduce contamination)
• Turn off makeup flow.

FPD+ • Turn off the flame. (This turns off hydrogen and air flows.)
• Reduce temperatures.
• Leave emission block at 125-175 °C.
• Reduce transfer line to 150 °C.
• Turn off makeup flow.

ECD • Reduce makeup flow. Try using 15–20 mL/min and test results.
• Maintain temperature to avoid long recovery/stabilization times.

NPD • Maintain flows and temperatures. Sleep not recommended due to recovery times and also
thermal cycling can reduce bead life.

TCD • Leave filament on.

• Leave block temperature on.
• Reduce reference and makeup flows.

Other devices

Valve box • Reduce temperature. (Keep valve box temperature high enough to prevent sample
condensation, if applicable.)

Aux thermal zones • Reduce or turn off. Also refer to the manuals for any connected device (for example, a
connected MSD).

Aux pressures or flows • Reduce or turn off as appropriate for connected columns, transfer lines, and so forth. Always
refer to the manual for any connected device or instrument (for example, a connected MSD), to
maintain at least the minimum recommended flows or pressures.

Wake and condition methods

The GC can be programmed to wake in one of several ways:
• By loading the last Active Method used before going to sleep
• By loading the Wake method
• By running a method called Condition, then loading the last Active Method
• By running a method called Condition, then loading the Wake method

The GC can also store wake, sleep, and condition methods which have been created by a
NOTE connected data system. Although these methods are not visually displayed on the GC, once
downloaded to the GC from the data system, they can be used by the GC scheduler
functionality.

These choices provide flexibility in how you prepare the GC after a sleep cycle.

Operation Manual 203

12 Resource Conservation

A Wake method sets a temperatures and flows. The oven temperature program is isothermal
since the GC does not start a run. When the GC loads a Wake method, it remains at those
settings until you load another method using the touchscreen, data system, or by starting a
sequence.
A Wake method can include any settings, however it typically will do the following:
• Restore inlet, detector, column, and transfer line flows.
• Restore temperatures.
• Ignite the FID or FPD+ flame.
• Restore inlet modes.
A Condition method sets flows and temperatures for the duration of the method’s oven
program. When the program ends, the GC loads either the Wake method or the last Active
Method before sleep, as specified in the instrument schedule (or when manually exiting the
sleep state).
One possible use for a condition method is to set higher than normal temperatures and flows
to bake out any possible contamination that may have collected in the GC during sleep.

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12 Resource Conservation

To Set the GC to Conserve Resources

To set the GC to conserve resources by creating and using an Instrument Schedule:
Select the Settings tab. See Figure 74.

Figure 74. Settings view

1 Select Scheduler. The Instrument Schedule page appears. See Figure 75.

Figure 75. Instrument Schedule page

Operation Manual 205

12 Resource Conservation

2 Create the Instrument Schedule. You do not have to program events for every day. For
example, you can program the GC to sleep on Friday evening, then wake on Monday
morning, keeping it continuously at operating conditions during weekdays.
a Enter a Wake Time for each desired day. Use the corresponding drop-down list box to
specify AM or PM.
b Enter a Sleep Time for each desired day. Use the corresponding drop-down list box to
specify AM or PM.
c Choose Set Wake Method for each desired day, as applicable. This will cause the
Wake method to be run when the GC wakes on the selected days. See “Wake and
condition methods”.
d Choose Set Sleep Method for each desired day, as applicable. This will cause the Sleep
method to be run prior to the GC going to sleep on the selected days. See “Sleep
methods”.
3 Scroll to the Scheduler Options area. See Figure 76.

Figure 76. Scheduler Options area

4 Decide how to restore flows. Choose the desired options:

• Wake to last active method before sleep: At the specified time, the GC will restore the
last Active Method used before it went to sleep.
• Perform a conditioning run before waking: At the specified time, the GC will load the
condition method. This method runs once. See “Wake and condition methods”.
5 Select Apply. The settings are saved to the GC.

206 Operation Manual

13 Programming
Clock Time Programming 208
Using clock time events 208
Adding events to the clock table 208
Deleting clock time events 208

Operation Manual 207

13 Programming

Clock Time Programming

Clock time programming allows certain setpoints to change automatically at a specified time
during a 24-hour day. Thus, an event programmed to occur at 14:35 hours will occur at 2:35 in
the afternoon. A running analysis or sequence has precedence over any clock table events
occurring during this time. When this happens, such events are not executed.
Possible clock time events include:
• Valve control
• Method and sequence loading
• Starting sequences
• Initiating blank and prep runs
• Column compensation changes
• Adjustments of the detector offset
• Initiating blank and prep runs

Using clock time events

The Clock Table function allows you to program events to occur during a day based on the
24-hour clock. Clock table events that would occur during a run or sequence are ignored.
For example, the clock table could be used to make a blank run before you even get to work in
the morning.

Adding events to the clock table

1 Select Settings on the touchscreen.
2 Select Scheduler in the left column of options.
3 Select the down arrow on the right side to view the clock table.
4 Select +Add.
5 Choose your Clock Type and Frequency from their respective dropdown menus.
6 Set the Time you want this event to occur at.
7 Select Add to add this entry to the clock table.
8 Repeat this process until all entries are added.

Deleting clock time events

1 Select Settings on the touchscreen.
2 Select Scheduler in the left column of options.
3 Select the down arrow on the right side to view the clock table.
4 Select the X to the right of the desired event. You will be asked to confirm the deletion.
5 Select Yes to delete the event.

208 Operation Manual

14 Flow and Pressure Modules
About Flow and Pressure Control 210

Maximum Operating Pressure 212

Auxiliary Pressure Controllers 213

Restrictors 214
Selecting a frit 215

Example: Using the PCM Channels 216

PIDs 217

Operation Manual 209

14 Flow and Pressure Modules

About Flow and Pressure Control

The GC uses five types of electronic flow or pressure controllers; inlet modules, detector
modules, pressure control modules (PCMs), auxiliary pressure controllers (Aux EPCs), and
pneumatic switching devices (PSDs).

All of these modules mount in the slots at the top rear of the GC. The slots are identified by
numbers, as shown here.

Figure 77. 8890 EPC module slots

Figure 78. 8850 EPC module slots

Table 22 EPC Modules

Number Usage (8890 GC) Usage (8850 GC)

1 Inlet module Inlet module

2 Inlet module Aux gas

3 Aux EPC Detector module

4 Aux EPC —

5 Detector module/Aux EPC —

6 Detector module/Aux EPC —

7 Detector module —

210 Operation Manual

14 Flow and Pressure Modules

Table 22 EPC Modules

Number Usage (8890 GC) Usage (8850 GC)

8 Detector module —

Operation Manual 211

14 Flow and Pressure Modules

Maximum Operating Pressure

We recommend a maximum continuous operating pressure of 170 psi to avoid excessive
wear and leaks.

212 Operation Manual

14 Flow and Pressure Modules

Auxiliary Pressure Controllers

The Auxiliary Pressure Controller (Aux epc) is also a general purpose device. It has three
independent forward-pressure regulated channels. Channels are designated by numbers 1
through 9 (there can be up to 3 Aux epcs), depending on where the module is installed.

Operation Manual 213

14 Flow and Pressure Modules

Restrictors
The Aux EPC and aux PCM channel use frit-type restrictors to allow accurate flow control.To
work properly, there must be adequate flow resistance downstream of the pressure sensor.
Each channel provides a frit-type restrictor. Four frits are available.

Table 23 Auxiliary channel frits

Frit marking Flow resistance Flow characteristic Often used with

Three rings High 3.33 ± 0.3 SCCM @ 15 PSIG NPD Hydrogen

Blue

Two rings Medium 30 ± 1.5 SCCM H2 @ 15 PSIG FID Hydrogen

Red

One ring Low 400 ± 30 SCCM AIR @ 40 PSIG FID Air, FPD+ Air, QuickSwap,
Brown Splitter, Deans Switch

None (brass tube) Zero No restriction Headspace vial

pressurization

The one ring frit (low resistance, high flow) is installed in all channels in the AUX EPC when the
instrument (or accessory) is shipped. No frit ships in the PCM Aux channel.
When installing or replacing a frit, always use a new O-ring (5180-4181, 12/pk).

214 Operation Manual

14 Flow and Pressure Modules

Selecting a frit
The frits change the control range of the channels. The objective is to find a frit that allows the
required range of flows at reasonable source pressures.
• For an auxiliary channel ordered as an option (part of the GC order), use the frit supplied by
the factory.
• For an auxiliary channel ordered as an accessory (separate from the GC order), see the
instruction information supplied with the accessory.
• For a non-Agilent instrument, you must experiment to find the appropriate frit.
When you change a frit, you change the physical characteristics of the channel. It may be
desirable (or necessary) to change the PID constants for that channel. See “PIDs”.

Operation Manual 215

14 Flow and Pressure Modules

Example: Using the PCM Channels

The two channels in a PCM are different. Channel 1 is used to supply a pressure. Channel 2
may be used in the same way, but can also be used to maintain a pressure by reversing the
input and output connections.

Channel 1: Forward-pressure
This is identical to the carrier gas channel for the packed column inlet.

Channel 2: Two-way channel

If gas is supplied at the threaded connection and delivered by the tubing, this operates as a
forward pressure regulator. But the connections can be reversed—requiring some fittings—so
that it will maintain the gas supplied to it at a fixed pressure. In this mode it behaves as a
controlled leak.
This can be used to maintain the gas in a gas sampling valve at a fixed pressure, even if the
supply varies somewhat. The result is improved reproducibility in sample amount.
The figure shows the connections with the valve in the Load position.

To column

Carrier in

Back-pressure regulation

Valve PS

Sample in Vent
Threaded connection
connection
Sample out

216 Operation Manual

14 Flow and Pressure Modules

PIDs
The behavior of a pressure control module is governed by a set of three constants, called P
(proportional), I (integral), and D (differential).
Certain gases or special applications (such as headspace vial pressurization, flow splitter, and
backflush applications) require different PIDs than those provided at the factory.
The table summarizes custom PID values required for selected applications. Note that if you
are updating an AUX EPC module, you will need to change the frit for the channel used. See
also “Restrictors.”

Table 24 PIDs and frits

Application Module AUX frit Select Available PID Values

Purged splitter and Deans Switch when AUX EPC No color or rings Quickswap
using backflush

Purged splitter and Deans Switch AUX EPC 1 ring (or brown dot) Standard

Headspace vial pressurization AUX EPC No color or rings AUX_EPC_Headspace

Headspace sampling loop PCM in backpressure control PCM_Headspace

Operation Manual 217

14 Flow and Pressure Modules

218 Operation Manual

15 Inlets
Inlet Overview 220

About the Split/Splitless Inlet 221

Selecting the correct S/SL inlet liner 221

About the Multimode Inlet 223

MMI split mode minimum operating pressures 223
Selecting the correct MMI liner 224

About the Purged Packed Column Inlet 226

About the Cool On-Column Inlet 227

Setup modes of the COC inlet 227
Retention gaps 227

About the PTV Inlet 228

PTV sampling heads 228

About the Volatiles Interface 229

VI operating modes 229
About the VI split mode 230
About the VI splitless mode 232
About the VI direct mode 235
Preparing the Interface for Direct Sample Introduction 238
VI direct mode setpoint dependencies 240
VI direct mode initial values 240
Direct mode parameters 240

Operation Manual 219

15 Inlets

Inlet Overview

Table 25 Comparing inlets

Sample Sample
Inlet Column Mode concentration Comments to column

Split/splitless Capillary Split High Very little

Pulsed split High Very little

Splitless Low All

Pulsed splitless Low All

Multimode Capillary Split High Very little

Pulsed split High Very little
Splitless Low All
Pulsed splitless Low All
Solvent vent Low Controlled speed Most
injections,
concentrate analytes,
and vent solvent
Direct All

Purge packed Packed n/a Any All

column Large capillary n/a Any OK if resolution not All
critical

Cool on-column Capillary n/a Low or labile Minimal All

discrimination and
decomposition

Programmed Capillary Split High Very little

temperature Pulsed split High Very little
vaporization Splitless Low All
Pulsed splitless Low All
Solvent vent Low Controlled speed Most
injections
concentrate analytes
and vent solvent

Volatiles interface Capillary Direct Low Lowest dead volume All

(for use with external Split High Max flow = 100 Very little
volatiles sampler) Splitless Low mL/min All

220 Operation Manual

15 Inlets

About the Split/Splitless Inlet

This inlet is used for split, splitless, pulsed splitless, or pulsed split analyses. You can choose
the operating mode from the inlet parameter list. The split mode is generally used for major
component analyses, while the splitless mode is used for trace analyses. The pulsed splitless
and pulsed split modes are used for the same type of analyses as split or splitless, but allow
you to inject larger samples. Sleep mode is used for creating sleep methods, or if all gas needs
to flow onto the column.

Selecting the correct S/SL inlet liner

Split liner
A good liner for split mode operation will offer very little restriction to the split flow path
between the bottom of the liner and the inlet gold seal and between the outside of the liner and
the inside of the injection port body. The preferred Agilent split liner, part number 5183-4647,
incorporates a glass positioning bead on the bottom to facilitate this. It also has glass wool
inside the liner that provides for complete sample vaporization across the boiling point range
of the sample. Select an appropriate liner from Table 26.

Table 26 Split mode liners

Liner Description Volume Mode Deactivated Part Number

Low Pressure Drop – 870 µL Split – Fast Yes 5183-4647

Positioning Bead Injection

4mm ID, Glass Wool 990 µL Split – Fast No 19251-60540

Injection

Low Pressure Drop, 870 µL Split Yes 5190-2295

Glass Wool

Splitless liner
The liner volume must contain the solvent vapor. The liner should be deactivated to minimize
sample breakdown during the splitless time. Solvent vapor volume can be reduced by using
Pulsed Splitless mode. Use the Vapor Volume Calculator to determine vapor volume
requirements.

Vapor volume < 300 µL Use 2 mm liner (250 µL volume), 5181-8818 or similar.

Vapor volume 225 – 300 µL Consider pulsed splitless mode to reduce vapor volume.

Vapor volume > 300 µL Use 4 mm liner, 5062-3587 or similar.

Vapor volume > 800 µL Consider pulsed splitless mode to reduce vapor volume.
For thermally labile or reactive samples, use G1544-80700 (open top) or G1544-80730 (top
taper) liners.

Operation Manual 221

15 Inlets

Table 27 Splitless mode liners

Liner Description Volume Mode Deactivated Part Number

Single Taper Glass 900 uL Splitless Yes 5062-3587

Wool

Single Taper 900 uL Splitless Yes 5181-3316

Dual Taper 800 uL Splitless Yes 5181-3315

2 mm Quartz 250 uL Splitless No 18740-80220

2 mm Quartz 250 uL Splitless Yes 5181-8818

1.5 mm 140 uL Direct Inject, No 18740-80200

Purge and
Trap,
Headspace

Single Taper Glass 900 uL Splitless Yes 5062-3587

Wool

Single Taper 900 uL Splitless Yes 5181-3316

4 mm Single Taper Direct column connect Yes G1544-80730

4 mm Dual Taper Direct column connect Yes G1544-80700

222 Operation Manual

15 Inlets

About the Multimode Inlet

The Agilent Multimode (MMI) Inlet System has seven operating modes:
• The split mode is generally used for major component analyses.
• The pulsed split mode is like the split mode, but with a pressure pulse applied to the inlet
during sample introduction to speed the transfer of material to the column.
• The splitless mode is used for trace analyses.
• The pulsed splitless mode allows for a pressure pulse during sample introduction.
• The solvent vent mode is used for large volume injection. Either single or multiple injections
can be made for each run.
• The direct mode allows for a direct forward pressure of carrier gas through the column.
The split vent valve is closed.
• Sleep mode is used for creating sleep methods, or if all gas needs to flow onto the column.
The MMI can be used with both manual and automatic injection.
Automatic multiple injections (large volume injections) is not available under GC control alone.

MMI split mode minimum operating pressures

The minimum recommended inlet total flow is 20 mL/minute. When the inlet is operated in a
Split mode, there will be a minimum pressure at which the inlet can operate. Typically, low inlet
pressures may be required for shorter, wide bore columns. The minimum pressure is a
function of carrier gas type, total inlet flow, liner design, and possible contamination of the split
vent tube or trap.
A wide bore column requires a much lower inlet pressure than a typical capillary column to
maintain a given flow. Setting the split ratio (total flow) too high when using a wide bore
column can create an unstable control relationship between the pressure and flow control
loops.

Table 28 Approximate minimum viable inlet pressures for MMI in split mode, in psi (kPa)

Split vent flow (mL/min)

50–100 100–200 200–400 400–600

Helium and hydrogen carrier gases

Split liners - 5183-4647, 19251-60540 2.5 (17.2) 3.5 (24.1 4.5 (31) 6.0 (41.4)

Splitless liners - 5062-3587, 5181-8818 4.0 (27.6) 5.5 (37.9) 8.0 (55.2) 11.0 (75.4)

Nitrogen carrier gas

Split liners - 19251-60540, 5183-4647 3.0 (20.7) 4.0(27.6) — —

Splitless liners - 5062-3587, 5181-8818 4.0 (27.6) 6.0 (41.4) — —

These numbers are based on the resistance to flow of new, clean inlet systems. Sample
condensation in the split vent tube or a dirty filter can make these values non-attainable.

Operation Manual 223

15 Inlets

Selecting the correct MMI liner

Split liner
A good liner for split mode operation will offer very little restriction to the split flow path
between the bottom of the liner and the inlet body and between the outside of the liner and the
inside of the inlet body. The preferred Agilent split liner, part number 5183-4647, incorporates a
glass positioning bead on the bottom to facilitate this. It will also incorporate glass wool or
some other source of surface area inside the liner that provides for complete sample
vaporization across the boiling point range of the sample. Select an appropriate liner from
Table 29.

Table 29 Split mode liners

Liner Description Volume Mode Deactivated Part Number

Low Pressure Drop – 870 µL Split – Fast Yes 5183-4647

Positioning Bead Injection

4mm ID, Glass Wool 990 µL Split – Fast No 19251-60540

Injection

Empty Pin & Cup 800 µL Split – Manual No 18740-80190

Only

Packed Pin & Cup 800 µL Split – Manual No 18740-60840

Only

Splitless liner
The liner volume must contain the solvent vapor. The liner should be deactivated to minimize
sample breakdown during the purge delay. Solvent vapor volume can be reduced by using
Pulsed Splitless mode. Use the Vapor Volume Calculator to determine vapor volume
requirements.

Vapor volume < 300 µL Use 2 mm liner (250 µL volume), 5181-8818 or similar.

Vapor volume 225 – 300 µL Consider pulsed splitless mode to reduce vapor volume.

Vapor volume > 300 µL Use 4 mm liner, 5062-3587 or similar.

Vapor volume > 800 µL Consider pulsed splitless mode to reduce vapor volume.
For thermally labile or reactive samples, use G1544-80700 (open top) or G1544-80730 (top
taper) liners.

Table 30 Splitless mode liners

Liner Description Volume Mode Deactivated Part Number

Single Taper Glass 900 uL Splitless Yes 5062-3587

Wool

Single Taper 900 uL Splitless Yes 5181-3316

224 Operation Manual

15 Inlets

Table 30 Splitless mode liners (continued)

Liner Description Volume Mode Deactivated Part Number

Dual Taper 800 uL Splitless Yes 5181-3315

2 mm Quartz 250 uL Splitless No 18740-80220

2 mm Quartz 250 uL Splitless Yes 5181-8818

1.5 mm 140 uL Direct Inject, No 18740-80200

Purge and
Trap,
Headspace

Single Taper Glass 900 uL Splitless Yes 5062-3587

Wool

Single Taper 900 uL Splitless Yes 5181-3316

4 mm Single Taper Direct column connect Yes G1544-80730

4 mm Dual Taper Direct column connect Yes G1544-80700

Operation Manual 225

15 Inlets

About the Purged Packed Column Inlet

This inlet is used with packed columns when high-efficiency separations are not required. It
can also be used with wide-bore capillary columns, if flows greater than 10 mL/min are
acceptable.
If the columns are not defined (packed columns and undefined capillary columns), the inlet is
usually flow-controlled. If capillary columns are used and the columns in the flow path are
defined, the inlet is normally pressure-controlled but can be put into the flow control mode.

226 Operation Manual

15 Inlets

About the Cool On-Column Inlet

This inlet introduces liquid sample directly onto a capillary column. To do this, both the inlet
and the oven must be cool at injection, either at or below the boiling point of the solvent.
Because the sample does not vaporize immediately in the inlet, problems with sample
discrimination and sample alteration are minimized. If done properly, cool-on column injection
also provides accurate and precise results.
You can operate the inlet in track oven mode, where the inlet temperature follows the column
oven, or you can program up to three temperature ramps. A cryogenic cooling option that uses
liquid CO2 or N2 from the oven cryogenic system can reach sub-ambient temperatures.

Setup modes of the COC inlet

The COC inlet hardware must be set up for one of three usages, depending on the type of
injection and column size.
• 0.25 mm or 0.32 mm automated on-column. Use predrilled septa.
• 0.53 mm automatic on-column or retention gap
• 0.2 mm manual

Retention gaps
Because the sample is injected directly onto the column, it is strongly suggested that a
retention gap—or guard column—be used to protect your column. A retention gap is a
deactivated column that is connected between the inlet and the analytical column. If you
choose to use one, it is suggested that at least 1 m of retention gap be installed per 1 mL of
sample injected. Information on ordering retention gaps can be found in the Agilent catalog for
consumables and supplies.

Operation Manual 227

15 Inlets

About the PTV Inlet

The Agilent Programmed Temperature Vaporization (PTV) Inlet System has six operating
modes:
• The split mode is generally used for major component analyses.
• The pulsed split mode is like the split mode, but with a pressure pulse applied to the inlet
during sample introduction to speed the transfer of material to the column.
• The splitless mode is used for trace analyses.
• The pulsed splitless mode allows for a pressure pulse during sample introduction.
• The solvent vent mode is used for large volume injection. Either single or multiple injections
can be made for each run.
• Sleep mode is used for creating sleep methods, or if all gas needs to flow onto the column.
The PTV inlet can be used with both manual and automatic injection.
For automatic multiple injections (large volume injections), an Agilent data system is required.
This function is not available under GC control alone.

PTV sampling heads

Two heads are available for the PTV inlet.
The septum head uses either a regular septum or a Merlin Microseal™ to seal the syringe
passage. A stream of gas sweeps the inner side of the septum and exits through the septum
purge vent on the pneumatics module. It may be used with either automatic or manual
injection.
The septum head uses either standard 11 mm septa or (with a different cap) a Merlin
Microseal.
The septumless head uses a check valve instead of a septum to seal the syringe entrance
passage. It may be used with either automatic or manual injection. This head is recommended
for subambient inlet operation.

Septum head Septumless head

228 Operation Manual

15 Inlets

About the Volatiles Interface

The volatiles interface provides a simple, reliable way to introduce a gas sample into your GC
from an external device such as a headspace, purge and trap, or air toxic sampler. Manual
syringe injections cannot be made with this interface. The interface has a small volume and is
highly inert, ensuring high sensitivity and resolution for applications requiring trace level
detection.
Total flow to the interface is measured by a flow sensor and is divided into two streams. One
stream connects to the septum purge regulator; the other splits to the gas-phase sampler (and
from there is introduced into the interface) and the pressure sensing line. The pressure
sensing line is measured by a pressure sensor. This stream also provides a trickle flow to the
interface.

VI operating modes
There are three modes of operation—split, splitless, and direct. The pneumatics differ for each
operating mode and are discussed in detail in the rest of this document.
Table 31 summarizes some issues to consider when choosing an operating mode.
Specifications for the interface are also listed.

Table 31 Overview of the volatiles interface

Mode Sample Sample to column Comments

concentration

Split High Very little, most is

vented

Splitless Low All Can switch to split mode

electronically.

Direct Low All Must physically disconnect

split vent, plug the interface,
and reconfigure the GC.
Maximizes sample
recovery and eliminates
possibility of contamination
to pneumatic system.

Table 32 Specifications of the volatiles interface

Specification Value/Comment

Deactivated flow path

Volume 32 µL

Internal dimensions 2 mm by 10 mm

Maximum flow to interface 100 mL/min

Split range Depends on column flow

Typically no split to 100:1

Operation Manual 229

15 Inlets

Table 32 Specifications of the volatiles interface (continued)

Specification Value/Comment

Temperature range 10 °C above ambient (with oven at ambient)

to 400 °C

Recommended temperature: ≥ transfer line temperature of the external

sampling device

About the VI split mode

When you introduce a sample in the split mode, a small amount of the sample enters the
column while the major portion exits from the split vent. The ratio of split flow to column flow
is controlled by the user. The split mode is primarily used for high concentration samples when
you can afford to lose most of the sample out the split vent and for samples that cannot be
diluted.

Split ratio
Because of the interface’s small internal volume, the maximum total flow to the interface is
100 mL/min. This maximum flow puts some restriction on the split ratio you can set.

Table 33 Maximum split ratios

Column diameter Column flow Maximum split Total flow

(mm) (mL/min) ratio (mL/min)

0.20 1 100:1 100

0.53 5 20:1 100

Setpoint dependencies
Some setpoints are interdependent. If you change one setpoint, other setpoints may change to
compensate. With a defined capillary column, setting column flow or linear velocity will set the
inlet pressure.

Table 34 Setpoint dependencies

When you change These setpoints change

Column defined Column not defined

Pressure Column flow* No changes

Split flow
Total flow

Column flow* Pressure not available

Split flow
Total flow

Split flow Split ratio not available

Total flow

230 Operation Manual

15 Inlets

Table 34 Setpoint dependencies (continued)

When you change These setpoints change

Column defined Column not defined

Split ratio Split flow not available

Total flow

Total flow Split flow No changes

Split ratio

* This setpoint appears in [Col 1] or [Col 2].

Initial values
Use the information in Table 35 to help you set up the operating conditions for your interface.

Table 35 Suggested starting values

Parameter Allowed setpoint range Suggested starting value

Oven initial time 0 to 999.9 minutes After sample on column

Interface temperature Ambient + 10 °C to 400 °C ≥ Transfer line temperature

Gas saver time 0 to 999.9 minutes After sample on column

Gas saver setpoint 15 to 100 mL/min 15 mL/min greater than

maximum column flow

Split mode parameters

Inlet Mode The current operating mode—split

Heater Actual and setpoint interface temperatures

Pressure Actual and setpoint interface pressure. Controls capillary column flow.

Split ratio The ratio of split flow to column flow. This parameter is not available if your
column is not defined.

Split flow Flow, in mL/min, from the split vent. This parameter is not available if your column
is not defined.

Total flow The total flow into the interface, both setpoint and actual

Septum Purge Flow Flow through the septum purge vent

Gas saver Check to enable gas saver. Input Time, set reduced split vent flow, at least 15
mL/min.

Operation Manual 231

15 Inlets

About the VI splitless mode

This mode is used to concentrate sample at the head of the GC column during desorb. Purge
timing delay must take into consideration the volume of the loop or trap in the external
sampler plus the transfer line versus desorb/total flow rate. Cryo focusing is required for very
volatile samples in splitless mode.
When you introduce a sample, the split valve remains closed while the sample enters the
interface and is transferred to the column. At a specified time after the sample is introduced,
the split valve opens.

Splitless mode pneumatics

Before Pre Run When the GC is preparing for sample introduction, total flow to the interface
is measured by a flow sensor and controlled by a proportional valve. Column flow is controlled
via back-pressure regulation. The split valve is open.

Split Carrier Supply Septum Purge

80 PSI

EPC Module

Frit Frit

Valve
Valve Valve

PS
FS

PS

Frit

Gas Sampling Valve

Headspace
Purge and Trap
Split Vent Trap

FS = Flow Sensor
PS = Pressure Sensor Column

232 Operation Manual

15 Inlets

During sampling Pressure upsets caused by switching valves and trap restrictions in the
external sampling device can cause fluctuations in column flow rates. To compensate for this,
the interface is flow controlled during sampling time. The sampling flow rate is calculated from
the pressure setpoint that is active when sample introduction begins. This flow control starts
when the GC goes into the Pre Run state (when your system is automated and the Pre Run
light is on or during manual operation when you press ) and ends after the interface’s
Sampling end setpoint expires.
Sampling end is required for purge and trap or thermal desorption systems and should be set
≥ the sampler desorb time.
During this user-specified sampling period, the solenoid valve is closed. Flow to the interface is
measured by a flow sensor and controlled by a proportional valve.

Split Carrier Supply Septum Purge

80 PSI

EPC Module

Frit Frit

Valve
Valve Valve

PS
FS

PS

Frit

Gas Sampling Valve

Headspace
Purge and Trap
Split Vent Trap

FS = Flow Sensor
PS = Pressure Sensor Column

After sampling end The solenoid valve opens. The system returns to the Before Prep Run
state. Flow to the interface is again measured by a flow sensor and controlled by a
proportional valve while column flow is controlled via back-pressure regulation. The purge flow
is controlled by the user. If desired, gas saver can be turned on at the end of the run.

Operation Manual 233

15 Inlets

Setpoint dependencies
Some setpoints in the flow system are interdependent. If you change one setpoint, other
setpoints may change to compensate.

Table 36 Setpoint dependencies

When you change These setpoints change

Column defined Column not defined

Purging You can change the

Pressure and Total flow
setpoints; other setpoints are
not affected.

Purge flow Total flow**

Pressure Total flow**

Column flow*

Column flow* Pressure

Total flow**

Before and after sampling, not purging You can change the
Pressure setpoint; other
setpoints are not affected.

Pressure Column flow*

Total flow**

Column flow* Pressure

Total flow**

During sampling:
You cannot change pressure and flow setpoints during sampling time.

* This setpoint appears in the column parameters.

** This value is actual only.

Initial values
The table shows recommended starting values for selected parameters.

Table 37 Suggested starting values

Parameter Allowed setpoint range Suggested starting value

Oven initial time 0 to 999.9 minutes ≥ Interface purge time

Interface temperature Ambient + 10 °C to 400 °C ≥ Transfer line temperature

Interface sampling end 0 to 999.9 minutes 0.2 minutes longer than

introduction time

Interface purge time 0 to 999.9 minutes

Gas saver time 0 to 999.9 minutes Must be after purge time

Gas saver flow 15 to 100 mL/min 15 mL/min greater than

maximum column flow

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Splitless mode parameters

Inlet Mode The current operating mode—splitless

Heater Actual and setpoint interface temperatures. Column temperature must be low
enough to cold trap the volatile sample. Cryo focusing is recommended.

Sampling end The sample introduction interval, in minutes. The flow rate is calculated from
the pressure setpoint that is active at the start of sample introduction.
Set the sampling end setpoint 0.2 minutes longer than the time the sampler needs to introduce
the sample. For example, the 7694 headspace sampler has an Inject time parameter which
controls how long the valve remains in the inject position. If Inject time is 1 minute, the
sampling end setpoint should be set to 1.2 minutes. If you’re using an 7695 Purge and Trap
Concentrator, set Sampling end 0.2 minutes longer than the Desorb time parameter.
If your column is defined and you specify a flow or pressure program for your column, the
ramp does not begin until after the sampling end setpoint expires.

Pressure Actual and setpoint interface pressure in psi, bar, or kPa.

Purge flow to split vent The flow, in mL/min, from the split vent at Purge time. You will not be
able to access or specify this value if your column is not defined. Also input the time, after the
beginning of the run, when purging resumes. Purge time must be greater than Sampling end.

Total flow When your column is defined, Total flow displays the actual flow to the interface.
You cannot enter a setpoint. If your column is not defined, Total flow will have both setpoint
and actual values during purge time. All other times, the actual flow to the interface is
displayed.

Septum Purge Flow through the septum purge vent, at least 15 mL/min.

Gas saver Check to enable gas saver. Input Time, set reduced split vent flow, at least 15
mL/min.

About the VI direct mode

Direct sample introduction permits a quantitative transfer of analyte without risking
contamination to the pneumatic system. It provides the sensitivity required for air toxic
analyses. The interface’s minimal dead volume also eliminates the potential interaction of
solutes with poorly swept, active surfaces.
To operate in the direct mode, you must physically disconnect the split vent and reconfigure
the GC.

Before Pre Run

The interface is forward pressure controlled; pressure is sensed downstream from the flow
proportional valve.

Operation Manual 235

15 Inlets

Carrier Supply Septum Purge

80 PSI

EPC Module

Frit Frit

Valve
Valve

PS
FS

PS

Frit

Gas Sampling Valve

Headspace
Purge and Trap

FS = Flow Sensor
PS = Pressure Sensor Column

During sampling
Pressure upsets caused by switching valves in the external sampler can cause fluctuations in
column flow rates. To compensate for this, the interface is flow controlled during sampling
time. The sampling flow rate is calculated from the pressure setpoint that is active when
sample introduction begins. This flow control starts when the GC goes into the Pre Run state
(when your system is automated and the Pre Run light is on or during manual operation when
you press and ends after the interface’s Sampling end setpoint expires.
Flow to the interface is measured by a flow sensor and controlled by a proportional valve.

236 Operation Manual

15 Inlets

Carrier Supply Septum Purge

80 PSI

EPC Module

Frit Frit

Valve
Valve

PS
FS

PS

Frit

Gas Sampling Valve

Headspace
Purge and Trap

FS = Flow Sensor
Column PS = Pressure Sensor

After sampling end

The interface is forward pressure controlled; pressure is sensed downstream from the
proportional valve. The system returns to the idle state.

Operation Manual 237

15 Inlets

Preparing the Interface for Direct Sample Introduction

Before you can operate your interface in direct mode, you must:
• Disconnect the split vent line
• Configure the GC for a direct injection

Disconnecting the split vent line

Be careful! The interface may be hot enough to cause burns.

WAR N IN G

1 Turn off the interface temperature and pressure and allow the interface to cool.
2 If desired, remove the transfer line by loosening the hex nut with a wrench.
3 Remove the clamping plate from the interface by loosening the captive screw with a
screwdriver. Put the plate in a safe place.

4 Carefully lift the interface out of the heater block.

5 Loosen the hex nut connecting the split vent line to the interface until you can remove the
line. Put the line aside. You do not need to plug it.

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15 Inlets

6 Install a blanking nut into the split line port and finger-tighten the nut. Tighten the nut an
additional 1/4-turn using two wrenches in opposition.

7 Place the interface in the heater block. Replace the clamping plate you removed earlier and
tighten the screw until snug. Do not overtighten. If you removed the transfer line, replace it.

8 Restore the GC to normal operating conditions. Perform a leak test on the interface fittings.

Configuring the GC for a direct injection

The GC cannot sense the presence of the split vent. When you disconnect or reconnect the
vent, you must configure the GC so that the pneumatics work properly.

Operation Manual 239

15 Inlets

VI direct mode setpoint dependencies

Some setpoints in the flow system are interdependent. If you change one setpoint, other
setpoints may change to compensate.

Table 38 Setpoint changes

When you change These setpoints change

Column defined Column not defined

Before and after sampling The Column flow* setpoint is

not available.

Pressure Column flow* You can change the pressure

Total flow** setpoint; other setpoints are
not affected.

Column flow* Pressure

Total flow**

During sampling You cannot change pressure and flow setpoints during
sampling time.

* This setpoint appears in the column parameters

.** This value is actual only

VI direct mode initial values

Use the information in Table 39 to help you set up the operating conditions for your interface.

Table 39 Suggested starting values

Parameter Allowed setpoint range Suggested starting value

Oven initial time 0 to 999.9 minutes ≥ interface sampling end

Interface temperature Ambient + 10 °C to 400 °C ≥ transfer line temperature

Interface sampling end 0 to 999.9 minutes 0.2 minutes longer than

actual sampling time

Direct mode parameters

Temperature Actual and setpoint interface temperatures

Sampling end The sample introduction interval, in minutes. The flow rate is calculated from
the pressure setpoint that is active at the start of sample introduction.
Set Sampling end 0.2 minutes longer than the time the sampler needs to introduce the sample.
For example, the 7694 headspace sampler has an Inject time parameter which controls how
long the valve remains in the inject position. If Inject time is 1 minute, Sampling end should be
set to 1.2 minutes. If you’re using a 7695 Purge and Trap Concentrator, set Sampling end
0.2 minutes longer than the Desorb time parameter.

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If your column is defined and you specify a flow or pressure program for your column, the
ramp does not begin until after Sampling end expires.

Pressure Actual and setpoint interface pressure before a run and after sampling time.

Total flow The actual flow to the interface. This is a reported value, not a setpoint.

Septum Purge Flow through the septum purge vent, range 0 to 30 mL/min.

Operation Manual 241

15 Inlets

242 Operation Manual

16 Columns and Oven
About the Oven Insert (8890 GC) 244

Hydrogen Sensor 245

Instrument logs 245
Calibration 246
Status information 246
Operation with an Agilent data system 247

Operation Manual 243

16 Columns and Oven

About the Oven Insert (8890 GC)

The Oven Insert for Fast Chromatography reduces the oven volume so that the column and
sample heat more quickly, yielding faster separation and faster chromatography. Furthermore,
the smaller volume oven cools faster than a full-sized oven, reducing the overall analytical
cycle time.

Carrying strap

WARNING!
Metal parts may be
hot enough to burn.

The oven insert is used with any inlet, column, and detector mounted in the back position. It is
not compatible with any accessory which obstructs access to the front of the oven or which
requires the use of either the front inlet or the front part of the oven.

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Hydrogen Sensor
The optional G6598A hydrogen sensor module checks for uncombusted free hydrogen in the
GC column oven. During normal operation with hydrogen as a carrier gas, leaks from the inlets
or detectors could possibly put hydrogen gas directly into the oven. Hydrogen–air mixtures are
potentially explosive in concentrations of 4–74.2% hydrogen by volume. The sensor monitors
the free hydrogen level in the oven and will trigger a shutdown of all hydrogen gas flows before
the hydrogen level in the oven reaches 1%.
In the event of a hydrogen shutdown, the GC records the event in its system log. See the
Troubleshooting manual for more information about GC shutdown events and how to clear
them.
The GC can only shut down hydrogen gas flows that have been configured properly. Always
configure the gas types used for the inlets, detectors, and so forth. The hydrogen sensor has
possible cross-sensitivity to helium in rare cases.

Cryogenic CO2 and LN2 use can interfere with accurate hydrogen detection. The GC
NOTE automatically disables hydrogen sensor reporting during the operation of Agilent CO2 and
LN2 modules in the GC oven or inlets. The hydrogen sensor is not disabled during the
operation of third party cryogenic CO2 and LN2 sources and the accuracy of the hydrogen
sensor may be degraded.

Accuracy of the hydrogen sensor may be degraded above 1829 m (6,000 ft) elevation.
NOTE

Usage
Intended Use: The G6598A hydrogen sensor is intended for indication only. The hydrogen
sensor is not intended as a safety device.
At startup, the GC automatically purges the oven (opens the flaps and runs the fan). After a few
minutes, the GC automatically zeroes the hydrogen sensor and begins to monitor the
hydrogen content in the GC oven.

Audible Alarm
If the GC is configured to sound audible alerts, the GC will beep whenever the hydrogen sensor
triggers a shutdown. To clear the shutdown and stop the audible alert (beeping), power cycle
the GC. Upon startup, the GC opens the oven flaps and runs the fan to purge the oven.

Instrument logs
The GC will log the following hydrogen sensor events in its event logs:
• Hydrogen shutdowns initiated by the hydrogen sensor
• Calibrations
• Hydrogen sensor tests

Operation Manual 245

16 Columns and Oven

Calibration
The G6598A Hydrogen Sensor requires periodic calibration after is it installed. Agilent
recommends calibrating the hydrogen sensor every 6 months. Use the GC's EMF feature to set
up a scheduled reminder to perform calibration.
1 Go to Maintenance > H2 Sensor and select the On time since calibration parameter.
2 Select Details.
3 Enable Service Due. As the value, enter the desired number of days between calibrations
(default is 6 months) and select Apply. If desired, add a Service Warning for a shorter
number of days, to receive an additional prompt.
As with other EMFs, when the Service Warning or Service Due counter expires, the GC raises a
Condition to alert you that it is time to repeat the calibration. See “Calibrate the sensor”.
When the reminder appears, use the GC's automated calibration procedure. If a calibration
fails for any reason (for example, a lack of calibration gas), the sensor continues to use its
existing calibration data.

Calibrate the sensor

Calibration requires several minutes, and includes steps to cool the GC oven, install the
calibration gas, and set the calibration gas flow rate. The GC will walk you through the needed
steps.
To calibrate the sensor:
Parts needed:
• Hydrogen sensor calibration gas cylinder (5190-6890)
• Flow meter capable of reading flows of 30 mL/min
You may also need:
• Regulator (G3440-80153)
• Copper tubing and 1/8-inch Swagelok nut and ferrules
• Open-end wrenches to connect the calibration gas to the GC
1 Select Settings > Calibration > H2 Sensor.
2 Select Start Calibration.
3 Follow the prompts. The GC will cool and purge the oven, guide you through connecting the
calibration gas to the sensor and setting the calibration gas flow rate, and then perform the
calibration.
When calibration completes, you may shut off and disconnect the calibration gas. If calibration
fails, check the calibration gas supply.

Status information
If a calibration fails, a notification will appear on the diagnostics tab.

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Operation with an Agilent data system

Using the hydrogen sensor with an Agilent data system provides additional features. Use the
data system to:
• Print calibration reports. The report includes a plot of all calibration data stored in the GC.
• Store lot number and expiration date information for the calibration gas cylinder.
• View the hydrogen sensor status information in the GC status user interface. The status
shows the current percent hydrogen level and any messages related to the hydrogen
sensor.
• Plot the measured hydrogen level as a diagnostic signal, if desired.
• View and print all logged entries for calibrations, cylinder information, and shutdowns.
• Start a hydrogen sensor calibration.

Operation Manual 247

16 Columns and Oven

248 Operation Manual

17 Chromatographic Checkout
About Chromatographic Checkout 250

To Prepare for Chromatographic Checkout 251

To Check FID Performance 253

To Check TCD Performance 258

To Check NPD Performance 262

To Check ECD Performance 266

To Check FPD+ Performance (Sample 5188-5953) 270

Preparation 270
Phosphorus performance 270
Sulfur performance 274

To Check FPD+ Performance (Sample 5188-5245, Japan) 276

Preparation 276
Phosphorus performance 276
Sulfur performance 280

This section describes the general procedure for verifying performance against the original
factory standards. The checkout procedures described here assume a GC that has been in use
for some period of time. Therefore the procedures ask that you perform bakeouts, replace
consumable hardware, install the checkout column, and so forth.

Operation Manual 249

17 Chromatographic Checkout

About Chromatographic Checkout

The tests described in this section provide basic confirmation that the GC and detector can
perform comparably to factory condition. However, as detectors and the other parts of the GC
age, detector performance can change. The results presented here represent typical outputs
for typical operating conditions and are not specifications.
The tests assume the following:
• Use of an automatic liquid sampler. If not available, use a suitable manual syringe instead
of the syringe listed.
• Use of a 10 µL syringe in most cases. However, a 5 µL syringe is an acceptable substitute.
• Use of the septa and other hardware (liners, jets, adapters, and so forth) described. If you
substitute other hardware, performance can vary.

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17 Chromatographic Checkout

To Prepare for Chromatographic Checkout

Because of the differences in chromatographic performance associated with different
consumables, Agilent strongly recommends using the parts listed here for all checkout tests.
Agilent also recommends installing new consumable parts whenever the quality of the
installed ones is not known. For example, installing a new liner and septum ensures that they
will not contribute any contamination to the results.
When the GC is delivered from the factory, these consumable parts are new and do not need
replacement.

For a new GC, check the installed inlet liner. The liner shipped in the inlet may not be the liner
NOTE recommended for checkout.

1 Check the indicators/dates on any gas supply traps. Replace/recondition expended traps.
2 Install new consumable parts for the inlet and prepare the correct injector syringe (and
needle, as needed).

Table 40 Recommended parts for checkout by inlet type

Recommended part for checkout Part number

Split splitless inlet

Syringe, 10-µL 5181-1267

O-ring 5188-5365

Septum 5183-4757

Liner 5190-2295

Multimode inlet

Syringe, 10-µL 5181-1267

O-ring 5188-6405

Septum 5183-4757

Liner 5190-2295

Purged packed column inlet

Syringe, 10-µL 5181-1267

O-ring 5080-8898

Septum 5183-4757

Operation Manual 251

17 Chromatographic Checkout

Table 40 Recommended parts for checkout by inlet type

Recommended part for checkout Part number

Cool on-column inlet

Septum 5183-4758

Septum nut 19245-80521

Syringe, 5-µL on-column 5182-0836

0.32-mm needle for 5-µL syringe 5182-0831

7693A ALS: Needle support insert, COC G4513-40529

Insert, fused silica, 0.32-mm id 19245-20525

PTV inlet

Syringe, 10-µL—for septum head 5181-1267

Syringe, 10-µL, 23/42/HP—for septumless head 5181-8809

Inlet adapter, Graphpak-2M 5182-9761

Silver seal for Graphpak-2M 5182-9763

Glass liner, multibaffle 5183-2037

PTFE ferrule (septumless head) 5182-9748

Microseal replacement (if installed) 5182-3444

Ferrule, Graphpak-3D 5182-9749

Table 41 Checkout standards

Standard Part number Number of

ampoules

FID checkout 5188-5372 3

TCD checkout 18710-60170 3

ECD checkout 18713-60040 3

NPD checkout 18789-60060 3

FPD+ checkout (methyl parathion) 5188-5953 3

OQ/PV Headspace checkout 5182-9733 1

252 Operation Manual

17 Chromatographic Checkout

To Check FID Performance

1 Gather the following:
• Evaluation column, HP-5 30 m × 0.32 mm × 0.25 µm (19091J-413)
• FID performance evaluation (checkout) sample (5188-5372)
• Chromatographic-grade isooctane
• 4-mL solvent and waste bottles or equivalent for autoinjector
• 2-mL sample vials or equivalent for sample
• Inlet and injector hardware (See “To Prepare for Chromatographic Checkout.”)
2 Verify the following:
• Capillary column jet installed. If not, select and install a capillary column jet.
• Capillary column adapter installed. If not, install it.
• Chromatographic-grade gases plumbed and configured: helium as carrier gas, nitrogen,
hydrogen, and air.
• Empty waste vials loaded in sample turret.
• 4-mL solvent vial with diffusion cap filled with isooctane and inserted in Solvent A
injector position.
3 Replace consumable parts (liner, septum, traps, syringe, and so forth) as needed for the
checkout. See “To Prepare for Chromatographic Checkout.”
4 Install the evaluation column.
• Bake out the evaluation column for at least 30 min at 180 °C.
• Be sure to configure the column.
5 Check the FID baseline output. The output should be between 5 pA and 20 pA and
relatively stable. (If using a gas generator or ultra pure gas, the signal may stabilize below
5 pA.) If the output is outside this range or unstable, resolve this problem before
continuing.
6 If the output is too low:
• Check that the electrometer is on.
• Check that the flame is lit.
• Check that the signal is set to the correct detector.
7 Create or load a method with the parameter values listed in Table 42.

Table 42 FID Checkout Conditions

Column and sample

Type HP-5, 30 m × 0.32 mm × 0.25 µm

(19091J-413)

Sample FID checkout 5188-5372

Column flow 6.5 mL/min

Column mode Constant flow.

Operation Manual 253

17 Chromatographic Checkout

Table 42 FID Checkout Conditions

Split/splitless inlet

Temperature 250 °C

Mode Splitless

Purge flow 40 mL/min

Purge time 0.5 min

Septum purge 3 mL/min

Gas saver Off

Multimode inlet

Mode Splitless

Inlet temperature 75 °C

Initial time 0.1 min

Rate 1 720 °C/min

Final temp 1 250 °C

Final time 1 5.0 min

Purge time 1.0 min

Purge flow 40 mL/min

Septum purge 3 mL/min

Purged packed column inlet

Temperature 250 °C

Septum purge 3 mL/min

Cool on-column inlet

Temperature Track oven

Septum purge 15 mL/min

254 Operation Manual

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Table 42 FID Checkout Conditions

PTV inlet

Mode Splitless

Inlet temperature 75 °C

Initial time 0.1 min

Rate 1 720 °C/min

Final temp 1 350 °C

Final time 1 2 min

Rate 2 100 °C/min

Final temp 2 250 °C

Final time 2 0 min

Purge time 0.5 min

Purge flow 40 mL/min

Septum purge 3 mL/min

Detector

Temperature 300 °C

H2 flow 30 mL/min

Air flow 400 mL/min

Makeup flow (N2) 25 mL/min

Lit offset Typically 2 pA

Oven

Initial temp 75 °C

Initial time 0.5 min

Rate 1 20 °C/min

Final temp 190 °C

Final time 0 min

Operation Manual 255

17 Chromatographic Checkout

Table 42 FID Checkout Conditions

ALS settings (if installed)

Sample washes 2

Sample pumps 6

Sample wash volume 8 (maximum)

Injection volume 1 µL

Syringe size 10 µL

Solvent A pre washes 2

Solvent A post washes 2

Solvent A wash volume 8

Solvent B pre washes 0

Solvent B post washes 0

Solvent B wash volume 0

Injection mode (7693A) Normal

Airgap Volume (7693A) 0.20

Viscosity delay 0

Inject Dispense Speed (7693A) 6000

PreInjection dwell 0

PostInjection dwell 0

Manual injection

Injection volume 1 µL

Data system

Data rate 5 Hz

8 If using a data system, prepare the data system to perform one run using the loaded
checkout method. Make sure that the data system will output a chromatogram.
If not using a data system, create a one sample sequence using the GC Browser
Interface.
9 Start the run.
If performing an injection using an autosampler, start the run using the data system, or
press .
If performing a manual injection (with or without a data system):
a Select to prepare the inlet for splitless injection.
b When the GC becomes ready, inject 1 µL of the checkout sample and select on the
GC.
c The following chromatogram shows typical results for a new detector with new
consumable parts installed and nitrogen makeup gas.

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Operation Manual 257

17 Chromatographic Checkout

To Check TCD Performance

1 Gather the following:
• Evaluation column, HP-5 30 m × 0.32 mm × 0.25 µm (19091J-413)
• FID/TCD performance evaluation (checkout) sample (18710-60170)
• 4-mL solvent and waste bottles or equivalent for autoinjector
• Chromatographic-grade hexane
• 2-mL sample vials or equivalent for sample
• Chromatographic-grade helium as carrier, makeup, and reference gas
• Inlet and injector hardware See “To Prepare for Chromatographic Checkout.”
2 Verify the following:
• Chromatographic-grade gases plumbed and configured: helium as carrier gas and
reference gas.
• Empty waste vials loaded in sample turret.
• 4-mL solvent vial with diffusion cap filled with hexane and inserted in Solvent A injector
position.
3 Replace consumable parts (liner, septum, traps, syringe, and so forth) as needed for the
checkout. See “To Prepare for Chromatographic Checkout.”
4 Install the evaluation column.
• Bake out the evaluation column for at least 30 min at 180 °C.
• Configure the column
5 Create or load a method with the parameter values listed in Table 43.

Table 43 TCD Checkout Conditions

Column and sample

Type HP-5, 30 m × 0.32 mm × 0.25 µm

(19091J-413)

Sample FID/TCD checkout 18710-60170

Column flow 6.5 mL/min

Column mode Constant flow.

Split/splitless inlet

Temperature 250 °C

Mode Splitless

Purge flow 60 mL/min

Purge time 0.75 min

Septum purge 3 mL/min

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Table 43 TCD Checkout Conditions (continued)

Multimode inlet

Mode Splitless

Inlet temperature 40 °C

Initial time 0.1 min

Rate 1 720 °C/min

Final temp 1 350 °C

Final time 1 2 min

Purge time 1.0 min

Purge flow 40 mL/min

Septum purge 3 mL/min

Purged packed column inlet

Temperature 250 °C

Septum purge 3 mL/min

Cool on-column inlet

Temperature Oven track

Septum purge 15 mL/min

PTV inlet

Mode Splitless

Inlet temperature 40 °C

Initial time 0.1 min

Rate 1 720 °C/min

Final temp 1 350 °C

Final time 1 2 min

Rate 2 100 °C/min

Final temp 2 250 °C

Final time 2 0 min

Purge time 0.5 min

Purge flow 40 mL/min

Septum purge 3 mL/min

Detector

Temperature 300 °C

Reference flow (He) 30 mL/min

Makeup flow (He) 2 mL/min

Baseline output < 30 display counts on Agilent OpenLab CDS

ChemStation Edition (< 750 µV)

Operation Manual 259

17 Chromatographic Checkout

Table 43 TCD Checkout Conditions (continued)

Oven

Initial temp 75 °C

Initial time 0.5 min

Rate 1 20 °C/min

Final temp 190 °C

Final time 0 min

ALS settings (if installed)

Sample washes 2

Sample pumps 6

Sample wash volume 8 (maximum)

Injection volume 1 µL

Syringe size 10 µL

Solvent A pre washes 2

Solvent A post washes 2

Solvent A wash volume 8

Solvent B pre washes 0

Solvent B post washes 0

Solvent B wash volume 0

Injection mode (7693A) Normal

Airgap Volume (7693A) 0.20

Viscosity delay 0

Inject Dispense Speed (7693A) 6000

PreInjection dwell 0

PostInjection dwell 0

Manual injection

Injection volume 1 µL

Data system

Data rate 5 Hz

6 Display the signal output. A stable output at any value between 12.5 and 750 µV (inclusive)
is acceptable.
• If the baseline output is < 0.5 display units (< 12.5 µV), verify that the detector filament is
on. If the offset is still < 0.5 display units (< 12.5 µV), your detector requires service.
• If baseline output is > 30 display units (> 750 µV), there may be chemical contamination
contributing to the signal. Bakeout the TCD. If repeated cleanings do not give an
acceptable signal, check gas purity. Use higher purity gases and/or install traps.

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7 If using a data system, prepare the data system to perform one run using the loaded
checkout method. Make sure that the data system will output a chromatogram.
8 Start the run.
If performing an injection using an autosampler, start the run using the data system or
press .
If performing a manual injection (with or without a data system):
a Select to prepare the inlet for splitless injection.
b When the GC becomes ready, inject 1 µL of the checkout sample and select on the
touchscreen.
c The following chromatogram shows typical results for a new detector with new
consumable parts installed.

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17 Chromatographic Checkout

To Check NPD Performance

1 Gather the following:
• Evaluation column, HP-5 30 m × 0.32 mm × 0.25 µm (19091J-413)
• NPD performance evaluation (checkout) sample (18789-60060)
• 4-mL solvent and waste bottles or equivalent for autoinjector.
• Chromatographic-grade isooctane
• 2-mL sample vials or equivalent for sample.
• Inlet and injector hardware See “To Prepare for Chromatographic Checkout.”
2 Verify the following:
• Capillary column jet installed. If not, select and install a capillary column jet.
• Chromatographic-grade gases plumbed and configured: helium as carrier gas, nitrogen,
hydrogen, and air.
• Empty waste vials loaded in sample turret.
• 4-mL vial with diffusion cap filled with isooctane and inserted in Solvent A injector
position.
3 Replace consumable parts (liner, septum, traps, syringe, and so forth) as needed for the
checkout. See “To Prepare for Chromatographic Checkout.”
4 If present, remove any protective caps from the inlet manifold vents.
5 Install the evaluation column.
• Bake out the evaluation column for at least 30 min at 180 °C.
• Be sure to configure the column
6 Create or load a method with the parameter values listed in Table 44.

Table 44 NPD Checkout Conditions

Column and sample

Type HP-5, 30 m × 0.32 mm × 0.25 µm

(19091J-413)

Sample NPD checkout 18789-60060

Column mode Constant flow

Column flow 6.5 mL/min (helium)

Split/splitless inlet

Temperature 200 °C

Mode Splitless

Purge flow 60 mL/min

Purge time 0.75 min

Septum purge 3 mL/min

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Table 44 NPD Checkout Conditions (continued)

Multimode inlet

Mode Splitless

Inlet temperature 60 °C

Initial time 0.1 min

Rate 1 720 °C/min

Final temp 1 350 °C

Final time 1 2 min

Purge time 1.0 min

Purge flow 60 mL/min

Septum purge 3 mL/min

Purged packed column inlet

Temperature 200 °C

Septum purge 3 mL/min

Cool on-column inlet

Temperature Track oven

Septum purge 15 mL/min

PTV inlet

Mode Splitless

Inlet temperature 60 °C

Initial time 0.1 min

Rate 1 720 °C/min

Final temp 1 350 °C

Final time 1 2 min

Rate 2 100 °C/min

Final temp 2 250 °C

Final time 2 0 min

Purge time 0.75 min

Purge flow 60 mL/min

Septum purge 3 mL/min

Operation Manual 263

17 Chromatographic Checkout

Table 44 NPD Checkout Conditions (continued)

Detector

Temperature 300 °C

H2 flow 3 mL/min

Air flow 60 mL/min

Makeup flow (N2) 3 mL/min

Carrier Gas Flow Correction None (constant makeup and fuel flow)

Output 20 display units (20 pA)

Oven

Initial temp 60 °C

Initial time 0 min

Rate 1 20 °C/min

Final temp 200 °C

Final time 3 min

ALS settings (if installed)

Sample washes 2

Sample pumps 6

Sample wash volume 8 (maximum)

Injection volume 1 µL

Syringe size 10 µL

Solvent A pre washes 2

Solvent A post washes 2

Solvent A wash volume 8

Solvent B pre washes 0

Solvent B post washes 0

Solvent B wash volume 0

Injection mode (7693A) Normal

Airgap Volume (7693A) 0.20

Viscosity delay 0

Inject Dispense Speed (7693A) 6000

PreInjection dwell 0

PostInjection dwell 0

Manual injection

Injection volume 1 µL

Data system

Data rate 5 Hz

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7 If using a data system, prepare the data system to perform one run using the loaded
checkout method. Make sure that the data system will output a chromatogram.
8 Start the run.
If performing an injection using an autosampler, start the run using the data system, or
creating a one sample sequence and pressing on the touchscreen.
If performing a manual injection (with or without a data system):
a Select to prepare the inlet for splitless injection.
b When the GC becomes ready, inject 1 µL of the checkout sample and press .The
following chromatogram shows typical results for a new detector with new
consumable parts installed.

x10-2
Malathion

3
Response [pA]

1
Azobenzene

n-Octadecane

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Retention time [min]

Operation Manual 265

17 Chromatographic Checkout

To Check ECD Performance

1 Gather the following:
• Evaluation column, HP-5 30 m × 0.32 mm × 0.25 µm (19091J-413)
• ECD performance evaluation (checkout) sample (18713–60040, Japan: 5183-0379)
• 4-mL solvent and waste bottles or equivalent for autoinjector.
• Chromatographic-grade isooctane
• 2-mL sample vials or equivalent for sample.
• Inlet and injector hardware See “To Prepare for Chromatographic Checkout.”
2 Verify the following:
• Clean fused silica indented mixing liner installed. If not, install it.
• Chromatographic-grade gases plumbed and configured: helium for carrier gas, nitrogen
for makeup.
• Empty waste vials loaded in sample turret.
• 4-mL vial with diffusion cap filled with hexane and inserted in Solvent A injector position.
3 Replace consumable parts (liner, septum, traps, syringe, and so forth) as needed for the
checkout. See “To Prepare for Chromatographic Checkout.”
4 Install the evaluation column.
• Bake out the evaluation column for at least 30 minutes at 180 °C.
• Be sure to configure the column.
5 Display the signal output to determine baseline output. A stable baseline output at any
value between 0.5 and 1000 Hz (OpenLab CDS ChemStation Edition display units)
(inclusive) is acceptable.
• If the baseline output is < 0.5 Hz, verify that the electrometer is on. If the offset is still
< 0.5 Hz, your detector requires service.
• If the baseline output is > 1000 Hz, there may be chemical contamination contributing to
the signal. Bakeout the ECD. If repeated cleanings do not give an acceptable signal,
check gas purity. Use higher purity gases and/or install traps.
6 Create or load a method with the parameter values listed in Table 45.

Table 45 ECD Checkout Conditions

Column and sample

Type HP-5, 30 m × 0.32 mm × 0.25 µm

(19091J-413)

Sample ECD checkout (18713-60040 or Japan:

5183-0379)

Column mode Constant flow

Column flow 6.5 mL/min (helium)

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Table 45 ECD Checkout Conditions (continued)

Split/splitless inlet

Temperature 250 °C

Mode Splitless

Purge flow 60 mL/min

Purge time 0.75 min

Septum purge 3 mL/min

Multimode inlet

Mode Splitless

Inlet temperature 80 °C

Initial time 0.1 min

Rate 1 720 °C/min

Final temp 1 250 °C

Final time 1 5 min

Purge time 1.0 min

Purge flow 60 mL/min

Septum purge 3 mL/min

Purged packed column inlet

Temperature 250 °C

Septum purge 3 mL/min

Cool on-column inlet

Temperature Track oven

Septum purge 15 mL/min

PTV inlet

Mode Splitless

Inlet temperature 80 °C

Initial time 0.1 min

Rate 1 720 °C/min

Final temp 1 350 °C

Final time 1 2 min

Rate 2 100 °C/min

Final temp 2 250 °C

Final time 2 0 min

Purge time 0.75 min

Purge flow 60 mL/min

Septum purge 3 mL/min

Operation Manual 267

17 Chromatographic Checkout

Table 45 ECD Checkout Conditions (continued)

Detector

Temperature 300 °C

Makeup flow (N2) 25 mL/min (constant + makeup)

Baseline output Should be < 1000 display counts. In Agilent

OpenLab CDS ChemStation Edition
(< 1000 Hz)

Oven

Initial temp 80 °C

Initial time 0 min

Rate 1 15 °C/min

Final temp 180 °C

Final time 10 min

ALS settings (if installed)

Sample washes 2

Sample pumps 6

Sample wash volume 8 (maximum)

Injection volume 1 µL

Syringe size 10 µL

Solvent A pre washes 2

Solvent A post washes 2

Solvent A wash volume 8

Solvent B pre washes 0

Solvent B post washes 0

Solvent B wash volume 0

Injection mode (7693A) Normal

Airgap Volume (7693A) 0.20

Viscosity delay 0

Inject Dispense Speed (7693A) 6000

PreInjection dwell 0

PostInjection dwell 0

Manual injection

Injection volume 1 µL

Data system

Data rate 5 Hz

7 If using a data system, prepare the data system to perform one run using the loaded
checkout method. Make sure that the data system will output a chromatogram.

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8 Start the run.

If performing an injection using an autosampler, start the run using the data system or
press .
If performing a manual injection (with or without a data system):
a Select to prepare the inlet for splitless injection.
b When the GC becomes ready, inject 1 µL of the checkout sample and press .
9 The following chromatogram shows typical results for a new detector with new
consumable parts installed. The Aldrin peak will be missing when using the Japanese
sample 5183-0379.

x10-4

1 Lindane
(18713-60040, 5183-0379)

0.8
Response [Hz]

0.6
Aldrin
(18713-60040)

0.4

0.2

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Retention time [min]

Operation Manual 269

17 Chromatographic Checkout

To Check FPD+ Performance (Sample 5188-5953)

To check FPD+ performance, first check the phosphorus performance, then the sulfur
performance.

Preparation
1 Gather the following:
• Evaluation column, HP-5 30 m × 0.32 mm × 0.25 µm (19091J-413)
• FPD+ performance evaluation (checkout) sample (5188-5953), 2.5 mg/L (± 0.5%)
methylparathion in isooctane
• Phosphorus filter
• Sulfur filter and filter spacer
• 4-mL solvent and waste bottles or equivalent for autoinjector.
• 2-mL sample vials or equivalent for sample.
• Chromatographic-grade isooctane for syringe wash solvent.
• Inlet and injector hardware See “To Prepare for Chromatographic Checkout.”
2 Verify the following:
• Chromatographic-grade gases plumbed and configured: helium as carrier gas, nitrogen,
hydrogen, and air.
• Empty waste vials loaded in sample turret.
• 4-mL vial with diffusion cap filled with isooctane and inserted in Solvent A injector
position.
3 Replace consumable parts (liner, septum, traps, syringe, and so forth) as needed for the
checkout. See “To Prepare for Chromatographic Checkout.”
4 Verify that the Lit Offset is set appropriately. Typically, it should be about 2.0 pA for the
checkout method.
5 Install the evaluation column.
6 Set the oven, inlet, and detector to 250 °C and bake out for at least 15 minutes.
7 Be sure to configure the column.
.

Phosphorus performance
1 If it is not already installed, install the phosphorus filter.
2 Create or load a method with the parameter values listed in Table 46.

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Table 46 FPD+ Checkout Conditions (P)

Column and sample

Type HP-5, 30 m × 0.32 mm × 0.25 µm

(19091J-413)

Sample FPD checkout (5188-5953)

Column mode Constant flow

Column flow 6.5 mL/min

Split/splitless inlet

Temperature 180 °C Split/splitless

Mode Splitless

Purge flow 60 mL/min

Purge time 0.75 min

Septum purge 3 mL/min

Multimode inlet

Mode Splitless

Inlet temperature 75 °C

Initial time 0.1 min

Rate 1 720 °C/min

Final temp 1 250 °C

Final time 1 5.0 min

Purge time 1.0 min

Purge flow 60 mL/min

Septum purge 3 mL/min

Purged packed column inlet

Temperature 180 °C

Septum purge 3 mL/min

Cool on-column inlet

Temperature Track oven

Septum purge 15 mL/min

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17 Chromatographic Checkout

Table 46 FPD+ Checkout Conditions (continued)(P)

PTV inlet

Mode Splitless

Inlet temperature 75 °C

Initial time 0.1 min

Rate 1 720 °C/min

Final temp 1 350 °C

Final time 1 2 min

Rate 2 100 °C/min

Final temp 2 250 °C

Final time 2 0 min

Purge time 0.75 min

Purge flow 60 mL/min

Septum purge 3 mL/min

Detector

Heater and Aux Transfer Line Temperature 200 °C (On)

Emission Block Temperature 125 °C (On)

Hydrogen flow 60 mL/min (On)

Air (Oxidizer) flow 60 mL/min (On)

Carrier Gas Flow Correction None (constant makeup and fuel flow)

Makeup flow 60 mL/min (On)

Makeup gas type Nitrogen

Flame On

Lit offset Typically 2 pA

PMT voltage On

Emission Block 125 °C

Oven

Initial temp 70 °C

Initial time 0 min

Rate 1 25 °C/min

Final temp 1 150 °C

Final time 1 0 min

Rate 2 5 °C/min

Final temp 2 190 °C

Final time 2 7 min

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Table 46 FPD+ Checkout Conditions (continued)(P)

ALS settings (if installed)

Sample washes 2

Sample pumps 6

Sample wash volume 8 (maximum)

Injection volume 1 µL

Syringe size 10 µL

Solvent A pre washes 2

Solvent A post washes 2

Solvent A wash volume 8

Solvent B pre washes 0

Solvent B post washes 0

Solvent B wash volume 0

Injection mode (7693A) Normal

Airgap Volume (7693A) 0.20

Viscosity delay 0

Inject Dispense Speed (7693A) 6000

PreInjection dwell 0

PostInjection dwell 0

Manual injection

Injection volume 1 µL

Data system

Data rate 5 Hz

3 Ignite the FPD+ flame, if not lit.

4 Display the signal output and monitor. This output typically runs around 10. Wait for the
output to stabilize. This takes approximately 1 hour.
If the baseline output is too high:
• Check column installation. If installed too high, the stationary phase burns in the flame
and increases measured output.
• Check for leaks.
• Bake out the detector and column at 250 °C.
• Wrong flows set for installed filter.
If the baseline output is zero, verify the electrometer is on and the flame is lit.
5 If using a data system, prepare the data system to perform one run using the loaded
checkout method. Make sure that the data system will output a chromatogram.
6 Start the run.

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17 Chromatographic Checkout

If performing an injection using an autosampler, start the run using the data system or
press .
If performing a manual injection (with or without a data system):
a Select to prepare the inlet for splitless injection.
b When the GC becomes ready, inject 1 µL of the checkout sample and press .
c The following chromatogram shows typical results for a new detector with new
consumable parts installed.

Sulfur performance
1 Install the sulfur filter and filter spacer.
2 Ignite the FPD+ flame if not lit.
3 Display the signal output and monitor. This output typically runs between 50 and 60 but
can be as high as 70. Wait for the output to stabilize. This takes approximately 1 hour.
If the baseline output is too high:
• Check column installation. If installed too high, the stationery phase burns in the flame
and increases measured output.
• Check for leaks.
• Bake out the detector and column at 250 °C.
• Wrong flows set for installed filter.
If the baseline output is zero, verify the electrometer is on and the flame is lit.
4 If using a data system, prepare the data system to perform one run using the loaded
checkout method. Make sure that the data system will output a chromatogram.
5 Start the run.
If performing an injection using an autosampler, start the run using the data system or
press .
If performing a manual injection (with or without a data system):
a Select to prepare the inlet for splitless injection.
b When the GC becomes ready, inject 1 µL of the checkout sample and press .

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6 The following chromatogram shows typical results for a new detector with new
consumable parts installed.

Operation Manual 275

17 Chromatographic Checkout

To Check FPD+ Performance (Sample 5188-5245,

Japan)
To verify FPD+ performance, first check the phosphorus performance, then the sulfur
performance.

Preparation
1 Gather the following:
• Evaluation column, DB5 15 m × 0.32 mm × 1.0 µm (123-5513)
• FPD performance evaluation (checkout) sample (5188-5245, Japan), composition:
n-Dodecane 7499 mg/L (± 5%), Dodecanethiol 2.0 mg/L (± 5%), Tributyl Phosphate
2.0 mg/L (± 5%), tert-Butyldisulfide 1.0 mg/L (± 5%), in isooctane as solvent
• Phosphorus filter
• Sulfur filter and filter spacer
• 4-mL solvent and waste bottles or equivalent for autoinjector.
• 2-mL sample vials or equivalent for sample.
• Chromatographic-grade isooctane for syringe wash solvent.
• Inlet and injector hardware See “To Prepare for Chromatographic Checkout.”
2 Verify the following:
• Chromatographic-grade gases plumbed and configured: helium as carrier gas, nitrogen,
hydrogen, and air.
• Empty waste vials loaded in sample turret.
• 4-mL vial with diffusion cap filled with isooctane and inserted in Solvent A injector
position.
3 Replace consumable parts (liner, septum, traps, syringe, and so forth) as needed for the
checkout. See “To Prepare for Chromatographic Checkout.”
4 Verify the lit offset is set appropriately. Typically, it should be about 2.0 pA for the checkout
method.
5 Install the evaluation column.
• Set the oven, inlet, and detector to 250 °C and bake out for at least 15 minutes.
6 Configure the column.

Phosphorus performance
1 If it is not already installed, install the phosphorus filter.
2 Create or load a method with the parameter values listed in Table 47.

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Table 47 FPD+ Phosphorus Checkout Conditions

Column and sample

Type DB-5MS, 15 m × 0.32 mm × 1.0 µm

(123-5513)

Sample FPD checkout (5188-5245)

Column mode Constant flow

Column flow 7.5 mL/min

Split/splitless inlet

Temperature 250 °C

Mode Splitless

Total purge flow 69.5 mL/min

Purge flow 60 mL/min

Purge time 0.75 min

Septum purge 3 mL/min

Multimode inlet

Mode Splitless

Inlet temperature 80 °C

Initial time 0.1 min

Rate 1 720 °C/min

Final temp 1 250 °C

Final time 1 5.0 min

Purge time 1.0 min

Purge flow 60 mL/min

Septum purge 3 mL/min

Purged packed column inlet

Temperature 250 °C

Septum purge 3 mL/min

Cool on-column inlet

Temperature Oven track

Septum purge 15 mL/min

Operation Manual 277

17 Chromatographic Checkout

Table 47 FPD+ Phosphorus Checkout Conditions (continued)

PTV inlet

Mode Splitless

Inlet temperature 80 °C

Initial time 0.1 min

Rate 1 720 °C/min

Final temp 1 350 °C

Final time 1 2 min

Rate 2 100 °C/min

Final temp 2 250 °C

Final time 2 0 min

Purge time 0.75 min

Purge flow 60 mL/min

Septum purge 3 mL/min

Detector

Heater and Aux Transfer Line Temperature 200 °C (On)

Emission Block Temperature 125 °C (On)

Hydrogen flow 60 mL/min (On)

Air (Oxidizer) flow 60 mL/min (On)

Carrier Gas Flow Correction None (constant makeup and fuel flow)

Makeup flow 60 mL/min (On)

Makeup gas type Nitrogen

Flame On

Lit offset Typically 2 pA

PMT voltage On

Emission Block 125 °C

Oven

Initial temp 70 °C

Initial time 0 min

Rate 1 10 °C/min

Final temp 105 °C

Final time 0 min

Rate 2 20 °C/min

Final temp 2 190 °C

Final time 2 7.25 min for sulfur

12.25 min for phosphorus

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Table 47 FPD+ Phosphorus Checkout Conditions (continued)

ALS settings (if installed)

Sample washes 2

Sample pumps 6

Sample wash volume 8 (maximum)

Injection volume 1 µL

Syringe size 10 µL

Solvent A pre washes 2

Solvent A post washes 2

Solvent A wash volume 8

Solvent B pre washes 0

Solvent B post washes 0

Solvent B wash volume 0

Injection mode (7693A) Normal

Airgap Volume (7693A) 0.20

Viscosity delay 0

Inject Dispense Speed (7693A) 6000

PreInjection dwell 0

PostInjection dwell 0

Manual injection

Injection volume 1 µL

Data System

Data rate 5 Hz

3 Ignite the FPD+ flame, if not lit.

4 Display the signal output and monitor. This output typically runs around 10. Wait for the
output to stabilize. This takes approximately 1 hour.
If the baseline output is too high:
• Check column installation. If installed too high, the stationery phase burns in the flame
and increases measured output.
• Check for leaks.
• Bake out the detector and column at 250 °C.
• Wrong flows set for installed filter.
If the baseline output is zero, verify the electrometer is on and the flame is lit.
5 If using a data system, prepare the data system to perform one run using the loaded
checkout method. Make sure that the data system will output a chromatogram.
6 Start the run.

Operation Manual 279

17 Chromatographic Checkout

If performing an injection using an autosampler, start the run using the data system or
press .
If performing a manual injection (with or without a data system):
a Select to prepare the inlet for splitless injection.
b When the GC becomes ready, inject 1 µL of the checkout sample and press .
7 The following chromatogram shows typical results for a new detector with new
consumable parts installed.

Sulfur performance
1 Install the sulfur filter.
2 Ignite the FPD+ flame, if not lit.
3 Display the signal output and monitor. This output typically runs between 50 and 60 but
can be as high as 70. Wait for the output to stabilize. This takes approximately 2 hours.
If the baseline output is too high:
• Check column installation. If installed too high, the stationery phase burns in the flame
and increases measured output.
• Check for leaks.
• Bake out the detector and column at 250 °C.
• Wrong flows set for installed filter
If the baseline output is zero, verify the electrometer is on and the flame is lit.
4 If using a data system, prepare the data system to perform one run using the loaded
checkout method. Make sure the data system will output a chromatogram.
5 Start the run.
If performing an injection using an autosampler, start the run using the data system or
press .
If performing a manual injection (with or without a data system):
a Select to prepare the inlet for splitless injection.
b When the GC becomes ready, inject 1 µL of the checkout sample and press .

280 Operation Manual

17 Chromatographic Checkout

6 The following chromatogram shows typical results for a new detector with new
consumable parts installed.

Operation Manual 281

17 Chromatographic Checkout

282 Operation Manual

18 Chinese Metrology Testing
FPD+ and ECD Unit Conversion Factors 284
Conversion factors for the FPD+ 284
Conversion factor for the ECD 284

Using the Conversion Factors 286

References 287

The 8890 GC complies with the following company standard: Q31/0115000033C005-2016-02.

China Metrology testing of the 8890 GC is performed in accordance with company standard
Q31/0115000033C005-2016-02. This chapter provides information and techniques to
correctly identify noise and drift when testing an FPD+ or ECD.

Operation Manual 283

18 Chinese Metrology Testing

FPD+ and ECD Unit Conversion Factors

At the time of publication, China Metrology testing requires noise and drift metrics as shown
below:
Detector Reporting units
FID A
TCD mV
NPD A
FPD+ A
ECD mV

However, data collection is required to come through the digital output available through the
GC and data system. For the FID, NPD, and TCD, the data system provides data in the desired
reporting units. However, for the ECD and FPD+, Agilent reports output to its data systems in
“display units,” (DU). This section describes how to accurately convert/scale the FPD+ and ECD
digital results to make them consistent with Chinese Metrology requirements.
The conversion factors for the FPD+ and ECD take the display unit output from the Agilent data
system digital path to an absolute value for current or voltage. Agilent developed the
conversion factors empirically, based on measurements from a single system that
simultaneously output both the digital and analog data. The conversion factors also
incorporate:
• The scaling applied to analog versus digital signals
• An analog signal range setting of 5 (2^5) at the GC
• The unique filtering applied by the 35900 ADC
• The differences in bandwidth (BW) associated with the GC digital channel (5 Hz) and the
35900 ADC analog path (3 Hz)
The differences in channel bandwidth between the analog and digital signal paths can be
taken into consideration as follows:
BW = 35900 ADC path / GC digital path = √(3 Hz / 5 Hz) = 0.7

Conversion factors for the FPD+

For the FPD+, the conversion factor is the same whether the phosphorus or sulfur filter is used:
FPD+ (phosphorus): 1 DU = 1 x 10–12 A
FPD+ (sulfur): 1 DU = 1 x 10–12 A

Conversion factor for the ECD

For the ECD, the China Metrology standard was established based on an earlier model ECD.
Agilent relates display units and Hz (the base unit of measure for the ECD) at a different ratio
for the ECD compared to the ECD used to develop the standard. The ECD correlates a DU to
1 Hz, whereas the older ECD correlates 1 DU to 5 Hz. Therefore the conversion also includes
the difference in the digital signal reporting between the ECD and the ECD. To convert the ECD
noise output into a value comparable to the CMC specification, use the following formula:

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18 Chinese Metrology Testing

ECD: 1 DU = 0.2 mV
The ECD conversion factor shows that the comparable conversion factor for the ECD would be
1 mV/DU = 1 mV/1 Hz.

Operation Manual 285

18 Chinese Metrology Testing

Using the Conversion Factors

To use the conversion factors, multiply the ASTM noise reported from the Agilent data system
for the GC digital signal path by the appropriate conversion factor.
For example, consider applying the FPD+ and ECD conversion factors to a statistical sampling
of digital noise performances measured for both detectors at Agilent:
Average FPD+ ASTM noise, DU12: 1.54
Average ECD ASTM noise, DU3: 0.16
Applying the conversion factors:
FPD+: 1.54 DU × (1 × 10–12 A/1 DU) = 1.54 × 10–12 A
ECD: 0.16 DU × (0.2 mV/1 DU) = 0.032 mV

1 Agilent data for FPD+ noise in this example represents sulfur mode only.
2 Data collected for purposes of comparison should be acquired with a nominal FPD+ offset of
< 100 DU in sulfur mode and < 20 DU in phosphorus mode and at a data rate of 5 Hz.
3 Data collected for purposes of comparison should be acquired with a nominal ECD baseline at or
below 150 DU and at a data rate of 5 Hz.

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18 Chinese Metrology Testing

References
“Calculation of Performance Factors for the HP 6890 Gas Chromatograph Using Different Data
Handling Devices” Agilent Technologies publication 5964-0282E.
“Calculation of Performance Factors for the HP 6890 Gas Chromatograph Using Different Data
Handling Devices” Agilent Technologies publication 5091-9207E.
“Calculation of Performance Factors for the HP 6890 Gas Chromatograph Using Different Data
Handling Devices” Agilent Technologies publication 5965 8901E.

Operation Manual 287

18 Chinese Metrology Testing

288 Operation Manual

19 Glossary
The terms in Table 48 are used in discussing this product. They are collected here for your
convenience.

Table 48 Terms

Term Definition

ADC Analog to digital converter

ALS Automatic liquid sampler

AS Autosampler

BCD Binary coded decimal

COC Cool on column inlet

DHCP Dynamic host creation protocol

ECD Electron capture detector

ELVDS Port for external communications with Agilent MSDs

EMF Early maintenance feedback

EPC Electronic pneumatics control

FID Flame ionization detector

FPD+ Flame photometric detector plus

GC Gas chromatograph

HS Headspace sampler

LAN Local area network

LTM Low thermal mass

LUI Local User Interface

LVDS Low-voltage differential signaling

MMI Multi-mode inlet

MS Mass spectrometer

MSD Mass selective detector

NCD Nitrogen chemiluminescence detector

NPD Nitrogen-phosphorus detector

NTP Normal temperature and pressure (25 °C and 1 atmosphere)

PCI Packed column inlet

PCM Pressure Control Module

PID Proportional integral and differential

PP Purged packed inlet

PSD Pneumatic switching device

Operation Manual 289

19 Glossary

Table 48 Terms (continued)

Term Definition

PTFE Polytetraflouroethylene

PTV Programmed temperature vaporization inlet

QTOF Quadrupole Time-of-Flight

SCD Sulfur chemiluminescence detector

Smart ID Key Attached to critical flow path components, smart ID keys provide information such as configuration and column age
with default parameters for configuration

SSL Split/splitless inlet

TCD Thermal conductivity detector

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Seventh edition, September 2024

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