Inlet Systems

Split/splitless capillary inlet

A recommended procedure is to perform a series of analyses at increasingly higher inlet temperatures using components representative of those of interest, and analyzed using the conditions for later sample analyses. The optimum temperature is where maximum area counts are obtained, and there is no evidence of thermal degradation products.

Solvent purity

Reconcentration traps any solvent impurities at the head of the column, which may interfere with peaks of interest. A solvent blank run to check solvent purity is strongly recommended before the solvent is used to dilute samples for analysis.

Inlet insert purge

After injection, sufficient time is allowed for solvent and sample components to reconcentrate at the head of the column; then solvent vapor within the inlet insert is vented (purged).

The specific time delay after injection for insert purging to occur depends upon the components, solvent, and injection volume, flow rate through the inlet, and internal insert volume (approximately 1 ml); generally, a time within the range 0.3 to 2 minutes is reasonable.

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