Preventive Maintenance

Packed column inlet

Figure 8-3

Packed Column Inlet, Leak-Checking the Septum

Cleaning

Turn off the heated zone for the inlet and allow it to cool.

Remove the septum retainer nut and septum; remove also the column and inlet liner. Using a suitable light source, illuminate the inside of the inlet from inside the oven while looking through the inlet from the top. If there is evidence of contamination or deposits, the inlet should be cleaned.

Use a swab and an appropriate solvent to scrub interior walls until deposits are removed. A suitable wire may be used to dislodge solid particles carefully. Dry thoroughly with compressed, filtered, dry air or N1 before reassembling.

WARNING To avoid possible eye injury, wear eye protection when using compressed gas.

162