Download Hardware Operation - Agilent Technologies

The following figure demonstrates the resolving power of the MS for coeluting
compounds.
MS Resolution of Coeluting Compounds
Effectively separate the individual components in the mixture for subsequent data
manipulation, such as library searches and quantitation. For details about plotting
single ion chromatograms for ions specific to a single compound, please refer to
the online help or section in the Software Reference manual.
Troubleshooting Chromatographic Problems
The COLTEST mixture includes polar or active compounds such as 1-octanol, 2,
6-dimethylphenol, and 2, 6-dimethylaniline. It also has some nonpolar
compounds, such as decane and dodecane at approximate levels of 1 ppm in
hexane. Analysis of the mixture yields information about solvent tailing, column
efficiency, dead volume, active sites in the injector/column, and so on. Use the
analysis to troubleshoot common chromatographic problems. The following table
identifies many of the problems, and provides solutions.
Solvent Tailing or Broadening
Symptom
Solution
Poor column installation resulting in dead
volume in the injector
Reinstall the column in the injector.
Check the column seal with the insert in the
SPI/1079 (on-column).
Make sure you have a good cut on the
column by examining the column under
magnification.
Check the 1077/1079 injector for insertion
depth.
Solvent flashing in hot injector (usually
1077 or 1079)
Reduce the injection speed for the hot
injectors.
If possible, reduce the injector temperature.
If you are using sandwich injection, reduce
the solvent plug to 0.5 μL.
Incorrect temperature control using
programmable SPI or 1079 injector
A typical setting for the SPI is 20 °C below
the solvent boiling point. The column
temperature is set at the solvent boiling
point. Hold the column at this temperature
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