MassDEP APH is the most confusing analytical method I have ever worked with—and the only one I've encountered that requires calculating calibration standards differently from actual client samples. I created a 14-minute animated tutorial explaining the Massachusetts DEP Air-Phase Petroleum Hydrocarbons (APH) Method. Although APH is based on EPA TO-15, its quantitation procedures are significantly different. The video covers: 🔬 Canister preparation, sampling and preconcentrat

Your GC/MS calculation method controls how compounds are identified, quantified, calibrated, and evaluated. In this video, I walk through the key calculation-method parameters in Agilent EnviroQuant and show what I review when setting up or checking a method. I cover: • Compound identification settings • Internal standard assignments • Quantitation and qualifier ions • Retention-time parameters • Calibration levels and concentrations • Calibration curve and response-factor se

Before cleaning or servicing a GC/MS ion source, the source first has to be removed correctly. In this video, I show how I remove the ion source from an Agilent GC/MS for maintenance. I cover: • Accessing the analyzer after the MSD has been vented • Opening the analyzer • Disconnecting the source assembly • Removing the ion source • Handling the source carefully before cleaning or service Ion source removal is a routine part of GC/MS maintenance, but the sequence matters. Und

Before cleaning a GC/MS ion source, it has to be disassembled carefully and kept organized. In this video, I show how I disassemble an Agilent EI extractor source before cleaning. I cover: • Removing the source components step by step • Disconnecting the filament and electrical connections • Separating the source body and lens components • Removing the smaller screws and source parts • Handling the components with clean gloves • Keeping everything organized for cleaning and r

Clipping a GC column can shift retention times — but your GC/MS calculation method still contains the old values. In this video, I show how I update retention times in Agilent EnviroQuant after trimming a GC/MS capillary column. I walk through the actual software workflow: • Review the chromatogram after the column has been clipped • Check the new compound retention times • Load the appropriate quantitation/calculation method • Confirm compound identification • Open the calib

How to replace a capillary GC column in an Agilent GC/MS. In this hands-on video, I walk through capillary column installation from the inlet to the MSD transfer line. Topics covered: • Preparing the column for installation • Making a clean, square column cut • Installing the correct nut and ferrule • Setting the correct column insertion depth at the inlet • Installing the column into the MSD transfer line • Avoiding leaks and poor positioning • Checking the installation befo

How to replace a capillary GC column in an Agilent GC/MS. In this hands-on video, I walk through capillary column installation from the inlet to the MSD transfer line. Topics covered: • Preparing the column for installation • Making a clean, square column cut • Installing the correct nut and ferrule • Setting the correct column insertion depth at the inlet • Installing the column into the MSD transfer line • Avoiding leaks and poor positioning • Checking the installation befo

How to replace the copper split vent line on an Agilent 6890 GC split/splitless inlet. In this hands-on maintenance video, I show the process of replacing the split vent line, including: • Accessing the inlet plumbing • Disconnecting the old vent line • Removing the tubing • Routing the replacement line • Reconnecting the inlet • Reassembling the system The split vent line is easy to overlook during routine inlet maintenance because most of it is hidden inside the GC. Over ti

Pumping an Agilent 5977 GC/MS back down after maintenance is the moment you find out whether everything was put back together correctly. In this video, I show the pump-down process after the MS has been opened for maintenance. I go through: • Closing the analyzer and establishing the initial vacuum • Starting Pump Down in Vacuum Control • Watching the foreline pressure decrease • Monitoring the diffusion pump, source and quadrupole status • Confirming the system reaches READY

How to properly vent an Agilent 5977B GC/MS before performing mass spectrometer maintenance. In this hands-on video, I demonstrate the venting process and show what happens as the MSD prepares to come out of vacuum. Topics covered: • Preparing the GC/MS for venting • Opening Vacuum Control • Starting the vent cycle • Cooling the ion source and quadrupole • Monitoring temperatures during shutdown • Allowing the high-vacuum system to shut down correctly • Knowing when the MSD i

How to correctly trim or clip a capillary GC column before installation. In this hands-on video, I demonstrate how I prepare and cut the end of a capillary GC column to create a clean, square column end before installing it into the GC inlet. Topics covered: • Inspecting the column end • Using a ceramic scoring wafer / column cutter • Making a clean square cut • Avoiding crushed or angled column ends • Checking the cut before installation • Installing the trimmed column into

How to replace the inlet liner and O-ring in an Agilent 7890 split/splitless GC inlet. In this hands-on maintenance video, I show the complete process of accessing the inlet, removing the existing liner, installing a clean liner with the correct O-ring, and reassembling the inlet. Topics covered: • Removing the autosampler injector tower • Cooling and depressurizing the inlet • Removing the top insert assembly • Removing the old inlet liner • Installing the liner O-ring • Ins

How to replace the gold seal on an Agilent 7890 GC inlet. This video shows the hands-on process of removing the lower inlet hardware, replacing the gold seal, reassembling the inlet, and reinstalling the GC column. For trace-level GC/MS analysis, inlet contamination and active surfaces can contribute to poor response, peak tailing, discrimination, elevated background, and failing CCVs. Gold seal replacement is an important part of maintaining a clean and inert GC inlet flow p

In this hands-on video, I show how I replace the split/splitless inlet EPC pneumatic module on an Agilent 6890 GC. This repair involves going beyond routine inlet maintenance and accessing the internal pneumatic system of the gas chromatograph. In the video, I cover: • Opening the GC and accessing the EPC module • Disconnecting the pneumatic and electrical connections • Removing the old split/splitless inlet EPC module • Installing the replacement module • Reconnecting the sy

In this hands-on GC maintenance video, I show how I replace the top shell weldment on an Agilent 6890 split/splitless inlet. The top shell weldment is part of the inlet assembly and can require replacement when it becomes damaged, contaminated, or no longer performs reliably after repeated maintenance. In this video I cover: • Accessing the split/splitless inlet • Removing the existing top shell weldment • Disconnecting the associated inlet components • Installing the replace

Installing a new capillary GC column is only the first step. Before I use a new column for analytical work, I condition it under carrier-gas flow to remove residual volatiles and allow the stationary phase to stabilize. In this hands-on demonstration, I show the way I prepare and condition a new GC column before putting it into service. What I check before heating the column • Verify the correct column dimensions and stationary phase • Check the manufacturer’s temperature lim

Routine GC/MS source cleaning is only useful if the ion source is reassembled correctly afterward. In this hands-on demonstration, I show how I reassemble an Agilent stainless-steel Inert EI ion source after cleaning and prepare it for installation back into the mass spectrometer. What is being reassembled The Inert EI source contains several small components that must be returned to the correct position and orientation, including: • Repeller components • Repeller insulators

The Extractor EI ion source contains a number of small components that have to be returned to the correct position and orientation after source cleaning. In this hands-on demonstration, I show how I reassemble an Agilent GC/MS Extractor EI source and prepare it for installation back into the mass spectrometer. Why source reassembly matters Cleaning the source is only part of GC/MS maintenance. Incorrect assembly, poor electrical contact, misplaced insulators, or improperly po

In the realm of environmental science, the accuracy and reliability of laboratory results are paramount. Environmental laboratories play a crucial role in monitoring pollutants, assessing ecological health, and ensuring compliance with regulations. However, maintaining high standards of quality control can be challenging. This blog post explores effective strategies for enhancing quality control in environmental laboratory operations, ensuring that results are not only accura