An unknown GC/MS peak becomes much more useful once you can determine what it may be and estimate how much is present. In this video, I show how I work through an unknown peak in MSD data. I cover: • Selecting the unknown chromatographic peak • Reviewing the mass spectrum • Using a library search for tentative identification • Evaluating the library match • Comparing the unknown response to a known compound • Estimating the unknown compound concentration from the response Lib

Sometimes you know which compound you are looking for, but you do not know where it appears in the chromatogram. In this video, I show how I use the NIST mass spectral library and extracted-ion chromatograms to locate a specific compound in GC/MS data. I cover: • Searching the NIST library for the compound • Reviewing the reference mass spectrum • Selecting characteristic ions • Returning to the sample chromatogram • Extracting those ions from the data • Looking for peaks whe

An unknown GC/MS peak becomes much more useful once you can determine what it may be and estimate how much is present. In this video, I show how I work through an unknown peak in MSD data. I cover: • Selecting the unknown chromatographic peak • Reviewing the mass spectrum • Using a library search for tentative identification • Evaluating the library match • Comparing the unknown response to a known compound • Estimating the unknown compound concentration from the response Lib

Unknown GC/MS peaks can be screened against a mass spectral library to help with tentative identification. In this video, I show how I use the TIC Library Search function in Agilent EnviroQuant with the NIST mass spectral library. I cover: • Opening the TIC Library Search function • Selecting the NIST library • Setting search and integration parameters • Running a library search across the chromatogram • Reviewing tentative compound identifications • Comparing match quality •

How do you calculate dilution recipes for preparing an entire calibration curve from stock solutions? In this hands-on analytical chemistry tutorial, I demonstrate step-by-step calculations for preparing calibration standards at different concentration levels. Calibration concentrations covered: - 0.5 µg/L - 1 µg/L - 10 µg/L - 25 µg/L - 50 µg/L - 100 µg/L - 250 µg/L - 500 µg/L - 1,000 µg/L Topics covered: - Preparing intermediate standards from a concentrated stock solution -

Where can you find error messages, instrument logs, and sequence records in Agilent GC/MS MassHunter software? In this hands-on tutorial, I demonstrate how to locate and review instrument log information that can help identify GC/MS operating problems. Topics covered: - Accessing the instrument logbook - Reviewing time-stamped system messages - Finding error log files - Locating sequence log records - Using recorded messages to investigate instrument problems Error logs can p

The makeup gas adapter is part of the gas-flow path for an Agilent micro-ECD. In this video, I show how I install the makeup gas adapter on the micro-ECD assembly. I cover: • Accessing the micro-ECD • Removing the existing fitting • Preparing the replacement adapter • Installing and positioning the adapter • Tightening the connection • Checking the completed installation It is a small component, but correct installation is important for maintaining the detector gas-flow path

Step-by-step replacement of the heater and temperature sensor assembly in an Agilent Micro-ECD (Micro Electron Capture Detector). In this 11-minute hands-on tutorial, I demonstrate how to access the detector components, remove the existing heater and sensor assembly, and install the replacement parts. The heater and temperature sensor are essential for maintaining stable detector temperature and reliable gas chromatography performance. Topics covered: - Accessing the Micro-EC

Correct column installation at the detector is just as important as installation at the GC inlet. In this video, I show how I install a capillary GC column into an Agilent micro-ECD (µECD). I cover: • Preparing and trimming the capillary column • Installing the ferrule and detector fitting • Measuring the correct insertion depth • Positioning the column in the micro-ECD • Tightening the detector connection • Checking the final installation Incorrect detector-side column posit

One GC inlet can be configured for two capillary columns. In this video, I show how I convert a single-column installation to a two-column installation in the same GC inlet. I walk through: • Removing the existing single-column connection • Preparing both capillary columns • Using a dual-column inlet adapter • Installing a two-hole Vespel/graphite ferrule • Measuring the correct insertion depth • Positioning both columns in the inlet • Tightening the connection • Checking the

A GC/MS acquisition method is much more than an oven temperature program. In this video, I walk through the GC-side parameters I review when setting up an Agilent GC/MS method and explain what the major settings control. I cover: • Injection volume and syringe parameters • Pre- and post-injection solvent washes • Sample pumps and vial mixing • Split/splitless inlet temperature • Inlet pressure and flow settings • Pulsed splitless parameters • Purge flow to the split vent • Co

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

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 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 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