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

A contaminated sparge cell can become a hidden source of purge-and-trap problems. In this video, I show how I replace the sparge cell on an OI Eclipse 4660 purge-and-trap concentrator. I cover: • Accessing the sparge cell assembly • Disconnecting the existing cell • Removing the dirty or contaminated sparge cell • Installing the replacement cell • Reconnecting the fittings and tubing • Checking the final installation before returning the system to service Because the sparge c

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

A dry scroll pump can lose vacuum performance as debris accumulates and the tip seals wear. In this video, I show how I clean an IDP3 dry scroll pump and replace the tip seals. I cover: • Opening the pump • Inspecting the scroll mechanism • Removing accumulated debris • Cleaning the internal surfaces • Removing the worn tip seals • Installing the replacement seals • Reassembling the pump • Preparing the pump to return to service Tip seals are wear components and play an impor

The MSD transfer line is the heated connection that carries analytes from the GC column into the mass spectrometer. In this video, I show how I replace the transfer line on an Agilent MSD. I cover: • Accessing the transfer line assembly • Disconnecting the existing transfer line • Removing the old transfer line • Installing and positioning the replacement • Reconnecting the assembly • Checking the final installation before returning the MSD to service The transfer line does n

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 to remove and replace the electronic side board on an Agilent 5977B Mass Selective Detector (MSD). In this 5-minute, 46-second video, I demonstrate the process of removing and installing the MSD side board during instrument repair. The side board is responsible for several critical mass spectrometer functions, including: - Generating RF and DC voltages for the quadrupole - Controlling filament emission current and electron energy - Switching between filaments - Monitoring

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

How to locate vacuum leaks in an Agilent 5977 Mass Selective Detector (MSD) using electronics duster and Manual Tune. In this hands-on tutorial, I demonstrate how to use duster gas to help identify vacuum leaks in a GC/MS system. The procedure involves monitoring the mass spectrum in Manual Tune while applying duster gas near suspected leak locations. Changes in the detected ions can help identify where air is entering the vacuum system. Vacuum leaks can affect instrument per

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

You can acquire SIM and Scan data during the same GC/MS run on Agilent 5977 and 5975 MSD systems. In this video, I walk through how I set up a SIM/Scan acquisition method and show the differences between the 5977 and 5975 software setup. I cover: • Selecting simultaneous SIM and Scan acquisition • Setting Scan acquisition parameters • Creating SIM time segments • Building SIM groups • Selecting target ions • Setting dwell times • Matching SIM windows to chromatographic retent

After cleaning a GC/MS ion source, the next step is reinstalling it correctly and returning the MSD to vacuum. In this video, I show how I reinstall the cleaned ion source in an Agilent GC/MS and initiate the pump-down process. I cover: • Positioning the cleaned ion source • Reconnecting the source components • Checking that the source is seated correctly • Closing the analyzer • Starting the pump-down cycle • Monitoring the vacuum system as the MSD returns toward operating c

You can acquire SIM and Scan data during the same GC/MS run on Agilent 5977 and 5975 MSD systems. In this video, I walk through how I set up a SIM/Scan acquisition method and show the differences between the 5977 and 5975 software setup. I cover: • Selecting simultaneous SIM and Scan acquisition • Setting Scan acquisition parameters • Creating SIM time segments • Building SIM groups • Selecting target ions • Setting dwell times • Matching SIM windows to chromatographic retent

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