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

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