πŸ§ͺ Manual for using the GC

Inficon Fusion Β΅-Gas Chromatograph

Author

Peter Kraus

Published

April 23, 2026

In case of emergency

In case of uncontrolled heating
  1. Cut power to the heated transfer lines by unplugging them.
  2. If necessary, cut power to the GC.
In case of any emergency
  1. Press the power button at the front of the device.
Once safe
  • Follow the relevant laboratory procedures described in Lab 10a: Alarm Systems.
  • Inform Peter as well as Delf or Oliver or Kai.

1. Purpose

This manual describes the safe operation of the Inficon Fusion Β΅-Gas Chromatograph (GC). It is a supplement to the risk assessment GBU E3-VA: Gaschromatograph.

2. Requirements (Gases, Equipment and Software)

2.1 Gas Supply

Under normal operation, the GC requires the following gases:

  • Argon (Ar), used always, required pressure of X bar.
  • Helium (He), optional.

2.2 Equipment

The GC is composed of the following components:

  • the gas chromatograph unit itself, (Inficon Fusion)
  • the 10-port gas sampling valve, (Valco VICI)
  • heated gas transfer lines,
  • a computer connected to the GC via Ethernet

2.3 Software

The GC can be accessed and controlled via the web interface on the IP address 10.10.1.12.

TODO..

3. Operating manual

Skip start-up and bakeout during routine work.

During routine operation, the GC is intended to stay powered on, with its columns constantly washed by a small flow of carrier gas. Therefore, after performing regular pre-operation checks, you may normally skip through the start-up and bakeout instructions and follow the general operation instructions.

3.1 Pre-operation Checks

Carrier gas pressure

Argon (and optionally Helium) should be supplied at X bar. This depends on the selected method. Carrier gases are connected to each β€œmodule” of the GC individually. Make sure the GC software configuration matches what is connected to the GC in practice.

Multiport valve

The valve should be connected to the GC using a USB cable. Your sample gas should be fed into the GC via the multiport valve. The following positions are reserved for permanently installed devices:

  • Pos. 1: Quick-release fitting on the top of the unit for calibration and testing purposes. Always use a flow controller or a needle valve to limit the gas flow when using this connection!
  • Pos. 8: STAMP connection via reactor bypass.
  • Pos. 9: STAMP connection to reactor outlet sampling (normal operation).
  • Pos. 10: Reserved; purge position.

Ensure all valve inlets and outlets are either connected to samples, vented, or closed using other valves or plugs. If there is any open position, or an open valve, gases flowing through other ports may leak or be pushed back through the open position. Under normal circumstances, all gases flowing through unselected valve positions are vented together. The selected gas is connected straight to the GC inlet, without pressure by-pass.

Valve should be set to return to purge position.

The GC can be configured to automatically set the Valco VICI valve into a purge position (normally Pos. 10) after a sample is pumped from the configured sampling port. This configuration is strongly recommended as it avoids any pressure build-up when staying at the sampling port for extended amount of time.

Observe maximum inlet pressure.

The maximum inlet pressure at the GC should be well below 2 bar(g). Higher pressures risk damaging the injector and should be avoided. If a high flow of sample is to be studied, the GC sampling should be attached to a bypass (T-junction) to ensure sampling is carried out at ambient pressure.

Trace heating

The multiport valve and the GC transfer line is equipped with a trace heating line, which should be set to 120Β°C and turned on. This is to avoid condensation of water (and other liquids) in the piping.

3.2 Start-up

  1. Switch the GC on using the power button at the front.
  2. Switch the trace heating on and, if necessary, set it to 120Β°C.
  3. Load a method and wait for the GC to equilibrate.
  4. Run a test sample using a known gas composition.
Use argon to check baseline

In most cases, 100% argon supplied using a flow meter through Pos. 1 should end up producing a chromatogram with no sample peaks (if Argon is used as carrier on both modules).

In case of any issues at this stage:

  • Check piping for leaks.
  • Perform a bakeout.

3.3 Bakeout

Bakeout can be used to regenerate and clean the columns of the gas chromatograph. There are two ways of performing a bakeout:

  • By loading the Bakeout smooth method and leaving the GC on overnight; this is a gentle bakeout which should get rid of most issues.
  • By performing the Bakeout action in the Methods list; this is a much harsher bakeout at higher temperatures and should not be used for more than 120 minutes.
Perform bakeout regularly.

Bakeout should be always performed after the GC was switched off for a significant period of time (> 1 day), especially if the carrier gas lines have been disconnected or the pressure in them has dropped. Bakeout should be always performed after winter shutdown.

3.4 General operation

  1. Synchronise time between the PC and the GC. This should be done weekly as the GC tends to drift.
  2. Load method using the Methods list or the front panel.
  3. Ensure the lines are connected appropriately.
  4. Start the chromatography.

3.5 Calibration

TODO.

4. Shutdown

  1. Stop any running chromatography.
  2. Switch any trace heating off.
  3. Press the power button at the front of the device. The GC will cool down and power off.
  4. If necessary, disconnect or depressurise the carrier gas lines. The GC can now be moved.