User`s guide

Troubleshooting
366
should be replaced as described in Installing the
Heated Transfer Line on page 51.
Cause: A poor connection between the transfer line and the
analytical column can also cause peak broadening.
Action: Ensure that the connecting ends of the column
and the transfer line are cut cleanly using a
fused silica cutting tool.
Action: The union or connector assembly should be an
inert, zero dead-volume fitting recommended
for butt connecting capillary, fused silica
tubing.
Cause: Activity of the analytical column itself can cause
band broadening.
Action: Replace the GC capillary column with one that
is more closely suited to your application. Refer
to the GC manual for instructions.
Cause: Broad peaks can also result from the selection of too
strong an adsorbent in the cold trap.
Action: If you are unsure about the properties of the
selected trap material for your application,
contact PerkinElmer for specific application
data.
Cause: The flow through the trap is too low during
secondary desorption.
Action: Make certain that the gas flow rate through the
standard cold trap during secondary desorption
is sufficiently high. Low flows may be used, but
will cause peak widths to increase. When using
a narrow-bore low-flow cold trap, a minimum
flow rate of 3mL/min should be used.
Cause: The sample has overloaded the GC column.
Action: Use the inlet and/or outlet split to ensure that
the sample that reaches the GC column is
suitable for volume and type of column being
used.
Cause: The trap filter disks are dirty and must be replaced.
Ejected adsorbent particles may be collected on the