Thermo Scientific TRACE 1300 User manual

TRACE 1300 and TRACE 1310 Gas
Chromatographs
Dual Detector
Microfluidics
Installation Guide
P/N 31709711 Revision A October 2013

© 2013 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved. TSQ 8000, ISQ, TRACE 1300, and TRACE 1310
are trademarks of Thermo Fisher Scientific. SilFlow, and FingerTite are registered trademarks of SGE
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Release history: Revision A, October 2013
Software version:
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Thermo Scientific Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide 1
Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide
This quick-start guide provides instructions for installing the Dual Detector Microfluidics on
your TRACE 1300 or TRACE 1310 GC, and your ISQ or TSQ 8000 mass spectrometer.
Kit Description
The Dual Detector Microfluidics is a solution for splitting the eluent flow from the analytical
column to two detectors, that can be both GC detectors or a GC detector and a mass
spectrometer.
GC Detector and Mass Spectrometer
This kit (P/N 19071030) has been designed in order to keep the split ratio between the mass
spectrometer and the GC detector 1:1 working in constant pressure mode.
The kit is optimized for a 0.25 mm i.d. column, and allows a flow of 0.9 mL/min of helium
on both the mass spectrometer and the GC detector, using an injector pressure indicated by
the graph shown in Figure 1.
Contents
•Kit Description
•Connecting the Dual Detector Microfluidics
•Installing the Mounting Bracket
•Preparing the Dual Detector Microfluidics Restrictor Tubing
•Attaching the New Tubing to the Transfer Line
•Attaching the New Tubing to the GC Detector
•Connecting the Capillaries to the Microfluidics Splitter
•Ordering Parts
Note Using a constant flow mode, the split ratio changes during the analysis, so only the
constant pressure mode is compatible, when one detector is a mass spectrometer.

Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide
Kit Description
2Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide Thermo Scientific
Figure 1. Graph of the Injector Pressure
The kit consists of a microfluidics device and two different transfer tubings.
•170μm i.d., 60 cm long for the GC detector.
•150μm i.d., 240 cm long for the mass spectrometer.
Figure 2 shows the schematic diagram of the kit.
Figure 2. Kit Schematic Diagram: GC Detector plus Mass Spectrometer
GC Detectors
This kit (P/N 19071030) has also been designed in order to keep the split ratio between two
GC detectors 1:1. In this case the carrier control can be used without limitations. Constant
pressure, programmed pressure, constant flow, and programmed flow are all possible.
The transfer tubings to be used are two 170 μm i.d., 60 cm long tubings.
Figure 3 shows the schematic diagram of the kit.
Mass Detector
GC Detector
240 cm Long; 150 um i.d.
GC Injector
Column
60 cm long; 170 um i.d.

Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide
Connecting the Dual Detector Microfluidics
Thermo Scientific Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide 3
Figure 3. Kit Schematic Diagram: Two GC Detectors
Connecting the Dual Detector Microfluidics
To connect the dual detector microfluidics to the TRACE 1300/1310 GC
1. Cool the oven, injector or injectors, transfer line, ion source, and any installed GC
detectors to room temperature and shut down the GC.
2. Push down on the power switch to power off the GC.
3. Shut down the TSQ 8000 or ISQ mass spectrometer using the software. See your mass
spectrometer's user guide for more information. The heaters and the turbo-molecular
pump power off.
Figure 4. Finding the Vent Valve on the Mass Spectrometer
GC Detector GC Injector
Column
60 cm long; 170 um i.d.
GC Detector
WARNING - BURN HAZARD: The injectors, detectors, oven, and transfer line may be hot.
Allow them to cool to room temperature before touching them.
Vacuum Interlock Shield Power Switch
Vent Valve Knob

Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide
Installing the Mounting Bracket
4Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide Thermo Scientific
4. Open the front door of the mass spectrometer.
5. Look behind the right side of the vacuum interlock shield and twist the vent valve knob
one and a half times in a counter-clockwise direction to open the vent valve.
6. Wait five minutes for the mass spectrometer to vent.
7. Open the front door of the GC and loosen the transfer line nut. Then pull the column
back (into the oven) about 5 cm to ensure the column is no longer in the ion source.
Installing the Mounting Bracket
Install the mounting bracket near the front of the GC oven on the right-hand side. This will
keep the mounting bracket out of the way of the column.
To install the mounting bracket
1. Remove the nut at the top end of the mounting bracket. This nut secures the two sections
of the mounting bracket. See Figure 5.
Figure 5. Mounting Bracket Parts
2. Push the top of the mounting bracket down.
3. Line up the bottom of the mounting bracket into two holes on the bottom side of the GC
oven.
4. Hold the mounting bracket directly upright, and twist the top end of it so that it is
securely attached to the GC oven holes.
5. Let out the top of the mounting bracket until it is long enough to be secured into two
holes on the bottom of the GC oven.
6. Loosely replace the nut, then rotate the top and bottom in opposite directions.
7. Tighten the nut until the mounting bracket is securely attached to the top and bottom of
the GC oven.
Note If you already have a mounting bracket installed in your GC with either the SSL or
PTV backflush kit, skip this step.
Top
Bottom Nut
Holder

Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide
Installing the Mounting Bracket
Thermo Scientific Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide 5
Figure 6. Mounting Bracket Installed in the GC
8. Attach the Thermo Scientific™ microfluidics splitter to the mounting bracket.
9. The microfluidics splitter snaps into place. The small hole should be positioned at the
top. See Figure 7 for the correct orientation.
Figure 7. Correct Orientation for the Microfluidics Splitter
10. Position the holder for the microfluidics splitter upright and use two 7 mm wrenches to
secure it.
Small Hole

Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide
Preparing the Dual Detector Microfluidics Restrictor Tubing
6Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide Thermo Scientific
Figure 8. Securing the Holder for the Microfluidics Splitter
Preparing the Dual Detector Microfluidics Restrictor Tubing
You will need the following materials to connect the tubing to new ferrule and nut. They are
all included in the complete kit.
• SilFlow™ pre-swage tool and SilFlow FingerTite tool—to pre-swage the SilFlow ferrule to
the microfluidics splitter
• SilFlow nut—to connect the tubing to the microfluidics splitter
• SilFlow ferrules
1. Use a scoring wafer to cut the end off the tubing.
2. You must prepare the end of the tubing to connect to the microfluidics 3-port splitter.
This operation needs to be performed on the two transfer tubings provided as well as to
the terminal of the analytical column.
3. Position a SilFlow nut and SilFlow ferrule onto the tubing as shown in Figure 9.
Figure 9. Positioning the SilFlow Nut and SilFlow Ferrule Correctly on the Tubing
4. Use a scoring wafer to cut the tubing after inserting it through the ferrule. See Figure 10.
Then use the SilFlow pre-swage tool to secure the ferrule into position. When done
properly, the tubing will extend slightly past the tip of the ferrule. It is important to use
the SilFlow pre-swage tool in order to prevent crushing the tip of the fused silica.

Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide
Preparing the Dual Detector Microfluidics Restrictor Tubing
Thermo Scientific Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide 7
Figure 10. Cutting the Tubing with the Scoring Wafer
5. Place the column and ferrule into SilFlow pre-swage tool until the tubing reaches the
bottom of the tool. When done properly, the tubing will extend slightly past the tip of the
ferrule. It is important to use the pre-swage tool in order to prevent crushing the tip of the
fused silica. See Figure 11.
Figure 11. Inserting the Column and Ferrule into the SilFlow Pre-Swage Tool
6. Use the SilFlow FingerTite tool to swage the ferrule to the tubing. Be sure to keep the tip
of the fused silica bottomed out in the pre-swage tool. See Figure 12.
Figure 12. Swaging the Ferrule Using the SilFlow FingerTite Tool
7. Remove the jig, and lay the tubing carefully on the bottom of the GC until you are ready
to connect it to the microfluidics splitter.
SilFlow Pre-Swage Tool
SilFlow
FingerTite
Pre-Swage Tool

Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide
Attaching the New Tubing to the Transfer Line
8Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide Thermo Scientific
Attaching the New Tubing to the Transfer Line
Your kit comes with a 240 cm deactivated segment of fused silica tubing having an internal
diameter of 0.15 mm. This tubing has fused ends. You must cut these ends off the tubing and
attach a SilFlow ferrule before connecting it. Use this tubing to connect the microfluidics
splitter to the transfer line.
When connecting the column to the transfer line, you may use either the regular transfer line
nut or the spring loaded transfer line nut with the graphite Vespel™ ferrule.
To connect the column using the regular transfer line nut
1. Lower the oven temperature and allow it to cool.
2. Confirm that the MS is vented and remove the current transfer line nut and ferrule.
3. Unwind about one turn of the column from the column outlet end.
4. Wipe approximately 300 mm (12 in.) of the column with a tissue soaked in methanol.
5. Choose an appropriate ferrule for the outer diameter of your column.
6. Insert the column through the transfer line nut and ferrule, entering through the tapered
end of the ferrule. Wipe the column again with a tissue soaked in methanol.
Figure 13. Transfer Line Nut and SilTite Ferrule Orientation
7. Insert the column into the column measuring tool (see Figure 14), which is in the ISQ
Toolkit, so that it is even with the lines at the end of the column. Figure 15 indicates
proper positioning of the column in the tool for accurate measuring.
Note Wear clean, lint- and powder-free gloves when you handle the column and
transfer line ferrule.
Note If the maximum oven temperature in your method is ≥ 290 °C (554 °F),
Thermo Fisher Scientific recommends using a spring loaded transfer line nut with a
graphite Vespel ferrule or a SilTite™ nut and ferrule. By cycling the oven at and above
this temperature, expansion and contraction of the graphite Vespel material can cause
leaks in the transfer line.
Transfer Line Nut
SilTite Ferrule
Flat on the Transfer Line Nut

Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide
Attaching the New Tubing to the Transfer Line
Thermo Scientific Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide 9
8. Use a scoring wafer to score and break the column. Use a magnifying glass to check for an
even, flat cut. Repeat if necessary.
9. Use a 5/16 in. wrench to hold the column measuring tool steady.
Figure 14. Column Measuring Tool
10. While holding the column measuring tool steady, tighten the transfer line nut with a
1/4 in. wrench until the column just stops moving in the ferrule.
11. Turn the transfer line nut 1 flat backward so the column is able to move in the ferrule
with slight resistance.
12. Line up the outlet of the column with the arrows on the end of the column measuring
tool.
Figure 15. Lining Up the Column in the Column Measuring Tool
13. Place a septum with a notch cut into it behind the transfer line nut. The septum marks
the place on the column where it should exit the nut.
Figure 16. Positioning the Septum
14. Pull the column back from the transfer line nut. Do not move the septum from its
position on the column.
Column Outlet
Transfer Line
Nut
Septum
Column
Measuring Tool

Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide
Attaching the New Tubing to the Transfer Line
10 Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide Thermo Scientific
Figure 17. Pulling the Column Back from the Transfer Line Nut
15. Loosen the transfer line nut from the column measuring tool.
16. Remove the column, transfer line nut and ferrule from the column measuring tool,
making sure not to move the septum from its location on the column.
17. Insert the column into the transfer line.
Figure 18. Inserting the Column into the Transfer Line
18. Tighten the transfer line nut until it is just secure enough so that you cannot move it.
19. Loosen the nut by turning it exactly 1 flat backward.
20. Position the column in the transfer line. Use the septum as a guide to measure the correct
length you should insert the column. Be careful not to change the location of the septum
on the column.
Transfer Line
Nut Septum
Column
Measuring Tool Column
Transfer Line
Column
Transfer Line
Nut
Ferrule
Septum

Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide
Attaching the New Tubing to the GC Detector
Thermo Scientific Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide 11
Figure 19. Positioning the Column in the Transfer Line
21. Tighten the nut 1 flat forward—back to where it is secure enough in the transfer line that
you cannot move it.
22. Tighten the nut 1 additional quarter turn.
23. Remove the cut septum.
24. Close the front door of the GC.
25. Once the instrument is pumped down and able to scan, click Air & Water / Tune on the
Dashboard view air water spectra and look for evidence of leaks with a large m/z 28 signal.
If you observe a leak, stop scanning and gently tighten the nut in small increments until
no leaks appear when scanning.
Attaching the New Tubing to the GC Detector
To attach the new tubing to the GC detector refer to the relevant section in the TRACE
1300/TRACE 1310 Hardware Manual.
Connecting the Capillaries to the Microfluidics Splitter
You can attach now attach all the capillaries to the microfluidics splitter.
To connect the capillaries to the microfluidics splitter
1. Place the ferrule connected to the original GC column into capillary C location on the
microfluidics splitter. See Figure 20.
Note If you are using a SilTite ferrule, follow the instructions that come with SilTite
ferrules. If you are using a graphite Vespel ferrule, they require conditioning to ensure
a leak-tight seal. See the ISQ Spare Parts Guide for information about ordering these
ferrules.
Transfer Line Column
Septum

Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide
Connecting the Capillaries to the Microfluidics Splitter
12 Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide Thermo Scientific
Figure 20. Correct Orientation for the Microfluidics Splitter
2. Use the FingerTite tool to secure the nut you previously attached to the column to top of
the three holes on the microfluidics splitter.
3. Orient the capillary connected to the mass spectrometer and to the GC detector as shown
in Figure 21.
Figure 21. Correct Orientation of Columns to Microfluidics Splitter
4. Close the GC door.
5. Close the vent valve knob.
6. Power on the GC, and set the inlet pressure as indicated in Figure 1 on page 2.
7. Power on the mass spectrometer.
Tip If a ferrule gets stuck in the microfluidics splitter, use a thumbtack or similar
pointed tool for removal. Insert the point of the tool between the ferrule and threads
and press so that the ferrule is forced off center. This will dislodge the ferrule.
Note The two positions A and B on the microfluidics splitter are equivalent for the
transfer line tubings.
GC Column
GC Column
Transfer Line Tubing B
Transfer Line Tubing A

Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide
Ordering Parts
Thermo Scientific Dual Detector Microfluidics Installation Guide 13
8. Let the mass spectrometer pump down for a minimum of one hour and then check the
air-water spectrum for gross leaks. Assuming the convection gauge and ion gauge
9. (if present) indicate appropriate pressures, small leaks can be located by spraying with
Freon, argon, or another suitable gas near the tubing connections.
Ordering Parts
Use Ta ble 1 below to order new kits or spare parts for your Dual Detector Microfluidics
system.
Table 1. Ordering information for new kits and spare parts
Description Part number
SilFlow FingerTite Tool 60201-401
SilFlow Nuts (10/pk) 290SF302
SilFlow FingerTite Ferrules 0.4 mm i.d. (10/pk) 29063466
Blanking Ferrule (5/pk) 290ST414
3-Port SilFlow Replacement MCD 60201-398
170 μm Deactivated Tubing 0.363 mm OD 60 cm 60201-390
150 μm Deactivated Tubing 0.363 mm OD 240 cm 0624466TH