Thermo Scientific TRACE 1310 User manual

TRACE 1300 and TRACE 1310 Gas
Chromatographs
NoVent Microfluidics
Installation Guide
120807-0001 Revision A March 2013

© 2013 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved. TSQ 8000, ISQ, TRACE 1300, and TRACE 1310
are trademarks of Thermo Fisher Scientific. SilFlow, NoVent, and FingerTite are registered trademarks of SGE
Analytical Science. All other trademarks are the property of Thermo Fisher Scientific and its subsidiaries.
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. provides this document to its customers with a product purchase to use in the
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Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. makes no representations that this document is complete, accurate or error-
free and assumes no responsibility and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, damage or loss that might
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Release history: Revision A, March 2013
Software version:
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Thermo Scientific NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide 1
NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide
This quick-start guide provides instructions for installing the NoVent™ Microfluidics on your
TRACE 1300 or TRACE 1310 GC and your ISQ or TSQ 8000 mass spectrometer.
Module Description
The NoVent Microfluidics is a solution for maintaining carrier gas flow into the mass
spectrometer without breaking vacuum during column replacement, injector maintenance, or
both. See Figure 1.
Contents
•Module Description
•Connecting the NoVent Microfludics Module to the TRACE 1300/1310
•Installing the Mounting Bracket
•Preparing the NoVent Microfluidics Restrictor Tubing
•Attaching the Ferrule and Nut to the GC Column
•Attaching the New Tubing to the Transfer Line
•Connecting the Capillaries to the Microfluidics Splitter
•Configuring the Post-Column
•Using the Module
•Ordering Parts

NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide
Connecting the NoVent Microfludics Module to the TRACE 1300/1310
2NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide Thermo Scientific
Figure 1. NoVent Microfluidics Module
The module includes the solenoid valve for starting and stopping the carrier gas flow, the
On/Off switch, the On/Off status LED (Light Emitting Diode), and the fittings for the
connection to the SilFlow™ device by using a 300 mm × 75 μm i.d. fused silica restrictor.
Connecting the NoVent Microfludics Module to the TRACE 1300/1310
According to the configuration of your TRACE 1300 or TRACE 1310 GC, a dummy
module is present in the free site where the detector module is not installed.
If no dummy module is present, and no vacant module position is present on either the
TRACE 1300 or TRACE 1310 GC or on the optional gas valve oven (if you have one), you
must take one of the existing and installed modules off in order to install the NoVent
Microfluidics.
Module Flap Cover
On/Off Status LED
On/Off Switch
Bottom Fittings

NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide
Connecting the NoVent Microfludics Module to the TRACE 1300/1310
Thermo Scientific NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide 3
Figure 2. Location of Detector Modules on your TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310 GC
To connect the NoVent microfluidics module 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 turbomolecular
pump power off.
4. If you are using hydrogen as a carrier gas, unscrew the hydrogen safety screw on the front
door of the mass spectrometer.
Dummy Back Detector Module
Dummy Front Detector Module
CAUTION Where a dummy module is installed, the gas connection is blocked by a plug.
WARNING - BURN HAZARD: The injectors, detectors, oven, and transfer line may be hot.
Allow them to cool to room temperature before touching them.
WARNING - FIRE HAZARD: If you are using hydrogen, do NOT reach over the top of the
instrument to power it off. Instead, reach around the right side or go to the back of the
instrument and flip down the power switch.

NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide
Connecting the NoVent Microfludics Module to the TRACE 1300/1310
4NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide Thermo Scientific
Figure 3. Finding the Vent Valve on the Mass Spectrometer
5. Open the front door of the mass spectrometer.
6. 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.
7. Wait five minutes for the mass spectrometer to vent.
8. 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.
9. Close all GC gas supplies. Shut the carrier gas supply off at its source, such as the tank.
10. Remove the dummy module from the position where the NoVent Microfluidics will be
installed. The most convenient location for accessing the tubing connections is the front
position.
a. Open the module flap cover.
b. Using a T20 Torxhead screwdriver, unscrew and remove the two captive fixing
screws.
c. Keeping the dummy module flap cover open, lift up the module from its seat in the
detector housing. Place the dummy module on a clean surface.
d. Remove the gas plug by unscrewing its fixing screw using a T20 Torxhead
screwdriver.
Vacuum Interlock Shield Power Switch
Vent Valve Knob

NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide
Connecting the NoVent Microfludics Module to the TRACE 1300/1310
Thermo Scientific NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide 5
Figure 4. Removing the Detector Gas Plug
11. Install the No-Vent module.
a. Open the module flap cover.
b. Keeping the module flap cover open, place the module in its seat. Be sure to insert the
25-pin male connector, on the bottom of the module, into the 25-pin female
connector on the detector seat of the detector housing.
c. Use a T20 screwdriver to tighten the three captive fixing screws without
overtightening.
d. Close the module flap cover.
12. Power on the GC.
13. Switch the module on so that the LED light glows green and start the carrier gas flowing
to purge the line.
Gas Connections Without Gas Block Plug
Gas Block Plug on Detector Seat
O-rings
WARNING Make sure all four o-rings are correctly seated on the gas connection. Do not
install the module if the o-rings are missing.
Note Tighten the center screw first and then secure the side screws.
Note This module requires a constant carrier gas pressure of 60 psig (410 kPa).

NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide
Installing the Mounting Bracket
6NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide Thermo Scientific
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.
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

NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide
Installing the Mounting Bracket
Thermo Scientific NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide 7
Figure 6. Mounting Bracket Installed in the GC
8. Attach the Thermo Scientific™ microfluidics splitter to the mounting bracket. 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
9. Position the holder for the microfluidics splitter upright and use two 7 mm wrenches to
secure it.
Small Hole

NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide
Preparing the NoVent Microfluidics Restrictor Tubing
8NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide Thermo Scientific
Figure 8. Securing the Holder for the Microfluidics Splitter
Preparing the NoVent Microfluidics Restrictor Tubing
If you are using helium as a carrier gas, use the 30 cm length of 75 μm fused silica tubing in
your kit (two are supplied) to connect the NoVent Microfludics module to the splitter.
If you are using hydrogen as a carrier gas, use the 80 cm length of 75 μm fused silica tubing in
your kit (one is supplied) to connect the NoVent Microfludics module to the splitter.
This tubing acts as a flow restrictor to limit the helium flow from the NoVent microfluidics
module.You must swage a SilTite™ ferrule to this tubing.
You will need the following materials to connect the tubing to new ferrule and nut. They are
all included in the complete kit.
• SilTite FingerTite™ pre-swage tool—to pre-swage the SilTite FingerTite ferrule to the GC
module
• 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
•SilTiteferrule(1)
• SilFlow ferrules (3)
1. Use a scoring wafer to cut the end off the tubing.
2. Use the SilTite FingerTite pre-swage tool in your kit to pre-swage the SilTite ferrule to
your tubing. See Figure 9.
The tubing should extend just past the tool when pre-swaging the ferrule. After the
ferrule is swaged, remove the tool and confirm the ferrule does not slide on the tubing.
Then cut the tubing to about 2 mm past the tip of the ferrule.
Note If you are using a 0.25 mm id column, use a 0.4 mm SilFlow ferrule and a 0.4 mm
SilFlow FingerTite jig. If you are using a 0.32 mm id column, use a 0.5 mm SilFlow
ferrule and a 0.5 mm SilFlow FingerTite jig.

NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide
Preparing the NoVent Microfluidics Restrictor Tubing
Thermo Scientific NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide 9
Figure 9. Pre-swaging the Ferrule to the 30 cm Fused Silica Tubing
3. Insert the ferrule and the tubing into the NoVent microfluidics module.
Figure 10. Securing the 30 cm Fused Silica Restrictor to the No-Vent Microfluidics Module
4. Add the FingerTite screw to the module and tighten.
5. Now you must prepare the other end of the tubing to connect to the microfluidics 3-port
splitter. It is much easier to attach the ferrule to the tubing while it is outside the GC. You
will connect it to the splitter later.
6. Position a SilFlow nut and SilFlow ferrule onto the tubing as shown in Figure 11.
Figure 11. Positioning the SilFlow Nut and SilFlow Ferrule Correctly on the Tubing
7. Use a scoring wafer to cut the tubing after inserting it through the ferrule. See Figure 12.
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.
SilTite FingerTite Pre-swage Tool
Ferrule

NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide
Preparing the NoVent Microfluidics Restrictor Tubing
10 NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide Thermo Scientific
Figure 12. Cutting the Tubing with the Scoring Wafer
8. 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 13.
Figure 13. Inserting the Column and Ferrule into the SilFlow Pre-Swage Tool
9. 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 14.
Figure 14. Swaging the Ferrule Using the SilFlow FingerTite Tool
10.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

NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide
Attaching the Ferrule and Nut to the GC Column
Thermo Scientific NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide 11
Attaching the Ferrule and Nut to the GC Column
You will need the following materials to connect the column to new ferrule and nut. They are
all included in the complete kit.
• SilFlow FingerTite tool
• SilFlow pre-swage tool
•SilFlownut
• SilFlow ferrules
To add the new ferrule and nut to the column
1. Attach the ferrule to the column while it is outside the GC. You will connect it to the
module later.
2. Position the SilFlow nut and SilFlow ferrule onto the column as shown in Figure 15.
Figure 15. Positioning the Nut and Ferrule Correctly on the Column
3. Use a scoring wafer to cut the column after inserting it through the ferrule. Then use the
appropriate 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 pre-swage
tool in order to prevent crushing the tip of the fused silica. See Figure 16.
Figure 16. Cutting the Column with the Scoring Wafer
4. Place the column and ferrule into the SilFlow pre-swage tool until the column reaches the
bottom of the jig. See Figure 17.
Note If you are using a 0.25 mm id column, use a 0.4 mm SilFlow ferrule and a 0.4 mm
SilFlow pre-swage tool. If you are using a 0.32 mm id column, use a 0.5 mm SilFlow
ferrule and a 0.5 mm SilFlow pre-swage tool.

NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide
Attaching the New Tubing to the Transfer Line
12 NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide Thermo Scientific
Figure 17. Inserting the Column and Ferrule into the SilFlow Pre-Swage Tool
5. Use the FingerTite tool to swage the ferrule to the column. Be sure to keep the tip of the
fused silica bottomed out in the pre-swage tool. See Figure 18.
Figure 18. Swaging the Ferrule Using the SilFlow FingerTite Tool
6. Remove the pre-swage tool, and lay the column carefully on the bottom of the GC until
you are ready to connect it to the microfluidics splitter.
Attaching the New Tubing to the Transfer Line
Your kit comes with a 0.6 m and 1.2 m deactivated segments of fused silica tubing having an
internal diameter of 0.17 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.
SilFlow
Pre-Swage Tool
SilFlow
FingerTite Tool
Note Use the 60 cm tubing if you are using helium as a carrier gas. Use the 120 cm length
of tubing if you are using hydrogen as a carrier gas.

NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide
Attaching the New Tubing to the Transfer Line
Thermo Scientific NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide 13
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 19. Transfer Line Nut and SilTite Ferrule Orientation
7. Insert the column into the column measuring tool (see Figure 20), which is in the ISQ
Toolkit, so that it is even with the lines at the end of the column. Figure 21 indicates
proper positioning of the column in the tool for accurate measuring.
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 20. 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.
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
Transferline Nut

NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide
Attaching the New Tubing to the Transfer Line
14 NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide Thermo Scientific
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 21. 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 22. 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

NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide
Attaching the New Tubing to the Transfer Line
Thermo Scientific NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide 15
Figure 23. 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 24. 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

NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide
Attaching the New Tubing to the Transfer Line
16 NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide Thermo Scientific
Figure 25. 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. Condition the graphite Vespel ferrule:
a. Raise the oven temperature to the maximum temperature you will operate the GC
column.
b. Wait 10 minutes.
c. Lower the oven temperature to 40 °C (104 °F) and allow it to cool before continuing.
d. Retighten the transfer line nut.
26. Restore working conditions.
a. Raise the oven temperature to the initial temperature that you will use.
b. Turn on vacuum compensation on the GC.
c. Twist the vent valve clockwise to close the valve. Be sure not to pinch the o-ring.
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
WARNING BRUN HAZARD The oven may be hot. Allow it to cool to room temperature
before opening it. The injector will still be hot, so do not touch it.

NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide
Connecting the Capillaries to the Microfluidics Splitter
Thermo Scientific NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide 17
d. If you are using hydrogen as a carrier gas, replace the front panel screw.
e. Replace all remaining hydrogen safety screws if you are using hydrogen.
27. Power on the mass spectrometer.
28. 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.
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 B location on the
microfluidics splitter. See Figure . This corresponds to the bottom of the three holes on a
correctly installed splitter.
Figure 26. 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 transfer line and the one attached to the no-vent
module as shown in Figure 27.
WARNING - FIRE HAZARD: If you are using hydrogen, do NOT reach over the top of the
instrument to power it on. Instead, reach around the side or go to the back of the
instrument and flip up the power switch.
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.
GC Column

NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide
Configuring the Post-Column
18 NoVent Microfluidics Installation Guide Thermo Scientific
Figure 27. Correct Orientation of Columns to Microfluidics Splitter
4. Close the GC door.
5. Close the vent valve knob.
6. Power on the mass spectrometer.
7. Ensure the switch is set to Off on the NoVent microfluidics.
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 (if
present) indicate appropriate pressures, small leaks can be located by spraying with Freon,
argon, or another suitable gas near the tubing connections.
Configuring the Post-Column
After installing the NoVent microfluidics, you must enter the post-column length and ID
before running samples. This section contains instructions for configuring your post-column
settings on both a TRACE 1310 and a TRACE 1300.
To enter post-column settings on a TRACE 1310
1. On the home page of the TRACE 1310 touchscreen, click the Configuration icon.
Capillary Restrictor to No-Vent Module
GC Column
Capillary Restrictor to Transfer Line