GC-MS for the Chromatographer On-site (Part No: CS-IE-GC-20)

1 day course for up to 10 analysts

This course is designed to cover the basic operating and theoretical principles of gas chromatography using mass selective detection. It will be most useful to those who have a working knowledge of GC-MS but wish to understand the principles that govern the technique.

Chromatographic Considerations:
- Basic Principles of the Chromatographic Process - Partition Theory
- Mechanisms of Gas Chromatography
- The equilibrium / distribution constant & solute-stationary phase interactions
- Temperature / Retention Relationship
- Sample Introduction principles and description of split / splitless, large volume (PTV) and on-column injection systems.
- Particular attention will be paid to carrier flow and sample loading

GC- MS Hardware:
- Low bleed phases and column geometry's compatible with mass selective detection
- The Mass Selective Detector
- System Hardware - description and operational principles (system overview, transfer line, pumping systems, ion source, quadrupole mass analyser, ion trap (where appropriate), electron multipliers and detector electronics)
- Why is Vacuum Required? - including monitoring and maintaining vacuum systems
- The Ion Source - why is ionisation necessary?
- Operating principle of the ion source, consideration of ion formation / fragmentation, beam collimation and acceleration.
- Solvent vent time and ion source maintenance
- Quadrupole Mass Filters - construction and operating principles
- Electron Multiplier principle of operation as both detector and amplifier, consideration of dynode and X-ray voltage manipulation