Presentation Profile
GC and GC/MS Tips and Tricks for Method Optimization and Maintenance
Main Author
James Pachlhofer - Thermo Fisher Scientific
Abstract:
Reliable GC and GC-MS performance depends on method design, disciplined maintenance, and rapid troubleshooting. This presentation shares practical strategies to improve injection efficiency, chromatographic quality, sensitivity, robustness, and instrument uptime. Topics include selecting and optimizing split/splitless and programmed-temperature vaporizing inlets, controlling solvent expansion, preventing septum and liner contamination, checking leaks, conditioning and trimming columns, managing carrier-gas quality, and reducing column bleed. Guidance will also cover backflush approaches, ion-source contamination, and maintenance practices that minimize downtime. Attendees will leave with actionable tips to diagnose common symptoms, extend consumable and column life, improve reproducibility, and return systems to operation faster every day.
