Molsieve Column Conditioning
In RGA Analyzer, Molsieve column separates Oxygen, Nitrogen, Methane and Carbon monoxide. During periodic usage, the separation on the column may deteriorate (mainly caused by moisture present in the sample).
The separation between Oxygen and Nitrogen usually deteriorates, and the Carbon monoxide peak coelutes with Methane. The separation performance can be restored by conditioning the column for several hours at 350°C. However, the column compartment where all micro-packed columns are housed cannot reach that temperature and the 350 °C will affect the performance of the other columns in the oven.
Therefore, the Molsieve column should be removed from the system and placed in an external oven for conditioning. This means that additional equipment is needed to condition the column (e.g., 7890 GC) and that the analyzer cannot be used for a significant period. Keeping this inconvenience for the end users in mind, GBA has developed a separate programmable oven for Molsieve column that allows to condition the Molsieve column without having to remove it from the analyzer.