CP-3800 GC Getting Started Manual
47
Maintenance
Overview
It is important for the GC user to learn general maintenance techniques and
carry these procedures out on a regular basis. Some common GC
maintenance procedures are changing septa and injector inserts, checking
for leaks, conditioning columns and changing filters. In this section
maintenance information is presented under four headings: general GC
maintenance, injector maintenance, column maintenance and detector
maintenance.
Note that many maintenance procedures, such as repair or replacement of
electronic components, should be performed by a qualified Varian service
representative. For maintenance problems where mechanical or electrical
assemblies need to be repaired or replaced please call your local Varian
service center.
There are certain maintenance tasks that should be carried out on a routine
basis. These regular procedures are done to ensure that the 3800 Gas
Chromatograph will continue to operate at optimum performance. The
following is a brief summary of some common maintenance tasks and their
typical frequency:
Maintenance Task
Frequency
Change septa
Typically 50 - 100 injections
Check column nuts are tight
Daily
Condition column
Daily or as required
Change injector inserts, if necessary
Weekly
Check gas supplies
Weekly
Leak check
Monthly
Change gas cylinders
Quarterly or as required
Condition system
Semiannually
Clean detectors
When performance deteriorates
Replace gas purifiers
Annually or as required
Perform AutoCalibrate (EFC)
Semi-annually
