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In gas chromatography, leak checking is critical preventative maintenance, and good laboratory practice, that you can't afford NOT to do. Leaks can cause significant losses of expensive high-quality gas, shortened trap and purifier lifetimes, increased column bleed, and increased system and detector maintenance. Furthermore, some detectors, such as ECDs, can be severely damaged by exposure to oxygen through system leaks.
You can avoid or minimise many problems by leak checking the complete analytical system, not just the chromatograph, both during the plumbing process and periodically thereafter. Unlike in HPLC systems, where leaks are apparent, leaks in GC systems can be subtle and difficult to isolate without proper equipment. Restek recommend leak checking the system before beginning the column conditioning cycle and eliminating all leaks before proceeding with column conditioning and analytical work.
Check out Restek’s quick-hit video for an overview of the ways gas leaks can affect your analysis, as well as tips on good leak-checking practice:
Want more? Watch Restek’s ’10 places to check for GC gas leaks’ video or learn more about the Restek leak detector.
