Can I keep the GC column inside the GC if I am not using it for 15 days or more with carrier gas flowing and oven off? I do not want to remove the column connection from the detector and injector. Would that create any problems with column degradation or instrument failure? What GC condition should be set if we are not using the column connected in a GC for a long time?
Columns can remain in system provided maximum temperature does not exceed the limit prescribed for that column. Normally, columns are not removed from system but precautions to retain the activity of liquid phase has to be taken into account for long life of columns.
Most column are sensitive towards oxygen specially when heated. If you remove a column from the GC you should seal it with septa and even then the removal procedure will introduce lab air in the column, this means oxygen and contaminations. Of coarse the column is not heated in this condition so risk is limited. If you leave the column in the gc with the oven off and a small carrier flow it is protected in the best conditions. You could leave the detector heated to avoid possible condensation of whatever would be eluted
Columns can remain in system for months together provided the temperature of oven does not exceed the limit prescribed for liquid phase of column. The capillary columns are very delicate, hence removal and re-installation invite possibility of damage to the columns. Unless there is a need to create space for further columns required for analysis of compounds, don't remove columns from the system.
We usually remain columns in the system for weeks at room temperature with small flow of helium. And it is still working very good. :-)
You may keep the GC column inside the GC as long as you want even when GC is not being used. It is not necessary to keep the carrier gas flowing if the GC is not on.
Dear Amruta Tambe,
Thanks for your answer. However, don't you feel the atmospheric oxygen would degrade the column if there is no flow of carrier gas?
I agree wth all opinions. You can keep the GC capillary column in the oven of GC instrument in normal (atmospheric conditions) with any risk for a long time. But, I also recommend You to keep with the small flow a carrier gas (helium). I hope that Your GC instrument is equipped with oxygen trap for carrier gas, additionally. Do not worry.
I think removing and re-connecting the column can damage it more than keeping it in place.
All options are okay...normally when you run an analysis and short-down the system there is usually a stream of carrier gas within the system as long as there is no system leak...you don't need to run gas through, as long as the atmospheric condition is okay the gas with the system will suffice
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