Chromatographic Performance of Small ID Columns with the Intuvo 9000 GC System

Importance of the Topic

The deployment of small internal diameter columns in gas chromatography delivers rapid, high-resolution separations essential for petrochemical analysis, quality control, and research laboratories. The Agilent Intuvo 9000 GC system introduces a built-in retention gap via Guard or Jumper Chips, offering column protection and simplified maintenance. However, the extra-column volume and new thermal control features require optimized method settings to fully exploit the system’s potential and match the performance of conventional GC platforms.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

This application note evaluates chromatographic performance on the Agilent Intuvo 9000 GC versus the Agilent 7890 GC when using small ID columns. Four column IDs (0.10, 0.18, 0.20, and 0.25 mm) and two chip types (Guard and Jumper) were tested. The study compares isothermal, track oven, and temperature-programmed modes to identify conditions that maximize theoretical plates, minimize analyte band broadening, and sustain fast analysis times.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• GC Systems: Agilent 7890 and Intuvo 9000 with split/splitless inlets at 300 °C
• Detector: FID at 300 °C (air 400 mL/min, H₂ 30 mL/min, N₂ 25 mL/min)
• Carrier Gas: Helium in constant flow mode
• Columns: DB-5, lengths 10–15 m, film 0.1–0.2 µm, IDs 0.10–0.25 mm
• Retention Chips: Guard Chip and Jumper Chip installed in Intuvo flowpath
• Sample: 1 µL of 1,000 ppm C₁₀–C₁₆ alkane mixture in hexane
• Methods: Isothermal (140 °C, 9 min) and temperature program (40 °C hold, 25 °C/min to 190 °C, 1 min)

Main Results and Discussion

Under isothermal conditions with a 0.10 mm ID column, the Intuvo 9000 with a Jumper Chip achieved peak shapes and theoretical plates comparable to the 7890, while use of a Guard Chip caused significant band broadening. Enlarging the column ID to 0.18 mm or more reduced extra-column effects, delivering retention times and plate counts similar to or better than those on the 7890. Temperature programming allowed analytes to refocus at the column head, mitigating broadening when using a Guard Chip. Comparable results were observed in track oven mode, confirming that proper thermal management overcomes the retention gap challenge.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

• High throughput: Fast separations with up to 10 000 theoretical plates per meter
• Column protection: Guard/Jumper Chips extend column life and simplify maintenance
• Method flexibility: Supports isothermal, track oven, and temperature-programmed workflows
• Scalability: Efficient performance across column IDs from 0.10 to 0.25 mm

These advantages suit the Intuvo 9000 for routine petrochemical screening, QA/QC labs, and rapid method development.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances in chip design and thermal zone control may enable even narrower ID columns and faster cycle times. Integration with mass spectrometry, development of specialized stationary phases, and field-portable Intuvo systems are promising directions. Enhanced automation and real-time diagnostics could further elevate system robustness and throughput.

Conclusion

By selecting the optimal chip type, column ID, and thermal mode, the Intuvo 9000 GC achieves high-resolution, rapid separations on par with traditional GC systems. Jumper Chips excel under isothermal conditions, while temperature programming and larger column IDs facilitate effective Guard Chip use. This flexibility enhances analytical productivity, reduces downtime, and supports diverse chromatographic applications.