Capillary Flow Technology: Splitters

Importance of the Topic

The need for simultaneous detection by different GC detectors from a single analysis is critical across forensic, environmental and pharmaceutical laboratories. Splitting column effluent saves time, reduces sample consumption and enhances data reliability by providing complementary detection without reanalysis.

Objectives and Study Overview

This whitepaper introduces Agilent s Capillary Flow Technology splitter modules as a versatile solution to traditional splitter limitations. It aims to explain design features, operational principles, and applications covering twoway, twoway with makeup gas, and threeway splitters.

Methods and Instrumentation

• Splitter designs sealed with inert metal ferrules and deactivated surfaces to prevent leaks and outgassing under thermal cycling up to 350 C
• Use of Aux Electronic Pneumatic Control (EPC) for stable makeup gas pressure and prevention of backflow into mass spectrometer
• Restrictor tubing dimensions calculated via provided Excelbased splitter calculator or preconfigured tables
• Compatibility with Agilent 7890 or 6890N GC systems equipped for two or three detectors and hightemperature fittings
• Optional use of Purge Control Module (PCM) for makeup pressure control

Key Results and Discussion

Various applications demonstrate the technology s advantages:

• Rapid forensic toxicology screening combining scan TIC, NPD, and MSD with deconvolution reporting software delivered over 85 percent time reduction
• Unknown pesticide identification in strawberry extract using a threeway split to two GC detectors and MSD without a full scan mass spectrum
• Headspace GC residual solvent analysis with twoway splitter and backflush reduced cycle time significantly and improved sensitivity and column life

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Single injection to multiple detectors lowers instrument time and sample consumption
• Enhanced method flexibility by converting between twoway and threeway configurations or by purging unused columns
• Improved data quality through inert, low dead volume flow paths
• Software guided restrictor selection simplifies method development
• Backflush capability extends column life and reduces downtime

Future Trends and Applications

Looking ahead, splitter technology may evolve by integrating dynamic electronic control of split ratios, automated optimization within instrument software, and expansion to couple novel elementselective detectors. Adoption in highthroughput, automated workflows and advanced data analytics will further boost laboratory productivity.

Conclusion

Agilent s Capillary Flow Technology splitters overcome prior hardware challenges by delivering inert, leakfree performance and flexible flow configurations. They enable faster throughput, multi detector analysis from a single GC column, and enhance method development across forensic, environmental, and pharmaceutical sectors.

Reference

• Agilent Application Note 5989-6066EN
• Agilent Application Note 5989-6007EN
• Agilent Application Note 5989-6079EN
• Agilent Manual G3181-90120
• Agilent Manual G3180-90120
• Agilent Manual G3183-90120