Inlet Supplies for Agilent GCs with Split/Splitless Inlet

Significance of the Topic

In gas chromatography, reliable sample introduction is fundamental to achieving accurate and reproducible results. Consumable inlet components—such as septa, O-rings, liners, seals, and ferrules—play a critical role in maintaining inert conditions, preventing leaks, and preserving thermal stability during analyses.

Objectives and Overview

This article summarizes key inlet supplies compatible with Agilent and Shimadzu split/splitless gas chromatographs. It catalogs Restek’s product offerings, highlights their performance specifications, and discusses their practical relevance in routine and advanced GC applications.

Instrumentation and Consumables

• Septa
  • Thermolite Plus (11 mm, up to 350 °C)
  • Premium Non-stick BTO (11 mm, up to 400 °C)
• Viton O-Rings
  • 300 °C maximum, designed for Agilent systems
• Inlet Liners
  • Single taper, premium deactivated borosilicate glass with or without quartz wool
  • Precision deactivated liners
  • Cyclo deactivated liners
• Seals
  • Dual Vespel ring, gold-plated, washerless (0.8 mm ID)
  • Replacement gold-plated seals with washers (0.8 mm ID)
• Ferrules
  • Graphite ferrules for 5890/6890/6850/7890 GCs
  • Fits 0.25–0.28 mm, 0.32 mm, and 0.45–0.53 mm column IDs

Key Features and Discussion

• Thermal Stability: Components rated up to 400 °C sustain repeated high-temperature cycles.
• Inertness: Premium deactivation and non-stick coatings minimize active sites and sample adsorption.
• Leak-Tight Performance: Dual Vespel ring seals provide reliable sealing without washers.
• Compatibility: Standard dimensions ensure seamless integration with leading Agilent and Shimadzu GC systems.

Practical Benefits and Applications

• Improved Reproducibility: Consistent septum puncture resistance and liner inertness support stable retention times and peak shapes.
• Reduced Downtime: High-temperature-resistant materials extend consumable life and reduce maintenance frequency.
• Versatility: Suitable for QA/QC laboratories, environmental testing, food analysis, and research settings.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Advanced Materials: Development of next-generation polymers and coatings offering ultra-inert surfaces and greater thermal resilience.
• Smart Consumables: Integration of micro-sensors in seals for real-time leak detection and predictive maintenance.
• Miniaturization: Design of ultra-small liners and ferrules to support fast GC and microfluidic inlet technologies.

Conclusion

Selecting the appropriate combination of septa, O-rings, liners, seals, and ferrules is essential for optimal GC performance. The Restek inlet supplies profiled here deliver robust thermal tolerance, inertness, and leak-tight operation, aligning with the needs of modern analytical laboratories.

Reference

• Restek Corporation. Inlet Supplies for Agilent and Shimadzu GCs. Lit. Cat. GNSS2128B-UNV (2018).