Agilent 990 Micro GC J&W CP-Wax 52 CB Channels

Importance of the Topic

The advent of micro gas chromatography (Micro GC) has transformed on-site and rapid analysis of volatile compounds. By combining compact design and fast thermal equilibria, Micro GC instruments enable real-time monitoring in environmental, industrial, and quality control settings. High-polarity columns such as J&W CP-Wax 52 CB extend this capability to polar solvents and BTEX analysis, filling a crucial analytical niche.

Objectives and Study Overview

This data sheet presents the performance characteristics of Agilent J&W CP-Wax 52 CB columns when deployed in the Agilent 990 Micro GC system. Key goals include evaluating resolution, sensitivity, and repeatability for typical target analytes such as methanol, ethanol, and aromatic hydrocarbons. Various column lengths and film thicknesses are compared to guide users in selecting the optimal configuration.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The Agilent 990 Micro GC features up to four independent MEMS-based channels, each integrating an injector, isothermal column, and micro thermal conductivity detector (TCD). CP-Wax 52 CB columns, composed of a high-polarity polyethylene glycol phase, are tested in straight configurations without backflush. Performance parameters are measured under controlled carrier gas (He) pressure and isothermal operation up to 180 °C.

Instrumentation Used

• Agilent 990 Micro GC system with up to four MEMS channels and micro TCD detectors
• J&W CP-Wax 52 CB columns: 10 m (0.5 µm and 1.2 µm film), 4 m (1.2 µm film)
• Carrier gas: Helium at 550 kPa (± 10 kPa)
• Injector with software-controlled 1–10 µL injection volume, heated to 110 °C

Main Results and Discussion

All tested CP-Wax 52 CB channels exhibited consistent resolution of 1.6 for methanol/ethanol mixtures (0.27/0.17 % v/v). Detection limits for acetone were 0.3 ppm (S/N ≥ 3) across column configurations. Peak area repeatability remained below 1 % RSD at 0.2 % concentration. Shorter 4 m columns yielded faster analysis times with similar sensitivity, while thicker films marginally improved load capacity for higher-concentration samples.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The combination of MEMS-based GC and CP-Wax 52 CB columns offers:

• Rapid separation of polar compounds in air and gas samples
• Low detection limits suitable for environmental monitoring and workplace safety
• High repeatability for quality assurance and regulatory compliance
• Compact design ideal for field deployment and mobile laboratories

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advancements in microfabrication will further reduce instrument footprint and power consumption. Emerging high-polarity column chemistries and integrated preconcentration techniques promise enhanced sensitivity for trace-level analytes. Coupling Micro GC data with machine learning algorithms may streamline peak identification and predictive maintenance. Additionally, multi-dimensional micro GC and hybrid detection modes could expand analytical scope to complex mixtures.

Conclusion

The Agilent 990 Micro GC equipped with J&W CP-Wax 52 CB columns delivers robust, fast, and sensitive analysis of polar volatile compounds. Its modular MEMS architecture and versatile column lineup make it a powerful tool for on-site environmental monitoring, industrial process control, and QA/QC applications.

Reference

• Agilent Technologies. Agilent 990 Micro GC J&W CP-Wax 52 CB Channels Data Sheet, 2024.