Agilent CrossLab - Supplies for Former Varian GC Systems

Significance of the topic

In gas chromatography, inert sample flow paths are essential to preserving analyte integrity and ensuring reliable detection of trace‐level compounds. Inlet liners, O-rings, ferrules, and related consumables can introduce active sites that adsorb or degrade analytes, reducing sensitivity, distorting peak shapes, and increasing maintenance. Agilent CrossLab Ultra Inert liners and accessories address these challenges by providing highly deactivated surfaces and optimized materials to maximize transfer efficiency and reproducibility.

Objectives and Overview

The primary aim of the document is to introduce the Ultra Inert product line for former Varian GC systems, demonstrating compatibility, performance improvements, and practical benefits. It catalogs inlet liners, O-rings, column ferrules, septa, syringes, and other supplies, comparing original and Ultra Inert deactivations and highlighting superior performance metrics.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

Performance evaluation involved repetitive injections of challenging compounds (e.g., endrin) using splitless single‐taper liners packed with wool and detectors such as electron capture detection (ECD). Comparative tests measured analyte breakdown and peak shape stability over more than 100 injections. Key instrumentation included:

• Former Varian CP8400, CP8410, CP9010, CP9050, 8035, 8100, 8200 GC systems
• Agilent CrossLab Ultra Inert inlet liners and graphitized seals
• 60% Vespel/40% graphite and pure graphite ferrules
• Non-stick bleed and temperature-optimized septa
• Fixed and removable autosampler syringes

Main Results and Discussion

Ultra Inert liners consistently delivered:

• Enhanced deactivation coverage, minimizing active sites that trap analytes
• Improved peak shapes for highly active forensic and environmental compounds
• Lower detection limits (e.g., endrin detection at 100 ppb with minimal breakdown)
• Extended liner lifetime with stable performance after 100+ injections
• Reduced preventive maintenance owing to less contamination and carry-over

Graphical data demonstrate that Ultra Inert deactivation yields significantly less analyte decomposition versus competitive liners, with reproducible performance across multiple lots.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Agilent CrossLab Ultra Inert consumables offer:

• Plug-and-play compatibility with former Varian and current Agilent GC interfaces
• Touchless packaging to maintain cleanliness and simplify installation
• Certificates of Performance for traceability and compliance
• Wide portfolio covering inlet liners (split, splitless, direct, SPME), ferrules, septa, syringes, and column nuts
• Risk-free 90-day guarantee ensuring user confidence

These features support demanding QA/QC, forensic, environmental, and industrial analyses by boosting data accuracy and lab productivity.

Future Trends and Possibilities

As GC applications evolve toward ultra-trace analysis and high-throughput workflows, future developments may include:

• Advanced surface chemistries for even lower analyte adsorption
• Smart consumables with lot-specific digital performance data
• Broader compatibility with emerging GC–MS and GC×GC architectures
• Sustainable materials to reduce environmental impact
• Integrated consumable monitoring and predictive maintenance through IoT connectivity

Conclusion

Agilent CrossLab Ultra Inert liners and associated GC consumables provide a comprehensive solution for minimizing analyte loss, enhancing sensitivity, and extending maintenance intervals in gas chromatographic analyses. Their compatibility with legacy Varian systems and modern Agilent instruments ensures seamless adoption and reproducible results across diverse applications.

Reference

No external references were cited in the source document.