Mini Gas Chromatograph Troubleshooting and FAQs

These specifications are for the Vernier Mini GC, order code GC-MINI, $1,749
Specifications and User Guide

If you have a Vernier Mini GC Plus, order code GC2-MINI, $1,799, the specifications are listed here: Specifications and User Guide and TIL 2841: Mini Gas Chromatograph Plus Gas Chromatograph Troubleshooting and FAQs

TROUBLESHOOTING
-Inconsistent flow: Check and replace septum
-Inconsistent peak areas: Check injection volume, septum
-Inconsistent retention times: Check septum, pump
-No communication: Check USB cables. Or, make sure you are using correct software versions.
-No power: Check to make sure power plugs are plugged in properly and that the power switch is on.

*The Hamilton syringe that is shipped with the device has a brown bumper on the needle. Do NOT remove this. You will damage the instrument.
*Make sure you have referred to the list of acceptable compounds in the user guide before attempting to inject new compounds.
*You CANNOT inject samples that contain more than 5% water. This will ruin the detector.

RELATED TIL ENTRIES
TIL 2953: Best Practice Techniques for the Mini GC and the Mini GC Plus
TIL 2900: Can I inject water into the Mini GC or the Mini GC Plus?
TIL 2104: Can I inject a gas into the Mini GC?
TIL 2147: Where can I buy the substances used in the Mini GC lab manual?
TIL 2050: What size needle does the Mini GC require?
TIL 2296: Where can I order the syringe for the Mini GC?
TIL 2147: Where can I buy the substances used in the Mini GC lab manual?
TIL 2548: How can I tell when the MEMS chip in my Mini GC needs to be replaced?
TIL 2547: How can I tell when the septum on my Mini GC needs to be replaced?
TIL 2907: My Mini GC or Mini GC Plus suddenly drops its connection.

SPECIFICATIONS
-Column: 11 meter general purpose chromatography column coated with a silicone polymer (Column inner diameter is 0.53 mm)
-Column operating temperature: 30°C to 120°C with a maximum heating ramp of 10°C/min
-Sensor: Chemicapacitive sensor
-Carrier gas: Ambient air
-Liquid injection volume: 0.01 to 1.0µL
-Power requirements: 24 VDC, 2.5 A from an external power supply

RELATED VERNIER PRODUCTS
GC Septa (package of 4), order code GC-SEP, $25
GC 1μL Hamilton Syringe, order code GC-SYR-MIC, $79
Column replacement , order code GC-COL, $475
Detector replacement , order code GC-SENS, $300