How can I tell when the MEMS chip in my Mini GC needs to be replaced?

It is very difficult to determine when the MEMS chip (the detector) of a Mini GC needs to be replaced. The normal life of the MEMS chip depends on frequency of use and the types of compounds that have been injected, but in general these effects are not clearly understood. The most reliable symptom of a MEMS chip going bad is that the peaks will be less and less high, taking more volume injected to reach the same peak intensity. However, this is also dependent on the sample volume.

If your Mini GC is producing very small peaks, compared to peaks from previous injections of the same volume of the same compound, then contact Vernier Technical Support to set up a return merchandise authorization (RMA).