Column Conditioning
Installation Testing
Checking for Leaks
Use a thermocouple-thermometer to check for leaks. It is highly sensitive to H2, He, and N2 and will not contaminate the instrument or column. Liquid leak indicators are not recommended for capillary columns. There is the risk of drawing the liquid into the column or fittings and contaminating the system.
Any carrier gas that is leaking from the column will alter the conductivity across the thermocouple. As such, just watch for fluctuations within the temperature reading, which would indicate a possible leak near the location of the thermocouple. This prevents any contact and possible contamination of the column.
Note: If Vespel® ferrules are being used, leakage can occur after the initial heating phase due to ferrule deformation. Be sure that the fitting is re-tightened after this initial heating phase, then carefully check all corrections for leaks.
