What is retrofit equipment?

Retrofit equipment is any component that is added to a GC instrument to enhance or extend its performance

 

Is the ODO II compatible with my GC?

The ODO II comes supplied with all the hardware needed to mount the transfer line/nose cone to your instrument. There is one general mounting plate to suit HP5890, Varian CP-3800/3380 and Shimadzu 17A and there is another for Agilent 6890s. Screw holes to suit Finnigan GCs will also be included on one of these two plates. When ordering an ODO II it is not essential to notify SGE of your instrument type, unless you think it is not included on the above list.

 

Does the ODO II use a universal power supply? Can it be used in my country?

The control box runs off a universal power supply - 110 to 240V, which is provided, the only thing that is needed is the cable that connects to the power supply and plugs into your mains power outlet. It's a standard computer power cable that is available where all computers are sold and will be different in every country.

 

How much would it cost to get the ODO II system installed by an engineer on my machine?

Contact your local SGE office or distributor and ask whether installation is available in your country and how much it will cost

 

Can I use the ODO II with an ms-NoVent?

The ODO II can be used simultaniously with the ms-NoVent as long as the "ODO II - MS Restrictor" is not connected to the ms-NoVent tee piece. The ms-NoVent tee piece already contains an MS restrictor that can be used for the same purpose.

When connecting the ODO II column flow splitter to the ms-NoVent tee, a standard piece of capillary column should be used instead of the "ODO II - MS Restrictor". The best solution is to cut a short piece off the end of your capillary column and use it to connect the ms-NoVent tee to the column flow splitter.

 

If I connect my ODO II to my MS, will the MS suck air in through the olfactory detector?

The column splitter in the ODO II is specifically designed to split the flow to an MS (it's probably the most common application). Air does not get sucked back into the MS for two main reasons:
1. The capillary tubing that is used to transfer the flow to each detector is a specific length and internal diameter that has been calculated to give equal flow to both detectors. The difference between the two pieces of tubing compensates for the different pressure drop between both detectors and the splitter tee.
2. The tee inserts extra carrier gas at the point where the column flow is split. Most of this carrier gas flows to the olfactory detector and is used to increase the speed of the flow to the nose cone. By adding carrier gas we ensure that the pressure in the tee will always remain positive (above 1 atmosphere) due to the flow structure of the ODO II control unit. The flow to the ODO II cannot change direction and flow towards the MS unless the pressure in the tee is negative (below 1 atmosphere) so the positive pressure prevents any air being sucked into the MS.

 

Is the ODO II compatible with my MS?

The ODO II is compatible with all MS models because it doesn't connect directly to the MS. A piece of fused silica capillary connects the ODO II to the MS so you just use whatever nut and ferrule that you normally use to connect columns to the MS.

 

Is the ODO II easy to install? Could I do it myself?

There are three parts to the ODO II that have to be installed:

1. The control box. Air and helium plug into the back of the unit via 1/16" tubing (supplied) that connects to the gas lines behind GC. It's the easiest part to install and can be placed anywhere within reach of the instrument, gas lines and power outlet.

2. The transfer line and nose cone. Two or four screws connect the base plate (mount) to the instrument depending on your instrument type. The holes in the plate are designed line up with the screw holes surrounding the detector mounting wells on the GC. You may have to remove some insulation in the well and/or a small snap-out plate. NB: If you are installing the ODO II on a GC that has an MS, it is highly unlikely that existing detectors will use up all the detector wells. But if that is the case (ie. An MS and at least two atmospheric detectors), one of the atmospheric detectors will have to be removed.

3. The tee piece that splits the column flow between the two detectors. The tee piece is mounted on a stand that sits on the floor of the GC oven. It is connected to the AUX GAS outlet of the ODO II control box with 1/16" tubing (supplied).

 

Are there any extra gases that are needed to operate the ODO II unit?

Two gases are needed to operate the ODO II, compressed air for the humidifier and whatever carrier gas you are using (He?) for the makeup gas. Some labs may only have a GC-MS so do not have any need for compressed air, but it's a good idea to get a bottle for the ODO II because the humidifier uses air & water to stop your nose from drying out if you’re doing a lot of sniffing.