Device built-in

Agilent GC 6890N (FID) Gas Chromatograph Introduction

The Agilent GC 6890N is a high-performance gas chromatograph developed by Agilent Technologies, equipped with a Flame Ionization Detector (FID). As a classic product in the field of gas chromatography, it is widely used in scientific research, quality control, and environmental monitoring due to its excellent performance, reliability, and broad application range.

Key Features

The Agilent GC 6890N features fourth-generation Electronic Pneumatic Control (EPC), ensuring consistent pressure and flow settings between runs for highly reproducible results. Its Retention Time Locking (RTL) function allows retention time repeatability within a few percent or even thousandths of a minute across different instruments, operators, and locations. The built-in Local Area Network (LAN) capability facilitates data sharing for faster decision-making.

The instrument is equipped with a Flame Ionization Detector (FID), offering a detection limit below 5 pg carbon/sec (propane-based) for exceptional sensitivity. The FID provides flexible parameter adjustments, including hydrogen flow (30 mL/min), air flow (400 mL/min), and detector temperature, with an automatic ignition feature that re-ignites the flame if the signal drops below the set threshold.

Technical Specifications

The GC 6890N has a wide temperature control range, with an oven temperature range from ambient +4°C to 450°C, suitable for most analytical needs. The inlet pressure can be set from 0–100 psi (optionally 0–150 psi), and the split/splitless capillary inlet flow ranges from 0–200 mL/min (N₂) or 0–1000 mL/min (H₂ or He).

The system supports multiple injection modes, including split/splitless (0–100 psi and 0–150 psi), packed column, cold on-column, Programmable Temperature Vaporization (PTV), and Volatile Interface (VI). The large-volume injection (LVI) capability eliminates sample concentration steps, improving efficiency.

Applications

The Agilent GC 6890N (FID) is widely used in:

• Environmental analysis: Air quality monitoring (VOCs), water testing, soil contamination analysis
• Food safety: Detection of pesticide residues, additives, and flavor compounds
• Petrochemicals: Analysis of petroleum products, natural gas composition
• Pharmaceutical & life sciences: Drug component analysis, metabolite studies

System Configuration

The instrument supports multiple detector configurations, including standard FID and optional detectors such as Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD), Electron Capture Detector (ECD), Nitrogen Phosphorus Detector (NPD), and Flame Photometric Detector (FPD). The enhanced FPD offers 5x higher sensitivity for sulfur and 10x for phosphorus compared to previous models.

It can be equipped with an autosampler (e.g., Agilent 7683) for high-throughput analysis, room-temperature headspace, micro-liquid extraction, and variable injection volumes, significantly improving repeatability and efficiency. Data processing options include Agilent’s Cerity Networked QA/QC System for the petrochemical industry and ChemStation Plus software.

In summary, the Agilent GC 6890N (FID) is a versatile and reliable analytical tool, suitable for routine testing to method development, making it an essential instrument in chemical analysis.