HI Todd--

When you do a magnet scan to check for background gases in "straight" 
mode (backflush off, dilution off), you'll see a large peak for O2 come 
through when the reduction furnace is shot.  We tend to pack out own 
reduction column with copper wire, and get maybe a few months out of 
them, depending on usage.

take care

gerry

Todd Prior wrote:
> As I am relatively new to the world of IRMS this may be a stupid question
> but I was wondering along the lines of content of this message, are there
> any criteria for changing  the reduction oven tube...  I have changed the
> oxidation tube a few times now...usually in response to a reduction of
> signal or changing ratios but I have had my instrument for 3 years now and I
> have not had any other issues other than a filament and source cleaning. I
> guess my dream find would be a good reference for troubleshooting and
> diagnosing problems. I have a Delta XP from Thermo. I am using it almost
> exclusively for GCC of amino acids. 
>
> I have done basic maintenance on the GC as well but the Delta also has
> numerous capillaries. I have been lucky and have not had any serious leak
> problems but I am wondering what I should be doing with these and other
> parts to ensure that I am maintaining the equipment properly.
>
> Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated...
>
> Todd Prior
> McMaster University
> Hamilton, ON
> [log in to unmask]
>
>