GC/MS Evaluation of the Agilent OT3 Trap - Here's the Proof:

1. Mass spectral data were acquired to determine background.
2. The trap was installed between the gas cylinder and the GC, and data was acquired.

Experimental Conditions

1. High-purity helium
2. 80-100 scans of mass spectral data were acquired. Helium was admitted to MS during scans 25-45. Ten scans were summed, and scans 10-20 were used to correct for inherent instrument background.
3. Agilent trap was installed, and experiment was repeated.
4. After additional use, the experiment was repeated.

The data shows about a twenty-fold reduction in the M/Z 18 ratio (water) and about a forty-fold reduction in the M/Z 32 ratio (oxygen).

In addition to inert gases (nitrogen, helium, argon, and krypton), the Agilent OT3 Trap treats streams of hydrogen, alkanes, alkenes, aliphatic hydrocarbon gases, low boiling aromatics, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and argon-methane.

Why Use Oxygen Traps?
Traces of oxygen in your carrier gas system can destroy a GC column, especially polar phases.