Quick Start Guide — Shimadzu GC-2025
This page covers the minimum steps to start the instrument, run one sample, and shut down. For detailed method setup, see Method_Development. For batch sequences, see Batch_Processing.
Pre-Start Safety Checks
- Gas leak check completed (hydrogen explosion risk)
- Ventilation: exhaust discharged to open air or fume hood
- Hydrogen sensor installed and functional in room
- Gas purity: carrier (He/N₂) and H₂ at ≥ 99.999%
- Dry air cylinder connected for FID
- GC, PC, and printer powered and ready
⚠️ CRITICAL: Never operate without proper ventilation and hydrogen detection.
📋 From manual
Startup
Via GCsolution Software (Recommended)
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open all gas valves, power on GC and PC |
| 2 | Launch GCsolution → click GC Real Time Analysis → log in |
| 3 | Set carrier gas delay to 3–10 min (purges air before heating) |
| 4 | In Instrument Parameters: verify column temp, FID flows (H₂: 40, Air: 400, Makeup: 30 mL/min) |
| 5 | Check Auto Flame On in General tab |
| 6 | Click Download Parameters → System On |
| 7 | Wait for status bar to show “Ready” |
| 8 | Click Zero Adjust to set baseline to zero |
⚠️ Rule: Detector temperature must always be higher than column temperature.
📋 From manual
Via GC Keypad
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Open gas valves, power on GC |
| 2 | Press COL → set oven temperature program |
| 3 | Press SYSTEM → Start GC |
| 4 | Press DET → set to “On” → Det Gas → verify flows |
| 5 | Wait for detector to reach setpoint → press Ignit |
| 6 | Wait for “Ignition finished” and STATUS light GREEN |
Allow 30–60 min for baseline stabilization.
📋 From manual
Optional: Software Leak Check
After downloading parameters (before System On):
- Click Instrument Monitor (speaker icon)
- Watch carrier gas pressure for 10 min
- Drop > 2.5 kPa / 10 min → you have a leak, investigate before proceeding
📋 From manual
Baseline Unstable?
Run a Clean Up bake: set Vial # to 0, uncheck Acquisition, click Start Single Run. This heats the column without recording data. See Troubleshooting for persistent issues.
Run One Sample
Pre-run checklist:
- STATUS light GREEN
- Baseline stable and zeroed
- H₂ flame lit
With Auto-Sampler
- Click Single Run → Sample Login
- Enter Data File name (enable Auto increment), Vial #, sample info
- Click OK → click Start (green play button)
- Auto-sampler handles injection and acquisition
Manual Injection
- Click Single Run → Sample Login → fill in fields → OK
- Prepare syringe: wash 3–5× with solvent, then 3–5× with sample
- Aspirate sample, wipe needle, pull plunger slightly for air gap
- Click Start in software first
- Insert syringe into injection port → push plunger → press START on GC simultaneously
- Remove syringe promptly
⚠️ Safety: Wear goggles. Never touch the hot injection port.
⚠️ Warning: If you press START on GC without clicking Start in software first, the temperature program runs but no data is acquired.
📋 From manual + From course materials
After the Run
- Status shows “Acquire” during analysis
- Run stops automatically at preset analysis time
- Status returns to “Ready” → you can start the next sample
For detailed single-run options, see Single_Run_Analysis.
Shutdown
Normal Shutdown
⚠️ CRITICAL: Cool down before stopping gas flow!
Via Software:
- Click System Off
- Wait for temperature < 50 °C
- Close GCsolution, shut down Windows
- Turn off GC power, close all gas valves
Via Keypad:
- Press SYSTEM → Stop GC
- GC cools with carrier gas still flowing, then stops gas automatically
- Turn off power, close gas valves
Emergency Shutdown
- Turn OFF GC power switch immediately
- Turn OFF all peripherals
- Close ALL gas valves
- Unplug power cable
Overnight vs Long-Term Storage
| Scenario | Action |
|---|---|
| Overnight | Keep carrier flowing, lower temps. Use Sleep Time + Restart GC. |
| Long-term | Turn OFF H₂ pressure valve completely. Cover detector port with sealing plug. |
📋 From manual
Quick Reference Card
╔══════════════════════════════════════════╗
║ GC-2025 QUICK REFERENCE ║
╠══════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ STARTUP ║
║ 1. Gas valves → Power on ║
║ 2. Leak check (optional) ║
║ 3. Temps (Column < Detector!) ║
║ 4. Start GC → Wait for GREEN ║
║ 5. FID gases: H₂ 40 / Air 400 / M 30 ║
║ 6. Ignite FID → Zero baseline ║
╠══════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ RUN SAMPLE ║
║ 1. Sample Login → fill fields ║
║ 2. Software Start FIRST ║
║ 3. Inject + press START on GC ║
╠══════════════════════════════════════════╣
║ SHUTDOWN ║
║ 1. System Off (cool first!) ║
║ 2. Wait < 50 °C ║
║ 3. Power off → Close ALL valves ║
║ 4. Verify H₂ CLOSED ║
╚══════════════════════════════════════════╝
See Also
| Page | When you need it |
|---|---|
| Overview | Specifications and instrument info |
| Method_Development | Creating/editing method files |
| Quantification_Methods | Calibration setup |
| Batch_Processing | Running automated sequences |
| Maintenance | Scheduled maintenance tasks |
| Troubleshooting | Problem solving |