This document introduces the unique retention time locking (RTL) software from Agilent Technologies, which revolutionizes the reliability and precision of gas chromatography analysis, primarily used for analyzing oxygenates in gasoline. With RTL, retention times (RT) can be reproduced within hundredths, even thousandths, of a minute from one Agilent GC based system to another, regardless of inlet, detector, operator, or location. This technique is an easy and economical way to improve confidence in results, reduce the risk of non-compliance, and reduce operating costs. All that is required is the RTL software, an Agilent 6890 or 6850 GC (equipped with Agilent's industry-leading electronic pneumatics control (EPC)) or an Agilent 6890/5973 inert MSD system, and the Agilent ChemStation for GC or MSD. RTL provides real performance advantages such as eliminating the need to update calibration table RTs, timed events, and integration events tables when transferring a 6890/6850 method, installing a column, or performing routine maintenance; ensuring results that are easy to compare, document, and explain; locking on a peak and precisely reproducing a 6890/6850 method developed in another laboratory; reproducing exactly the RTs from a published 6890/6850 method; allowing fast setup and testing while decreasing method runtime.
Agilent Technologies' unique Retention Time Locking (RTL) software revolutionizes gas chromatography by ensuring retention times are reproduced within hundredths or thousandths of a minute across different Agilent GC systems. This capability allows for consistent results regardless of the specific inlet, detector, operator, or laboratory location, provided the system is an Agilent 6890 or 6850 GC equipped with electronic pneumatics control (EPC) or an Agilent 6890/5973 inert MSD system running ChemStation for GC or MSD.
The software is specifically highlighted for its application in ASTM Method D4815, which measures oxygenated additives in gasoline. RTL helps overcome challenges associated with TCEP micropacked columns, such as variations in back flush time caused by column head pressure or temperature fluctuations. By locking onto a target peak, the software simplifies method development, reduces operating costs, and ensures results are easy to compare and document, significantly improving reproducibility for replicate analyses.
| Compatible GC Systems | Agilent 6890 or 6850 GC (equipped with EPC) or Agilent 6890/5973 inert MSD system |
|---|---|
| Target Application | ASTM Method D4815 |
| Analyte Range (Ethers) | 0.1 - 20.0 wt% |
| Analyte Range (Alcohols) | 0.1 - 12.0 wt% |
RTL software allows retention times to be reproduced within hundredths or thousandths of a minute from one Agilent GC based system to another.
RTL is compatible with Agilent 6890 or 6850 GC systems equipped with electronic pneumatics control (EPC) and Agilent 6890/5973 inert MSD systems.
RTL overcomes difficulties caused by variations in back flush time from TCEP pre-columns, allowing for precise back flush times and accurate locking of data.