Diameter = 7 inches (17.78 cm) when coiled
Thickness of each column = 0.0625 inches (0.15875 cm)
Object of comparable size: The coiled GC column covers a standard mousepad.
Generally, GC columns are made out of glass. However, the Huygens GCMS must travel through space for 7 years before it reaches its destination and will experience vibrations and jarring that could break glass. Consequently, silcosteel is used. It is a highly processed stainless steel that is like glass on the inside and steel on the outside. SilcoSteel is more durable but still has the necessary properties needed for a GC column.
There are 3 GC columns in the GCMS, and each is coated with a different chemical coating. The coating chosen for the GC column depends on the chemicals it is designed to take in from the atmosphere.
For a more detailed explanation, click here
For an enlarged GCMS schematic, click here
Pictured is a single GC column. The oven is not separate from the column; instead, the column is wrapped with heaters that act as an oven.
For a list of companies that supplied major parts or important services for Huygens' GCMS, click here.