SummaryAn unmodified split/splitless inlet system using forward-pressure controlled pneumatics was operated in splitless injection mode with several inlet liners under a range of septum purge flow rates. The relative recovery (discrimination) of hydrocarbons ranging from n-Cs to n-C2,, depended strongly upon the injected sample volume with open-ended liners at high septum purge flow rates of e.g. 50 mL/min. Little or no discrimination was observed at septum purge flows of 2-3 mL/min.The same inlet was also operated in a back-pressure regulated configuration that produced mass discrimination similar to that observed with the higher septum purge flows in the forwardpressure configuration. An inlet liner with a restricted inlet and outlet gave mass-discrimination levels independent of septum purge flow rate, but in the reverse sense of that observed with open-ended liners. Preferential volatile-component losses out of the inlet liner to the septum purge vent are principally responsible for the observed mass discrimination with openended liners, while mass-dependent losses with doublyrestricted liners seem due to slow sample evaporation.