Agilent Technologies ETC 60 User manual

Agilent Electrothermal Temperature Controller
ETC 60
User’s Guide

Notices
Manual Part Number
8510137200
Edition 10, August 2021
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© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2021
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Safety Notices
A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an operating
procedure, practice, or the like that, if
not correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in damage to the product
or loss of important data. Do not
proceed beyond a CAUTION notice
until the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.
A WARNING notice denotes a hazard.
It calls attention to an operating
procedure, practice, or the like that, if
not correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in personal injury or
death. Do not proceed beyond a
WARNING notice until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and
met.
WARNING
CAUTION

Contents
Agilent Electrothermal Temperature Controller ETC 60 User’s Guide 3
Contents
1Safety Practices and Hazards 7
Manufactured 7
Verifying Safe State 7
General 8
Hazard Warnings 8
Electrical Hazards 8
Chemical Hazards 9
Notes and Tips 9
Warning Symbols 10
Information Symbols 10
Color Coding 11
2Getting Started 13
Introduction 13
Unpacking 14
Temperature Control Module 15
Workhead 16
Pre-Installation 17
Voltage Selector 17
Installation Overview 18
Installing the Workhead Bracket (Flame Models) 19
ETC 60 Workhead Bracket Installation on Zeeman Instruments 22
Installing the Workhead 23
Installing an Absorption Cell 26
Installing the VGA 27

Contents
Agilent Electrothermal Temperature Controller ETC 60 User’s Guide 4
3Operation 29
Power Up 30
Error on Startup 31
Making Selections 31
Common Menu Options 32
Methods 32
Predefined Isothermal Methods 32
Manual Isothermal Method 33
Manual Step Method 33
Changing Settings 34
Unattended Operation 35
Shutdown Procedure 35
4Analytical Notes 37
Arsenic 38
Mercury 38
Optimal Temperature Determination 39
5Maintenance 41
Daily Maintenance 41
Replacing the Fuse 41
Quartz Absorption Cell 42
Replacing the Absorption Cell 42
Removing the Workhead 43
6Appendices 45
Appendix A — Specifications 45
Environmental 45

Contents
Agilent Electrothermal Temperature Controller ETC 60 User’s Guide 5
Appendix B —Errors 46
Warning Messages 46
Fatal Errors 47
Appendix C — Sensitivity Test Record Sheet 48
Appendix C — Sensitivity Test Record Sheet (cont.) 49

Contents
Agilent Electrothermal Temperature Controller ETC 60 User’s Guide 6
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Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent Electrothermal Temperature Controller ETC 60 User’s Guide 7
1Safety Practices and Hazards
Manufactured 7
Verifying Safe State 7
General 8
Hazard Warnings 8
Electrical Hazards 8
Chemical Hazards 9
Notes and Tips 9
Warning Symbols 10
Information Symbols 10
Color Coding 11
Manufactured
The Electrothermal Temperature Controller (ETC) is manufactured by:
Anatech BV
Nieuwstadterweg 3
6136 KN Sittard (the Netherlands)
Verifying Safe State
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of
operation, maintenance, and service of this instrument.
To ensure continued safety of the instrument after maintenance or service
procedures, verify the instrument is returned to a safe state for the user. This
includes running performance checks to verify the instruments safety systems are
functioning correctly. Check the general condition of the instrument during
operation for wear or signs of corrosion that are likely to inhibit function or safety.
Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in this
manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of the
instrument. Agilent Technologies assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to
comply with these requirements.

Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent Electrothermal Temperature Controller ETC 60 User’s Guide 8
General
Operation of the Agilent ETC 60 electrothermal temperature controller and an
atomic absorption (AA) spectrometer involves the use of an electrically heated
quartz cell, high temperatures, compressed gases, and hazardous materials,
including corrosive fluids. Unskilled, improper, or careless use of the equipment can
create fire hazards or other hazards which can cause death, serious injury to
personnel, or severe damage to equipment and property.
Appropriate safety practices have been included in this operation manual and your
spectrometer operation manual, to help you operate the equipment safely. Read all
safety practices thoroughly before attempting to operate your system.
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the
protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
Hazard Warnings
In addition to the hazard warnings specified in your spectrometer operation manual,
specific hazard warnings have been included in this operation manual. These
warnings state the hazard, describe how to avoid it and specify the possible
consequences of not following the instructions. Read all warnings carefully and
observe them at all times.
Electrical Hazards
The ETC 60 contains electrical circuits, devices and components operating at
dangerous voltages. Contact with these circuits, devices and components can
cause death, serious injury or painful electric shock. Covers which are retained by
screws on the ETC 60 may be opened only by an Agilent field service engineer.
The ETC 60 MUST be switched off at the power switch, and the mains cable
disconnected from the mains supply BEFORE any attempt is made to remove or
replace the cell in the workhead, or the cables connecting the workhead to the
Temperature Control Module.

Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent Electrothermal Temperature Controller ETC 60 User’s Guide 9
Use of the wrong supply voltage, connection of the accessory to an incorrectly
wired supply outlet, or lack of proper electrical grounding can create a fire hazard or
a shock hazard which can cause death, serious injury, or serious damage to
equipment.
Always use a three-wire outlet with ground connection which is adequately rated for
the load.
The installation must comply with local, state, and national safety regulations.
Ensure that the voltage selector is correctly set for the specific mains power supply
outlet that the ETC 60 will be connected to. You must do this before connecting the
accessory.
A blown fuse should be replaced with one of the size and rating stipulated in the
text adjacent to the fuse holder. Always ensure the accessory is turned off and
disconnected from the mains supply before attempting any replacement.
Chemical Hazards
Operation of an Agilent AA spectrometer may involve the use of materials that are
corrosive or otherwise hazardous. Careless, improper or unskilled use of these
materials can cause serious personal injury or an environmental hazard.
Always ensure that laboratory safety practices governing the use, handling and
disposal of hazardous materials are strictly observed. These safety practices
should include wearing the appropriate safety clothing.
Always ensure that the sample introduction system is thoroughly flushed with
distilled water and that the contents of the drain or waste container are known and
disposed of if necessary before touching any part.
Notes and Tips
A Note or Tip message is used to give advice or additional information.
NOTE This is a note.

Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent Electrothermal Temperature Controller ETC 60 User’s Guide 10
Warning Symbols
The following is a list of symbols that appear in conjunction with warnings in this
manual and on the ETC. The hazard they describe is also shown.
A triangular symbol indicates a warning. The meanings of the symbols that may
appear alongside warnings in the documentation or on the instrument itself are as
follows:
Corrosive liquid
Electrical shock
Eye hazard
Hot surface
Noxious gas
Sharp objects
The following symbol may be used on warning labels attached to the instrument.
When you see this symbol, refer to the relevant operation or service manual for the
correct procedure referred to by that warning label.
Information Symbols
The following symbols appear on the instrument for your information.
I
Mains power on
0
Mains power off
Fuse
Single phase alternating current
Caution, disconnect all supplies, risk of electric shock

Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent Electrothermal Temperature Controller ETC 60 User’s Guide 11
Color Coding
The various indicator lights appearing on the instrument and any associated
accessories have been color coded to represent the status of the instrument or
accessory:
A green light indicates the instrument is in normal standby condition.
A blue light indicates that operator intervention is required.
An orange light indicates a potential hazard.
A red light indicates danger or an emergency.

Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent Electrothermal Temperature Controller ETC 60 User’s Guide 12
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Getting Started
Agilent Electrothermal Temperature Controller ETC 60 User’s Guide 13
2Getting Started
Introduction 13
Unpacking 14
Pre-Installation 17
Voltage Selector 17
Installation Overview 18
Introduction
The Agilent ETC 60 replaces the air-acetylene flame as a heat source to atomize the
analyte hydrides in hydride generation methods of analysis.
The running costs of the ETC 60 workhead are about 50% lower than those incurred
in flame heating of the tube, due to the elimination of the costs of flame gases.
The ETC 60 workhead may also be used on Zeeman graphite furnace systems as
the heat source to atomize analyte hydrides.
The ETC 60 consists of a Temperature Control Module and a workhead containing
a quartz absorption tube. It is designed to operate with an Agilent AA Series
spectrometer and the Agilent VGA 77 vapor generation accessory.
If the instrument is used in any manner not specified by Agilent, the protection
provided by the equipment may be impaired.
Figure 1. Installed ETC with VGA on a Flame (left) and Zeeman (right) instrument

Getting Started
Agilent Electrothermal Temperature Controller ETC 60 User’s Guide 14
Unpacking
Open the shipping case and remove the enclosed packages with care. Carefully
open the packages and inspect all parts for damage in transit. Report damaged or
incorrect items immediately.
In addition to this manual, you should have received one of each of the following
items:
Figure 2. Workhead Figure 3. Adapter for flame instruments
Figure 4. Pack of cells Figure 4. Temperature control module
Figure 5. Power cable Figure 6. Temperature sensor cable

Getting Started
Agilent Electrothermal Temperature Controller ETC 60 User’s Guide 15
Figure 7. Zeeman models workhead bracket Figure 8. Zeeman models workhead
bracket adapter
Temperature Control Module
The Temperature Control Module monitors and regulates the temperature of the
quartz tube. A safety system is incorporated to ensure that the tube temperature
does not exceed 1025 °C. On start-up the system checks that the temperature
sensor is working correctly.
The front panel consists of a two-line display and five keys. The display keys
correspond to menu items on the display.
Display
Keys
k5
k4
k3
k2
k1
Figure 9 Front panel of the ETC 60
Mounted in the back panel are the following connectors:
Mains power inlet with mains power switch and fuse holder, which also acts as
the mains voltage selector
Computer connection (serial interface, RS-232)
Thermocouple input (temperature sensor)
Power outlet to the workhead (cell heater)

Getting Started
Agilent Electrothermal Temperature Controller ETC 60 User’s Guide 16
Figure 10 Rear panel of the ETC 60
Workhead
The workhead consists of a stainless-steel case containing:
A quartz absorption tube
The heating element
The temperature sensor
WARNING
Electrical Shock
The workhead is connected to mains power. Contact with components
operating at mains potentials can cause death, serious injury or harmful
electric shock. Only open the workhead when the ETC Controller is
disconnected from the mains power supply.
The heating element is a specially designed high-temperature filament. The
temperature sensor is in direct contact with the quartz tube, to enable a rapid
temperature response. The quartz cell, heating element, and temperature sensor
are insulated by inert alumina and silica wool.
WARNING
Sharp Objects
Broken glass can cause severe cuts to hands. Handle the workhead with
care, as the sidearm of the quartz tube is fragile and easily broken.
If the quartz cell is broken, it must be replaced. Replacement cells are available
from Agilent (two per pack).
CAUTION The supply cord to the workhead must only be replaced by a manufacturer
approved part.
Mains connection
Power switch
Voltage selector
RS232 serial
interface
Temperature
sensor
Cell heater
connection

Getting Started
Agilent Electrothermal Temperature Controller ETC 60 User’s Guide 17
Pre-Installation
Before proceeding with the installation, you must be familiar with the ‘Safety
Practices and Hazards’ section and the correct power requirements must be
available (refer to Appendix A).
Position the instrument for easy access to the power switch or disconnecting
device.
Allow at least 50 mm (2 in.) of space on the sides, and 150 mm (6 in.) at the rear of
the system to permit free air circulation.
Voltage Selector
A combined voltage selector/fuse holder is located in the rear panel of the
Temperature Control Module, immediately below the mains power supply socket,
as shown in Figure 11. The ETC 60 operates on 100–120 VAC, 220–240 VAC
(50/60 Hz). It is shipped with 220–240 V selected.
Figure 11. Power switch, mains connection, and fuse holder/voltage selector
Do not replace power cord with one of a lower rating than specified. Use only
Agilent supplied power cord for your country.
Check that the correct voltage is selected for your laboratory’s electricity supply, for
example, in Figure 11 the current voltage range is 220–240 V. The selected voltage
is indicated by the triangles that line up along the lower edge of the fuse holder. If
necessary, change the voltage selector by removing the fuse holder and replacing it
in its alternate orientation.
Power switch
Mains connection
Fuse holder/Voltage selector

Getting Started
Agilent Electrothermal Temperature Controller ETC 60 User’s Guide 18
To change the voltage setting:
1. Ensure that the mains power is off and the power cable is removed.
Steps:
2a
2b
3
4
5
Figure 12. Changing the voltage selection
2. Remove the fuse holder/voltage selector from the rear panel:
aPlace the tip of a small flat-blade screwdriver into the slot located just
under the center earth pin on the mains power input connector. Gently lever
the screwdriver to partly remove the holder/selector.
bRemove the holder/selector by sliding it out of the panel.
3. Rotate the holder/selector so that the required voltage range is at the bottom.
4. Remove the fuse from the upper left side of the fuse holder, and place it into
the socket on the right side of the holder.
5. Replace the holder/selector into its socket, so that the triangles on the lower
edge of the holder/selector line up and indicate the selected voltage range.
Installation Overview
While the individual steps differ during the installation of the ETC 60 for the Flame
and Zeeman models, the general procedure is the same:
Install the workhead bracket
Install the workhead
Install the absorption cell
Install the VGA
Start on Page 19 for the ETC 60 Workhead Bracket installation on Flame
instruments or on Page 22 for the ETC 60 Workhead Bracket installation on
Zeeman instruments.

Getting Started
Agilent Electrothermal Temperature Controller ETC 60 User’s Guide 19
WARNING
Hot surface
Before starting the installation procedure, ensure the instrument has had
ample time to cool down to avoid burning your hands.
Installing the Workhead Bracket (Flame Models)
To install the workhead bracket:
1. Remove the upper and lower flame shields from the spectrometer.
Figure 13. Removing upper (left) and lower (right) flame shields
2. Remove the chimney.
Figure 14. Removing the chimney

Getting Started
Agilent Electrothermal Temperature Controller ETC 60 User’s Guide 20
3. If it is fitted, remove the burner from the spraychamber.
Figure 15. Removal of burner (in flame models)
4. Remove the spraychamber and store it in the stand provided.
Figure 16. Spraychamber in stand
5. Loosen the two heat shield screws.
Figure 17. Heat shield screws