Agilent Technologies LTM II Series User manual

Agilent LTM Series II Rapid Heating/Cooling System for
Agilent 8890 GCs
User Guide

User Guide
Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc 2019
No part of this manual may be reproduced in
any form or by any means (including elec-
tronic storage and retrieval or translation into
a foreign language) without prior agreement
and written consent from Agilent Technolo-
gies, Inc. as governed by United States and
international copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
G6680-90000
Edition
First edition, November 2019
Printed in USA
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
2850 Centerville Road
Wilmington, DE 19808-1610 USA
安捷伦科技 （上海）有限公司
上海市浦东新区外高桥保税区
英伦路 412 号
联系电话：[phone]
Warranty
The material contained in this document is
provided “as is,” and is subject to being
changed, without notice, in future editions.
Further, to the maximum extent permitted by
applicable law, Agilent disclaims all warran-
ties, either express or implied, with regard to
this manual and any information contained
herein, including but not limited to the
implied warranties of merchantability and fit-
ness for a particular purpose. Agilent shall
not be liable for errors or for incidental or
consequential damages in connection with
the furnishing, use, or performance of this
document or of any information contained
herein. Should Agilent and the user have a
separate written agreement with warranty
terms covering the material in this document
that conflict with these terms, the warranty
terms in the separate agreement shall con-
trol.
Safety Notices
CAUTION
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.
WARNING
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.

User Guide 3
Contents
1Introduction
Overview 8
LTM System Components 9
LTM oven door 9
Power supply 9
Transfer line modules 10
Column modules 10
Fan bracket 11
Gasket 12
Union brackets 12
2Safety
Important Safety Warnings 16
Some parts of the LTM system carry dangerous voltages 16
Electrostatic discharge is a threat to GC electronics 16
LTM parts are dangerously hot 16
Hydrogen Safety 17
Safety and Regulatory Certifications 18
Information 18
Symbols 18
Cleaning 20
3 Column Modules
Overview 22
To Attach a CFT Nut and Ferrule to a Capillary Column 23
Available ferrules 23
Tools Required 23
Swage the ferrule onto the column 24
Swaging Quality Inspection 28
To Disconnect Fused Silica Tubing From a CFT Fitting 29
To Select In and Out Column Segments 30
To Install an LTM Column Module onto a Transfer Line Module 31
To Connect the Column to the CFT Unions 38
To Install a Column Module Assembly in the LTM Oven Door 45
To Install an In or Out Segment to the Column Module Union 52

4User Guide
To Remove a Column Module Assembly from the LTM Oven Door 54
To Remove a Column Module Assembly from a Transfer Line Module 56
To Remove the LTM Top Cover 58
To Connect the Column Using Valco ULM Unions 59
4Operation
Operating the LTM System 62
LTM Series II column module configuration 62
Configuring LTM columns 62
LTM Series II columns and Agilent data systems 63
Programming the LTM column modules 63
LTM programming and total run time 63
5 Troubleshooting
Accessing LTM Diagnostic Information at the GC 66
Error Messages 67
Fan LEDs 69
Checking for Leaks 70
Column Configuration Problems 71
6 Consumable and Replacement Parts
Consumables and Replacement Parts 74
7 Site Preparation
Environmental Conditions 78
Benchtop Space Requirements 78
Electrical Requirements 78
8 Installation
Overview 80
Tools and Materials Required 82
Prepare the GC 83
Cool the GC and prepare the MS (if installed) 83
Update GC firmware (GC only) 83
Install the GC metal left side panel 83
Remove the existing oven door 85
Install the LTM System 86
Install the LTM oven door 86

User Guide 5
Connect the power supply and communications cables 86
Install the fan module 89
Install the LTM column modules 91
Install the In and Out segments for each column module 91
Check the cable routing 91
Install the GC covers 91
Configure the column modules 91
Check for leaks 93
Prepare the LTM system for use 94

6User Guide

User Guide 7
1Introduction
Overview 8
LTM System Components 9
This section introduces the Agilent LTM Series II Rapid Heating/Cooling System for 8890 GCs.

1Introduction
8User Guide
Overview
The Agilent Low Thermal Mass Series II Rapid Heating/Cooling System for Agilent 8890 GC
(LTM) is designed to enhance the column temperature programming capabilities of the Gas
Chromatograph (GC). The LTM oven door accepts up to two LTM column modules, each of
which contains a GC capillary column that can be independently temperature programmed.
These column modules provide a fast ramp temperature programming capability compared to
the standard GC oven. The column modules interface through the existing oven to the GC’s
existing samplers, inlets, detectors, and other accessories.
The Agilent LTM system achieves its ramp rates by packaging a capillary GC column into the
LTM column module. Within a module, the GC column is formed into packed coils using
resistively heated wire and a temperature sensor. The high efficiency of this proprietary design
provides fast heating and cooling of the GC columns with greatly reduced power requirements
compared to a conventional GC oven. Mounting the modules outside the conventional GC
oven allows them to cool rapidly with ambient air. The GC oven heats the columns which
connect the LTM column module to the inlet or detector. This system provides great flexibility
to configure the GC oven in different ways using the available inlet, detector, and capillary flow
technology (CFT) flow-splitting options.
The LTM is compatible with the Agilent 8890 GCs with firmware revision 2.0.0 or greater.

1Introduction
User Guide 9
LTM System Components
The LTM system consists of the major components listed below
LTM oven door
The main component of the LTM System is the LTM oven door. See Figure 1. This door
contains:
•The electronics which control the LTM column module temperatures
•The LTM column modules
•The cooling fans
•The unions and mounting hardware for connecting the LTM column modules to the other
GC components
Figure 1. LTM oven door as installed on a 8890 GC
Power supply
The LTM system requires 1 or 2 separate power supplies, depending on the option ordered.
Two modules can share one power supply. However, when using 5-inch column modules,
optional faster heating requires use of two power supplies. See Figure 2.
Figure 2. LTM power supply (power cord not shown)
LTM oven door
Power supply
Connects to electron-
ics board

1Introduction
10 User Guide
Transfer line modules
The transfer line module provides the interface between the column module and the GC oven.
The transfer line module has two heated tubes (transfer lines) through which the column leads
pass from the LTM column module into the oven. These transfer lines are temperature
programmable to prevent cold spots in the sample path between the GC oven and the LTM
column module. Each LTM column module attaches to a transfer line module, and the
resulting module assembly inserts into slots in the LTM oven door. See Figure 3.
NOTE
The current transfer line module and LTM column module design uses guides in the column
module to correctly position the column module onto the transfer line module. The column
module secures into the transfer line module using two screws.
Figure 3. LTM transfer line module
Column modules
A column module contains the analytical column, column heater, and temperature sensor.
(see Figure 4.). The standard format accommodates a 12.7-cm (5-inch) coil size.
For a single 5-inch module

1Introduction
User Guide 11
Column modules are designed to mount onto the transfer line module, then this assembly
slides into a predetermined position and screws in place.
Figure 4. LTM column module
Fan bracket
The fan bracket contains the fans which cool the column module/transfer line module
assembly. See Figure 5. The fan brackets attach to the front of the LTM oven door, below the
slots for the transfer line/column module assemblies. An indicating LED in the fan bracket
displays diagnostic information.
Figure 5. Fan bracket, for 5-inch module (not to scale)
5 inch LTM column module

1Introduction
12 User Guide
Gasket
Insulation gaskets provide a tight seal to prevent heat from leaking through the LTM oven door,
resulting in unwanted heating of the module components. See Figure 6. These gaskets are
re-usable, but do age with use at high temperatures and should be replaced when they
become too fragile for reuse. Use two gaskets with the 5-inch transfer line module.
Figure 6. Gasket
Union brackets
The union brackets mount a union on the ends of the transfer line module. The unions connect
the LTM column to the column segments that lead to the GC inlet, detector, or other
components.
Agilent recommends using the CFT Ultimate unions and brackets supplied in the transfer line
module kit. See Figure 7. The CFT unions provide reusable fittings that should not require
retightening after thermal cycling.
Figure 7. CFT union and bracket
The CFT Ultimate union ferrules are available for the capillary column sizes listed in Table 1.
Table 1 UltiMetal Plus Flexible Metal Fittings ferrules for Agilent CFT Ultimate unions
Fused silica capillary column id Recommended Ferrule
0.1 - 0.25 mm G3188-27501 (10/pk)
0.25 - 0.32 mm G3188-27505 (10/pk)
0.32 mm G3188-27502 (10/pk)
0.45 - 0.53 mm G3188-27503 (10/pk)
0.53 mm G3188-27506 (10/pk)

1Introduction
User Guide 13
In addition to the CFT union, the Valco Ultra Low Mass (ULM) unions available with older
column modules will also work. See Figure 8. The ULM unions use re-usable ferrules and
require no special tools. The ULM unions are integrated with the bracket.
Figure 8. Union bracket with Valco ULM union
We recommend the Valco re-usable ferrules listed in Table 2 for use with the ULM unions.
Table 2 Valco re-usable ferrules for use with ULM unions
Fused silica capillary column od Recommended Ferrule
0.4 mm (typically 0.25 mm or smaller id) 5190-1437 (5/pk)
0.5 mm (typically 0.32 mm id) 5190-1438 (5/pk)
0.8 mm (typically 0.53 mm id) 5190-1439 (5/pk)

1Introduction
14 User Guide

User Guide 15
2Safety
Important Safety Warnings 16
Hydrogen Safety 17
Safety and Regulatory Certifications 18
Cleaning 20
This sections describes the safety requirements for installation and operating the Low
Thermal Mass (LTM) Series II system on an Agilent GC. It also provides regulatory and related
information.

2Safety
16 User Guide
Important Safety Warnings
Before using the Agilent LTM system the user must be familiar with the operation and safety of
the Agilent 8890 GC on which the LTM system is installed. Access the GC manuals using the
Browser Interface, or download them from the Agilent web site.
Some parts of the LTM system carry dangerous
voltages
If the LTM system is connected to a power source potentially dangerous voltages exist on:
•The power cable between the LTM power supply and the line power, the LTM power
supply, the wiring from the LTM power supply to the LTM electronics enclosure,
everywhere within the electronics enclosure, and the wiring between the LTM electronics
enclosure and the column modules.
WARNING
The electronics and power supply are shielded by covers and the external wiring by insulated
coverings. With the covers in place, it should be difficult to accidentally make contact with
dangerous voltages. Unless specifically instructed to, never remove a cover unless the LTM
power supply is disconnected from its power source.
WARNING
If the power cord insulation, or insulation on any of the other external cables is frayed or
worn, the cord or cable must be replaced. Contact your Agilent service representative.
Electrostatic discharge is a threat to GC electronics
The printed circuit (PC) boards in the LTM system can be damaged by electrostatic discharge.
Do not touch any of the boards unless it is absolutely necessary. If you must handle them,
wear a grounded wrist strap and take other antistatic precautions. Wear a grounded wrist
strap any time you must remove the LTM electronics enclosure cover.
LTM parts are dangerously hot
WARNING
Many parts of the externally mounted LTM column module and the interior of the LTM oven
door including the column unions operate at temperatures high enough to cause serious
burns.
You should always cool the LTM system column modules and the GC oven and oven
accessories to room temperature before working on them. They will cool faster if you first set
the temperature of the heated zone to room temperature. Turn the GC and the LTM system
zones off after they have reached a safe setpoint. If you must perform maintenance on hot
parts, use a wrench and wear thermally protective gloves. Whenever possible, cool the part of
the instrument that you will be maintaining before you begin working on it.

2Safety
User Guide 17
WARNING
The oven door insulation around the interface between the GC oven and LTM column module
is made of refractory ceramic fibers. To avoid inhaling fiber particles, we recommend the
following safety procedures: ventilate your work area; wear long sleeves, gloves, safety
glasses, and a disposable dust/mist respirator; dispose of insulation in a sealed plastic bag;
wash your hands with mild soap and cold water after handling the insulation.
Hydrogen Safety
Please refer to the Agilent 8890 Gas Chromatograph Safety Manual for important information
regarding hydrogen safety.
WARNING
Hydrogen is flammable. Leaks, when confined in an enclosed space, may create a fire or
explosion hazard.

2Safety
18 User Guide
Safety and Regulatory Certifications
The Agilent LTM system conforms to the following safety standards:
•Canadian Standards Association (CSA): C22.2 No. 1010.1 Third Edition
•International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC): 61010-1
•EuroNorm (EN): 61010-1 Third Edition
•CSA/Nationally Recognized Test Laboratory (NRTL): US 61010-1 Third Edition
Conforms to the following regulations on electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and radio
frequency interference (RFI).
•IEC/EN 61326
•Declaration of Conformity available
Instructions for Disposal of Waste Equipment by Users in the European Union. This symbol on
the product or its packaging indicates that this product must not be disposed of with other
waste. Instead, it is your responsibility to dispose of your waste equipment by handing it over
to a designated collection point for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment.
The separate collection and recycling of your waste equipment at the time of disposal will help
conserve natural resources and ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human
health and the environment. For more information about where you can drop off your waste
equipment for recycling, please contact your local city recycling office or the dealer from
whom you originally purchased the product.
Information
The Agilent Technologies LTM system meets the following IEC (International Electrotechnical
Commission) classifications: Safety Class I, Transient Overvoltage Category II, Pollution
Degree 2.
This unit has been designed and tested in accordance with recognized safety standards and is
designed for use indoors in non-classified locations. If the instrument is used in a manner not
specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the instrument may be impaired.
Whenever the safety protection of the Agilent LTM system has been compromised, disconnect
the unit from all power sources and secure the unit against unintended operation.
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel. Substituting parts or performing any
unauthorized modification to the instrument may result in a safety hazard.
Symbols
Warnings in the manual or on the instrument must be observed during all phases of operation,
service, and repair of this instrument. Failure to comply with these precautions violates safety
standards of design and the intended use of the instrument. Agilent Technologies assumes no
liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.

2Safety
User Guide 19
See accompanying instructions for more
information.
Indicates a hot surface.
Indicates hazardous voltages.
Indicates earth (ground) terminal.
Indicates potential explosion hazard.
Indicates radioactivity hazard.
Indicates electrostatic discharge hazard.
Indicates a hazard. See the Agilent 8890 GC user
documentation for the item labeled.
Indicates that you must not discard this
electrical/electronic product in domestic
household waste
DC Voltage
AC Voltage

2Safety
20 User Guide
Cleaning
To clean the unit, disconnect the power and wipe down the exterior with a damp, lint-free cloth.