Agilent Technologies 1200 series User manual

Agilent Technologies
Agilent 1200 Series
Standard and Preparative
Autosamplers
User Manual
Agilent 1200 Series Autosampler User Manual

Agilent 1200 Series Autosampler User Manual
Notices
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Manual Part Number
G1329-90012
Edition
11/08
Printed in Germany
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Agilent 1200 Series Autosampler User Manual 3
Contents
Contents
1 Introduction to the Autosampler 7
Introduction to the Autosampler 8
Sampling Sequence 10
Sampling Unit 13
Transport Assembly 16
Early Maintenance Feedback (EMF) 18
Electrical Connections 19
Agilent 1200 Series Interfaces 21
2 Site Requirements and Specifications 23
Site Requirements 24
Physical Specifications 27
Performance Specifications 28
3 Installing the Autosampler 33
Unpacking the Autosampler 34
Optimizing the Stack Configuration 37
Installing the Autosampler 41
Installing the Thermostatted Autosampler 44
Flow Connections 48
Installing the Sample Tray 50
Transporting the Autosampler 51
4 Using the Autosampler 53
Solvent Information 54
Sample Trays 56
Choice of Vials and Caps 58
5 Optimizing Performance 61
Optimization for Lowest Carry-over 62
Fast Injection Cycle and Low Delay Volume 66
Precise Injection Volume 68

4 Agilent 1200 Series Autosampler User Manual
Contents
Choice of Rotor Seal 70
6 Troubleshooting and Diagnostics 71
Agilent Lab Monitor & Diagnostic Software 72
Overview of the Sampler’s Indicators and Test Functions 73
7 Maintenance 75
Introduction into Maintenance and Repair 76
Overview of Main Repair Procedures 80
Early Maintenance Feedback (EMF) 82
Maintenance Functions 84
Simple Repairs 85
8 Parts and Materials for Maintenance 105
Main Assemblies 106
Analytical-Head Assembly 108
Vial Trays 111
Standard Autosampler Accessory Kit G1329-68725 112
Preparative Autosampler Accessory Kit G2260-68705 113
Maintenance Kit G1313-68730 for G1329A 114
Maintenance Kit G1313-68719 for G1329B 115
Multi-Draw Kit G1313-6871 116
900 µl Injection Upgrade Kit G1363A for G1329A 117
External Tray G1313-60004 118
9 Identifying Cables 119
Cable Overview 120
Analog Cables 122
Remote Cables 125
BCD Cables 130
External Contact Cable 132
CAN/LAN Cables 133
Auxiliary Cable 134
RS-232 Cables 135

Agilent 1200 Series Autosampler User Manual 5
Contents
10 Appendix 137
General Safety Information 138
Lithium Batteries Information 142
Radio Interference 143
Sound Emission 144
Agilent Technologies on Internet 145

6 Agilent 1200 Series Autosampler User Manual
Contents

7
Agilent 1200 Series Autosampler User Manual
Agilent Technologies
1
Introduction to the Autosampler
Introduction to the Autosampler 8
Sampling Sequence 10
Injection Sequence 11
Sampling Unit 13
Needle-Drive 14
Analytical head / preparative head 14
Injection-Valve 15
Transport Assembly 16
Early Maintenance Feedback (EMF) 18
Electrical Connections 19
Agilent 1200 Series Interfaces 21

8 Agilent 1200 Series Autosampler User Manual
1Introduction to the Autosampler
Introduction to the Autosampler
Introduction to the Autosampler
Three models of Agilent 1200 Series autosamplers are available; within this
introduction they will be referred to as the standard autosampler (G1329A),
the standard autosampler SL (G1329B) and the preparative autosampler
(G2260A). Unless otherwise stated all information in this section is valid for
all models.
The Agilent 1100 Series autosamplers and Agilent 1200 Series autosamplers
are designed for use with other modules of the Agilent 1200 Series LC system,
with the HP 1050 Series, or with other LC systems if adequate remote control
inputs and outputs are available. The autosamplerss are controlled from the
Agilent 1200 Series control module (G4208 A Instant Pilot) or from the Agilent
ChemStation for LC.
Three sample-rack sizes are available for the autosamplers. The standard
full-size rack holds 100 × 1.8 ml vials, while the two half-size racks provide
space for 40 × 1.8 ml vials and 15 × 6 ml vials respectively. Any two half-size
rack trays can be installed in the autosamplers simultaneously. A specially
designed sample-rack holding 100 × 1.8 ml vials is available for use with
thermostatted autosamplers. The half-size racks trays are not designed for an
optimal heat transfer when they are used with a thermostatted autosampler.
The autosamplers transport mechanism uses an X-Z-Theta movement to
optimize vial pick-up and return. Vials are picked up by the gripper arm, and
positioned below the sampling unit. The gripper transport mechanism and
sampling unit are driven by motors. Movement is monitored by optical sensors
and optical encoders to ensure correct operation. The metering device is
always flushed after injection to ensure minimum carry-over.
The standard analytical head device provides injection volumes from
0.1 – 100 µl. Two preparative head devices provide injection volumes from
0.1 – 900 µl. One head is limited by a system pressure of 200 bars, the other by
a system pressure of 400 bars. The G1329B autosampler SL uses an analytical
head providing injection volumes from 0.1 – 100 µl for pressures up to 600 bar
as used in rapid resolution systems.
The six-port injection valve unit (only 5 ports are used) is driven by a
high-speed hybrid stepper motor. During the sampling sequence, the valve unit
bypasses the autosamplers, and directly connects the flow from the pump to

Agilent 1200 Series Autosampler User Manual 9
Introduction to the Autosampler 1
Introduction to the Autosampler
the column. During injection and analysis, the valve unit directs the flow
through the autosamplers which ensures that the sample is injected
completely into the column, and that any sample residue is removed from the
metering unit and needle from before the next sampling sequence begins.
Different valves are available for the standard and preparative autosamplers.
Control of the vial temperature in the thermostatted autosampler is achieved
using an additional Agilent 1200 Series module; the ALS thermostat. Details of
this module are given in the Agilent 1200 Series thermostatted autosampler
Supplemental Manual.
Figure 1 Overview of the Autosampler
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10 Agilent 1200 Series Autosampler User Manual
1Introduction to the Autosampler
Sampling Sequence
Sampling Sequence
The movements of the autosampler components during the sampling sequence
are monitored continuously by the autosampler processor. The processor
defines specific time windows and mechanical ranges for each movement. If a
specific step of the sampling sequence can’t be completed successfully, an
error message is generated.
Solvent is bypassed from the autosamplers by the injection valve during the
sampling sequence. The sample vial is selected by a gripper arm from a static
sample rack, or from external vial positions. The gripper arm places the
sample vial below the injection needle. The required volume of sample is
drawn into the sample loop by the metering device. Sample is applied to the
column when the injection valve returns to the mainpass position at the end of
the sampling sequence.
The sampling sequence occurs in the following order:
1The injection valve switches to the bypass position.
2The plunger of the metering device moves to the initialization position.
3The gripper arm moves from the home position, and selects the vial. At the
same time, the needle lifts out of the seat.
4The gripper arm places the vial below the needle.
5The needle lowers into the vial.
6The metering device draws the defined sample volume.
7The needle lifts out of the vial.
8If the automated needle wash is selected (see “Using the Automated Needle
Wash” on page 63), the gripper arm replaces the sample vial, positions the
wash vial below the needle, lowers the needle into the vial, then lifts the
needle out of the wash vial.
9The gripper arm checks if the safety flap is in position.
10 The gripper arm replaces the vial, and returns to the home position.
Simultaneously, the needle lowers into the seat.
11 The injection valve switches to the mainpass position.