Agilent Technologies 1260 Infinity User manual

Agilent Technologies
Agilent 1260 Infinity
Standard Autosampler
User Manual

Agilent 1260 Infinity Standard Autosampler User Manual
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Manual Part Number
G1329-90015 Rev. B
Edition
04/2013
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Agilent 1260 Infinity Standard Autosampler User Manual 3
In This Book
In This Book
This manual covers the Agilent 1260 Infinity Standard Autosampler (G1329B).
1 Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS)
This chapter gives an introduction to the autosampler and instrument
overview.
2 Site Requirements and Specifications
This chapter provides information on environmental requirements, physical
and performance specifications.
3 Installing the Autosampler
This chapter provides information on unpacking, checking on completeness,
stack considerations and installation of the module.
4 Using the Autosampler
This chapter provides information on how to set up the module for an analysis
and explains the basic settings.
5 Optimizing Performance
This chapter provides information on how to optimize the module.
6 Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
Overview about the troubleshooting and diagnostic features.
7 Error Information
This chapter describes the meaning of error messages, and provides
information on probable causes and suggested actions how to recover from
error conditions.

4 Agilent 1260 Infinity Standard Autosampler User Manual
In This Book
8 Maintenance
This chapter describes the maintenance of the module.
9 Parts and Materials for Maintenance
This chapter provides information on parts for maintenance.
10 Identifying Cables
This chapter provides information on cables used with the module.
11 Hardware Information
This chapter describes the detector in more detail on hardware and
electronics.
12 Appendix
This chapter provides addition information on safety, legal and web.

Agilent 1260 Infinity Standard Autosampler User Manual 5
Contents
Contents
1 Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS) 9
Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS) 10
2 Site Requirements and Specifications 21
Site Requirements 22
Physical Specifications 25
Performance Specifications Standard Autosampler 26
3 Installing the Autosampler 27
Unpacking the Autosampler 28
Optimizing the Stack Configuration 29
Installing the Autosampler 32
Flow Connections 35
Installing the Sample Tray 37
Transporting the Autosampler 38
4 Using the Autosampler 39
Sample Trays 40
Choice of Vials and Caps 42
5 Optimizing Performance 45
Optimization for Lowest Carry-over 46
Fast Injection Cycle and Low Delay Volume 49
Precise Injection Volume 51
Choice of Rotor Seal 53
6 Troubleshooting and Diagnostics 55
Overview of the Module’s Indicators and Test Functions 56
Status Indicators 57
Maintenance Functions 59
ALS Step Commands 66

6 Agilent 1260 Infinity Standard Autosampler User Manual
Contents
Troubleshooting 68
Troubleshooting Guide for the Sample Transport Assembly 70
Agilent Lab Advisor Software 77
7 Error Information 79
What are Error Messages 81
General Error Messages 82
Autosampler Error Messages 88
8 Maintenance 101
Introduction to Maintenance 102
Cautions and Warnings 103
Updating the Firmware 105
Cleaning the Module 106
Safety Flap, Flex Board 107
Transport Assembly Parts 108
Maintenance Functions 109
Simple Repairs 110
Exchanging the Needle Assembly 111
Exchanging the Needle-Seat Assembly 114
Exchanging the Rotor Seal 116
Exchanging the Metering Seal and Piston 120
Exchanging the Gripper Arm 124
Exchanging the Interface Board 126
Replacing the Module’s Firmware 127
9 Parts and Materials for Maintenance 129
Main Assemblies 130
Analytical-Head Assembly 132
Vial Trays 134
Standard Autosampler Accessory Kit 136
Maintenance Kit 137
Injection Upgrade Kit 138
Multi-Draw Kit 139
External Tray 140

Agilent 1260 Infinity Standard Autosampler User Manual 7
Contents
10 Identifying Cables 141
Cable Overview 142
Analog Cables 144
Remote Cables 146
BCD Cables 149
External Contact Cable 151
CAN/LAN Cables 152
Auxiliary Cable 153
RS-232 Cables 154
11 Hardware Information 155
Firmware Description 156
Interfaces 159
Setting the 8-bit Configuration Switch 166
Electrical Connections 170
Early Maintenance Feedback (EMF) 172
Instrument Layout 173
12 Appendix 175
General Safety Information 176
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
(2002/96/EC) 179
Lithium Batteries Information 180
Radio Interference 181
Solvent Information 182
Sound Emission 184
Agilent Technologies on Internet 185

8 Agilent 1260 Infinity Standard Autosampler User Manual
Contents

9
Agilent 1260 Infinity Standard Autosampler User Manual
Agilent Technologies
1
Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS)
Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS) 10
Sampling Sequence 12
Sampling Unit 15
Transport Assembly 18
This chapter gives an introduction to the autosampler and instrument overview.

10 Agilent 1260 Infinity Standard Autosampler User Manual
1Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS)
Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS)
Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS)
Figure 1 Overview of the Autosampler
The Agilent 1260 Infinity autosampler is designed for use with other modules
of the Agilent 1200 Infinity Series, 1200 Series and 1100 Series LC, or with
other LC systems if adequate remote control inputs and outputs are available.
The autosamplers are controlled by the Agilent Instant Pilot (G4208A) or by
Agilent control software (OpenLAB CDS, ChemStation for LC, EZChrom Elite
etc.).
Three sample-rack sizes are available for the autosampler. 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 autosampler 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.
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Agilent 1260 Infinity Standard Autosampler User Manual 11
Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS) 1
Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS)
The autosampler's transport mechanism uses an X-Z-Theta movement to
optimize vial pick-up and return. A gripper arm picks up the vials and
positions them 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 of the metering device provides injection volumes from 0.1 –
100 μL and can be operated at up to 600 bar. A head with extended volume is
available for injection volumes from 0.1 – 900 μL and can be operated up to
400 bar (G1329B) or 200 bar (G1329A).
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 autosampler, and directly connects the flow from the pump to
the column. During injection and analysis, the valve unit directs the flow
through the autosampler. This ensures that all the sample is completely
injected into the column. Any sample residue is removed from the metering
device and from the needle before the next sampling sequence begins.
For applications that require control of the vial temperature, the module can
be combined with the Agilent 1290 Infinity Thermostat (G1330B). The
combination of the autosampler with the thermostat is called a "thermostatted
autosampler". For more details refer to the documentation of the 1290 Infinity
Thermostat.

12 Agilent 1260 Infinity Standard Autosampler User Manual
1Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS)
Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS)
Sampling Sequence
The autosampler processor continuously monitors the movements of the
autosampler components during the sampling sequence. 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.
During the sampling sequence the solvent bypasses the autosampler via the
injection valve. The gripper arm selects the sample vial, either 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 piston 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 46), 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.

Agilent 1260 Infinity Standard Autosampler User Manual 13
Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS) 1
Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS)
Injection Sequence
Before the start of the injection sequence, and during an analysis, the injection
valve is in the mainpass position (Figure 2 on page 13). In this position, the
mobile phase flows through the autosamplers metering device, sample loop,
and needle, ensuring all parts in contact with sample are flushed during the
run, thus minimizing carry-over.
Figure 2 Mainpass Position
When the sample sequence begins, the valve unit switches to the bypass
position (Figure 3 on page 13). Solvent from the pump enters the valve unit at
port 1, and flows directly to the column through port 6.
Figure 3 Bypass Position

14 Agilent 1260 Infinity Standard Autosampler User Manual
1Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS)
Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS)
Next, the needle is raised, and the vial is positioned below the needle. The
needle moves down into the vial, and the metering unit draws the sample into
the sample loop (Figure 4 on page 14).
Figure 4 Drawing the Sample
When the metering unit has drawn the required volume of sample into the
sample loop, the needle is raised, and the vial is replaced in the sample tray.
The needle is lowered into the needle seat, and the injection valve switches
back to the mainpass position, flushing the sample onto the column (Figure 5
on page 14).
Figure 5 Mainpass Position (Sample Injection)

Agilent 1260 Infinity Standard Autosampler User Manual 15
Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS) 1
Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS)
Sampling Unit
The sampling unit comprises three main assemblies: needle drive, metering
device, and injection valve.
Figure 6 Autosampler Sampling Unit
NOTE
The replacement sampling unit excludes the injection valve and metering head assemblies.
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16 Agilent 1260 Infinity Standard Autosampler User Manual
1Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS)
Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS)
Needle-Drive
The needle movement is driven by a stepper motor connected to the spindle
assembly by a toothed belt. The circular motion of the motor is converted to
linear motion by the drive nut on the spindle assembly. The upper and lower
needle positions are detected by reflection sensors on the sampling unit flex
board, while the needle-in-vial position is determined by counting the motor
steps from the upper needle-sensor position.
Analytical head
The analytical head is driven by the stepper motor connected to the drive shaft
by a toothed belt. The drive nut on the spindle converts the circular movement
of the spindle to linear motion. The drive nut pushes the sapphire piston
against the tension of the spring into the analytical head. The base of the
piston sits on the large bearing of the drive nut, which ensures the piston is
always centered. A ceramic ring guides the movement of the piston in the
analytical head. The home position of the piston is sensed by an infra-red
sensor on the sampling unit flex board, while the sample volume is
determined by counting the number of steps from the home position. The
backward movement of the piston (driven by the spring) draws sample from
the vial.
Table 1 Analytical Head Technical Data
Standard (100 µL) Extended Volume (900 µL)
Number of steps 15000 15000
Volume resolution 7 nL/motor step 60 nL/motor step
Maximum stroke 100 µL 900 µL
Pressure limit 600 bar 400 bar (G1329B)
200 bar (G1329A)
Piston material Sapphire Sapphire

Agilent 1260 Infinity Standard Autosampler User Manual 17
Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS) 1
Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS)
Injection-Valve
The two-position 6-port injection valve is driven by a stepper motor. Only five
of the six ports are used (port 3 is not used). A lever/slider mechanism
transfers the movement of the stepper motor to the injection valve. Two
microswitches monitor the switching of the valve (bypass and mainpass end
positions).
No valve adjustments are required after replacing internal components.
Table 2 Injection-Valve Technical Data
Autosampler
Motor type 4 V, 1.2 A stepper motor
Seal material PEEK
Stator material None
Number of ports 6
Switching time < 150 ms

18 Agilent 1260 Infinity Standard Autosampler User Manual
1Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS)
Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS)
Transport Assembly
The transport unit comprises an X-axis slide (left-right motion), a Z-axis arm
(up-down motion), and a gripper assembly (rotation and vial-gripping).
Figure 7 Transport Assembly
The transport assembly uses four stepper motors driven in closed-loop mode
for accurate positioning of the gripper assembly. The rotational movement of
the motors is converted to linear motion (X- and Z-axes) by toothed belts
connected to the drive spindles. The rotation (theta axes) of the gripper
assembly is transferred from the motor by a toothed belt and series of gears.
The opening and closing of the gripper fingers are driven by a stepper motor
linked by a toothed belt to the planetary gearing inside the gripper assembly.
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Agilent 1260 Infinity Standard Autosampler User Manual 19
Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS) 1
Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS)
The stepper motor positions are determined by the optical encoders mounted
onto the stepper-motor housing. The encoders monitor the position of the
motors continually, and correct for position errors automatically (e.g. if the
gripper is accidentally moved out of position when loading vials into the vial
tray). The initialization positions of the moving components are sensed by
reflection sensors mounted on the flex board. These positions are used by the
processor to calculate the actual motor position. An additional six reflection
sensors for tray recognition are mounted on the flex board at the front of the
assembly.

20 Agilent 1260 Infinity Standard Autosampler User Manual
1Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS)
Introduction to the Autosampler (ALS)