Agilent Technologies 1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User manual

Agilent Technologies
Agilent 1290 Infinity
Flexible Cube
User Manual

1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual
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Manual Part Number
G4227-90000 Rev. C
Edition
10/2018
Printed in Germany
Agilent Technologies
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1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual 3
In This Guide...
In This Guide...
This manual covers the Agilent 1290 Infinity Flexible Cube (G4227A).
1Introduction
This chapter gives an introduction to the module, instrument overview and
internal connectors.
2 Site Requirements and Specifications
This chapter provides information on environmental requirements, physical
and performance specifications.
3 Installing the Module
This chapter gives information about the preferred stack setup for your
system and the installation of your Flexible Cube.
4 LAN Configuration
This chapter provides information on connecting the module to the Agilent
Data System.
5 Using the Module
This chapter provides information on how to set up the Flexible Cube for an
analysis and explains the basic settings.
6 Optimizing Lab Performance with Flexible Cube
This chapter provides information on how to optimize the Autosampler and
the Flexible Cube for a minimum carryover and fastest cycle times.
7 Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
This chapter gives an overview about the troubleshooting and diagnostic
features and the different user interfaces.

4 1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual
In This Guide...
8 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.
9 Test Functions
This chapter describes the tests for the module.
10 Maintenance and Repair
This chapter describes the maintenance of the module.
11 Parts and Materials for Maintenance
This chapter provides information on parts and material required for the
module.
12 Identifying Cables
This chapter provides information on cables used with the 1290 series of
HPLC modules.
13 Hardware Information
This chapter describes the module in more detail on hardware and
electronics.
14 Appendix
This chapter provides addition information on safety, legal and web.

1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual 5
Contents
Contents
1Introduction 9
Features 10
Overview of the Module 11
Flexible Cube Technical Capability 12
Valve solution / Valve technique 19
Bio-inert Materials 26
2 Site Requirements and Specifications 29
Site Requirements 30
Physical Specifications 33
Performance Specifications 34
3 Installing the Module 39
Unpacking the Module 40
Optimizing the Stack Configuration 42
Installing the Module 49
Flow Connections to the Module for Lowest Carryover 51
Installing the Valve Heads 53
4 LAN Configuration 59
LAN-Configuration 60
5 Using the Module 61
Instrument Configuration 62
Setting up the Flexible Cube with Agilent ChemStation 64
Solvent Information 80
Algae Growth in HPLC Systems 85

6 1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual
Contents
6 Optimizing Lab Performance with Flexible Cube 87
Preparing the Autosampler and Flexible Cube 88
How to Achieve Lowest Carryover 89
How to Achieve the Highest Throughput Using the Flexible Cube 97
How to Achieve Higher Injection Volumes 98
How to Achieve High Throughput 99
7 Troubleshooting and Diagnostics 101
Overview of the Module’s Indicators and Test Functions 102
Status Indicators 103
User Interfaces 105
Agilent Lab Advisor Software 106
8 Error Information 107
What Are Error Messages 108
General Error Messages 109
Module Error Messages 116
9 Test Functions 121
Introduction 122
Pressure Test 123
10 Maintenance and Repair 125
Introduction to Maintenance 126
Warnings and Cautions 127
Overview of Maintenance 128
Cleaning the Module 129
Exchange Flush Pump Inlet Valve 130
Exchange Flush Pump Outlet Valve 132
Exchange Valve Rotor Seal 134
Replacing Parts of the Valve Head 137
Replacing Valve Heads 139
Installing the Capillaries 143
Replacing Module Firmware 150

1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual 7
Contents
11 Parts and Materials for Maintenance 151
Parts overview 152
Capillaries 153
Accessory Kits 154
Valve Options Overview 156
2 Position/6 Port Valve Head 800 bar, 5067-4282 158
2 Position/6 Port Valve Head 1300 bar, 5067-4241 159
2 Position/6 Port Valve Head 600 bar (Bio-inert), 5067-4148 160
2 Position/10 Port Micro Valve Head 600 bar, 5067-4144 161
2 Position/10 Port Valve Head 1300 bar, 5067-4240 162
8 Position/9 Port Valve Head 600 bar, 5067-4107 163
4-Column Selector Valve Head 600 bar (Bio-inert), 5067-4134 164
6-Column Selector Valve Head 800 bar, 5067-4284 165
6-Column Selector Valve Head 1300 bar, 5067-4273 166
12 Position/13 Port Valve Head 210 bar (Bio-inert), 5067-4159 167
12 Identifying Cables 169
Cable Overview 170
Analog Cables 172
Remote Cables 174
BCD Cables 177
CAN/LAN Cables 179
External Contact Cable 180
Agilent Module to PC 181
Agilent 1200 Module to Printer 182
13 Hardware Information 183
Firmware Description 184
Electrical Connections 187
Interfaces 189
Setting the 8-bit Configuration Switch (without On-board) LAN 196
Instrument Layout 200
Early Maintenance Feedback 201

8 1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual
Contents
14 Appendix 203
General Safety Information 204
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
(2002/96/EC) 207
Radio Interference 208
Sound Emission 209
Agilent Technologies on Internet 210

9
1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual
Agilent Technologies
1
Introduction
Features 10
Overview of the Module 11
Flexible Cube Technical Capability 12
Valve solution / Valve technique 19
Dual and Multi Column Selection 19
Sample Enrichment and Sample Cleanup 21
Alternating Column Regeneration 24
Solvent Selection 25
Bio-inert Materials 26
This chapter gives an introduction to the module, instrument overview and
internal connectors.

10 1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual
1 Introduction
Features
Features
The Agilent 1290 Infinity Flexible Cube introduces an unprecedented
flexibility to the Agilent 1290 Infinity System. It includes options to reduce
carryover, and optionally you can add one or two valve heads to be able to use
the G4226A HiP Autosampler as a multipurpose valve box.
The G4227A Flexible Cube is capable of reducing carryover to a minimum and
maintains that level between the maintenance intervals of the Autosampler.
For specifications, see “Performance Specifications” on page 34.
NOTE
This 1290 Infinity Flexible Cube has been introduced as part of the Agilent 1290 Infinity
Liquid Chromatograph.

1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual 11
Introduction
1
Overview of the Module
Overview of the Module
The Agilent 1290 Infinity Flexible Cube comprises a flush pump that can
deliver flow between 1 and 4 mL/min from 3 different solvent bottles. The
system also includes slots so you can have one or, optionally, two valve drives.
The standard version of the Agilent 1290 Infinity Flexible Cube supports the
needle seat back flush and one valve drive. Another add-on option with a
second valve drive is available.

12 1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual
1 Introduction
Flexible Cube Technical Capability
Flexible Cube Technical Capability
The Flexible Cube is added to the 1290 Infinity system to reduce carryover in
the Autosampler. This is achieved by flushing the needle seat and rotor seal
with up to 3 different solvents which may have different properties and
solvent strengths.
The flush pump outlet capillary is connected to the port 4 of the autosampler,
which normally holds the waste line. If the autosampler is in bypass mode the
flush pump connects to the needle seat and can flush backwards through the
needle seat into the waste line attached to the needle seat outlet port.
Besides chemistry effects of solvents and sample the Agilent 1290 Infinity
Flexible Cube will not influence injection precision or accuracy of the
Autosampler in use. The Flexible Cube is not part of the high pressure flow
path.
NOTE
The needle wash port and the needle seat back flushing function may generate large
amount of waste. Make sure to have the waste tubing installed in the autosampler and a
waste container with sufficient capacity available.

1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual 13
Introduction
1
Flexible Cube Technical Capability
Following the injection sequence, using a Flexible Cube, is described with
regards to cleaning the sampler.
1Mainpass
Figure 1 Mainpass
The analytical pump is connected to the autosampler sampling loop, and
the mobile phase is flowing through the autosampler injection loop
continuously and thereby cleaning the insides of the tubings.
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14 1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual
1 Introduction
Flexible Cube Technical Capability
2Switch to Bypass
Figure 2 Switch to Bypass
The injection valve is switched to bypass, removing the injection loop from
the high pressure flow path and connecting the flush pump with the needle
seat.
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1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual 15
Introduction
1
Flexible Cube Technical Capability
3Flush with dissolving solvent #1 (A2)
Figure 3 Flush with dissolving solvent #1 (A2)
The first cleaning solvent available for flushing is normally of a high organic
concentration with appropriate modifiers. This solvent should be able to
dissolve most components of the sample, and thereby remove them from the
Autosampler flow path.
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16 1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual
1 Introduction
Flexible Cube Technical Capability
4Flush with dissolving solvent #2 (B2)
Figure 4 Flush with dissolving solvent #2 (B2)
If this is not sufficient to reduce the carryover a dissolving solvent #2 may
be used with either different modifiers and/or a really strong cleaning
solvent.
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1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual 17
Introduction
1
Flexible Cube Technical Capability
5Flush with Starting condition (A1)
Figure 5 Flush with Starting condition (A1)
Solvent #3 is always set for the final flush and should be the starting
condition of the gradient or lower solution strength, as this solvent will be
in the needle seat and seat capillary at the point of injection and might lead
to reduced resolution if stronger elution strength than mobile phase.
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NOTE
Any flushing solvent used must be miscible with previous solvent. If this is not the case it
can result in precipitations, blockages or reduced performance of the instrument.

18 1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual
1 Introduction
Flexible Cube Technical Capability
6Switch back to Mainpass
Figure 6 Switch back to Mainpass
When the complete flushing procedure has finished the autosampler
switches back to Mainpass operation and thereby introduce the sample to
the flow path.
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1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual 19
Introduction
1
Valve solution / Valve technique
Valve solution / Valve technique
Agilent 1200 Infinity Quick Change valves support a variety of challenging
valve applications. The G4227A Flexible Cube hosts up to two valves (standard
configuration one valve). Besides, Quick Change valves can be mounted in the
external 1290 Infinity Valve Drive G1170A or in the 1290 Infinity TCC G1316C.
Examples of typical applications are:
•Dual and multiple column selection
•Sample enrichment and sample cleanup
•Alternating column regeneration
•Solvent selection
Dual and Multi Column Selection
Dual Column Selection
2 position/6 port valve head (G4231A/C) and 2 position/10 port valve head
(G4232A/C)
Advantages:
•Increase productivity
•Higher instrument up-time
•Faster method scouting
Quickly change between two different stationary phases to check your
separation selectivity, or use two identical stationary phases to have the
second column immediately available after the first one loses efficiency, for
example with complex matrices.

20 1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual
1 Introduction
Valve solution / Valve technique
Multi Column Selection
With the 6-column selector valve head (G4234A/C) and the capillary kit for
Column Selection you can set up your system for use with up to 6 columns as
displayed in Figure 7 on page 20. Or you can use the system with 5 columns
and one flow path for flow injection analysis or for flushing the system. This
setup allows you to switch between these columns for faster method
development or method validation. The multi-column setup might also be
used, if several operators are sharing system.
Figure 7 Multiple Column Selection (Example of Schematic Setup for 6-Column
Selector Valve Head)