Agilent Technologies 1290 infinity User manual

Agilent Technologies
Agilent 1290 Infinity
Flexible Cube
User Manual

1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual
Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2010
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 agree-
ment and written consent from Agilent
Technologies, Inc. as governed by United
States and international copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
G4227-90000
Edition
06/2010
Printed in Germany
Agilent Technologies
Hewlett-Packard-Strasse 8
76337 Waldbronn
Warranty
The material contained in this docu-
ment is provided “as is,” and is sub-
ject to being changed, without notice,
in future editions. Further, to the max-
imum extent permitted by applicable
law, Agilent disclaims all warranties,
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 fitness for a par-
ticular purpose. Agilent shall not be
liable for errors or for incidental or
consequential damages in connection
with the furnishing, use, or perfor-
mance 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 sep-
arate agreement shall control.
Technology Licenses
The hardware and/or software described in
this document are furnished under a license
and may be used or copied only in accor-
dance with the terms of such license.
Restricted Rights Legend
If software is for use in the performance of a
U.S. Government prime contract or subcon-
tract, Software is delivered and licensed as
“Commercial computer software” as
defined in DFAR 252.227-7014 (June 1995),
or as a “commercial item” as defined in FAR
2.101(a) or as “Restricted computer soft-
ware” as defined in FAR 52.227-19 (June
1987) or any equivalent agency regulation
or contract clause. Use, duplication or dis-
closure of Software is subject to Agilent
Technologies’ standard commercial license
terms, and non-DOD Departments and
Agencies of the U.S. Government will
receive no greater than Restricted Rights as
defined in FAR 52.227-19(c)(1-2) (June
1987). U.S. Government users will receive
no greater than Limited Rights as defined in
FAR 52.227-14 (June 1987) or DFAR
252.227-7015 (b)(2) (November 1995), as
applicable in any technical data.
Safety Notices
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
operating procedure, practice, or
the like that, if not correctly per-
formed 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 condi-
tions 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 indi-
cated conditions are fully under-
stood and met.
For Research Use Only

1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual 3
In This Guide...
In This Guide...
This manual covers the Agilent 1290 Infinity Flexible Cube (G4227A)
1 Introduction
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 the Autosampler with the Flexible Cube
This chapter provides information on how to optimize the Autosampler and
the Flexible Cube for a minimum carry over 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 Maintenance and Repair
This chapter describes the maintenance of the module.
10 Parts and Materials for Maintenance
This chapter provides information on parts and material required for the
module.
11 Identifying Cables
This chapter provides information on cables used with the 1290 series of
HPLC modules.
12 Appendix
This chapter provides addition information on safety, legal and web.

1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual 5
Contents
Contents
1 Introduction 9
Features 10
Overview of the Module 11
Flexible Cube Principle 12
Early Maintenance Feetback 19
Instrument Layout 20
Electrical Connections 21
Interfaces 23
2 Site Requirements and Specifications 29
Site Requirements 30
Physical Specifications 33
Performance Specifications 34
3 Installing the Module 37
Unpacking the Module 38
Optimizing the Stack Configuration 40
Installing the Module 47
Flow Connections to the Module 49
4 LAN Configuration 51
LAN-Configuration 52
5 Using the Module 53
Setting up the Flexible Cube with Agilent ChemStation 54
6 Optimizing the Autosampler with the Flexible Cube 61
Preparing the Autosampler and Flexible Cube 62
How to Achieve Lowest Carry Over 63
How to Achieve Highest Throughput Using the Flexible Cube 72

6 1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual
Contents
7 Troubleshooting and Diagnostics 73
Overview of the Module’s Indicators and Test Functions 74
Status Indicators 75
User Interfaces 77
Agilent Lab Advisor Software 78
8 Error Information 79
What Are Error Messages 80
General Error Messages 81
Module Spezific Error Messages 88
9 Maintenance and Repair 91
Introduction to Maintenance 92
Warnings and Cautions 93
Overview of Maintenance 95
Cleaning the Module 96
Exchange Flush Pump Inlet Valve 97
Exchange Flush Pump Outlet Valve 100
Exchange Valve Rotor Seal 103
Replacing Module Firmware 107
10 Parts and Materials for Maintenance 109
Capillaries 110
Parts overview 111
Accessory Kits 112
11 Identifying Cables 113
Cable Overview 114
Analog Cables 116
Remote Cables 118
BCD Cables 121
CAN/LAN Cables 123
External Contact Cable 124
Agilent Module to PC 125

1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual 7
Contents
12 Appendix 127
General Safety Information 128
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
(2002/96/EC) 131
Radio Interference 132
Sound Emission 133
Flow Cell 134
Agilent Technologies on Internet 135

8 1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual
Contents

9
1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual
Agilent Technologies
1
Introduction
Features 10
Overview of the Module 11
Flexible Cube Principle 12
Early Maintenance Feetback 19
Instrument Layout 20
Electrical Connections 21
Serial Number Information (ALL) 22
Rear View of the Module 22
Interfaces 23
Overview Interfaces 24
This chapter gives an introduction to the module, instrument overview and
internal connectors

10 1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual
1Introduction
Features
Features
The Agilent 1290 Infinity Flexible Cube introduces an unprecedented
flexibility to the Agilent 1290 Infinity System. It includes options to reduce
Carry Over and will later, with addition of valve pods, be able to convert the
G4226A Autosampler for fixed loop injections or be used as a multipurpose
valve box.
The G4227A Flexible Cube is capable of reducing carry over 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 and a
valve drive for later use with different valve pods. It also includes a second
valve drive slot. The initial revision of the Agilent 1290 Infinity Flexible Cube
supports only the needle seat back flush option. Other options will follow later
and will include a possibility to convert the G4226A Autosampler for fixed
loop injections.

12 1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual
1Introduction
Flexible Cube Principle
Flexible Cube Principle
The Flexible Cube is added to the 1290 Infinity system to reduce carry over 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 Principle
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.
6& 6' 7'
6cVani^XVa]ZVY
;ajh]ejbe
>c_ZXi^dckVakZ
HdakZcihZaZXi^dckVakZ
CZZYaZ
CZZYaZhZVi

14 1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual
1Introduction
Flexible Cube Principle
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.
6& 6' 7'
6cVani^XVa]ZVY
;ajh]ejbe
HdakZcihZaZXi^dckVakZ
>c_ZXi^dckVakZ
CZZYaZ
CZZYaZhZVi

1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual 15
Introduction 1
Flexible Cube Principle
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.
6& 6' 7'
6cVani^XVa]ZVY
;ajh]ejbe
HdakZcihZaZXi^dckVakZ
>c_ZXi^dckVakZ
CZZYaZhZVi
CZZYaZ

16 1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual
1Introduction
Flexible Cube Principle
4Flush with dissolving solvent #2 (B2)
If this is not sufficient to reduce the carry over a dissolving solvent #2 may
be used with either different modifiers and/or a really strong cleaning
solvent.
6& 6' 7'
CZZYaZ
CZZYaZhZVi
>c_ZXi^dckVakZ
HdakZcihZaZXi^dckVakZ
6cVani^XVa]ZVY
;ajh]ejbe

1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual 17
Introduction 1
Flexible Cube Principle
5Flush with Starting condition (A1)
Figure 4 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.
6& 6' 7'
;ajh]ejbe
6cVani^XVa]ZVY
HdakZcihZaZXi^dckVakZ
>c_ZXi^dckVakZ
CZZYaZhZVi
CZZYaZ
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
1Introduction
Flexible Cube Principle
6Switch back to Mainpass
Figure 5 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.
6& 6' 7'
CZZYaZ
CZZYaZhZVi
>c_ZXi^dckVakZ
HdakZcihZaZXi^dckVakZ
6cVani^XVa]ZVY
;ajh]ejbe

1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual 19
Introduction 1
Early Maintenance Feetback
Early Maintenance Feetback
Maintenance requires the exchange of components which are subject to wear
or stress. Ideally, the frequency at which components are exchanged should be
based on the intensity of usage of the module and the analytical conditions,
and not on a predefined time interval. The early maintenance feedback (EMF)
feature monitors the usage of specific components in the instrument, and
provides feedback when the user-selectable limits have been exceeded. The
visual feedback in the user interface provides an indication that maintenance
procedures should be scheduled.
EMF Counters
EMF counters increment with use and can be assigned a maximum limit which
provides visual feedback in the user interface when the limit is exceeded.
Some counters can be reset to zero after the required maintenance procedure.
Using the EMF Counters
The user-settable EMF limits for the EMF counters enable the early
maintenance feedback to be adapted to specific user requirements. The useful
maintenance cycle is dependent on the requirements for use. Therefore, the
definition of the maximum limits need to be determined based on the specific
operating conditions of the instrument.
Setting the EMF Limits
The setting of the EMF limits must be optimized over one or two maintenance
cycles. Initially the default EMF limits should be set. When instrument
performance indicates maintenance is necessary, take note of the values
displayed by the EMF counters. Enter these values (or values slightly less than
the displayed values) as EMF limits, and then reset the EMF counters to zero.
The next time the EMF counters exceed the new EMF limits, the EMF flag will
be displayed, providing a reminder that maintenance needs to be scheduled.

20 1290 Infinity Flexible Cube User Manual
1Introduction
Instrument Layout
Instrument Layout
The industrial design of the module incorporates several innovative features.
It uses Agilent’s E-PAC concept for the packaging of electronics and
mechanical assemblies. This concept is based upon the use of expanded
polypropylene (EPP) layers of foam plastic spacers in which the mechanical
and electronic boards components of the module are placed. This pack is then
housed in a metal inner cabinet which is enclosed by a plastic external
cabinet. The advantages of this packaging technology are:
•virtual elimination of fixing screws, bolts or ties, reducing the number of
components and increasing the speed of assembly/disassembly,
•the plastic layers have air channels molded into them so that cooling air can
be guided exactly to the required locations,
•the plastic layers help cushion the electronic and mechanical parts from
physical shock, and
•the metal inner cabinet shields the internal electronics from
electromagnetic interference and also helps to reduce or eliminate radio
frequency emissions from the instrument itself.