Agilent Technologies 240 Series AA User manual

Agilent 240/280 Series AA (including Zeeman)
User’s Guide

2 Agilent 240/280 Series AA (including Zeeman)
Manual part number
8510154700
Sixteenth edition, December 2018
Copyright
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 1997,
2000–2004, 2010–2013, 2015, 2016,
2018
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Safety notices
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.
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.
Notices
WARNING
CAUTION

Contents
Agilent 240/280 Series AA (including Zeeman) 3
Contents
1Safety Practices and Hazards 7
General 7
Verifying safe state 8
Electrical hazards 8
Heat, vapors and fumes 9
Compressed gases and cylinders 10
Gas hoses and connections 11
Ultraviolet radiation 11
Other 12
Warning symbols 12
Color coding 13
CE compliance 14
Electromagnetic compatibility 14
EN55011/CISPR11 14
ICES/NMB-001 15
Flame operation 15
Flammable solvents 15
Compressed gases and cylinders for flame operation 17
Acetylene 17
Nitrous oxide 18
Burners 19
Nebulizer 20
Liquid trap 20
Heat hazards 21

Contents
4 Agilent 240/280 Series AA (including Zeeman)
Perchloric acid 21
Flashbacks 22
Furnace and Zeeman operation 24
Gases 25
Heat hazards 25
Vapors and fumes 25
UV radiation 25
Magnetic field (Zeeman only) 25
What to do in the Event of a Flashback 24
2Introduction 27
Instrument Overview 28
Flame instruments front view 28
Flame instruments back view 29
Zeeman instruments front view 30
Zeeman instrument back view 31
Furnace instruments front view 32
Furnace instruments back view 33
Installation requirements 33
Agilent AA documentation 34
Conventions 34
Electrical Connections 34
Gas supplies 36
3Installation 37
PC requirements 37
Installation procedure overview 38
GPIB communications 38

Contents
Agilent 240/280 Series AA (including Zeeman) 5
Installing the USB-GPIB converter 38
Connecting and configuring an Agilent AA spectrometer DUO system 39
Setting up for DUO operation and connecting the IEEE cables 39
Configuring the IEEE addresses for Agilent AA-DUO operation 40
Configuring the SPS 4 autosampler 41
Determining the SPS 4 COM port 42
Configuring the software to use manual sampling 42
USB to RS-232 interfaces 43
Starting the SpectrAA software 44
SpectrAA Release Notes and Software Status Bulletin 44
Installing the drivers for the Tube-CAM Furnace Camera option 45
Printer setup 45
Troubleshooting 45
Service installation module 45
4Software Overview 47
Starting the SpectrAA software 47
SpectrAA windows 47
Index page 47
Worksheet window 48
Reports window 49
Administration window 50
Working with the SpectrAA software 50
Menu bar 50
Toolbar 50
Dialog boxes 50
Help 51

Contents
6 Agilent 240/280 Series AA (including Zeeman)
Searching for help 51
5Getting Started 53
Instrument setup 53
Connections 53
Power 54
Moving your instrument 55
Starting the system 55
Pre-analysis checklist 55
6Maintenance and Troubleshooting 57
Schedule 58
Daily 58
Weekly 58
Yearly 59
Cleaning 59
Instrument surfaces 59
Windows 60
Filters 60
Gas cylinders 60
Preventing flashbacks 60
Spare parts 61

Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent 240/280 Series AA (including Zeeman) 7
1Safety Practices and Hazards
General 7
Verifying safe state 8
Electrical hazards 8
Heat, vapors and fumes 9
Compressed gases and cylinders 10
Gas hoses and connections 11
Ultraviolet radiation 11
Other 12
Warning symbols 12
Color coding 13
CE compliance 14
Electromagnetic compatibility 14
Flame operation 15
Flashbacks 22
Furnace and Zeeman operation 24
General
Your Agilent AA instrument and accessories have been carefully designed so that
when used properly you have an accurate, fast, flexible and safe analytical system.
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the
protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.
Operation of an atomic absorption spectrometer can involve the use of
compressed gases, flames, and hazardous materials including corrosive fluids and
flammable liquids. Unskilled, improper, or careless use of this instrument can
create explosion hazards, fire hazards, or other hazards that can cause death,
serious injury to personnel, or severe damage to equipment and property.
Information on safety practices is provided with your instrument and operation
manuals, and also referenced in your Agilent accessory manuals. Thoroughly read
these safety practices before using your instrument or accessories.
Observe all relevant safety practices always.

Safety Practices and Hazards
8 Agilent 240/280 Series AA (including Zeeman)
The safety practices described below are provided to help you operate the
instrument safely. Read each safety topic thoroughly before attempting to operate
the instrument and always operate the spectrometer in accordance with these
safety practices. Only trained operators should use this instrument.
Verifying safe state
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all phases of
operation, maintenance and service of this instrument.
To ensure continued safety of the instrument after maintenance or service
procedures verify the instrument is returned to a safe state for the user. This
includes running performance checks to verify the instruments safety systems are
functioning correctly. Check the general condition of the instrument during
operation for wear or signs of corrosion that are likely to inhibit function or safety.
Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings elsewhere in
this manual violates safety standards of design, manufacture, and intended use of
the instrument. Agilent Technologies assumes no liability for the customer’s
failure to comply with these requirements.
Electrical hazards
The instrument and accessories contain electrical circuits, devices, and
components operating at dangerous voltages. Contact with these circuits, devices
and components can cause death, serious injury, or painful electric shock.
Panels and covers that are retained by fasteners which require the use of a tool for
removal must only be opened by Agilent field service engineers. Consult the
manuals or product labels supplied with your PC, monitor, printer/plotter, water-
cooling system, and vacuum pump (where required) to determine which parts are
operator-accessible.
Application of the wrong supply voltage, connection of the instrument to an
incorrectly wired supply outlet, or lack of proper electrical grounding can create a
fire hazard or a potentially serious shock hazard. This could seriously damage the
instrument and any attached ancillary equipment.

Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent 240/280 Series AA (including Zeeman) 9
Always use a 3-wire outlet with ground connection that is adequately rated for the
load. The installation must comply with local and national safety regulations. Use
only an Agilent supplied power cord. Replace the power cord only with a cord
equivalent to the one specified in the AA Site Preparation Guide.
Do not connect the instrument to the mains power supply until you have made
sure that the operating voltage is correctly set for the mains power supply in the
specific outlet in your laboratory to which the equipment is connected.
WARNING
Electrical shock hazard
To avoid electric shock this equipment must be disconnected from the
mains supply before servicing.
Heat, vapors and fumes
Heat, vapors and fumes generated by flame, furnace and vapor generation
methods can be hazardous to personnel.
Heat, vapors and fumes must be extracted from the instrument by an exhaust
system. The instrument must be vented into a self-contained arrangement of
collector hood, ducting, and exhaust fan. The system must be vented to the
outside air, never within the building. Locate the system outlet such that the
exhaust cannot re-enter the building through any door, window, air conditioning
inlet, or other ventilator. Construct the system in accordance with local codes and
regulations for ventilation.
The exhaust system must provide an exhaust ventilation rate of at least 6 cubic
meters per minute (200 cfm). Locate the exhaust fan at least 3 meters (10 feet)
away from the flame and as close to the outlet as possible. The motor must be
mounted away from the hot gases, and plastic parts must not be used as they will
melt. Fit a back-draft damper to the outlet end of the system. Equip the exhaust
fan power supply with an indicator close to the instrument to indicate whether the
exhaust fan is on or off. Always switch on the exhaust fan before lighting the
flame.
Use fireproof ducting that is in accordance with your local fire prevention
regulations. Locate the ducting away from fire alarms, sprinkler heads, and other

Safety Practices and Hazards
10 Agilent 240/280 Series AA (including Zeeman)
heat-sensitive devices. Do not make solder joints in the ducting—the hot exhaust in
the duct may melt the joint.
Regularly check the system by smoke test to ensure that the exhaust system is
working.
When operating the atomic absorption spectrometer, always have the chimney in
place to ensure correct ventilation.
Compressed gases and cylinders
All compressed gases (other than air) can create a hazard if they leak into the
atmosphere. Even small leaks in gas supply systems can be dangerous. Any leak
(except that of air) can create an explosion hazard, a fire hazard, or result in an
oxygen–deficient atmosphere. Such hazards can cause death, serious injury,
asphyxiation, anesthetic effects, and serious damage to equipment and property.
Cylinders must be stored and handled strictly in accordance with local safety
codes and regulations. Cylinders must be used and stored only in a vertical
position. Secure all cylinders to an immovable structure or a properly constructed
cylinder stand. The area in which cylinders are stored must be adequately
ventilated to prevent toxic or explosive accumulations. Move cylinders only on a
properly constructed trolley. Never locate gas cylinders near a source of ignition or
in a position that is subject to direct heat.
Keep cylinders cool. This rule applies to every cylinder of compressed gas.
Cylinders have pressure relief devices that release the contents of the cylinder if
the temperature exceeds 52 °C (125 °F).
Ensure that all cylinders are clearly labeled so that there can be no doubt about the
contents. If the cylinder label is not legible, do not use the cylinder—return it to your
supplier. Always ensure that you have the right cylinder before connecting the
cylinder to the instrument.
If air is supplied from a compressor, all moisture must be extracted from the air
before it is supplied to the gas control module. Moisture can affect the internal
components of the gas control system and create a potentially hazardous
situation.
Use only approved regulators and hose connectors.
Never attempt to refill cylinders.

Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent 240/280 Series AA (including Zeeman) 11
Remember that for cylinder connections, left-hand thread fittings are used for fuel;
right-hand thread fittings are used for support gases.
When your analytical program is complete, or at the end of the working day,
always ensure that all gas supplies are turned off at the cylinders.
Gas hoses and connections
Even small leaks in gas supply systems can be dangerous. Any leak can create an
explosion hazard, a fire hazard, or can result in an oxygen-deficient atmosphere.
Such hazards can cause death, serious injury, asphyxiation, anesthetic effects, and
serious damage to equipment and property.
Use only approved regulators, connectors, and fittings. If in any doubt, consult your
local gas supplier or your Agilent representative.
Ensure that all gas connectors and hoses are correctly assembled.
Arrange gas hoses so that they will not be damaged, stepped on, or have things
dropped on them.
Never use frayed or damaged hoses.
Perform leak tests at all joints and seals every day before the instrument is used.
Test for leaks with a brush and soapy water or a proprietary leak-detecting
solution. Never use a naked flame when testing for leaks.
Ultraviolet radiation
Flames, hollow cathode lamps, and deuterium lamps emit hazardous ultraviolet
radiation. This radiation can cause serious damage to human eyes and skin.
Always wear safety glasses conforming to an approved standard, and certified or
otherwise warranted to protect the eyes from ultraviolet radiation. Never look
directly at the light emitted by a hollow cathode lamp.
When using a flame, always operate your spectrometer with the flame shield
closed, and the sample compartment front panel and chimney in place.

Safety Practices and Hazards
12 Agilent 240/280 Series AA (including Zeeman)
Other
Other messages appear in the manual and in the online Help where appropriate,
and detail advice, information specific to the topic, or helpful tips.
NOTE A ‘Note’ message is used to give advice or information.
Warning symbols
The following is a list of symbols that appear in conjunction with warnings in this
manual and on the spectrometer. The hazard they describe is also shown. A
warning icon indicates the beginning of the warning text:
WARNING
A triangular symbol indicates a warning. The meanings of the symbols that appear
alongside warnings in the documentation or on the instrument itself are as
follows:
Corrosive liquids Electrical shock
Explosion hazard
Eye hazard
Fire hazard
Heavy weight
(danger to feet)
Heavy weight
(danger to hands)
Hot surface
Magnetic field
Moving part
Noxious gases
Sharp object
Toxic material

Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent 240/280 Series AA (including Zeeman) 13
Read all warnings and cautions carefully and observe them always.
The following symbol may be used on warning labels attached to the instrument.
When you see this symbol, refer to the relevant operation or service manual for the
correct procedure referred to by that warning label.
The following symbols appear on the instrument for your information.
I
Mains power on
0
Mains power off
Fuse
Single phase alternating current
Flame off
Flame on
Indicates lamp present
Disconnect all power plugs.
Caution, disconnect all supplies, risk of electric shock
Color coding
The various indicator lights appearing on Agilent instruments and associated
accessories are color coded to represent the status of the instrument or
accessory.

Safety Practices and Hazards
14 Agilent 240/280 Series AA (including Zeeman)
A green light indicates that the instrument is in normal/standby mode.
An orange light indicates that a potential hazard is present.
A blue light indicates that operator intervention is required.
A red light warns of danger or an emergency.
CE compliance
Your Agilent AA instrument has been designed to comply with the requirements of
the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive and the Low Voltage (electrical
safety) Directive (commonly referred to as the LVD) of the European Union. Agilent
has confirmed that each product complies with the relevant Directives by testing a
prototype against the prescribed EN (European Norm) standards.
Proof that a product complies with these directives is indicated by:
The CE Marking appearing on the rear of the product, and
The documentation package that accompanies the product containing a copy
of the Declaration of Conformity. The Declaration of Conformity is the legal
declaration by Agilent that the product complies with the directives listed
above, and shows the EN standards to which the product was tested to
demonstrate compliance.
Electromagnetic compatibility
EN55011/CISPR11
Group 1 ISM equipment: group 1 contains all ISM equipment in which there is
intentionally generated and/or used conductively coupled radio- frequency energy
that is necessary for the internal functioning of the equipment itself.
Class A equipment is equipment suitable for use in all establishments other than
domestic and those directly connected to a low voltage power supply network that
supplies buildings used for domestic purposes.
This device complies with the requirements of CISPR11, Group 1, Class A as
radiation professional equipment. Therefore, there may be potential difficulties in

Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent 240/280 Series AA (including Zeeman) 15
ensuring electromagnetic compatibility in other environments, due to conducted
as well as radiated disturbances.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1This device may not cause harmful interference.
2This device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try one or more of the following measures:
1Relocate the radio or antenna.
3Move the device away from the radio or television.
4Plug the device into a different electrical outlet, so that the device and the
radio or television are on separate electrical circuits.
5Make sure that all peripheral devices are also certified.
6Make sure that appropriate cables are used to connect the device to peripheral
equipment.
Consult your equipment dealer, Agilent Technologies, or an experienced technician
for assistance.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Agilent Technologies could
void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
ICES/NMB-001
This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES- 001.
Cet appareil ISM est conforme à la norme NMB-001 du Canada.
Flame operation
Flammable solvents
Unskilled, improper, or careless use of flammable solvents in or near an atomic
absorption spectrometer can create explosion hazards and fire hazards. This can
result in death, or severe personal injury or burns.

Safety Practices and Hazards
16 Agilent 240/280 Series AA (including Zeeman)
Remember always that the combination of a flame and flammable solvents can
present a serious hazard. All relevant safety practices governing the use of
flammable solvents must be strictly followed.
To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion:
When initially selecting an organic solvent, choose a solvent having the
highest flash point consistent with your analytical requirements.
Never use a solvent having a specific gravity lower than 0.75.
Never leave uncovered containers of flammable solvent standing near the
burner. When aspirating such solvents, always use a covered container and
feed the capillary tubing through a 2-mm diameter hole in the cover. Always
use the smallest volume of solvent consistent with your analytical
requirements.
Always use solvent-resistant tubing such as nitrile rubber for the drainage
system and the vapor vent. Lead the drainage tube to a suitable wide-necked
waste vessel (as described in the next paragraph). The standard plastic
laboratory tubing supplied with your instrument is not suitable for draining
organic solvents or venting organic vapors. If organic or toxic solutions are
being used in the spray chamber, vent tubing must be connected to the vapor
vent on the liquid trap, run parallel to the drain tubing, and led to an active
exhaust system. Do NOT lead the vapor tubing to the waste vessel. If you are
not using toxic or hazardous liquids in the spray chamber, leave the vapor vent
uncovered.
Use small, wide-necked waste vessels and empty them frequently—do not
accumulate large volumes of flammable solvent. Do not use glass waste
vessels—use vessels made of a material that will not shatter in the event of a
flashback. Metal vessels will corrode and it is difficult to determine the level of
liquid in them. Ensure that your waste vessel is below the instrument and
located in an open, well-ventilated position where you can see it. Never locate
the vessel in a confined space.
When your analytical program has been completed, or at the end of the
working day, always empty and rinse the waste vessel.
When your analytical program has been completed, or at the end of the
working day, always empty, clean, and refill the liquid trap.
Do not mix nitric or perchloric acid residues with organic solvent residues.
Keep the burner slot, spray chamber, and liquid trap clean.
Always use the internal igniter to light the flame as the flame will not operate
unless all the safety interlocks are satisfied. Do not attempt to bypass these
safety interlocks.

Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent 240/280 Series AA (including Zeeman) 17
Figure 1. System setup diagram
Compressed gases and cylinders for flame operation
This spectrometer must only be used with air, nitrous oxide, and acetylene for
flame operation.
Never use oxygen or oxygen-enriched air as the oxidant because this results in an
explosion.
Never use any gas except acetylene as the fuel gas.
Acetylene
Unskilled, improper, or careless use of acetylene can create explosion hazards and
fire hazards that can result in death, severe personal injury, or burns.
Use acetylene at pressures lower than 105 kPa (15 psig). At pressures above this
level, acetylene can explode spontaneously. Your Agilent AA is designed to operate
at fuel supply pressures between 65 and 100 kPa (9.5–14.5 psig). Refer to the
‘Specifications’ section or the rear of the instrument for the exact range and
recommended pressure.
Do not use any tubing or connector that reacts chemically with acetylene. Never
pass acetylene through copper tubing, or brass tubing or fittings containing more
than 65% copper, since this may provoke an explosion. Never bring acetylene into
direct contact with copper, silver, liquid mercury, gaseous chlorine, or grease, as an
explosion could result.
Exhaust
system
operating
Chimney
Burner
adjuster
Vapor vent
Drain tubing must slope downwards
for full length with no kinks
Keep the end of the tube
above the highest liquid level
Large stable base
Wide waste vessel opening
Small, non-glass
waste vessel in
full view of the
operator

Safety Practices and Hazards
18 Agilent 240/280 Series AA (including Zeeman)
Use only acetylene that is packed in acetone. Some gas suppliers offer acetylene
packed in material other than acetone. While these alternatives may overcome
some of the disadvantages of acetone, they may also introduce the more serious
problem of corrosion in the gas control module and must not be used with Agilent
atomic absorption spectrometers.
If the pressure in the acetylene cylinder is allowed to fall below 700 kPa (100 psig),
or the consumption is greater than 1/7 of the cylinder contents per hour, acetone
may be carried over from the cylinder and into the spectrometer. Acetone in the
spectrometer can damage seals, O-rings and hoses, degrade analytical
performance and precipitate flashbacks.
Minimize the amount of acetone that is carried over with the acetylene by:
Replacing cylinders when their contents pressure drops below 700 kPa (100
psi)
Ensuring that the rate of acetylene drawn off from each cylinder is not
excessive.
If high rates of consumption are observed, then connect two or more cylinders in
parallel to a manifold. This reduces the rate at which acetylene is drawn from each
cylinder.
To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion:
Test the supply ‘plumbing’ regularly for leaks with a brush and soapy water or
a proprietary leak-detecting solution (never use a naked flame when testing for
leaks)
‘Crack’ the cylinder before use by gently opening the valve to check for any
drops or spray of acetone. Any cylinder showing acetone should be returned
to the supplier for replacement.
Use ‘Instrument Grade’ acetylene that is at least 99.5% pure.
Turn off fuel gas at the cylinder when you have completed your flame analysis.
Refer also to your local regulations governing the use of acetylene.
Nitrous oxide
The decompression of high-pressure N2O gas at the regulator can cause
excessive cooling and eventual freezing of the regulator. To prevent regulator
malfunction and possible flashback, the gas should be heated with an in-line or
wrap-around heater.

Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent 240/280 Series AA (including Zeeman) 19
Burners
Improper or careless use of burners can create explosion hazards and fire hazards
that can cause death, serious injury to personnel and damage to equipment and
property.
Whenever you handle burners, remember that the burner may be very hot. Always
use protective gloves to handle burners. Note the burner will remain hot for some
time after the flame has been turned off.
Burners are clearly identified by the fuel/oxidant combination for which they are
intended. Always fit the correct burner. Never attempt to use an air-acetylene
burner for nitrous oxide-acetylene, as this causes a flashback.
If the width of the burner slot exceeds 0.47 mm (0.0185 in) for a nitrous-
oxide/acetylene burner or 0.54 mm (0.021 in) for an air/acetylene burner, the
burner cannot be refurbished and must be replaced with a new one.
To ensure safe operation of burners:
Use only acetylene as the fuel gas.
Use only air or nitrous oxide as oxidant. Never attempt to use oxygen or
oxygen-enriched air, as this causes a flashback.
Burner interlocks are incorporated to minimize the possibility of using the
wrong burner. Never interfere with or attempt to bypass any interlock fitted to
this instrument.
To minimize the rate of burner blockage, the burner slot must be cleaned and
polished as described in the ‘Maintenance’ section.
Never allow burners to become blocked. Progressive burner blockage can
increase the static pressure in the liquid trap to the point at which the liquid
seal is breached. This can cause a flashback and create an explosion hazard
or a fire hazard.
Never allow carbon to build up on the slot, as glowing particles can dislodge
and fall through the slot, causing a flashback.
Always turn off the flame before attempting to clean the burner slot. Never
clean the slot of a burner while a flame is running.
Never leave a flame unattended.
Never disassemble or modify a burner. Never use a damaged burner.

Safety Practices and Hazards
20 Agilent 240/280 Series AA (including Zeeman)
Nebulizer
Incorrect assembly and fitting of nebulizers to an atomic absorption spectrometer
can create explosion hazards and fire hazards that can cause serious injury to
personnel and damage to equipment and property.
Ensure that the nebulizer is correctly assembled and correctly fitted to the spray
chamber before lighting the flame. Nebulizers should be correctly adjusted before
lighting the flame.
Never remove a nebulizer from the spray chamber while the flame is on, and do
not use a mechanical device (for example, a wire) to clean the capillary of a
nebulizer while a flame is operating. Always extinguish the flame before removing
the nebulizer from the spray chamber.
Regularly test all connections for leaks. Rectify all leaks before lighting the flame.
Liquid trap
Improper use of the liquid trap can create explosion hazards, fire hazards, and
toxic vapor hazards that can result in death or serious personal injury.
The liquid trap interlock is incorporated to minimize the possibility of attempting to
operate the instrument with an empty trap or with the drain tube missing. Never
interfere with this interlock. Never attempt to bypass this interlock.
Always fill the liquid trap with the same solvent that is being used for your
samples.
The trap is designed to provide a liquid seal under all normal conditions with
solutions having a specific gravity greater than 0.75. Never use a solution or
solvent having a specific gravity lower than 0.75, otherwise the liquid seal can be
breached. This can create a flashback and create an explosion hazard or a fire
hazard.
A length of tubing must be connected to the drain outlet on the trap and led to a
suitable waste vessel. The free end of the tubing must remain above the liquid in
the waste vessel. Do not use glass waste vessels—use vessels made of a material
that will not shatter in the event of a flashback.
A length of tubing should be connected to the vapor vent (the upper nipple) on the
liquid trap when you are analyzing organic or toxic liquids. This tubing should be
led out from the sample compartment, parallel to the drain tubing, and must slope
downwards to enable any liquid overflow to drain out and prevent the tubing from
becoming blocked. Do not lead the vapor tubing to the waste vessel. If necessary,
an active exhaust system should be used to draw away toxic vapors. If you are not
analyzing solutions of a toxic nature, leave the vapor outlet uncovered.