Agilent Technologies 490 User manual

Agilent Technologies
Agilent 490 
Micro Gas
Chromatograph
User Manual

Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2017
No part of this manual may be reproduced
in any form or by any means (including
electronic storage and retrieval or transla-
tion into a foreign language) without prior
agreement and written consent from 
Agilent Technologies, Inc. as governed by
United States and international copyright
laws.
Manual Part Number
G3581-90001
Edition
Sixth edition, November 2017
Printed in China
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
412 Ying Lun Road
Waigoaqiao Freed Trade Zone 
Shanghai 200131 P.R.China
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
accordance 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 sub-
contract, Software is delivered and
licensed as “Commercial computer soft-
ware” 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 software” as defined in FAR
52.227-19 (June 1987) or any equivalent
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subject to Agilent Technologies’ standard
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Departments and Agencies of the U.S. 
Government will receive no greater than
Restricted Rights as defined in FAR
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ment 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 oper-
ating 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.
WARNING
A WARNING 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 personal injury or death. Do not
proceed beyond a WARNING
notice until the indicated condi-
tions are fully understood and met.

490 Micro GC User Manual 3
Contents
1 Introduction
Safety Information 8
Important safety warnings 8
Hydrogen safety 8
Safety symbols 9
Safety and regulatory information 10
General safety precautions 10
Shipping Instructions 13
Cleaning 13
Instrument Disposal 13
2 Instrument Overview
Principle of Operation 16
Front View 17
Back View 18
Inside View 19
Carrier Gas Connection 21
Power 23
Power source 23
Power Requirements 23
Disposal 24
Specifications 24
Ambient Pressure 25
Ambient Temperature 25
Maximum Operation Altitude 25
Micro GC Cycle with Constant Pressure 26
Micro GC Cycle with Ramped Pressure 27
3 Installation and Use
Pre-Installation Requirements 30

4490 Micro GC User Manual
Inspect the Shipping Packages 30
Unpack the Micro GC 31
Review the Packing List 32
490 Micro GC Installation 33
Step 1: Connect carrier gas 33
Step 2: Connect to calibration gas or checkout sample 33
Step 3: Install power supply 33
Step 4: Connect to computer or local network 34
Step 5: Install Chromatography Data System 34
Step 6: Assign IP address 34
Restore the Factory Default IP Address 38
Create the Test Method 40
Perform a Series of Runs 41
Shut Down Procedure 42
Long Storage Recovery Procedure 42
4 Sample Gas Handling
Using the external filter unit 46
Heated sample lines 47
How to connect your sample to the 490 Micro GC 48
Rear inlet (heated or unheated) 48
Internal inlet 49
Internal bracket for Genie filter 51
490-Micro GC Optional Pressure Regulators 53
G3581-S0003 53
G581-S0004 56
Manual Injection 59
Manual injection guidelines 59
Injection Procedure 60
Field upgrade kits 60
Manual injection flow diagrams 61
5 GC Channels
Carrier Gas 66
Micro Electronic Gas Control (EGC) 67
Inert Sample Path 67
Injector 67

490 Micro GC User Manual 5
Column 68
Molsieve 5Å columns 69
CP-Sil 5 CB columns 70
CP-Sil CB columns 71
PoraPlot 10m column 72
Hayesep A 40 cm heated column 73
COX and AL203/KCI columns 74
MES (NGA) and CP-WAX 52 CB columns 75
Column conditioning 76
Backflush Option 77
Tuning the backflush time (except on a HayeSep A channel) 79
Tuning the backflush time on a HayeSep A channel 80
To disable backflush 81
Backflush to Detector 82
CP-Sil 5 CB Backflush to detector 82
Al2O3 Backflush to detector 82
Tuning the backflush time 83
To disable backflush 85
Set invert signal time 85
Checkout information 86
C6+ Calorific value calculation 88
TCD Detector 88
6 Channel Exchange and Installation
Tools required 90
Replacement procedure for Micro GC channel 91
Replacement procedure for Micro GC channel with RTS option 99
Replacement procedure for Molsieve filters with the RTS option 103
Carrier gas Tube Stop Modification Kit 105
7 Communications
Access the Connection Ports 108
490 Chromatography Data Systems 110
Ethernet Networks 111
IP Addresses 112
Example network configurations 112
USB VICI Valve 116
Configure Multiple VICI Valves with OpenLab EZchrom 116
USB Wi-Fi 118

6490 Micro GC User Manual
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 121
Glossary of network terms 121
External Digital I/O 123
External Analog I/O 124
8 Errors
Error Handling 126
Error List 127

7
Agilent 490 Micro Gas Chromatograph
User Manual
Agilent Technologies
1
Introduction
Safety Information 8
Shipping Instructions 13
Cleaning 13
Instrument Disposal 13
This chapter provides important information about using the
Agilent 490 Micro Gas Chromatograph (Micro GC) safely. To
prevent any injury to you or any damage to the instrument it is
essential that you read the information in this chapter.

8490 Micro GC User Manual
1Introduction
Safety Information
Important safety warnings
There are several important safety notices that you should always
keep in mind when using the Micro GC.
Hydrogen safety
Hydrogen is a commonly used GC carrier gas. When mixed with air,
hydrogen can form explosive mixtures and has other dangerous
characteristics.
•Hydrogen is combustible over a wide range of concentrations. At
atmospheric pressure, hydrogen is combustible at concentrations
from 4 % to 74.2 % by volume.
•Hydrogen has the highest burning velocity of any gas.
•Hydrogen has a very low ignition energy.
•Hydrogen that is allowed to expand rapidly from high pressure into
the atmosphere can self-ignite.
•Hydrogen burns with a nonluminous flame which can be invisible
under bright light.
WARNING
When
When handling or using chemicals for preparation or use within
the Micro GC, all applicable local and national laboratory safety
practices must be followed. This includes, but is not limited to,
correct use of Personal Protective Equipment, correct use of
storage vials, and correct handling of chemicals, as defined in the
laboratory’s internal safety analysis and standard operating
procedures. Failure to adhere to laboratory safety practices could
lead to injury or death.
WARNING
When using hydrogen (H2) as the carrier gas, be aware that hydrogen gas
can create a fire or explosion hazard. Be sure that the supply is turned off
until all connections are made.
Hydrogen is flammable. Leaks, when confined in an enclosed space, may
create a fire or explosion hazard. In any application using hydrogen, leak
test all connections, lines, and valves before operating the instrument.
Always turn off the hydrogen supply at its source before working on the
instrument.

Introduction 1
490 Micro GC User Manual 9
Safety symbols
Warnings in the manual or on the instrument must be observed during
all phases of operation, service, and repair of this instrument. Failure
to comply with these precautions violates safety standards of design
and the intended use of the instrument. Agilent Technologies assumes
no liability for the customer’s failure to comply with these
requirements.

See accompanying instructions for more
information.

Indicates a hot surface.

Indicates hazardous voltages.

Indicates earth (ground) terminal.

Indicates potential explosion hazard.

Indicates electrostatic discharge hazard.

Indicates a hazard. See the Agilent 490 GC user
documentation for the item labeled.

Indicates that you must not discard this
electrical/electronic product in domestic
household waste

10 490 Micro GC User Manual
1Introduction
Safety and regulatory information
This instrument and its accompanying documentation comply
with the CE specifications and the safety requirements for
electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory
use (CEI/IEC 1010-1)CCSAUS and FCC-b.
This device has been tested and found to comply with the limits
for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC
rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference when the equipment is
operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if
not installed and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications.
Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to
cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.
NOTICE This instrument has been tested per applicable
requirements of EMC Directive as required to carry the
European Union CE Mark. As such, this equipment may be
susceptible to radiation/interference levels or frequencies,
which are not within the tested limits.
General safety precautions
Follow the following safety practices to ensure safe equipment
operation:
•Perform periodic leak checks on all supply lines and
pneumatic plumbing.
•Do not allow gas lines to become kinked or punctured. Place
lines away from foot traffic and extreme heat or cold.
•Store organic solvents in fireproof, vented and clearly
labeled cabinets so they are easily identified as either toxic,
or flammable, or both types of materials.
•Do not accumulate waste solvents. Dispose of such materials
through a regulated disposal program and not through
municipal sewage lines.

Introduction 1
490 Micro GC User Manual 11
•Avoid exposure to potentially dangerous voltages.
Disconnect the instrument from all power sources before
removing protective panels.
•When it is necessary to use a non-original power cord and
plug, make sure the replacement cord adheres to the color
coding and polarity described in the manual and all local
building safety codes.
•Replace faulty or frayed power cords immediately with the
same type and rating.
•Place this instrument in a location with sufficient ventilation
to remove gases and vapors. Make sure there is enough space
around the instrument for it to cool off sufficiently.
•Before plugging the instrument in or turning the power on,
always make sure that the voltage and fuses are set
appropriately for your local power source.
•Do not turn on the instrument if there is a possibility of any
kind of electrical damage. Instead, disconnect the power cord
and contact your local Agilent sales office.
•The supplied power cord must be inserted into a power
outlet with a protective ground connection. When using an
extension cord, make sure that the cord is also properly
grounded.
•Do not change any external or internal grounding
connections, as this could endanger you or damage the
instrument.
WARNING
This instrument is designed for chromatographic analysis of
appropriately prepared samples. It must be operated using
appropriate gases or solvents and within specified maximum
ranges for pressure, flows, and temperatures as described in this
manual. If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the
manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.
WARNING
It is the responsibility of the customer to inform Agilent customer
support representatives if the instrument has been used for the
analysis of hazardous samples, prior to any instrument service
being performed or when an instrument is being returned for
repair.

12 490 Micro GC User Manual
1Introduction
•The instrument is properly grounded when shipped. You do
not need to make any changes to the electrical connections or
to the instrument chassis to ensure safe operation.
•When working with this instrument, follow the regulations
for Good Laboratory Practices (GLP). Take care to wear
safety glasses and appropriate clothing.
•Do not place containers with flammable liquids on this
instrument. Spilling liquid over hot parts may cause fire.
•This instrument may use flammable or explosive gases, such
as hydrogen gas under pressure. Before operating the
instrument be sure to be familiar with and to follow
accurately the operation procedures prescribed for those
gases.
•Never try to repair or replace any component that is not
described in this manual without the assistance of an Agilent
service engineer. Unauthorized repairs or modifications will
result in rejection of warranty claims.
•Always disconnect the AC power cord before attempting any
type of maintenance.
•Use proper tools when working on the instrument to prevent
danger to you or damage to the instrument.
•Do not attempt to replace any battery or fuse in this
instrument other than as specified in the manual.
•Damage can result if the instrument is stored under
unfavorable conditions for prolonged periods. (For example,
damage will occur if stored while subject to heat, water, or
other conditions exceeding the allowable operating
conditions).
•Do not shut off column flow when the oven temperature is
high, since this may damage the column.
•This unit has been designed and tested in accordance with
recognized safety standards and designed for use indoors.
•If the instrument is used in a manner not specified by the
manufacturer, the protection provided by the instrument
may be impaired.
•Substituting parts or performing any unauthorized
modification to the instrument may result in a safety hazard.
•Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the
responsible party for compliance could void the user's
authority to operate the equipment.

Introduction 1
490 Micro GC User Manual 13
Shipping Instructions
If your Micro GC must be shipped for any reason, it is very
important to follow these additional shipping preparation
instructions:
•Place all the vent caps on the back of the Micro GC (see
Figure 3 on page 18).
•Always include the power supply.
•Include, if used, the inlet filter(s).
Cleaning
To clean the surface of the Micro GC:
1Switch the Micro GC off.
2Remove the power cable.
3Put protection plugs on the sample and carrier gas inlets.
4Put protection plugs on the column vents.
5Use a soft brush (not hard or abrasive) to carefully brush
away all dust and dirt.
6Use a soft, clean cloth dampened with mild detergent to
clean the outside of the instrument.
•Never clean the inside of the instrument.
•Never use alcohol or thinners to clean the instrument;
these chemicals can damage the case.
•Be careful not to get water on the electronic components.
•Do not use compressed air to clean the instrument.
Instrument Disposal
When the Micro GC or its parts have reached the end of their
useful life, dispose of them in accordance with the
environmental regulations that are applicable in your country.

14 490 Micro GC User Manual
1Introduction

15
Agilent 490 Micro Gas Chromatograph
User Manual
Agilent Technologies
2
Instrument Overview
Principle of Operation 16
Front View 17
Back View 18
Inside View 19
Carrier Gas Connection 21
Power 23
Ambient Pressure 25
Ambient Temperature 25
Maximum Operation Altitude 25
Micro GC Cycle with Constant Pressure 26
Micro GC Cycle with Ramped Pressure 27
There are several versions of the Agilent 490 Micro GC. All of
them use GC channels, each of which consists of an Electronic
Gas Control (EGC) injector, column, and detector.
The Micro GC is a self-contained package with all of the normal
GC components. It is available as a dual channel cabinet version
(one or two GC channels) or a quad channel cabinet version (up
to four GC channels). A computer with a chromatography data
system (CDS) is needed to complete the system.
This chapter provides a brief overview of the 490 Micro GC.

16 490 Micro GC User Manual
2Instrument Overview
Principle of Operation
The 490 Micro GC can be equipped with one to four
independent column channels. Each column channel is a
complete, miniaturized GC with electronic carrier gas control,
micro-machined injector, narrow-bore analytical column and
micro thermal conductivity detector (µ TCD), Figure 1.
The 490 Micro GC analytical channels can optionally be
equipped with a back flush option. The advantages include the
protection of the stationary column phase against moisture and
carbon dioxide. Next to that, it results in shorter analysis times
as late elution compounds, which are not of interest, do not
enter the analytical column.
Figure 1 490 Micro GC setup

Instrument Overview 2
490 Micro GC User Manual 17
Front View
Figure 2 Front view of the 490 Micro GC
Ready LED
LED OFF: System not ready
LED ON: System is ready
Run LED
LED OFF: No run
LED blinking: Run in progress
Error LED
LED OFF: No error
LED blinking: Error present
See “Error List” on page 127
Power LED
LED OFF: No power
LED ON: Power OK
LED blinking: Voltage < 10 Volt
Sample 1 and Sample 2
Sample gas inlet connector (for unheated front
inlets)
See “Manual Injection” on page 59
Power On/Off Switch
Switch the Micro GC ON or OFF

18 490 Micro GC User Manual
2Instrument Overview
Back View
Figure 3 Back view of the 490 Micro GC
Power connector
Power connector (male)
See “Power” on page 23
Vents
It is possible to connect long vent lines to
these fittings in order to safely guide
hazardous fumes to a fume hood or other
appropriate vent.
Carrier gas input
Carrier gas input connector
See “Carrier Gas Connection” on
page 21

Instrument Overview 2
490 Micro GC User Manual 19
Inside View
Open the right side cover and the cable connectors will be
visible. See Figure 4.
Figure 4 Cable connectors (main board G3581-65000 shown)
Assign IP address switch
See “Ethernet Networks” on
page 111.
LAN indicators
Red LED: Transmit data
Green LED: Receive data
Ethernet (LAN)
connector
Ethernet RJ45
connector.
See “Ethernet
Networks” on page 111.
COM 1
RS-232 communication
interface
Digital I/O
Digital input and output
signals, such as
start_stop, ready_out,
and start_in.
See “External Digital
I/O” on page 123.
COM 3 and COM 4
RS-485 (4-wire)
communication interface.
See Table 1 on page 20.
Analog I/O
External analog I/O signals.
See “External Analog
I/O” on page 124.
COM 2
RS-232 (2-wire)
communication interface.
See “490 Chromatography
Data Systems” on
page 110.
USB
communication interface.
See “USB VICI Valve” on
page 116 and “USB
Wi-Fi” on page 118
SD Card Slot
No function supported.

20 490 Micro GC User Manual
2Instrument Overview
The Micro GC provides communications ports as shown in
Table 1, depending on the model.
Table 1 Micro GC communication ports
Port Connection 490 Micro GC 490-Mobile Micro GC 490-PRO Micro GC
LAN Ethernet Interface with PC Interface with PC Interface with PC
COM 1 RS232 Not available Not available Valco stream selector;
Serial MODBUS*
COM 2 RS232 Valco stream selector
Field case
LCD†
Valco stream selector
Field case
LCD†
Valco stream selector; 
Serial MODBUS*; 
LCD†
COM 3 RS485
RS232
RS422
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Serial MODBUS*
Not available
Not available
COM 4 RS485
RS232
RS422
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Not available
Serial MODBUS*
Not available
Not available
Analog I/O Analog I/O Analog I/O Analog I/O
Digital I/O Digital I/O; 
ready in - ready out; 
start in - start out; 
extension boards‡
Digital I/O; 
ready in - ready out; 
start in - start out; 
extension boards‡
Digital I/O; 
ready in - ready out; 
start in - start out; 
extension boards‡
USB VICI Valves, WIFI interface VICI Valves, WIFI interface,
USB Storage
VICI Valves, WIFI interface,
USB Storage
* Optional PRO license required
† Optional accessory
‡ Extension boards not included