Agilent Technologies 6820 User manual

Agilent Technologies
Agilent 6820 Gas
Chromatograph
Getting Started
制沪00000201号

2Getting Started
Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2003, 2004,
2005
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
G1176-97010 (Chinese)
G1176-90010 (English)
Edition
Second edition, April 2005
First edition, February 2004
Replaces part number G1176-90002
Printed in China
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
412 Ying Lun Road
Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone
Shanghai 200131 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 connec-
tion with the furnishing, use, or per-
formance 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.
Safety Notices
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a haz-
ard. It calls attention to an operat-
ing 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.
Acknowledgements
Swagelok® is a registered trademark of the
Swagelok Company.
Microsoft®, Windows XP®, and
Windows® are registered trademarks of the
Microsoft Corporation.

Getting Started 3
Contents
1 The 6820 Gas Chromatograph
Important Safety Warnings 12
Many internal parts of the GC carry dangerous voltages 12
Electrostatic discharge is a threat to GC electronics 12
Many parts are dangerously hot 13
Fibrous insulation 13
Hydrogen 14
Electron capture safety 15
ECD warnings 15
Safety precautions when handling ECDs 16
Safety and Regulatory Certifications 17
Information 17
Symbols 18
Cleaning 19
Recycling the Product 19
2 Site Preparation
Checklist 22
Benchtop Space Requirements 23
Venting toxic or noxious gases 24
Electrical Requirements 25
Grounding 25
Line voltage 25
Operating Environment 27
Gas Purity 28
Carrier Gases 29
Gas Plumbing 30

4Getting Started
Two-Stage Pressure Regulators 31
Traps 32
Valve Actuator Air 33
3 Installing the GC
Gas Plumbing 36
Step 1. Place the GC on the Bench and Open the Oven Door 38
Step 2. Connect Carrier, Detector and Valve Actuator Gases and
Check for External Leaks 39
Install traps in the gas supply tubing 40
Attach tubing to the inlet and detector fittings 41
Check the gas fittings for leaks 41
Attach valve actuator air (optional) 42
Attach ECD vent tubing (if ECDs present) 43
Step 3. Set the Gas Pressures and Purge the System 44
Set source pressures 44
Set internal regulator pressures 45
Purge the gas supply systems 46
4 Preparing for Operation
Step 4. Install the Column Hanger and the Checkout Column 48
Step 5. Prepare the Checkout Column 49
Step 6. Connect the Checkout Column to the Inlet 51
Step 6a. Connect the column to a split/splitless inlet 52
Step 6b. Connect the column to a purged packed inlet 55
Step 7. Connect Power and Turn On the GC 59
Step 8. Condition the Column 61

Getting Started 5
Step 9. Connect the Appropriate Cables 63
Other cables 64
Other communications issues 64
LAN cable 65
RS-232 cable, G1530-60600 67
Agilent analog signal cable, G1530-60570 68
Agilent remote start/stop cable, 03396-61010 69
General purpose analog signal cable, G1530-60560 69
General purpose remote start/stop cable, 35900-60670 70
Agilent integrator signal inputs 71
Step 10. Connect the Checkout Column to the Detector 72
Step 10a. Connect the column to an FID or NPD 72
Step 10b. Connect the column to a TCD 74
Step 10c. Connect the column to an ECD 75
5 Checking Performance
Tools and Consumables 78
Step 11. Set the Checkout Conditions 79
Detector flows 79
Lighting the FID flame 79
Carrier gas flow 80
Entering checkout method setpoints 80
Working with Cerity Chemical 80
Working with an integrator 80
FID checkout conditions 82
TCD checkout conditions 83
ECD checkout conditions 84
NPD checkout conditions 85
Step 12. Analyze the Checkout Sample 86
Prepare the sample 86
Load the syringe 86
Inject the sample 86

6Getting Started
Step 13. Compare Results to the Expected Chromatogram 87
Typical FID checkout chromatograms 88
Typical TCD checkout chromatograms 89
Typical ECD checkout chromatograms 90
Typical NPD checkout chromatogram 91
A Swagelok Connections
Making Swagelok Connections 94
Using a Swagelok Tee 98
B Factory Plumbing
FID 101
FID / FID 102
TCD 103
TCD / TCD 104
ECD 105
ECD / ECD 106
NPD 107
NPD / NPD 108
ECD/ FID 109
ECD/ NPD 111
TCD / FID 112
TCD / ECD 113
TCD / NPD 114
NPD / FID 115

Getting Started 7
Your 6820 User Information Products
Available Learning Products The learning products for the Agilent Technologies 6820 Gas
Chromatograph (GC) consist of four manuals and a poster. Use
the poster as a guide during installation of your new
instrument. The five manuals are provided in a printable format
on the CD-ROM (part number G1176-90005) included with the
GC.
The easiest way to access the manuals on the CD is to insert it
into a computer CD drive, browse to the CD, and run the file
setup.exe. This installation program will put shortcuts in your
computer’s Start menu that will link to the manuals (either
copied to your computer’s hard drive or on the CD-ROM). In
Microsoft® Windows® 2000 and XP®, these shortcuts will be
installed in the following path (by default):
Start/All Programs/Agilent/6820 (XP)
Start/Programs/Agilent/6820 (2000)
Alternately, you can browse the CD-ROM, and open the files
directly.
Site Preparation and
Installation
The documents listed below are designed to quickly and easily
guide you through the process of installing and verifying the
performance of the 6820 GC.
Installation Poster
Start here. This poster provides an overview of the installation
process and summarizes important safety information about
the instrument. For each installation step, find detailed
instructions in the Getting Started manual.
Getting Started (this manual)
Read this during installation and setup. This guide provides
detailed site preparation information and the step-by-step
instructions you will need to:
1Prepare your working space
2Provide the appropriate GC supplies
3Install the GC hardware

8Getting Started
4Install the GC software (if using Cerity Chemical)
5Configure the GC for use
6Verify that the GC is working properly
By following these steps you will also learn some simple but
important operating tasks that you will perform frequently.
Daily Use and Operation Operation
This guide provides all supplemental information and
procedures needed for everyday GC operation. Read the
Operation manual to learn:
• Important GC features
• How to use the controls to run samples
• How the GC provides feedback to you about its performance
• How to program analysis settings
• How to program the 6820 to automate tasks
• How the GC components (inlet, detector, column oven, etc.)
can impact your analysis
• How to configure the GC when changing or modifying
hardware
• How to safely shut down the GC when not in use
• How to work safely when using the electron capture detector
by using highly recommended safety precautions

Getting Started 9
When You Need More
Information
When you are ready to learn more about your instrument or if
the instrument is in need of maintenance, refer to the following
manuals as needed. The information in them is arranged so that
you can learn at your own pace, reading only the information
you need.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
This manual provides troubleshooting information and
procedures, and also step-by-step maintenance procedures. It
describes:
• What error messages mean and what to do about them
• Chromatographic troubleshooting techniques
• How to replace consumable items, such as inlet liners and
septa
• How to perform simple performance enhancement
procedures, such as detector thermal cleaning
• How to diagnose and resolve certain hardware-related
performance and operating problems

10 Getting Started
In This Guide…
This document is concerned with installing the 6820 Gas
Chromatograph (the GC) in your laboratory, connecting it to
your data recording or processing equipment, and verifying that
it is operating correctly.
1 The 6820 Gas Chromatograph
A general description of the GC appears in this chapter. It
includes general warnings (heat, shock, etc.) that apply to the
entire GC.
2 Site Preparation
This chapter describes the things you must do (or have done)
before installing the GC in your laboratory.
3 Installing the GC
This chapter contains installation procedures for the GC. Most
of the steps apply to all GC systems. Some are optional, such as
plumbing for valve actuator air.
4 Preparing for Operation
Before checking the performance of your GC, perform the
preliminary steps described in this chapter.
5 Checking Performance
To check the performance of your GC, run the sample mixture
for your detectors as described in this chapter.
ASwagelokConnections
The GC and gas tubing use many Swagelok fittings. If you are not
familiar with Swagelok connections, review these procedures.
B Factory Plumbing
The factory standard plumbing designs—how you may expect
the GC to be plumbed when you unpack it—appear here.

11
Agilent 6820 Gas Chromatograph
Getting Started
Agilent Technologies
1
The 6820 Gas Chromatograph
Important Safety Warnings 12
Many internal parts of the GC carry dangerous voltages 12
Electrostatic discharge is a threat to GC electronics 12
Many parts are dangerously hot 13
Fibrous insulation 13
Hydrogen 14
Electron capture safety 15
Safety and Regulatory Certifications 17
Information 17
Symbols 18
Cleaning 19
Recycling the Product 19
The Agilent Technologies 6820 Gas Chromatograph is referred
to as “the GC” throughout this manual.
The GC is capable of up to two inlets and two detectors.
Available inlets:
•Purged packed inlet for packed columns
•Split/splitless inlet for capillary columns
Available detectors:
•Flame ionization detector (FID)
•Thermal conductivity detector (TCD)
•Electron capture detector (ECD)
•Nitrogen phosphorus detector (NPD)

12 Getting Started
The 6820 Gas Chromatograph
Important Safety Warnings
Before moving on, there are several important safety notices
that you should always keep in mind when using the 6820 GC.
Many internal parts of the GC carry dangerous voltages
If the GC is connected to a power source, even if the power
switch is off, potentially dangerous voltages exist on:
•The wiring between the GC power cord and the AC power
supply, the AC power supply itself, and the wiring from the
AC power supply to the power switch.
With the power switch on, potentially dangerous voltages also
exist on:
•All electronics boards in the instrument
•The internal wires and cables connected to these boards.
•The wires for any heater (oven, detector, inlet, or valve box)
Electrostatic discharge is a threat to GC electronics
The printed circuit (PC) boards in the GC can be damaged by
electrostatic discharge. Do not touch any of the boards unless it
is absolutely necessary. If you must handle them, wear a
grounded wrist strap and take other antistatic precautions.
Wear a grounded wrist strap any time you must remove the GC
right side cover.
WARNING All these parts are shielded by covers. With the covers in place, it
should be difficult to accidentally make contact with dangerous
voltages. Unless specifically instructed to, never remove a cover
unless the detector, inlet, or oven are turned off.
WARNING If the power cord insulation is frayed or worn, the cord must be
replaced. Contact your Agilent service representative.

The 6820 Gas Chromatograph
Getting Started 13
Many parts are dangerously hot
Many parts of the GC operate at temperatures high enough to
cause serious burns. These parts include but are not limited to:
•The inlets
•The oven and its contents
•The detectors
•The column nuts attaching the column to an inlet or detector
•The valve box
You should always cool these areas of the GC to room
temperature before working on them. They will cool faster if you
first set the temperature of the heated zone to room
temperature. Turn the zone off after it has reached the setpoint.
If you must perform maintenance on hot parts, use a wrench
and wear gloves. Whenever possible, cool the part of the
instrument that you will be maintaining before you begin
working on it.
Fibrous insulation
The insulation around the inlets, detectors, valve box, and the
insulation cups is made of refractory ceramic fibers. To avoid
inhaling fiber particles, we recommend the following safety
procedures:
•Ventilate your work area
•Wear long sleeves, gloves, safety glasses, and a disposable
dust/mist respirator
•Dispose of insulation in a sealed plastic bag
•Wash your hands with mild soap and cold water after
handling the insulation.
WARNING Be careful when working behind the instrument. During cool-down
cycles, the GC emits hot exhaust which can cause burns.

14 Getting Started
The 6820 Gas Chromatograph
Hydrogen
Hydrogen gas may be used as carrier gas, and/or as fuel for the
FID. When mixed with air, hydrogen can form explosive
mixtures.
When using hydrogen gas, check the system for leaks to prevent
possible fire and explosion hazards based on local
Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) requirements. Always
check for leaks after changing a tank or servicing the gas lines.
Always make sure the vent line is vented into a fume hood.
WARNING When using hydrogen (H2) as the carrier gas or fuel gas, be aware
that hydrogen gas can flow into the oven and create an explosion
hazard. Therefore, be sure that the supply is off until all connections
are made, and ensure that the inlet and detector column fittings are
either connected to a column or capped at all times when hydrogen
gas is supplied to the instrument.
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.
WARNING The GC cannot detect leaks in inlet and/or detector gas streams. For
this reason, it is vital that column fittings should always be either
connected to a column, or have a cap or plug installed.

The 6820 Gas Chromatograph
Getting Started 15
Electron capture safety
ECD warnings
Although beta particles at the energy level used in the 6820 ECD
have little penetrating power —the surface layer of the skin or a
few sheets of paper will stop most of them—they may be
hazardous if the isotope is ingested or inhaled. For this reason
the cell must be handled with care: radioactive leak tests must
be performed at the required intervals, the inlet and outlet
fittings must be capped when the detector is not in use,
corrosive chemicals must not be introduced into the detector,
and the effluent from the detector must be vented outside the
laboratory environment.
•After turning off the main power and allowing the
instrument to cool, cap the detector inlet and exhaust vent
openings. Wear disposable plastic gloves and observe normal
laboratory safety precautions.
•Return the cell for exchange. Contact your local sales office
for details.
•Include a letter stating the condition of abuse.
WARNING Materials that may react with the 63Ni source, either to form volatile
products or to cause physical degradation of the plated film, must be
avoided. These materials include oxidizing compounds, acids, wet
halogens, wet nitric acid, ammonium hydroxide, hydrogen sulfide,
PCBs, and carbon monoxide. This list is not exhaustive but indicates
the kinds of compounds that may cause damage to 63Ni detectors.
In the extremely unlikely event that both the oven and the detector
heated zone should go into thermal runaway (maximum,
uncontrolled heating in excess of 400 °C) at the same time, and that
the detector remains exposed to this condition for more than
12 hours, take the following steps:

16 Getting Started
The 6820 Gas Chromatograph
It is unlikely, even in this very unusual situation, that
radioactive material will escape the cell. However, permanent
damage to the 63Ni plating within the cell is possible, and
therefore, the cell must be returned for exchange.
Safety precautions when handling ECDs
Always observe the following precautions:
•Never eat, drink, or smoke when handling ECDs.
•Always wear safety glasses when working with or near open
ECDs.
•Wear protective clothing such as laboratory jackets, safety
glasses, and gloves, and follow good laboratory practices.
Wash hands thoroughly with a mild non-abrasive cleaner
after handling ECDs.
•Cap the inlet and outlet fittings when the ECD is not in use.
•Connect the ECD exhaust vent to a fume hood or vent it to
the outside.
Agilent Technologies recommends a vent line inside diameter
of 6 mm (1/4-inch) or greater. With a line of this diameter,
the length is not critical.
WARNING Do not use solvents to clean the ECD.
You may not open the ECD cell unless authorized to do so by your
local nuclear regulatory agency. Do not disturb the four socket-head
bolts. These hold the cell halves together. Removing or disturbing
them is a violation of the terms of the General License and could
create a safety hazard.

The 6820 Gas Chromatograph
Getting Started 17
Safety and Regulatory Certifications
The 6820 GC conforms to the following safety standards:
•Canadian Standards Association (CSA): C22.2 No. 1010.1
•CSA/Nationally Recognized Test Laboratory (NRTL):
ULG1010A-1
•International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC): 61010-1
•EuroNorm (EN): 61010-1
The 6820 GC conforms to the following regulations on
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Radio Frequency
Interference (RFI):
•CISPR 11/EN 55011: Group 1, Class A
•IEC/EN 61326
•AUS/NZ
This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001. Cet appareil
ISM est conforme a la norme NMB—001 du Canada.
The 6820 GC is designed and manufactured under a quality
system registered to ISO 9001.
Information
The Agilent Technologies 6820 Gas Chromatograph meets the
following IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission)
classifications: Safety Class I, Transient Overvoltage
Category II, Pollution Degree 2.
This unit has been designed and tested in accordance with
recognized safety standards and is 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. Whenever the safety protection of the 6820 Gas
Chromatograph has been compromised, disconnect the unit
from all power sources and secure the unit against unintended
operation.

18 Getting Started
The 6820 Gas Chromatograph
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel. Substituting
parts or performing any unauthorized modification to the
instrument may result in a safety hazard.
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 explosion hazard.
Indicates radioactivity hazard.
Indicates electrostatic discharge hazard.

The 6820 Gas Chromatograph
Getting Started 19
Cleaning
To clean the unit, disconnect the power and wipe down with a
damp, lint-free cloth.
Recycling the Product
For recycling, contact your local Agilent sales office.

20 Getting Started
The 6820 Gas Chromatograph