Agilent Technologies 7820A GC Operating instructions

Agilent Technologies
Agilent 7820A GC
Site Preparation Guide

Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2009
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laws.
Manual Part Number
G4350-90016
Edition
First edition, March 2009
Printed in China
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
412 Ying Lun Road
Waigaoqiao Free Trade Zone
Shanghai 200131 P.R.China
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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.

7820A GC Site Preparation Guide 3
Contents
1 7820A GC Site Preparation
Customer Responsibilities 6
Site Preparation Good Practices 6
Agilent Technologies Installation and Familiarization Services 7
Computer Requirements 8
Dimensions and Weight 9
Power Consumption 10
Grounding 11
Heat Dissipation 12
Exhaust Venting 13
Environmental Conditions 14
Gas Selection 15
Gas Supply 17
Gas Plumbing 19
Supply tubing for carrier and detector gases 20
Two-stage pressure regulators 21
Pressure regulator-gas supply tubing connections 21
Traps 22
Maximum Length of Cables 23
Site LAN Network 24
Basic Tools and Consumables 25
2 7693A Automatic Liquid Sampler Site Preparation
Customer Responsibilities 28
Dimensions and Weight 28
Power Consumption 28
Environmental Conditions 29
Basic Tools 30
A Site Preparation Readiness
Before Contacting Agilent for Installation 32

47820A GC Site Preparation Guide

5
Agilent 7820A GC
Site Preparation Guide
Agilent Technologies
7820A GC Site Preparation
Customer Responsibilities 6
Computer Requirements 8
Dimensions and Weight 9
Power Consumption 10
Heat Dissipation 12
Exhaust Venting 13
Environmental Conditions 14
Gas Selection 15
Gas Supply 17
Gas Plumbing 19
Maximum Length of Cables 23
Site LAN Network 24
Basic Tools and Consumables 25
This section outlines the space and resource requirements for
GC and automatic liquid sampler (ALS) installation. For a
successful and timely installation of the instrument, the site
must meet these requirements before beginning installation.
Necessary supplies (gases, tubing, operating supplies,
consumables, and other usage-dependent items such as
columns, vials, syringes, and solvents) must also be available.
Note that performance verification requires the use of helium
carrier gas. Refer to the Agilent Web site at
www.agilent.com/chem for the most up-to-date listing of GC and
ALS supplies and consumables.
If you require any additional clarification on the requirements
described in this manual, please visit the Agilent web site at
www.chem.agilent.com, or contact your Agilent sales
representative.

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1 7820A GC Site Preparation
Customer Responsibilities
The specifications in this manual outline the necessary space,
electrical outlets, gases, tubing, operating supplies,
consumables, and other usage-dependent items such as
columns, vials, syringes, and solvents required for the
successful installation of instruments and systems.
If Agilent is delivering installation and familiarization services,
users of the instrument should be present throughout these
services; otherwise, they will miss important operational,
maintenance, and safety information.
If Agilent is delivering installation and familiarization services,
delays due to inadequate site preparation could cause loss of
instrument use during the warranty period. In extreme cases,
Agilent Technologies may ask to be reimbursed for the
additional time required to complete the installation. Agilent
Technologies provides service during the warranty period and
under maintenance agreements only if the specified site
requirements are met.
Before contacting Agilent to arrange for installation of your new
GC, you must complete the Site Readiness Certification found in
Appendix A, “Site Preparation Readiness.”
Site Preparation Good Practices
If you are not already familiar with Agilent instruments or with
gas chromatography, prepare for the installation and
familiarization service by doing the following:
•Visit the Agilent web site at www. agilent.com/chem, and
view the 7820A GC information available there.
•Attend one of the Agilent e-Seminars or training classes.
Agilent also provides a variety of training options, from
online training to on-site classes.
Having a basic knowledge of the instrument will enhance any
the familiarization services.

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Agilent Technologies Installation and Familiarization Services
If you purchased installation and familiarization services from
Agilent, these services include:
•Installation of the GC
•Installation of purchased Agilent software
•Agilent chemical test to verify GC function
•Several hours of GC familiarization training for 2 operators.
Some additional software training time is provided if you
have purchased an Agilent software bundle.
The basic installation and familiarization services do NOT
include tasks such as:
•Network setup of instruments or computers to the site
network
•Customizations
•Method or application setup, development, or testing
•Analysis of customer standards or samples
•Site preparation (such installation of gas cylinders, tubing,
traps, electrical supplies, or clearing of suitable bench space)
•Familiarization or installation of nonAgilent software
To arrange for additional services, including training or
application development, contact your Agilent sales
representative or visit the Agilent web site at
www.agilent.com/chem.

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Computer Requirements
A computer is required for 7820A GC installation and
operation. The computer must meet the minimum requirements
to run the Agilent Instrument Utility. Table 1 lists these
requirements for version B.01.01 of the Instrument Utility.
Agilent also provides a free utility that can verify if your
computer meets the requirements for a selected Agilent
software product. To download the tool, go to the Agilent web
site at www.agilent.com/chem, then search for “PC Utility.”
Table 1 Computer requirements
Minimum Recommended
Processor 1.5 GHz Pentium® 4 Pentium D or higher, Intel® Dual-Core
3.4 GHz or higher
RAM 1 GB > 2 GB (Windows XP Pro)
>4 GB (Windows Vista® Business)
Hard disk 40 GB > 160 GB
Video 1024 x 768 resolution, 16K colors > 1280 x 800 resolution, 16K colors
Removable media ATAPI DVD drive ATAPI DVD drive
Mouse Microsoft® Windows® compatible Microsoft Windows compatible
LAN 10/100 baseT 10/100 baseT
Operating system Windows XP Pro, Service Pack 3 Windows XP Pro, Service Pack 3 or
Windows Vista Business, Service Pack 1
Printer Operating system printer using PCL 5e or
PCL 6
Operating system printer using PCL 5e or
PCL 6

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7820A GC Site Preparation Guide 9
Dimensions and Weight
Select the laboratory bench space before the system arrives. Pay
special attention to the total height requirements. Avoid bench
space with overhanging shelves. See Table 2.
The instrument needs space for proper convection of heat and
ventilation. Allow at least 25 cm (10 in) clearance between back
of the instrument and wall to dissipate hot air.
A simple 7820A system that includes a GC, ALS injector, and a
computer would require about 111 cm (3 ft 8 in.) of bench
space. Allowing for operational access and a printer, a total of
153 cm (5 ft) of bench space should be available for a full GC
system. Some repairs to the GC will also require access to the
back of the instrument.
Table 2 Required height, width, depth, and weight
Product Height Width Depth Weight
7820A GC 49 cm (19.5 in) 56 cm (22 in) 51 cm (20.5 in) 50 kg (110 lb)
Additional space requirements
•Typical laser printer Requires 41 cm (16 in)
•GC operational oven access Requires ≥30 cm (12 in) open space above GC
•GC with 7693A ALS injector Requires 50 cm (19.5 in) above the GC
Figure 1 Top view of typical installation (7820A GC system)
GC Computer with monitor Printer

10 7820A GC Site Preparation Guide
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Power Consumption
Table 3 lists site power requirements.
•The number and type of electrical outlets depend on the size
and complexity of the system.
•Power consumption and requirements depend on the
country to which the unit ships. Find the instrument type
and your line voltage to find your instrument’s power
requirements.
•The electrical outlet for the unit should have a dedicated
ground. Voltage between ground and neutral should be less
than 2.5 VAC.
•The voltage requirements for your instrument are printed
near the power cord attachment.
Although your GC should arrive ready for operation in your
country, compare its voltage requirements with those listed in
Table 3. If the voltage option you ordered is not suitable for your
installation, contact Agilent Technologies.
Table 3 Power requirements
Product Line voltage (VAC) Frequency
(Hz)
Current rating
(amps)
Maximum
continuous power
consumption (VA)
Outlets
required
Agilent
7820A
Standard
oven
100 single phase
(–10% / +10%)
48–63 12.5 1500 1
120/200/220/230/
240 single phase
(–10% / +10%)
48–63 15.9 / 9.6/
9.3 / 9.3 / 9.2
2250 1
Data system PC system
(monitor, CPU, printer)
100 (–10% / +5%) 50/60 ± 5% 15 1000 3–5
120 (–10% / +5%) 50/60 ± 5% 15 1000 3–5
200–240 (–10% / +5%) 50/60 ± 5% 15 1000 3–5
WARNING
Do not use extension cords with Agilent instruments. Extension cords normally are
not rated to carry enough power and can be a safety hazard.

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Grounding
To protect users, the metal instrument panels and cabinet are
grounded through the three-conductor power line cord in
accordance with International Electrotechnical Commission
(IEC) requirements.
The three-conductor power line cord, when plugged into a
properly grounded receptacle, grounds the instrument and
minimizes shock hazard. A properly grounded receptacle is one
that is connected to a suitable earth ground. Be sure to verify
proper receptacle grounding.
Connect the GC to a dedicated receptacle. Use of a dedicated
receptacle reduces interference.
CAUTION
A proper earth ground is required for GC operations. Any
interruption of the grounding conductor or disconnection of the
power cord could cause a shock that could result in personal injury.

12 7820A GC Site Preparation Guide
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Heat Dissipation
Use Table 4 to estimate the additional BTUs of heat dissipated
from this equipment. Maximums represent the heat given off
when heated zones are set for maximum temperatures.
Table 4 Heat dissipation
Oven type
Standard oven ramp 100 V Power option
Agilent 7820A 7681 BTU/hour maximum 5120 BTU/hour maximum

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Exhaust Venting
Hot air (up to 425 °C) from the oven exits through a vent in the
rear. Allow at least 25 cm (10 in) clearance behind the
instrument to dissipate this air.
During normal operation of the GC with many detectors and
inlets, some of the carrier gas and sample vents outside the
instrument through the split vent, septum purge vent, and
detector exhaust. If any sample components are toxic or
noxious, or if hydrogen is used as the carrier gas, the exhaust
must be vented to a fume hood. Place the GC in the hood or
attach a large diameter venting tube to the outlet for proper
ventilation.
To further prevent contamination from noxious gases, attach a
chemical trap to the vent(s).
WARNING
Do not place temperature-sensitive items (for example, gas
cylinders, chemicals, regulators, and plastic tubing) in the path of
the heated exhaust. These items will be damaged and plastic
tubing will melt. Be careful when working behind the instrument
during cool-down cycles to avoid burns from the hot exhaust.

14 7820A GC Site Preparation Guide
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Environmental Conditions
Operating the instrument within the recommended ranges
optimizes instrument performance and lifetime. Performance
can be affected by sources of heat and cold from heating, air
conditioning systems, or drafts. See Table 5. The conditions
assume a noncondensing, noncorrosive atmosphere.
Table 5 Environmental conditions for operation and storage
Product Conditions Operating temp
range
Operating
humidity range
Maximum
altitude
Agilent 7820A Standard oven ramp 5 to 45 °C 5 to 90% 3,100 m
Storage –20 to 65 °C 0 to 90%

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7820A GC Site Preparation Guide 15
Gas Selection
Table 6 lists gases usable with Agilent GCs and capillary
columns. When used with capillary columns, GC detectors
require a separate makeup gas for optimum sensitivity.
Table 7 lists gas recommendations for packed column use. In
general, makeup gases are not required with packed columns.
Table 6 Gases usable with Agilent GCs and capillary columns
Detector type Carrier Preferred makeup Alternate choice Detector, anode
purge, or reference
Electron capture (ECD) Hydrogen
Helium
Nitrogen
Argon/Methane*
Argon/Methane
Argon/Methane
Nitrogen
Argon/Methane
Nitrogen
Nitrogen
Argon/Methane
Nitrogen
Anode purge must
be same as makeup
Flame ionization (FID) Hydrogen
Helium
Nitrogen
Nitrogen
Nitrogen
Nitrogen
Helium
Helium
Helium
Hydrogen and air for
detector
Nitrogen-Phosphorus (NPD) Helium
Nitrogen
Nitrogen
Nitrogen
Helium*
Helium
Hydrogen and air for
detector
Thermal conductivity (TCD) Hydrogen
Helium
Nitrogen
Must be same as
carrier and
reference
Must be same as
carrier and
reference
Reference must be
same as carrier and
makeup
* Depending on bead type, higher makeup gas flow rates (> 5 mL/min) may introduce cooling effects or shorten bead life.
Table 7 Gases usable with Agilent GCs and packed columns
Detector type Carrier gas Comments Detector, anode purge, or
reference
Electron capture (ECD) Nitrogen
Argon/methane
Maximum sensitivity
Maximum dynamic range
Nitrogen
Argon/Methane
Flame ionization (FID) Nitrogen
Helium
Maximum sensitivity
Acceptable alternative
Hydrogen and air for
detector.
Nitrogen-Phosphorus (NPD) Helium
Nitrogen
Optimum performance
Acceptable alternative
Hydrogen and air for
detector.

16 7820A GC Site Preparation Guide
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Agilent recommends that carrier and detector gases be
99.9995% pure. See Table 8. Air needs to be zero grade or better.
Agilent also recommends using high quality traps to remove
hydrocarbons, water, and oxygen.
For installation checkout, Agilent requires the gas types shown
in Table 9.
Thermal conductivity (TCD) Helium
Hydrogen
Nitrogen
Argon
General use
Maximum sensitivity*
Hydrogen detection†
Maximum hydrogen
sensitivity1
Reference must be same
as carrier and makeup.
* Slightly greater sensitivity than helium. Incompatible with some compounds.
† For analysis of hydrogen or helium. Greatly reduces sensitivity for other compounds.
Table 7 Gases usable with Agilent GCs and packed columns (continued)
Detector type Carrier gas Comments Detector, anode purge, or
reference
Table 8 Carrier gas purity
Carrier gas requirements Purity Notes
Helium (carrier) 99.9995% Hydrocarbon free
Hydrogen (carrier) 99.9995% SFC grade
Nitrogen (carrier) 99.9995%
Table 9 Gases required for checkout
Detector Gases required
FID Carrier: helium
Makeup: nitrogen
Fuel: hydrogen
Aux gas: Air
TCD Carrier and reference: helium
NPD Carrier: helium
Makeup: nitrogen
Fuel: hydrogen
Aux gas: Air
uECD Carrier: helium
Anode purge and makeup: nitrogen

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Gas Supply
Supply instrument gases using tanks, an internal distribution
system, or gas generators. If used, tanks require two-stage
pressure regulators with packless, stainless steel diaphragms.
The instrument requires 1/8-inch Swagelok connections to its
gas supplies. See Figure 2. Plumb the gas supply
tubing/regulators so that one 1/8-inch Swagelok female
connector is available for each gas needed at the GC.
Table 10 lists minimum and maximum delivery pressures for
inlets and detectors, measured at the bulkhead fittings on the
back of the instrument.
Figure 2 Example Swagelok connector and hardware
Table 10 Delivery pressures required at the GC, in kPa (psig)
Detector type Inlet type
FID NPD TCD uECD Split/Splitless Purged
packed
Hydrogen 240–690
(35–100)
240–690
(35–100)
Air 380–690
(55–100)
380–690
(55–100)
Makeup 380–690
(55–100)
380–690
(55–100)
380–690
(55–100)
380–690
(55–100)
Reference 380–690
(55–100)
Swagelok nut and ferrules
Female Swagelok fitting on GC

18 7820A GC Site Preparation Guide
1 7820A GC Site Preparation
Conversions: 1 psi = 6.8947 kPa = 0.068947 Bar = 0.068 ATM
Notes:
•If you have not requested option 305, you must supply
pre-cleaned, 1/8-inch copper tubing and a variety of 1/8-inch
Swagelok fittings to connect the GC to inlet and detector gas
supplies.
•If you purchased automated valving, the valve actuation
requires a separate pressurized, dry air supply at 380 kPa
(55 psig). This air supply must end in a male fitting
compatible with a 1/4-inch id plastic tube at the GC.
•Never use liquid thread sealer to connect fittings. Never use
chlorinated solvents to clean tubing or fittings.
Carrier
(max)
827 (120) 827 (120)
Carrier (min) (20 psi) above pressure
used in method
Table 10 Delivery pressures required at the GC, in kPa (psig) (continued)
Detector type Inlet type
FID NPD TCD uECD Split/Splitless Purged
packed

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Gas Plumbing
•Agilent strongly recommends two-stage regulators to
eliminate pressure surges. High-quality, stainless-steel
diaphragm-type regulators are especially recommended.
•On/off valves mounted on the outlet fitting of the two-stage
regulator are not essential but are very useful. Be sure the
valves have stainless-steel, packless diaphragms.
WARNING
All compressed gas cylinders should be securely fastened to an
immovable structure or permanent wall. Compressed gases
should be stored and handled in accordance with the relevant
safety codes.
Gas cylinders should not be located in the path of heated oven
exhaust.
To avoid possible eye injury, wear eye protection when using
compressed gas.
Figure 3 Recommended traps and plumbing configuration from a carrier gas cylinder
Two-stage regulation
Main supply
on/off valve
Main gas supply
On/off valve
Big universal trap
(combination trap for moisture,
hydrocarbons, and oxygen)
Shutoff valve
Indicating oxygen trap
Trap size and shape will vary by manufacturer.

20 7820A GC Site Preparation Guide
1 7820A GC Site Preparation
•FID and NPD detectors require a dedicated air supply.
Operation may be affected by pressure pulses in air lines
shared with other devices.
•Flow- and pressure-controlling devices require at least
10 psi (138 kPa) pressure differential across them to operate
properly. Set source pressures and capacities high enough to
ensure this.
•Situate auxiliary pressure regulators close to the GC inlet
fittings. This ensures that the supply pressure is measured at
the instrument (rather than at the source); pressure at the
source may be different if the gas supply lines are long or
narrow.
Supply tubing for carrier and detector gases
Use only preconditioned copper tubing (part number
5180-4196) to supply gases to the instrument. Do not use
ordinary copper tubing—it contains oils and contaminants.
The tubing diameter depends on the distance between the
supply gas and the GC and the total flow rate for the particular
gas. Tubing of 1/8-in diameter is adequate when the supply line
is less than 15 feet (4.6 m) long.
Use larger diameter tubing (1/4-in) for distances greater then
15 feet (4.6 m) or when multiple instruments are connected to
the same source. Use larger diameter tubing if high demand is
anticipated (for example, air for an FID).
Be generous when cutting tubing for local supply lines—a coil of
flexible tubing between the supply and the instrument lets you
move the GC without moving the gas supply. Take this extra
length into account when choosing the tubing diameter.
CAUTION
Do not use methylene chloride or other halogenated solvent to clean
tubing that will be used with an electron capture detector. They will
cause elevated baselines and detector noise until they are
completely flushed out of the system.
CAUTION
Do not use plastic tubing for suppling detector and inlet gases to the
GC. It is permeable to oxygen and other contaminants that can
damage columns and detectors.
Plastic tubing can melt if near hot exhaust or components.