Agilent Technologies 7890A User manual

Agilent Technologies
Agilent 7890A
Gas Chromatograph
Operating Guide

Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2007-2010
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 Agi-
lent Technologies, Inc. as governed by
United States and international copyright
laws.
Manual Part Number
G3430-90011
Edition
Third edition, June 2010
Second edition, September 2008
First edition, March 2007
Printed in USA or China
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
2850 Centerville Road
Wilmington, DE 19808-1610 USA
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.
Safety Notices
CAUTION
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.
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 indicated
conditions are fully understood and
met.

Operating Guide 3
Contents
1 Introduction
Where to Find Information 8
Online User Documentation 8
Chromatography Using a GC 10
The Front View of the Agilent 7890A GC 11
The Back View of the Agilent 7890A GC 11
The Inlets 12
The GC Column and Oven 15
Capillary Flow Technology 16
Detectors 17
The Operating Panel 18
The display 18
Status lights 19
Beeping instrument 19
Blinking setpoint 20
The keypad 21
2 Operating Basics
Overview 24
Instrument Control 25
Correcting Problems 26
To Start Up the GC 27
To Shut Down the GC for Less Than a Week 28
To Shut Down the GC for More Than a Week 29
3 Running a Method or a Sequence from the Keypad
Loading, Storing, and Running Methods from the Keypad 32
To load a method 32
To store a method 32
To manually inject a sample with a syringe and start a run 32
To run a method to process a single ALS sample 32
To abort a method 33
Loading, Storing, and Running Sequences from the Keypad 34
To load a sequence 34
To store a sequence 34

4Operating Guide
To start running a sequence 34
To pause a running sequence 35
To resume a paused sequence 35
To stop a running sequence 35
To resume a stopped sequence 35
Aborting a sequence 35
To resume an aborted sequence 36
4 Keypad Operation
The Run Keys 38
The Service Mode Key 38
The GC Component Keys 39
The Status Key 40
The Info Key 41
The General Data Entry Keys 42
The Supporting Keys 43
Method Storage and Automation Keys 44
Keypad Functionality When the GC Is Controlled by an Agilent Data
System 45
About GC Status 46
Status Board 46
Alert tones 46
Error conditions 47
Blinking setpoint 47
About Logs 48
Maintenance log 48
5 Operating the 7693A Automatic Sampler
Placing Vials in the 7693A ALS 50
Placing vials in the sample tray 51
Placing vials in the turret (no sample tray) 52
Placing vials for sandwich injections 52
To Park the Injector 54
To Install a Syringe on the 7693A ALS 55
To Remove the Syringe on the 7693A ALS 58
To Configure Solvent/Waste Vials 59
7693A ALS Prerun Checklist 60

Operating Guide 5
To Move the 7693A ALS to the Other GC Inlet 61
Check your work 62
Impact on your data system 62
To Adapt the 7693A ALS for the COC Inlet 63
6 Operating the 7683 Automatic Sampler
7683 ALS Turret Types 66
To Change the 7683 ALS Turret 67
To Move the 7683 ALS to the Other GC Inlet 69
To Park the Injector 71
To Install a Syringe on the 7683 ALS 72
To Remove the Syringe on the 7683 ALS 74
To Configure Solvent/Waste Vials 75
To Load Vials in the 7683 ALS Turret 77
To Load Vials in the 7683 ALS Sampler Tray 77
7683 ALS Prerun Checklist 78
To Adapt the 7683 ALS for the COC Inlet 79
To Install a 200-µm Column With the COC Inlet 80
To Manually Inject Onto a 200-µm Column With the COC Inlet 80
7 About Methods, Sequences, and Data Analysis
What Is a Method? 82
What Is Saved in a Method? 82
What Happens When You Load a Method? 83
What Is a Sequence? 83
Automating Data Analysis, Method Development, and Sequence
Development 83

6Operating Guide

7
Agilent 7890A Gas Chromatograph
Operating Guide
Agilent Technologies
1
Introduction
Where to Find Information 8
Chromatography Using a GC 10
The Front View of the Agilent 7890A GC 11
The Back View of the Agilent 7890A GC 11
The Inlets 12
The GC Column and Oven 15
Capillary Flow Technology 16
Detectors 17
The Operating Panel 18
This document provides an overview of the individual
components that make up the Agilent 7890A Gas
Chromatograph (GC).

8Operating Guide
1Introduction
Where to Find Information
In addition to this document, Agilent provides several
learning products that document how to install, operate,
maintain, and troubleshoot the Agilent 7890A GC.
Before operating your GC, be sure to read the safety and
regulatory information included on the Agilent GC and
GC/MS Hardware User Information & Utilities DVD. The
most common safety hazards when working on the GC are:
•Burns caused by touching heated areas on or in the GC
•Release of pressurized gas containing hazardous chemical
compounds caused by opening inlets
•Glass cuts or puncture wounds caused by sharp capillary
column ends
•Use of hydrogen as a GC carrier gas
Online User Documentation
Now your Agilent instrument documentation is in one place,
at your fingertips.
The Agilent GC and GC/MS Hardware User Information &
Utilities DVD that ships with your instrument provides an
extensive collection of online help, videos, and books for
current Agilent gas chromatographs, mass selective detectors,
and GC samplers. Included are localized versions of the
information you need most, such as:
•Getting Familiar documentation
•Safety and Regulatory guide
•Site Preparation information
•Installation information

Introduction 1
Operating Guide 9
•Operating guides
•Maintenance information
•Troubleshooting details

10 Operating Guide
1Introduction
Chromatography Using a GC
Chromatography is the separation of a mixture of
compounds into individual components.
There are three major steps involved with separating and
identifying components of a mixture using a GC. They are:
1Injecting a sample into the GC. (This takes place at the
inlet.)
2Separating the sample into individual components. (This
takes place inside the column in the oven.)
3Detecting what compounds were in the sample. (This is
done in the detector.)
During this process, status messages from the Agilent 7890A
GC are displayed, and user changes to parameter settings
can be made through the operating panel.
Each part of this process is described in brief on the
following pages of this document. Refer to the Advanced
User Guide for more details.
Inlet
Oven
Detector
Operating panel

Introduction 1
Operating Guide 11
The Front View of the Agilent 7890A GC
The Back View of the Agilent 7890A GC
Detector cover
Detectors
Inlets
Valves (not shown)
Display
Keypad
Power switch
Oven Latch
Oven exhaust vent
Inlet and detector vent
Gas supply connections
Electronic cable
connections
Oven cooling inlet
Power connection

12 Operating Guide
1Introduction
The Inlets
Inlets are where samples are injected into the GC. The
Agilent 7890A GC can have a maximum of two inlets,
identified as Front Inlet and Back Inlet.
A complete selection of inlets—split/splitless [0–100 psi and
0–150 psi], multimode, purged packed, cool- on- column,
programmed temperature vaporization, and volatiles
interface—are available.
The type of inlet chosen is based on the type of analysis
being done, the type of sample being analyzed, and the
column being used.
Samples can be injected into the inlets by hand using a
syringe, or an automatic sampling device (such as an Agilent
Automatic Liquid Sampler or Agilent Headspace Sampler).

Introduction 1
Operating Guide 13
Automatic injectors
The optional Agilent 7693A automatic liquid sampler (ALS)
with a sample tray and bar code reader automates liquid
sample processing. The modular design allows the
autoinjector to be easily moved from one inlet to another or
from one GC to another. The modular design also permits
easy inlet maintenance.
The Agilent 7890A GC can accommodate up to two
autoinjectors, identified as Front Injector and Back Injector.
Automatic gas sampling valves
The sampling valves are simple mechanical devices that
introduce a sample of fixed size into the carrier gas stream.
Valves are most frequently used to sample gases or liquids in
constantly flowing streams.
The Agilent 7890A GC can accommodate up to two gas
sampling valves, identified as Valve # 1 and Valve #2.
Autoinjector
Sample Tray
Tur ret
(Bar code reader / mixer /
heater not visible)

14 Operating Guide
1Introduction
The valves are located inside the gas sampling valve box.
Gas Sampling Valve box

Introduction 1
Operating Guide 15
The GC Column and Oven
GC columns are located inside a temperature- controlled
oven. Generally, one end of the column is attached to the
inlet, while the other end is attached to the detector.
Columns vary in length, diameter, and internal coating. Each
column is designed for use with different compounds.
The purpose of the column and the oven is to separate the
injected sample into individual compounds as it travels
through the column. To aid this process, the GC oven can be
programmed to speed the sample flow through the column.

16 Operating Guide
1Introduction
Capillary Flow Technology
Agilent capillary flow technology (CFT) devices are used for
splitting, heart cutting, and reliable zero dead volume
connections. The features of the capillary flow technology
make traditionally difficult connections simple, reliable, and
leak free.
The optional CFT switches, splitters, and QuickSwap
accessories are located on the inside of the oven wall. These
devices are primarily used when the analysis requires
multiple sample paths between the inlet and detectors. They
allow the chromatographer to design very efficient sample
paths using multiple columns or detectors. In addition,
analysis time can be reduced with the benefit of
backflushing.

Introduction 1
Operating Guide 17
Detectors
Detectors identify the presence of compounds as they exit
the column.
As each compound enters the detector, an electrical signal
proportional to the amount of compound detected is
generated. This signal is generally sent to a data analysis
system—such as Agilent ChemStation—where it shows up as a
peak on a chromatogram.
The Agilent 7890A GC can accommodate up to three
detectors, identified as Front Det, Back Det, and Aux Det.
A complete selection of detectors (FID, TCD, NPD, FPD,
µECD, MSD, Triple Quadrupole MS, and ICP- MS) is available.
The type of detector chosen is based on the type of analysis
required.

18 Operating Guide
1Introduction
The Operating Panel
The operating panel consists of the display, status lights, and
keypad. See “Keypad Operation” and the Advanced User
Guide, along with the complete suite of documentation
included on the Agilent GC and GC/MS Hardware User
Information & Utilities DVD that shipped with your
instrument for more detailed information.
The display
The display shows details of what is currently happening in
the Agilent 7890A GC and allows you to make changes to
parameters as necessary.
Use the scroll keys to view additional lines in the display.
A blinking asterisk (*) prompts you to press [Enter] to store
a value or [Clear] to abort the entry. You cannot perform any
other task until this is done.
Refer to “The keypad” and to “Keypad Operation” in this
document, or to the Advanced User Guide for more details
on how to interact with the displayed information.

Introduction 1
Operating Guide 19
Status lights
The status lights provide a basic look at what is currently
happening inside the Agilent 7890A GC.
A lit LED on the status board indicates:
•The current progress of a run (Pre Run,Post Run, and
Run).
•Items that may require attention (Rate, Not Ready,
Service Due, and Run Log).
•The GC is controlled by an Agilent data system
(Remote).
•The GC is programmed for events to occur at specified
times (Clock Table).
•The GC is in gas saver mode (Gas Saver).
Beeping instrument
A series of warning beeps sound if the GC encounters a
problem. For example, a series of beeps sound if the front
inlet gas flow cannot reach setpoint. The message Front inlet
flow shutdown is briefly displayed. The flow shuts down after
2 minutes. Press [Clear] to stop the beeping.
A continuous beep sounds if a hydrogen flow is shut down
or a thermal shutdown occurs. Press [Clear] to stop the beep.
One beep sounds for other types of faults, warnings, and
shutdowns. A single beep means that a problem exists, but
the problem will not prevent the GC from executing the run.
The GC will emit one beep and display a message. The GC
can start the run and the warning disappears when a run
starts.

20 Operating Guide
1Introduction
Fault messages indicate hardware problems that require user
intervention. Depending on the type of error, the GC will
beep once or not at all.
Blinking setpoint
If a gas flow, multiposition valve, or the oven is shut down
by the system, Off or On/Off will blink on the appropriate
line of the components parameter listing.