Agilent Technologies 8890 Instruction sheet

Agilent 8890 Gas Chromatograph
Installation and First Startup

Installation and First Startup
Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2019
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and international copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
G3540-90013
Edition
First edition, January 2019
Printed in USA
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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.

Installation and First Startup 3
Contents
1 Installing the GC
Overview of Installation 8
Purpose of this procedure 8
Customer responsibilities 8
About Agilent’s installation service 8
Tools and additional parts required 8
Performing checkout 9
System installation 9
Configuring the GC 9
Connecting to the Browser Interface 10
The 8890 GC 11
Unpacking 12
Place the GC on the bench 13
Verify line voltage, voltage settings, and power cord 15
Line voltage 15
Power consumption 16
Power cords available 17
Grounding 21
Connect GC to LAN, Local Computer, or Tablet 22
Connect the power cord and turn on the GC 24
View the System Setup Wizard 25
Configure the GC IP address 26
Set the Date/Time 27
Set the Pressure Units 28
Configure Carrier Gas Types 29
Connect Gases and Traps 30
Install the gas regulators 30
Connect the tubing to the gas source 32
Install traps 33
Plumb to EPC flow modules 33
Install Aux EPC module frits for your application 34
Install hydrogen sensor calibration gas 36
Leak test all connections and set source pressures 38
Set source gas pressures 40

4Installation and First Startup
Install inlet checkout parts 41
Install ALS, if ordered 42
Configuring GC-MSD communications 43
Connect the external cables 44
Back panel connectors 44
Connecting cables 45
GC / MS / Agilent data system / ALS 47
Additional cabling configurations 47
Vent ECD or uncombusted hydrogen to a fume hood 48
Connect cryogenic cooling (if present) 49
Connecting liquid carbon dioxide 49
Connecting liquid nitrogen 50
Connecting air to the multimode inlet 51
Connect valve actuator air (if present) 53
Configure Headspace Communications 54
Configure the checkout column 55
Checkout column 55
Install the checkout column 57
Transfer the checkout sample to a screw-top sample vial 59
When the system stabilizes, run one injection 60
Prepare for the Next Analysis 61
A Making Swagelok Connections
Making Swagelok Connections 64
Using a Swagelok Tee 67
B Cabling Diagrams and Remote Start/Stop
Using the Remote Start/Stop Cable 70
Connecting Agilent products 70
Connecting non-Agilent products 70
Multi-instrument Cabling Examples 73
GC / ALS / Non-Agilent Data System 73
GC / 3395A/3396B Integrator / ALS 74
GC / 3396C Integrator / ALS 74
Example: Using a Y-Cable in a setup (GC/MSD/Data System/Headspace
Sampler) 75
GC / External Events (unspecified, non-Agilent instrument) 76

Installation and First Startup 5
Cable Diagrams 77
Analog signal cable, general use, G1530-60560 77
Agilent analog signal cable, G1530-60570 78
Remote start/stop cable, general use, 35900-60670 78
Agilent APG remote start/stop cable, 03396-61010 79
Agilent APG remote start/stop cable, G1530-60930 79
Agilent remote start/stop Y-cable, G1530-61200 80
External event cable, G1530-60590 82
External valve cable, G1580-60710 83
Pulser module power supply cable, G1580-60730 83

6Installation and First Startup

Installation and First Startup 7
1Installing the GC
Overview of Installation 8
Connecting to the Browser Interface 10
The 8890 GC 11
Unpacking 12
Place the GC on the bench 13
Verify line voltage, voltage settings, and power cord 15
Connect GC to LAN, Local Computer, or Tablet 22
Connect the power cord and turn on the GC 24
View the System Setup Wizard 25
Configure the GC IP address 26
Set the Date/Time 27
Set the Pressure Units 28
Configure Carrier Gas Types 29
Connect Gases and Traps 30
Leak test all connections and set source pressures 38
Install ALS, if ordered 42
Connect the external cables 44
Vent ECD or uncombusted hydrogen to a fume hood 48
Connect cryogenic cooling (if present) 49
Configure the checkout column 55
Install the checkout column 57
Transfer the checkout sample to a screw-top sample vial 59
When the system stabilizes, run one injection 60
Prepare for the Next Analysis 61
This section contains installation procedures for the Agilent 8890 GC. Depending on the
ordered options, some steps are optional, such as “plumbing” cryogenic cooling or valve
actuator air.
Instructions for connecting cables from the GC to other instruments in a typical 8890 Series
system are included here and in Appendix B, “Cabling Diagrams and Remote Start/Stop” on
page 69“.

1 Installing the GC
8Installation and First Startup
Overview of Installation
Purpose of this procedure
This procedure ensures that instruments and systems are installed and functioning as
designed. Correct installation is the first step in ensuring that instruments and systems
operate reliably over their lifetimes.
Customer responsibilities
1Make sure your site meets the basic requirements, including the necessary space,
electrical outlets, gases, tubing, operating supplies, consumables and other
usage-dependent items, required for a successful installation. Refer to the Agilent 8890
Gas Chromatograph GC, GC/MS, and ALS Site Preparation Guide.
2If Agilent is delivering installation and familiarization services, users of the instrument
should be present throughout these services; otherwise, these users will miss important
operational, maintenance, and safety information.
Additional information is available via the GC Touchscreen, Browser Interface help &
information suite, and the Agilent GC and GC/MS User Manuals & Tools DVD.
About Agilent’s installation service
The installation service does not include:
•Network setup with other computers, or to the site or building LAN.
•Customization of the system.
•Method development and testing.
•Analysis of customer standards or samples.
•Testing against the instrument performance specification.
If you need assistance beyond this installation service, please contact your local Agilent
office. Assistance with installation and with user-specific services and applications is
available and will be contracted separately.
Tools and additional parts required
Installation requires the following tools, fittings, and hardware. These items are not included
with the instrument.
•Precleaned copper tubing, 1/8-inch or 1/4-inch od.
•Fittings.
•Tubing cutter.
•Filters for gas supplies.
•7/16-inch and 9/16-inch wrenches for assembling Swagelok fittings.
•Carrier and other gas supplies.

1 Installing the GC
Installation and First Startup 9
•Pressure regulator for each gas supply.
•A computer, tablet, or other LAN capable device (for accessing GC user information and for
updating GC firmware when needed).
•Any additional LAN components, such as cables and a switch or hub, for connection to the
site LAN (not included in Agilent installation services).
The Agilent 8890 Gas Chromatograph GC, GC/MS, and ALS Site Preparation Guide contains a
listing of Agilent installation kits and a description of parts included with each kit. These kits
contain filters, fittings, tubing, tools (wrenches, tubing cutter, drivers, and so on), and other
required parts for installing a GC.
Performing checkout
Checkout requires a system that can produce a chromatogram.
•If using an Agilent data system, you can perform the checkout procedure. Read these GC
installation instructions and the instructions for installing the data system.
•If connected only to an integrator or site system (for example, a LIMS system) that
captures the GC output signal, you must connect to that system to obtain the
chromatogram.
System installation
If installing an ALS, the ALS can be used for checkout. Refer to the ALS installation
documentation for details.
When installed as part of a complete system including an Agilent data system (for example,
Agilent OpenLAB CDS), first install the GC up to the checkout column bakeout step. Once the
bakeout ends, configure the new GC in the data system and open the online instrument
session. Use the data system to perform the checkout test.
When installed as part of other complete systems, for example in an Agilent GC/MSD or
GC/MS system, refer to the installation instructions for that system.
Configuring the GC
To configure the various components of your GC, you must use either the Touchscreen or
access the Browser Interface from a computer on the same network as your GC. For more
information about connecting to the Browser Interface, see “Connecting to the Browser
Interface”.
To access the copy of this manual stored on your GC, enter http://<your GC’s IP
address>/install into the web browser of your choice.

1 Installing the GC
10 Installation and First Startup
Connecting to the Browser Interface
To connect to the GC using a browser:
1If you do not know the GC's IP address or host name, use the touchscreen to find it.
2Open a web browser. Supported browsers include Chrome, Safari (on a tablet), Internet
Explorer 11, and Edge. Make sure the browser version is up to date.
3Enter http://xxx.xx.xx.xxx, where xxx.xx.xx.xxx is the GC's IP address. (If
using a host name, enter it instead.) In this example, the GC IP address is 10.1.1.101.
Accessing the Browser Interface only requires that the tablet or computer be connected to
the same gateway as the GC; no internet connection is required.
http://10.1.1.101
Browser Interface
LAN switch or hub
LAN cable
X
8890 GC
http://10.1.1.101/install

1 Installing the GC
Installation and First Startup 11
The 8890 GC
Figure 1. Front of the 8890 GC
Figure 2. Back of the 8890 GC
Inlets
Oven
Detectors
Power switch
Touchscreen
Inlet vents
Electronic
cable
connections
Oven exhaust
vents
EPC cooling
intake
Power
connection
Gas supply
connections

1 Installing the GC
12 Installation and First Startup
Unpacking
WARNING
Be careful when lifting the GC. Because it is heavy, two people should lift it. When moving the
GC, be aware that the back is heavier than the front.
1Inspect the shipping containers for damage.
2If a container is damaged or shows signs of stress, do the following:
aNotify both the carrier and your local Agilent sales office.
bKeep all shipping materials for inspection by the carrier.
3Check the items received against the packing lists.
4If there are discrepancies, notify your local Agilent sales office immediately.
5Retain the shipping containers until you check their contents for completeness and verified
instrument performance.

1 Installing the GC
Installation and First Startup 13
Step 1 Place the GC on the bench
The GC requires a bench that can support its weight plus that of other equipment you will use
with it. The area must be free of overhanging obstructions that might interfere with
autosamplers, or that limit access to the top of the instrument. The area must include
sufficient space behind the GC to allow for cooling.
1Remove the GC from its shipping box.
2Place the GC on the bench top. Make sure gas and power supplies are accessible. Place
related equipment near the GC.
WARNING
The power cord is the power disconnect device. Do not position the instrument such that
access to the coupler or plug is impaired.
CAUTION
Make sure your GC has adequate distance from the wall and other instruments.
3If space is limited behind the GC, attach the optional oven exhaust deflector to the back of
the GC as shown below. (Order Option 306 or part number G3450-81650.) The deflector
hangs from the exhaust vents on four hooks.

1 Installing the GC
14 Installation and First Startup
Figure 3. Correct position of the oven exhaust deflector
The oven exhaust deflector accepts a 10-cm (4 in.) diameter exhaust duct, and adds
about 13 cm to the depth of the GC, but this additional depth does not increase the depth
required for proper ventilation.
Oven exhaust
deflector

1 Installing the GC
Installation and First Startup 15
Step 2 Verify line voltage, voltage settings, and
power cord
1Locate the power label near the power cord connector on the back of the GC. Compare the
instrument power settings with the laboratory line voltage. See “Power consumption” on
page 16.
2Verify that the power cord is correct for the voltage and location. “Power cords
available” on page 17.
WARNING
Electrical shock hazard. To avoid injury, only a qualified person should measure line voltage.
3Have a qualified person measure the actual power outlet voltage and verify that it meets
the tolerance requirements listed in Table 1 on page 16. See “Grounding” on page 21“and
“Line voltage” on page 15.
The following sections detail the power specifications and requirements for reference.
Line voltage
Typical GC System - 8890 GC with computer and printer.
Use isolated circuits with
dedicated grounds for GC and
Leave 12-in. (31 cm)
open space for
operational access
26-in. (66 cm)
(with heat
deflector)
31-in. (79 cm)
(without heat
deflector)

1 Installing the GC
16 Installation and First Startup
WARNING
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.
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.
Be sure to verify proper receptacle grounding.
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.
1Make sure that each instrument in your GC system can be connected to a dedicated circuit
with an isolated ground. (Note that ALS instruments receive their power from the GC.)
2Power requirements are printed near the power cord attachment on the rear panel of each
instrument. Although your GC should arrive ready for operation in your country, compare
its voltage requirements with those listed in Table 1 on page 16. If the voltage option you
ordered is not suitable for your installation, contact Agilent.
Power consumption
The number and type of electrical outlets required for installation depends on the size and
complexity of your system. A GC system with a computer, monitor, printer, and hub requires 5
outlets. The outlet for the GC must be a dedicated circuit.
Each GC has a label next to the power cord connector that lists its line voltage requirements.
See the examples below.
The GC power consumption and requirements depend on the type of oven that you ordered
and the country the unit shipped to. Fast oven options 002 and 003 require more power than
the standard oven.
See your Site Preparation Guide for a list of the power cords available for the GC. If your power
cord is incorrect, order the cord appropriate for the country.
Table 1 GC power requirements
Oven Line voltage Frequency Current Power Power outlet
current rating
Standard Americas: 120 V AC (1) single phase,
+10 to –10%
48-63 Hz 18.8 amps 2250 VA 20 A
Standard 220/230/240 V single/split phase, 
+10 to –10%
48-63 Hz 10.2 / 9.8 /
9.4 amps
2250 VA 10 A

1 Installing the GC
Installation and First Startup 17
Notes
1Some US labs have 3 phase service resulting in 208 V at the wall receptacle. It is important
for a qualified person to measure the line voltage at the receptacle for the GC. Option 003,
208 V fast oven, uses a 220 V unit with operating range of 193 to 231 V.
2Power line conditioners should not be used with the GC.
Power cords available
Table 2 lists the power cords available for the GC. If your power cord is incorrect, order the
cord appropriate for the country.
Fast Japan: 200 V split phase, +10 to –10% 48-63 Hz 14.8 amps 2950 VA 15 A
Fast 220/230/240 V (2)(3) single/split phase, +10 to
–10%
48-63 Hz 13.4 / 12.8 /
12.3 amps
2950 VA 15 A
Table 1 GC power requirements (continued)
Oven Line voltage Frequency Current Power Power outlet
current rating
Table 2 Power cords by country
Part number Country Description Wall termination Plug termination
8120-1369 Australia, New
Zealand
Power Cord, Australia/NZ, C13, 10 amp AS 3112
8120-1378 Americas Cable Assembly-Power Cord 18AWG
2.3m-LG
NEMA 5-15
8120-1689 Europe Cable Assembly-Power Cord 17AWG
2m-LG PV
CEE/7/V11
8120-2104 Switzerland Cable-Assembly-Power cord 250VAC 10A
3-C
Swiss/Denmark 1302

1 Installing the GC
18 Installation and First Startup
8120-3997 Denmark, Greenland Power Cord, DK/Greenland, C13, 10 amp AFSNIT 107-2-01
8120-4211 India, South Africa Power Cord, India/S Africa, C13, 10 amp AS 3112
8120-4753 Japan Power Cord, Japan, C13, 125V NEMA L6-20P
8120-5182 Israel Power Cord, Israel, C13, 10 amp Israeli SI32
8120-6360 Taiwan, South
America
Power Cord, Taiwan/S America, C19, 20A NEMA 5-20P
8120-6869 Argentina Power Cord, Argentina, C13 250V 10A
RA/3
AS 3112
8120-6894 US Power Cord, US 120V, C19, 20 amp NEMA 5-20P
Table 2 Power cords by country (continued)
Part number Country Description Wall termination Plug termination
G
G

1 Installing the GC
Installation and First Startup 19
8120-6903 Japan Power Cord, Japan, C19, 20 amp NEMA L6-20P
8120-6978 Chile Power Cord, Chile, C13, 10 amp CEI 23-16
8120-8619 Australia Power Cord, Australia, 16 amp AS 3112
8120-8620 Great Britain, Hong
Kong, Singapore,
Malaysia
Power Cord, GB/HK/SG/MY, C19, 13 amp BS1363
8120-8621 Europe Power Cord, Europe, 16 amp CEE7/V11
8120-8622 Switzerland, Denmark Power Cord, Swiss/DK, C19, 16 amp Swiss/Denmark 1302
8120-8705 Great Britain, Hong
Kong, Singapore,
Malaysia
Power Cord, GB/HK/SG/MY, C13, 10 amp BS89/13
8121-0070 China Power Cord PRC Fast GB 1002
Table 2 Power cords by country (continued)
Part number Country Description Wall termination Plug termination

1 Installing the GC
20 Installation and First Startup
8121-0075 US Power Cord, US 240V, C19, 15 amp NEMA L6-15P
8121-0161 Israel Power Cord, Israel, C19, 16 amp Israeli SI32
8121-0675 Argentina Power Cord, Argentina, C19, 20 amp AS 3112
8121-0710 India, South Africa Power Cord, India/S.Africa, C19, 15 Amp AS 3112
8121-0723 China Power Cord, China, C13, 10 amp GB 1002
8121-1222 Korea Power Cord, Korea, C19, 16 amp CEE7/V11
8121-1226 Korea Power Cord, Korea C13, 10 amp CEE7/V11
8121-1301 Thailand Power Cord, Thai 220V, 15 A, 1.8M, C19
Table 2 Power cords by country (continued)
Part number Country Description Wall termination Plug termination