Agilent Technologies 990 User manual

Agilent 990
Micro Gas Chromatograph Micro Gasifier
User Manual

Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2019
No part of this manual may be reproduced in
any form or by any means (including electronic
storage and retrieval or translation into a for-
eign language) without prior agreement and
written consent from Agilent Technologies,
Inc. as governed by United States and interna-
tional copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
G3588-90025
Edition
First edition, August 2019
Printed in China
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
412 Ying Lun Road 
Waigoaqiao Free Trade Zone
Shanghai 200131 P.R.China
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The material contained in this document is
provided “as is,” and is subject to being
changed, without notice, in future editions.
Further, to the maximum extent permitted by
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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.

Agilent 990 Micro GC Micro Gasifier User Manual 3
Contents
1Introduction
Safety Information 6
Safety symbols 6
Safety and regulatory information 7
General safety precautions 7
Shipping Instructions 9
Cleaning Instructions 9
Disposal Instructions 9
2 Installation and Use
Unpacking 12
Specifications 13
Installation 14
Tools required for Micro Gasifier installation 14
Operation 21
Troubleshooting 22

4 Agilent 990 Micro GC Micro Gasifier User Manual

Agilent 990 Micro GC Micro Gasifier User Manual 5
1Introduction
Safety Information 6
Shipping Instructions 9
Cleaning Instructions 9
Disposal Instructions 9
To prevent any injury to the user or any damage to the instrument, it is essential that you read the
information in this chapter and the user manual(s).
If this manual is not in your native language, or if you have problems understanding the text,
contact your Agilent office for assistance. Agilent cannot accept responsibility for any damage or
injury caused by misunderstanding of the information in this manual.

1Introduction
Safety Information
6 Agilent 990 Micro GC Micro Gasifier User Manual
Safety Information
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 990 Micro GC user documentation for the item labeled.

Indicates that you must not discard this electrical/electronic product in
domestic household waste

Agilent 990 Micro GC Micro Gasifier User Manual 7
1Introduction
Safety and regulatory information
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.
This instrument is designed for use in combination with the Micro GC. If the equipment is used in
a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.
NOTE
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
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.
To ensure safe equipment operation, adhere to the following safety practices:
•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.
•To avoid exposure to potentially dangerous voltages, disconnect the instrument from all
power sources before removing protective panels.
•When it is necessary to use a nonoriginal, power cord plug, ensure 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.

1Introduction
General safety precautions
8 Agilent 990 Micro GC Micro Gasifier User Manual
•The Power Supply should be placed in a suitable location with sufficient ventilation to remove
gases and vapors. Space around the Power Supply must be sufficient to enable cooling of the
Power Supply.
•Do not turn on the Power Supply if there is a possibility of any electrical damage. Instead,
disconnect the power cord, and contact your Agilent office.
•The supplied power cord must be inserted into a power outlet with a protective earth ground
connection. When using an extension cord, ensure that the cord is also properly grounded.
•Do not change the external or internal grounding connections as this could endanger you or
damage the Power Supply.
•The Power Supply is properly grounded when shipped. You do not need to make any changes
to the electrical connections or to the Power Supply chassis to ensure safe operation.
•Do not place containers with flammable liquids on this Power Supply. Spillage of the liquid
over hot parts may cause fire.
•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 Power Supply to prevent danger for you or damage to
the Power Supply.
•The customer should not attempt to replace the fuses in the Power Supply.
•Damage can result if the Power Supply is stored under unfavorable conditions for prolonged
periods (for example, subject to heat, water, and so forth).
•This unit has been designed and tested in accordance with recognized safety standards and is
designed for use indoors.
•If the Power Supply is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection
provided by the Power Supply may be impaired.
•Substituting parts or performing any unauthorized modification to the Power Supply may
result in a safety hazard.

Agilent 990 Micro GC Micro Gasifier User Manual 9
1Introduction
Shipping Instructions
Shipping Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare your Micro Gasifier for shipping:
1Let the Micro Gasifier cool down for at least 30 minutes before packing.
2Cap every inlet and outlet port.
3Cap all inlet and outlet tubing.
4Always include the power supply with the Micro Gasifier.
Cleaning Instructions
To keep the Micro Gasifier surface clean, refer to the remarks given below:
•Switch the Micro GC off.
•Remove the power cable from the mains.
•Remove the Micro Gasifier power cable.
•Use a soft (no hard or abrasive) brush to carefully brush away all dust and dirt.
•If the outer case is dirty, (never clean the inside) clean it with a soft, clean cloth dampened with
mild detergent.
•Never use alcohol or thinners to clean the Micro Gasifier. These chemicals can damage the
case.
•Do not get water on the electronics components.
•Do not use compressed air to clean.
Disposal Instructions
Disposal of the Micro Gasifier must be carried out in accordance with all (environmental)
regulations applicable in your country.

1Introduction
Disposal Instructions
10 Agilent 990 Micro GC Micro Gasifier User Manual

Agilent 990 Micro GC Micro Gasifier User Manual 11
2Installation and Use
Unpacking 12
Specifications 13
Installation 14
Operation 21
Troubleshooting 22
The Micro Gasifier is a helping hand to the Agilent Micro GC, to allow sampling of pressurized
gases as well as liquefied gases (LPG). It is a necessary device for these samples, since the Micro
GC only accepts gaseous samples having a maximum pressure of 100 kPa.
The Micro Gasifier is designed to enable controlled evaporation of liquefied gases as a means of
sample pretreatment before the gas chromatographic analysis. The Micro Gasifier ensures linear
evaporation of the LPG sample in the specified range.
The Micro Gasifier contains a vaporizing pressure regulator capable of handling inlet pressures up
to 1,000 Psi. The outlet pressure and the vaporizing regulator temperature are factory set to 10 Psi
(to protect the Micro GC from too high inlet pressures) and 100 °C respectively.
The Micro Gasifier's specifications have been described in detail in the various Micro GC related
data-sheets.
This Micro Gasifier must only be used in combination with the 990 Micro GC.
NOTE
It is advised to configure injectors to heat the sample gas in order to prevent condensation.

2 Installation and Use
Unpacking
12 Agilent 990 Micro GC Micro Gasifier User Manual
Unpacking
Check the packing list to see if you have received all that you require.
Table 1 Packing list
No. Part number Description Quantity
1 G3588-60860 Accessory option 1 Gasifier 1 EA
2 G3588-60682 Inlet Assembly UM 1 EA
3 0100-1490 1/16 in Ferrule set SST 1 PK
4 0100-0053 Stainless nut 1/16 in 1 EA
5 CP741107 Cable Gasifier power supply 490 Micro GC 1 EA
6 G3588-60590 Sample line assembly with nut short 1 EA
7 G3588-60591 Sample line assembly with nut long 1 EA
1
2
3
4
67
5

Agilent 990 Micro GC Micro Gasifier User Manual 13
2 Installation and Use
Specifications
Specifications
Table 2 Specifications
Feature Specifications
General Heated pressure-reducing regulator.
Operation temperature 100 °C ± 5 °C
Sample input pressure 1,000 Psi / 7,000 kPa maximum
Delivery pressure to Micro GC 7.5 Psi ± 2.5 Psi
Repeatability 1 %
Concentration range 50 ppm to 100 %
Sample carry-over < 1 % (as measured for hexane)

2 Installation and Use
Installation
14 Agilent 990 Micro GC Micro Gasifier User Manual
Installation
For optimal operation, the Micro Gasifier must be located as close as possible to the sample inlet
at the back of the instrument using a sample line connection configured to be heated.
Tools required for Micro Gasifier installation
•Torx T-10 screwdriver
•Torx T-20 screwdriver
•5/16 inch wrench
•3/16 inch wrench
•Adjustable wrench
CAUTION
The Micro GC must be configured for constant flow operation. For more details see the Micro GC
user manual.
1Remove the Torx T-10 screw at the top of the front cover, and gently pull forward from the top
edge to remove the cover.

Agilent 990 Micro GC Micro Gasifier User Manual 15
2 Installation and Use
Tools required for Micro Gasifier installation
2Remove the breakaway tab on the left side of the front cover to accommodate the sample line
connection. Using an adjustable wrench, grip the breakaway tab in the middle and torque until
the tab breaks free.
3Attach four Torx T-20 screws to the left side of the GC leaving them loose enough that the
accessory bracket can be installed.

2 Installation and Use
Tools required for Micro Gasifier installation
16 Agilent 990 Micro GC Micro Gasifier User Manual
4Slide the accessory bracket onto the Micro GC. Tighten the four Torx T-20 screws to secure
the accessory bracket.
5Attach two Torx T-20 screws onto the bracket leaving them loose enough that the gasifier
rack can be installed.

Agilent 990 Micro GC Micro Gasifier User Manual 17
2 Installation and Use
Tools required for Micro Gasifier installation
6Mount the gasifier rack onto the accessory bracket. Tighten the two Torx T-20 screws.
7Remove the two Torx T-10 screws to uninstall the original sample inlet manifold on the
cabinet. The sample line nuts may need to be removed beforehand. See the Sample Line
Replacement on Page 90 in the Agilent 990 Micro GC User Manual (p/n G3588-90010).

2 Installation and Use
Tools required for Micro Gasifier installation
18 Agilent 990 Micro GC Micro Gasifier User Manual
8Connect the new sample inlet manifold to the gasifier by a 1/16 in nut and ferrule using a
5/16 in wrench.
9Use a 3/16 in wrench to screw the sample line nuts to the inlet manifold. Install the inlet
manifold onto the channel by tightening the two Torx T-10 screws. Use a 3/16 in wrench to
screw the sample line nuts to the front of the channel.

Agilent 990 Micro GC Micro Gasifier User Manual 19
2 Installation and Use
Tools required for Micro Gasifier installation
10 Install the front cover by tightening the Torx T-10 screw on the top.
11 Connect the power supply using the included special cable.
12 The LPG or high-pressure sample is connected to the SAMPLE-IN socket using a 1/16 in
Swagelok connector. All other connections should be made using 1/16 in (pretreated)
stainless steel (CP4008) tubing.
13 To safely guide hazardous fumes to a fume hood or other appropriate vent, it is possible to
connect a long vent line to the VENT outlet.

20 Agilent 990 Micro GC Micro Gasifier User Manual
14 The Micro GC must be configured for constant flow operation. For more details, see the
990 Micro GC User Manual
15 The Micro Gasifier is equipped with two needle valves, one to control the vent flow, and one to
control the sample flow to the Micro GC. The vent control needle valve allows flushing of the
regulator under increased flow conditions. The various flows can be measured using a flow
meter.