Agilent Technologies G1329A User manual

Agilent 1260 Infinity
Preparative Autosampler
User Manual

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2008-2010
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Manual Part Number
G2260-90000
Edition
06/2010
Printed in Germany
Agilent Technologies
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76337 Waldbronn
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wise, it is intended only for general
laboratory use.

3
Contents
Contents
1 Introduction to the Autosampler 7
Introduction to the Autosampler 8
Sampling Sequence 10
Sampling Unit 13
Transport Assembly 16
Early Maintenance Feedback (EMF) 18
Electrical Connections 19
Agilent 1200 Infinity Interfaces 21
2 Site Requirements and Specifications 23
Site Requirements 24
Physical Specifications 27
Performance Specifications 28
3 Installing the Autosampler 33
Unpacking the Autosampler 34
Optimizing the Stack Configuration 37
Installing the Autosampler 41
Installing the Thermostatted Autosampler 44
Flow Connections 48
Installing the Sample Tray 50
Transporting the Autosampler 51
4 Using the Autosampler 53
Solvent Information 54
Sample Trays 56
Choice of Vials and Caps 58
5 Optimizing Performance 61
Optimization for Lowest Carry-over 62
Fast Injection Cycle and Low Delay Volume 66
Precise Injection Volume 68

4
Contents
Choice of Rotor Seal 70
6 Troubleshooting and Diagnostics 71
Agilent Lab Monitor & Diagnostic Software 72
Overview of the Sampler’s Indicators and Test Functions 73
7 Maintenance 75
Introduction into Maintenance and Repair 76
Overview of Main Repair Procedures 80
Early Maintenance Feedback (EMF) 82
Maintenance Functions 84
Simple Repairs 85
8 Parts and Materials for Maintenance 105
Main Assemblies 106
Analytical-Head Assembly 108
Vial Trays 111
Standard Autosampler Accessory Kit G1329-68725 112
Preparative Autosampler Accessory Kit G2260-68705 113
Maintenance Kit G1313-68730 for G1329A 114
Maintenance Kit G1313-68719 for G1329B 115
Multi-Draw Kit G1313-6871 116
900 µl Injection Upgrade Kit G1363A for G1329A 117
External Tray G1313-60004 118
9 Identifying Cables 119
Cable Overview 120
Analog Cables 122
Remote Cables 125
BCD Cables 130
External Contact Cable 132
CAN/LAN Cables 133
Auxiliary Cable 134
RS-232 Cables 135

5
Contents
10 Appendix 137
General Safety Information 138
Lithium Batteries Information 142
Radio Interference 143
Sound Emission 144
Agilent Technologies on Internet 145

6
Contents

7
Agilent Technologies
1
Introduction to the Autosampler
Introduction to the Autosampler 8
Sampling Sequence 10
Injection Sequence 11
Sampling Unit 13
Needle-Drive 14
Analytical head / preparative head 14
Injection-Valve 15
Transport Assembly 16
Early Maintenance Feedback (EMF) 18
Electrical Connections 19
Agilent 1200 Infinity Interfaces 21

8
1Introduction to the Autosampler
Introduction to the Autosampler
Introduction to the Autosampler
Three models of Agilent 1200 Infinity Series autosamplers are available;
within this introduction they will be referred to as the standard autosampler
(G1329A), the standard autosampler SL (G1329B) and the preparative
autosampler (G2260A). Unless otherwise stated all information in this section
is valid for all models.
The Agilent 1100 Series autosamplers and Agilent 1200 Infinity Series
autosamplers are designed for use with other modules of the Agilent 1200
Infinity Series LC system, with the HP 1050 Series, or with other LC systems if
adequate remote control inputs and outputs are available. The autosamplerss
are controlled from the Agilent 1200 Infinity control module (G4208 A Instant
Pilot) or from the Agilent ChemStation for LC.
Three sample-rack sizes are available for the autosamplers. The standard
full-size rack holds 100 × 1.8 ml vials, while the two half-size racks provide
space for 40 × 1.8 ml vials and 15 × 6 ml vials respectively. Any two half-size
rack trays can be installed in the autosamplers simultaneously. A specially
designed sample-rack holding 100 × 1.8 ml vials is available for use with
thermostatted autosamplers. The half-size racks trays are not designed for an
optimal heat transfer when they are used with a thermostatted autosampler.
The autosamplers transport mechanism uses an X-Z-Theta movement to
optimize vial pick-up and return. Vials are picked up by the gripper arm, and
positioned below the sampling unit. The gripper transport mechanism and
sampling unit are driven by motors. Movement is monitored by optical sensors
and optical encoders to ensure correct operation. The metering device is
always flushed after injection to ensure minimum carry-over.
The standard analytical head device provides injection volumes from
0.1 – 100 µl. Two preparative head devices provide injection volumes from
0.1 – 900 µl. One head is limited by a system pressure of 200 bars, the other by
a system pressure of 400 bars. The G1329B autosampler SL uses an analytical
head providing injection volumes from 0.1 – 100 µl for pressures up to 600 bar
as used in rapid resolution systems.
The six-port injection valve unit (only 5 ports are used) is driven by a
high-speed hybrid stepper motor. During the sampling sequence, the valve unit
bypasses the autosamplers, and directly connects the flow from the pump to

9
Introduction to the Autosampler 1
Introduction to the Autosampler
the column. During injection and analysis, the valve unit directs the flow
through the autosamplers which ensures that the sample is injected
completely into the column, and that any sample residue is removed from the
metering unit and needle from before the next sampling sequence begins.
Different valves are available for the standard and preparative autosamplers.
Control of the vial temperature in the thermostatted autosampler is achieved
using an additional Agilent 1200 Infinity module; the ALS thermostat. Details
of this module are given in the Agilent 1200 Infinity thermostatted
autosampler Supplemental Manual.
Figure 1 Overview of the Autosampler
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10
1Introduction to the Autosampler
Sampling Sequence
Sampling Sequence
The movements of the autosampler components during the sampling sequence
are monitored continuously by the autosampler processor. The processor
defines specific time windows and mechanical ranges for each movement. If a
specific step of the sampling sequence can’t be completed successfully, an
error message is generated.
Solvent is bypassed from the autosamplers by the injection valve during the
sampling sequence. The sample vial is selected by a gripper arm from a static
sample rack, or from external vial positions. The gripper arm places the
sample vial below the injection needle. The required volume of sample is
drawn into the sample loop by the metering device. Sample is applied to the
column when the injection valve returns to the mainpass position at the end of
the sampling sequence.
The sampling sequence occurs in the following order:
1The injection valve switches to the bypass position.
2The plunger of the metering device moves to the initialization position.
3The gripper arm moves from the home position, and selects the vial. At the
same time, the needle lifts out of the seat.
4The gripper arm places the vial below the needle.
5The needle lowers into the vial.
6The metering device draws the defined sample volume.
7The needle lifts out of the vial.
8If the automated needle wash is selected (see “Using the Automated Needle
Wash” on page 63), the gripper arm replaces the sample vial, positions the
wash vial below the needle, lowers the needle into the vial, then lifts the
needle out of the wash vial.
9The gripper arm checks if the safety flap is in position.
10 The gripper arm replaces the vial, and returns to the home position.
Simultaneously, the needle lowers into the seat.
11 The injection valve switches to the mainpass position.

11
Introduction to the Autosampler 1
Sampling Sequence
Injection Sequence
Before the start of the injection sequence, and during an analysis, the injection
valve is in the mainpass position (Figure 2 on page 11). In this position, the
mobile phase flows through the autosamplers metering device, sample loop,
and needle, ensuring all parts in contact with sample are flushed during the
run, thus minimizing carry-over.
Figure 2 Mainpass Position
When the sample sequence begins, the valve unit switches to the bypass
position (Figure 3 on page 11). Solvent from the pump enters the valve unit at
port 1, and flows directly to the column through port 6.
Figure 3 Bypass Position

12
1Introduction to the Autosampler
Sampling Sequence
Next, the needle is raised, and the vial is positioned below the needle. The
needle moves down into the vial, and the metering unit draws the sample into
the sample loop (Figure 4 on page 12).
Figure 4 Drawing the Sample
When the metering unit has drawn the required volume of sample into the
sample loop, the needle is raised, and the vial is replaced in the sample tray.
The needle is lowered into the needle seat, and the injection valve switches
back to the mainpass position, flushing the sample onto the column (Figure 5
on page 12).
Figure 5 Mainpass Position (Sample Injection)

13
Introduction to the Autosampler 1
Sampling Unit
Sampling Unit
The sampling unit comprises three main assemblies: needle drive, metering
device, and injection valve.
The sampling units for the standard and the preparative autosamplers are
different.
Figure 6 Autosampler Sampling Unit
NOTE The replacement sampling unit excludes the injection valve and metering head assemblies.
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14
1Introduction to the Autosampler
Sampling Unit
Needle-Drive
The needle movement is driven by a stepper motor connected to the spindle
assembly by a toothed belt. The circular motion of the motor is converted to
linear motion by the drive nut on the spindle assembly. The upper and lower
needle positions are detected by reflection sensors on the sampling unit flex
board, while the needle-in-vial position is determined by counting the motor
steps from the upper needle-sensor position.
Analytical head / preparative head
The analytical head is driven by the stepper motor connected to the drive shaft
by a toothed belt. The drive nut on the spindle converts the circular movement
of the spindle to linear motion. The drive nut pushes the sapphire plunger
against the tension of the spring into the analytical head. The base of the
plunger sits on the large bearing of the drive nut, which ensures the plunger is
always centered. A ceramic ring guides the movement of the plunger in the
analytical head. The home position of the plunger is sensed by an infra-red
sensor on the sampling unit flex board, while the sample volume is determined
by counting the number of steps from the home position. The backward
movement of the plunger (driven by the spring) draws sample from the vial.
Table 1 Analytical Head Technical Data
Standard (100 µl Standard (900 µl) Preparative (900 µl)
Number of steps 15000 15000 15000
Volume resolution 7 nl/motor step 60 nl/motor step 60 nl/motor step
Maximum stroke 100 µl 900 µl 900 µl
Pressure limit 600 bar 200 bar 400 bar
Plunger material Sapphire Sapphire Sapphire

15
Introduction to the Autosampler 1
Sampling Unit
Injection-Valve
The two-position 6-port injection valve is driven by a stepper motor. Only five
of the six ports are used (port 3 is not used). A lever/slider mechanism
transfers the movement of the stepper motor to the injection valve. Two
microswitches monitor switching of the valve (bypass and mainpass end
positions).
No valve adjustments are required after replacing internal components.
Table 2 Injection-Valve Technical Data
Standard Preparative MBB™ Autosampler SL
Motor type 4 V, 1.2 A stepper motor 4 V, 1.2 A stepper motor 4 V, 1.2 A stepper motor
Seal material Vespel™ (Tefzel™
available)
PEEK PEEK
Stator material Ceramic/PEEK PEEK None
Number of ports 6 6 6
Switchingtime <150ms <150ms <150ms

16
1Introduction to the Autosampler
Transport Assembly
Transport Assembly
The transport unit comprises an X-axis slide (left-right motion), a Z-axis arm
(up-down motion), and a gripper assembly (rotation and vial-gripping).
Figure 7 Transport Assembly
The transport assembly uses four stepper motors driven in closed-loop mode
for accurate positioning of the gripper assembly for sample-vial transport. The
rotational movement of the motors is converted to linear motion (X- and
Z-axes) by toothed belts connected to the drive spindles. The rotation (theta
axes) of the gripper assembly is transferred from the motor by a toothed belt
and series of gears. The opening and closing of the gripper fingers are driven
by a stepper motor linked by a toothed belt to the planetary gearing inside the
gripper assembly.
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17
Introduction to the Autosampler 1
Transport Assembly
The stepper motor positions are determined by the optical encoders mounted
onto the stepper-motor housing. The encoders monitor the position of the
motors continually, and correct for position errors automatically (e.g. if the
gripper is accidentally moved out of position when loading vials into the vial
tray). The initialization positions of the moving components are sensed by
reflection sensors mounted on the flex board. These positions are used by the
processor to calculate the actual motor position. An additional six reflection
sensors for tray recognition are mounted on the flex board at the front of the
assembly.

18
1Introduction to the Autosampler
Early Maintenance Feedback (EMF)
Early Maintenance Feedback (EMF)
The early maintenance feedback (EMF) feature monitors the usage of specific
components in the instrument, and provides feedback when the user-setable
limits have been exceeded. The visual feedback in the user interface provides
an indication that maintenance procedures should be scheduled.
For details on EMF counters and how to use them, see “Early Maintenance
Feedback (EMF)” on page 82.

19
Introduction to the Autosampler 1
Electrical Connections
Electrical Connections
•The GPIB connector is used to connect the module with a computer. The
address and control switch module next to the GPIB connector determines
the GPIB address of your module. The switches are preset to a default
address and is recognized once after power is switched ON.
•The CAN bus is a serial bus with high speed data transfer. The two
connectors for the CAN bus are used for internal Agilent 1200 Infinity
module data transfer and synchronization.
•One analog output provides signals for integrators or data handling
systems.
•The interface board slot is used for external contacts and BCD bottle
number output or LAN connections.
•The REMOTE connector may be used in combination with other analytical
instruments from Agilent Technologies if you want to use features such as
start, stop, common shut down, prepare, and so on.
•With the appropriate software, the RS-232C connector may be used to
control the module from a computer through a RS-232C connection. This
connector is activated and can be configured with the configuration switch.
See your software documentation for further information.
•The power input socket accepts a line voltage of 100 – 240 volts AC ± 10%
with a line frequency of 50 or 60 Hz. Maximum power consumption is
300 VA. There is no voltage selector on your module because the power
supply has wide-ranging capability. There are no externally accessible
fuses, because automatic electronic fuses are implemented in the power
supply. The security lever at the power input socket prevents the module
cover from being taken off when line power is still connected.
NOTE Never use cables other than the ones supplied by Agilent Technologies to ensure proper
functionality and compliance with safety or EMC regulations.

20
1Introduction to the Autosampler
Electrical Connections
Figure 8 Autosampler (plus Thermostat) Electrical Connections
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