Agilent Technologies Graphite Tube Atomizer GTA 120 User manual

Agilent Graphite Tube
Atomizer GTA 120
(Including GTA Viewing and Fume
Extraction Apparatus)
User’s Guide

2 Agilent Graphite Tube Atomizer GTA 120 User’s Guide
Notices
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2012, 2016, 2018
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Manual Part Number
8510118500
Edition
Tenth edition, April 2018
Agilent Technologies Australia [M] Pty
Ltd
679 Springvale Road
Mulgrave, VIC, 3170, Australia
www.agilent.com
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Safety Notices
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.
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.
WARNING
CAUTION

Contents
Agilent Graphite Tube Atomizer GTA 120 User’s Guide 3
Contents
1. Safety Practices and Hazards 7
General 7
Verifying Safe State 8
Warning Symbols 9
Notes 11
Color Coding 11
Electrical Hazards 11
Compressed Gas Hazards 13
Chemical Hazards 13
Other 14
Electromagnetic Compatibility 14
EN55011/CISPR11 14
ICES/NMB-001 15
South Korean Class A EMC declaration 16
2. Introduction 17
Working Environment 18
Specifications 18
Environmental Conditions 18
Power 18
Gas Supplies 19
Water Supply 20
Weights and Dimensions 21

Contents
4 Agilent Graphite Tube Atomizer GTA 120 User’s Guide
3. Getting Started 23
GTA Control Unit 24
Front View 24
Back View 25
GTA Furnace 26
Water Supplies 26
Gas Supplies 27
4. Using Your GTA 29
Installation 29
Moving the Accessory 30
Installing the Control Unit 30
Installing the Furnace 30
Non-Zeeman GTA 30
Zeeman GTA 32
Setting the Gas Supply 34
Turning on the Water Supply 34
Installing the Tube-CAM Camera Option – Agilent 240/280 AA Only35
Installing the Mirror 35
The Optional GTA Viewing/Fume Extraction Accessory 36
Installing the Programmable Sample Dispenser (PSD) 36
Graphite Tubes and Platforms 36
Types of Available Graphite Tubes 36
Types of Available Graphite Platforms 37
Inserting a Graphite Tube 38

Contents
Agilent Graphite Tube Atomizer GTA 120 User’s Guide 5
Removing a Graphite Tube 40
Removing Your GTA Furnace 40
5. The GTA Viewing/Fume Extraction Accessory (Optional) 43
Requirements for Fume Extraction 44
Installing the GTA Viewing/Fume Extraction Accessory 45
Installing the GTA Viewing/Fume Extraction Accessory to
the Instrument 45
Installing the Extraction System to the Laboratory Exhaust
System 48
Operation and Maintenance 51
6. Maintenance 53
General 53
Graphite Shroud and Electrodes 53
Hoses and Connections 54
Cleaning the Quartz Windows 54
Removing and Replacing Electrodes 55
Non-Zeeman Electrode Removal 55
Non-Zeeman Electrode Replacement 58
Zeeman Electrode Removal 59
Zeeman Electrode Replacement 62
Fuses 63

Contents
6 Agilent Graphite Tube Atomizer GTA 120 User’s Guide
This page is intentionally left blank.

Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent Graphite Tube Atomizer GTA 120 User’s Guide 7
1. Safety Practices and Hazards
General 7
Verifying Safe State 8
Warning Symbols 9
Notes 11
Color Coding 11
Electrical Hazards 11
Compressed Gas Hazards 13
Chemical Hazards 13
Other 14
Electromagnetic Compatibility 14
General
A Graphite Tube Atomizer, used in conjunction with an Atomic
Absorption spectrometer, uses compressed inert gases and high
voltages. The system generates radiant energy and hazardous wastes
including corrosive fluids and flammable liquids.
Careless, improper or unskilled use of this system can cause death or
serious injury to personnel, or severe damage to equipment and
property.
All users of an AA (Atomic Absorption) and GTA (Graphite Tube
Atomizer) instrument must be familiar with the correct operating
procedures. Appropriate safety practices have been included in this
operation manual and your spectrometer operation manual, to help
you operate the equipment safely. Read all safety practices
thoroughly before attempting to operate your system.
The covers on instruments and accessories must not be removed by
the operator, except as permitted for the routine maintenance tasks
detailed in the relevant operation manuals.
Service is to be performed only by Agilent field support engineers.

Safety Practices and Hazards
8Agilent Graphite Tube Atomizer GTA 120 User’s Guide
The safety practices described below are provided to help you
operate your instrument safely. Read these safety practices
thoroughly before attempting to operate the instrument and always
operate the spectrometer in accordance with these safety practices.
The GTA uses interlocks and covers which are designed to prevent
accidental contact with any of the potential hazards. It is good
practice, however, to develop safe working habits which do not
depend upon the correct operation of the interlocks for safe
operation. It is essential that no interlock or cover is bypassed,
damaged or removed.
Fumes generated by the GTA can be hazardous, and must be
extracted by an exhaust system. Ensure that an exhaust of the
appropriate type is fitted, as specified in the pre-installation
instructions. It must be vented to the outside air, never within the
building. Regularly check the exhaust system by smoke test to ensure
that it is functioning correctly. Always switch the exhaust fan on
before operating the instrument.
WARNING
Noxious Gas
An exhaust system must be used with an Agilent AA flame and furnace
instruments to remove hazardous and toxic gases.
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the
manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.
Verifying Safe State
The following general safety precautions must be observed during all
phases of operation, maintenance and service of this instrument.
To ensure continued safety of the instrument after maintenance or
service procedures verify the instrument is returned to a safe state
for the user. This includes running performance checks to verify the
instruments safety systems are functioning correctly. Check the
general condition of the instrument during operation for wear or
signs of corrosion that are likely to inhibit function or safety.

Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent Graphite Tube Atomizer GTA 120 User’s Guide 9
Failure to comply with these precautions or with specific warnings
elsewhere in this manual violates safety standards of design,
manufacture, and intended use of the instrument. Agilent
Technologies assumes no liability for the customer’s failure to
comply with these requirements.
Warning Symbols
The following is a list of symbols that appear in this manual in
conjunction with warnings on the instrument. The hazard they
describe is also shown.
A triangular symbol indicates a warning. The meanings of the
symbols that may appear alongside warnings in the documentation
or on the instrument itself are as follows:
Corrosive liquid
Electrical shock Explosion hazard
Eye hazard Fire hazard
Heavy weight
(danger to feet)
Heavy weight
(danger to hands)
Hot surface
Magnetic hazard
Moving parts
Noxious gas Toxic hazard

Safety Practices and Hazards
10 Agilent Graphite Tube Atomizer GTA 120 User’s Guide
The following symbol may be used on warning labels attached to the
instrument or in this manual. When you see this symbol, refer to the
relevant operation or service manual for the correct procedure
referred to by that warning label.
The following symbols appear on the instrument for your
information.
I Mains power on
0Mains power off
Fuse
Single phase alternating current
Disconnect all power plugs
Inlet gas
Inlet for cooling liquid
Outlet for cooling liquid

Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent Graphite Tube Atomizer GTA 120 User’s Guide 11
WARNING
Explosion Hazard
Pure H2must NOT be used in this product.
N2or Ar containing <=5%v/v H2CAN be used.
L'hydrogène pur ne doit pas être utilisé dans ce produit.
De l'azote ou de l'argon contenant 5 %v/v d'hydrogène ou moins PEUT être
utilisé.
Notes
A Note is used to give advice or information. The format of a Note is
as follows:
NOTE Note text appears here.
Color Coding
The various indicator lights appearing on the accessory has been
color coded to represent the status of the accessory:
A green light indicates the instrument is in normal/standby
condition.
An orange light indicates that a potential hazard is present.
A blue light indicates that operator intervention is required.
A red light warns of danger or an emergency.
Electrical Hazards
The GTA electronic control module contains electrical circuits,
devices and components operating at dangerous voltages. Contact
with these circuits, devices and components can cause death, serious
injury or painful electric shock. Panels or covers that are retained by
screws on the GTA may only be opened by Agilent field service
engineers.

Safety Practices and Hazards
12 Agilent Graphite Tube Atomizer GTA 120 User’s Guide
Use of the wrong supply voltage, connection of the accessory to an
incorrectly wired supply outlet, or lack of proper electrical grounding
can create a fire or shock hazard that can cause death, serious injury,
or serious damage to equipment.
1Always use a 3-wire outlet with a ground connection that is
adequately rated for the load.
2The installation must comply with local, state and national safety
regulations.
3Before connecting the GTA, make sure the voltage selector is
correctly set for the mains supply to which you are going to
connect the accessory. If not you should contact an Agilent field
service engineer.
A blown fuse should be replaced with one of the size and rating
stipulated in the text adjacent to the fuse holder. Always ensure the
accessory is turned off and disconnected from the mains supply
before attempting any replacement.
WARNING
Electrical Shock
Never attempt to override or disable interlocks. Failure to observe this
warning can result in death or serious injury.
You must always disconnect the mains power inputs when direct access to
the electronics is needed.
WARNING
Magnetic Hazard
The Zeeman magnet generates a variable magnetic field of 0.8 Tesla (at
mains frequency) in the workhead. Pacemakers and magnetic storage media
must be kept at least 300 mm from the magnet.

Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent Graphite Tube Atomizer GTA 120 User’s Guide 13
Compressed Gas Hazards
All compressed gases other than air can create a hazard if they leak
into the atmosphere. Even small leaks in gas supply systems can be
dangerous. Any leak other than air can result in an oxygen-deficient
atmosphere which can cause asphyxiation or anesthesia.
Gas cylinders must be stored and handled strictly in accordance with
local safety codes and regulations. Cylinders must be used and stored
only in a vertical position and secured to an immovable structure or
a properly constructed cylinder stand. Move cylinders only on a
properly constructed trolley. The area in which cylinders are stored
and the area surrounding the instrument must be adequately
ventilated to prevent accumulations of gas.
Use only approved regulator and hose connectors; refer to the gas
supplier’s instructions. Keep gas cylinders cool and properly labeled,
all cylinders are fitted with a pressure relief device which will
rupture and empty the cylinder if the internal pressure rises above
the safe limit.
Use only ‘Instrument Grade’ gases with the spectrometer. Ensure
that you have the right cylinder before connecting it to the
instrument.
Always ensure that the gas supplies are turned off at the cylinders or
tanks after completing an analytical procedure and at the end of the
working day. Shut off valves should be installed and easily accessible.
Chemical Hazards
The GTA accessory may involve the use of materials which are toxic,
highly corrosive or otherwise hazardous. Careless, improper, or
unskilled use of such materials can cause serious personal injury.
Always ensure that laboratory safety practices governing the use,
handling and disposal of such materials are strictly observed. These
safety practices should include the wearing of appropriate safety
clothing.

Safety Practices and Hazards
14 Agilent Graphite Tube Atomizer GTA 120 User’s Guide
Before attempting any work on the sample compartment area, you
must know exactly what matrix of solutions has been running
through the instrument and particularly what types of solvents are
involved.
Always check that the Programmable Sample Dispenser (PSD) has
been thoroughly flushed out with distilled water and that the
contents of the drain or waste container are known and properly
disposed of if necessary before touching any part.
Wash your hands and gloves thoroughly during the course of sample
compartment work. Avoid contact between hands and eyes at all
times during servicing of the instrument.
Other
GTA control units are heavy. To avoid injury, or damage to the
control unit, two people are needed to move the instrument to the
bench location.
Cooling air flow to the spectrometer and the GTA must be
unobstructed. Do not block the ventilation grills.
Do not position the equipment so that it is difficult to operate the
disconnecting device.
Electromagnetic Compatibility
EN55011/CISPR11
Group 1 ISM equipment: group 1 contains all ISM equipment in
which there is intentionally generated and/or used conductively
coupled radio- frequency energy which is necessary for the internal
functioning of the equipment itself.
Class A equipment is equipment suitable for use in all
establishments other than domestic and those directly connected to a
low voltage power supply network which supplies buildings used for
domestic purposes.

Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent Graphite Tube Atomizer GTA 120 User’s Guide 15
This device complies with the requirements of CISPR11, Group 1,
Class A as radiation professional equipment. Therefore, there may be
potential difficulties in ensuring electromagnetic compatibility in
other environments, due to conducted as well as radiated
disturbances.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1This device may not cause harmful interference.
2This device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or
television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try one or more of
the following measures:
1Relocate the radio or antenna.
2Move the device away from the radio or television.
3Plug the device into a different electrical outlet, so that the device
and the radio or television are on separate electrical circuits.
4Make sure that all peripheral devices are also certified.
5Make sure that appropriate cables are used to connect the device
to peripheral equipment.
6Consult your equipment dealer, Agilent Technologies, or an
experienced technician for assistance.
Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Agilent
Technologies could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.
ICES/NMB-001
This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES- 001.
Cet appareil ISM est conforme à la norme NMB-001 du Canada.

Safety Practices and Hazards
16 Agilent Graphite Tube Atomizer GTA 120 User’s Guide
South Korean Class A EMC declaration
This equipment is Class A suitable for professional use and is for use
in electromagnetic environments outside of the home.
A급기기
(업무용 방송통신기자재)
이기기는 업무용(A급) 전자파적합기기로서 판
매자 또는 사용자는 이점을 주의하시기 바라
며, 가정외의 지역에서 사용하는 것을 목적으로 합니다.

Introduction
Agilent Graphite Tube Atomizer GTA 120 User’s Guide 17
2. Introduction
Working Environment 18
Specifications 18
Environmental Conditions 18
Power 18
Gas Supplies 19
Water Supply 20
Weights and Dimensions 21
This manual describes how to install and operate a Graphite Tube
Atomizer (GTA) and Zeeman GTA with Agilent AA spectrometers.
Your GTA consists of a control unit and a furnace. This manual
describes how to install and disconnect the control unit, along with
how to install, remove and maintain the furnace for optimum
performance.
NOTE The GTA 120 is compatible with the Agilent 200 Series AA (including the 140 AA)
ONLY.
More information on the operation of your GTA can be found in the
comprehensive reference supplied with your GTA — ‘Analytical
Methods for Graphite Tube Atomizers'.

Introduction
18 Agilent Graphite Tube Atomizer GTA 120 User’s Guide
Working Environment
Graphite tube atomization is a microanalytical technique which
demands a particularly high standard of care in all activities to
ensure good precision and accuracy of the analytical result. Strict
cleanliness is essential in all laboratory procedures — contamination
must be avoided. Ideally, your laboratory should be air-conditioned
and draught-free. All sample preparation should be carried out in an
area which is well separated from the instrument.
Specifications
Environmental Conditions
Your accessory is designed for indoor use only. It is suitable for the
following categories:
Installation category II
Pollution degree 2
Equipment class I
Condition Altitude Temp (°C) Humidity (%RH)
non-condensing
Non-operating (storage) 0-2133 m
(0-7000')
5-45 20-80
Operating within
performance
specifications
0-853 m
(0-2800')
853-2133 m
(2800-7000')
10-35
10-25
8-80
8-80
Power
Voltage 208, 220, 230, or 240 VAC
Frequency 50-60 Hz
Normal standby consumption 15 A

Introduction
Agilent Graphite Tube Atomizer GTA 120 User’s Guide 19
Surge current (Courant de surcharge)
Rated firing consumption 40 A
NOTE The GTA will draw surge currents in excess of the nominal rating of 15 A
(3500 VA). Surges in the GTA accessory depend on the choice of ramp rate and
programmed temperature and may be up to 40 A for approximately 1 second,
reducing to about 20 A for up to 10 seconds, perhaps repeating every 1 to 2
minutes.
Electrical Connections
Mains power cord connector:
Australia: Clipsal 439D15M
USA: Complies with NEMA L6-30P (Hubbel#2621)
Europe: Kaiser CEBEC 616 VDE (complies with DIN 49441R2)
NOTE The GTA 120 has a captive cable.
25 pin D-range type (for Programmable Sample Dispenser) is located
in the instrument power supply compartment.
NOTE To access this 25 pin connector you must open the GTA power supply door .
IEEE-488 is at the rear of the instrument.
Zeeman furnace: CPC 14-way connection into the left hand side panel
of a Zeeman spectrometer (behind the exterior panel).
Gas Supplies
An inert gas is always needed at the ‘Normal’ gas inlet to the GTA.
This gas is used to shroud the hot graphite components and prevent
oxidation.

Introduction
20 Agilent Graphite Tube Atomizer GTA 120 User’s Guide
The preferred gas for the ‘Normal’ gas inlet is argon. Nitrogen is an
acceptable lower cost alternative but furnace performance may be
degraded for some elements and tube lifetime may be reduced. The
argon or nitrogen used must be at least 99.99% pure.
Nitrogen or air may be used at the ‘Alternate’ gas inlet. A choice is
made on the basis of the analytical technique for the sample.
NOTE Recommendations are made in the document ‘Analytical Methods for Graphite
Tube Atomizers’.
Gas supplies must be regulated to maintain the instrument operating
pressure under dynamic conditions.
The gas must be dry and dust-free; otherwise you must insert a
suitable filter in the supply line.
Recommended pressure: 140 kPa (20 psi)
Maximum pressure: 350 kPa (50 psi)
Normal flow rate approx 0–3.5 L/min
Normal gas connection is 6 mm (1/4 in.) barb.
Alternate gas connection is 6 mm (1/4 in.) barb.
Snap-on gas connector for PSD accessory inside power supply panel.
Water Supply
Maximum temperature 40 °C (104 °F)
Recommended temp. range 18–25 °C (64–70 °F)
NOTE Water temperature should be set above the dew point to avoid condensation
forming on the workhead surfaces.
Minimum flow rate required 1.5 L/min at 180 kPa (27 psi)
Typical flow rate at recommended pressure range 1.5–2.0 L/min
Maximum pressure to the regulator 700 kPa (100 psi)
Typically removes 950 W of heat at 20 °C.