Agilent Technologies QuickSwap G3185B Manual

Agilent Technologies
Agilent G3185B
QuickSwap Accessory
Installation and Setup

QuickSwap Installation and Startup
Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2005
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Manual Part Number
G3185-90100
Edition
First edition, October 2005
Printed in USA
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
2850 Centerville Road
Wilmington, DE 19808-1610 USA
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Safety Notices
CAUTION
A CAUTION notice denotes a haz-
ard. It calls attention to an operat-
ing procedure, practice, or the like
that, if not correctly performed or
adhered to, could result in damage
to the product or loss of important
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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 per-
formed or adhered to, could result
in personal injury or death. Do not
proceed beyond a WARNING
notice until the indicated condi-
tions are fully understood and
met.

3
Agilent G3185B QuickSwap Accessory
Installation and Startup
Agilent Technologies
Installation
In This Manual 4
Kit Contents 5
Tools Required 5
Plumbing the Purge Gas 6
Update Auxiliary EPC Controller Firmware 11
Important Information 15
Before You Begin 16
Overview 16
1. Confirm that the GC and MSD are Ready for QuickSwap 18
2. Select and Install a Restrictor 19
3. Attach QuickSwap to the MSD Transfer Line 20
4. Connect the QuickSwap Tubing to the Purge Gas Tubing 23
5. Turn on the MSD and Begin Pumpdown 23
6. Start the MSD ChemStation and Load a Checkout Method 23
7. Set and Apply the Purge Gas Pressure 24
8. Confirm that the Actual Pressure Matches the Setpoint 24
9. Prepare the QuickSwap End of the Column 25
10. Connect the Column to the Inlet and QuickSwap 28
11. Configure the Column 28
12. Set and Apply the Column Flow 29
13. Recheck the QuickSwap Pressure 30
14. Perform an Initial Leak Test 30
15. When MSD Pumpdown is Finished, Autotune the MSD 30
16. Perform Final Leak Test using the MSD Manual Tune Screen 31
17. Retune the MSD 37
18. Run Samples 37

4 QuickSwap Installation and Startup
In This Manual
In This Manual
This manual contains the information you need to install the QuickSwap
accessory and run a checkout method. It does not supply full discussions of
control parameters, the other checkout methods, or how to operate the gas
chromatograph (GC) or the mass selective detector (MSD). See the following
for more information.
The User CD
Contains this manual, the Reference Manual, two flow calculation utilities,
QuickSwap-adapted versions of the MSD checkout methods in both loadable
and printable form, and other information.
The Reference Manual
Describes the parameters (including choice of restrictor) that govern
QuickSwap, how to convert existing methods for QuickSwap, backflushing
with QuickSwap, maintenance, and replacement parts.
GC and MSD manuals
How to operate the two devices that are connected by QuickSwap. Includes
safety information.

Kit Contents
QuickSwap Installation and Startup 5
Kit Contents
The contents of the G3185B QuickSwap kit are shown in Table 1.
Tools Required
Wrench, open end, 1/4-inch × 5/16-inch (8710-0510)
Gloves, clean
•Large (8650-0030)
•Small (8650-0029)
Side (diagonal) cutter
Table 1 QuickSwap kit contents
Description Quantity
QuickSwap assembly, inert 1
QuickSwap User Information CD 1
Union, 1/16-inch to 1/8-inch 1
QuickSwap supplies and spares kit, containing: 1
•Capillary column cutter, pkg of 4 1
•SilTite metal ferrules, 0.4-mm id for 250-µm columns, pkg of 4 1
•Internal nut for connecting column to QuickSwap 2
•Restrictor pack, 2 each of 100- and 110-µm id 1
•Magnifier, 3x, 6x 1
•Plug assembly (includes 2 internal nuts) 1
•Transfer line locking nut 1
•Swaging nut 1
•6890 valve box blank and screws 1
•Clamp 1
•Auxiliary EPC restrictor (frit), brown dot 1
•Wrench, 1/4-inch × 5/16-inch, open end 1

6 QuickSwap Installation and Startup
Plumbing the Purge Gas
Plumbing the Purge Gas
For new systems, plumbing is best done by ordering Option 885. The factory
will then make the correct purge gas line installation.
If you prefer to do the installation yourself, or if you are retrofitting
QuickSwap to an existing system, see the following instructions.
Use extreme care to avoid contaminating the purge gas line with oven
insulation during the installation.
In either case, the purge gas line must be in place before you start the
QuickSwap installation.
6850 Series II GC
To install the purge gas line:
1Cool the GC oven and turn the power off.
2If necessary, mount the G3349B Auxiliary EPC on the back of the GC using
the instructions provided with the kit.
3Confirm that Channel #5 of the EPC has an output restrictor with a brown
dot or line. If not, replace it with the FID Air flow restrictor (part number
19231-60610) from the Aux EPC supplies kit.
4Connect the purge gas supply and check for leaks.
WARNING Hydrogen is both a fire and explosion hazard when mixed with air. For this reason,
hydrogen must not be used as the purge gas.
WARNING Cool the column oven, inlet, and MSD transfer line before starting. They may be hot
enough to cause burns.

Plumbing the Purge Gas
QuickSwap Installation and Startup 7
5Locate the external gas line hole on the left side of the GC (Figure 1).
6There is a hole in the oven inside wall that lines up with the external gas
line access hole. Use a thin tool to make a hole through the insulation
connecting the two holes. Do not use any of the tubing to make the hole
through the insulation.
7Uncoil the purge gas tubing (Aux #5). Place a plastic cap or two thicknesses
of aluminum foil over the end of the tubing to keep insulation fragments
out. Push the capped tubing into the external hole and into the oven. Feed
enough tubing through the hole so that you can install a fitting on the end.
8Remove the cap or foil and install the 1/8-inch to 1/16-inch reducing union
from the kit on the end of the tubing inside the oven.
WARNING The insulation around the oven is made of refractory ceramic fibers. To avoid inhaling
fiber particles, we recommend the following safety procedures: ventilate your work
area; wear long sleeves, gloves, safety glasses, and a disposable dust/mist respirator;
dispose of insulation in a sealed plastic bag; wash your hands with mild soap and cold
water after handling the insulation.
Figure 1 External purge gas line
Left side panel
GC/MSD interface
heater cable
External gas
line hole
Purge gas line

8 QuickSwap Installation and Startup
Plumbing the Purge Gas
9Pull excess tubing out of the oven leaving 2 to 3 inches inside. Route the
tubing along the side of the GC to the EPC module.
6890 GC
These instructions assume that the purge gas is supplied by an EPC module.
PCM instructions are similar.
The purge gas supply line should enter the oven in the upper left corner and
terminate in a reducing union.
To install the purge gas line:
1Cool the GC oven and turn the power off.
2Raise and remove the GC detector cover to expose the oven top. Remove the
detector cover, the pneumatics cover, and the RFI cover.
3If necessary, install the G1570A Auxiliary EPC into the GC using the
instructions provided with the kit.
4Confirm that Channel #5 of the EPC has an output restrictor with a brown
dot or line. If not, replace it with the FID Air flow restrictor (part number
19231-60610) from the Aux EPC supplies kit.
5Connect the purge gas supply and check for leaks.
CAUTION In the next step, be careful to avoid creating a kink in the tubing where it exits the GC
side panel and turns toward the EPC module.
WARNING Hydrogen is both a fire and explosion hazard when mixed with air. For this reason,
hydrogen must not be used as the purge gas.
WARNING Cool the column oven, inlet, and MSD transfer line before starting. They may be hot
enough to cause burns.

Plumbing the Purge Gas
QuickSwap Installation and Startup 9
6Remove the valve box cutout using a side cutter (Figure 2).
7Install the 6890 valve box blank provided in the QuickSwap supplies and
spares kit using the two screws. Note that the notch in the blank should be
on the left and toward the back.
8Locate the tubing from channel 5 of the EPC module. Unroll the tubing
through the slot in front of the EPC module, then along the back of the oven
top toward the hole in the valve box blank.
WARNING The insulation around the oven is made of refractory ceramic fibers. To avoid inhaling
fiber particles, we recommend the following safety procedures: ventilate your work
area; wear long sleeves, gloves, safety glasses, and a disposable dust/mist respirator;
dispose of insulation in a sealed plastic bag; wash your hands with mild soap and cold
water after handling the insulation.
Figure 2 Remove the valve box cutout
Cut tabs around
edges and
remove
CAUTION Avoid kinks or sharp bends in the tubing.

10 QuickSwap Installation and Startup
Plumbing the Purge Gas
9If the tubing is not already capped, cover the free end to keep insulation out
of the tubing.
10 Use a screwdriver to create a hole through the insulation and into the GC
oven.
11 Feed the tubing down through the hole and into the oven.
12 Re-install the covers.
13 Remove the protective cap from the end of the tubing and attach the
reducing union from the kit.
14 Bend the tubing neatly into the left back corner of the oven, leaving enough
tubing inside the oven so you can later connect to the QuickSwap union.
15 Push excess tubing up on top of the oven and arrange neatly.

Update Auxiliary EPC Controller Firmware
QuickSwap Installation and Startup 11
Update Auxiliary EPC Controller Firmware
If using an auxiliary EPC module (6890 GC accessory G1570A or option 301.
6850 GC Accessory G3349B or option 301), the EPC module’s firmware needs
to be updated to properly control QuickSwap pressure.
To update the firmware settings for the installed auxiliary EPC module, install
and run the GC Firmware Update Utility (v. A.01.05) as described below.
1Verify that the 6890 or 6850 GC is on, properly configured, and connected
to the MSD ChemStation PC and/or network. Do not attempt to update
firmware unless basic communications are working.
2Determine the following information:
•If using LAN communications, the GC’s IP address
•The auxiliary EPC channel for use with QuickSwap (the default channel
is Aux #5)
•If using RS-232, the PC Comm Port, baud Rate, and Handshake settings
used to communicate with the GC
3Exit the MSD ChemStation program (if open).
4Install or update the GC firmware update utility from the QuickSwap User
information CD-ROM. From file index.htm, select Install or update the GC
Firmware Update Utility A.01.05, or run setup.exe from the GC Firmware Update
Utility folder. The installer places a GC Firmware Update icon on the desktop.
5Launch the GC Firmware Update utility.
6Select File > New Connection.
NOTE On new systems, this step is not necessary if Option 885 was ordered (the firmware update
was performed at the factory). However, the update can be repeated without harm. So if
there is any uncertainty about the current firmware in the Aux EPC, or if the unit has been
used for alternate applications, perform the following procedure.
NOTE For more information about connecting to an instrument, see the GC Firmware Update
utility help. If you have already used a version of this utility to update GC firmware and
“saved” the connection, skip steps 6–9and instead open the saved connection.

12 QuickSwap Installation and Startup
Update Auxiliary EPC Controller Firmware
7Under Devices, select either 6890 or 6850 GC depending on you GC/MSD
system. See Figure 3.
Figure 3 Example connections: 6850 with LAN (top) and 6890 with RS-232 (bottom)
Select instrument type from the
Device Type list

Update Auxiliary EPC Controller Firmware
QuickSwap Installation and Startup 13
8Enter connection information.
•If using a LAN connection, enter the GC’s IP address.
•If using an RS232 connection, select the Comm Port, Baud Rate, and
handshaking to match the GC and PC settings.
9Select whether you want the software to save the configuration for future
use, enter a connection name if desired, then click Connect.
10 After the utility connects to the instrument, select View > Device Settings.
See Figure 4.
Figure 4 Firmware update utility connected to an instrument

14 QuickSwap Installation and Startup
Update Auxiliary EPC Controller Firmware
11 In the bottom right corner, configure and set the EPC module firmware. See
Figure 5.
aSelect the appropriate Aux channel (default: AUX 5).
bSelect QuickSwap from the PID Settings drop down list.
cClick Set to download the new PID constants into the auxiliary EPC
module.
12 Restart the instrument when prompted.
Firmware update is now complete, and the auxiliary EPC module is ready for
use with QuickSwap.
Should you ever wish to use the auxiliary channel for an application other
than QuickSwap, you can revert the firmware to its factory state using the
firmware update utility. Follow the procedure in this section but in step 11,
select Default from the PID Settings drop down list.
Figure 5 Firmware update utility connected to an instrument

Important Information
QuickSwap Installation and Startup 15
Important Information
The goal of the installation procedure is to prepare a new QuickSwap
accessory to run one of the checkout methods on this CD. All of these methods
use a 100-µm id restrictor.
If you are changing an existing restrictor, or if you prefer to install a different
id restrictor, or do not want to use one of the checkout methods supplied, most
of the procedure still applies. However, you will need to consult the Reference
Manual and its discussions of methods, restrictor selection, flows and
pressures, and temperatures.
Initial installation
Agilent recommends beginning with a 100-µm id restrictor. It is used in the
checkout methods on the CD, and is a good general use choice.
Restrictor change
If you find that your methods require a different restrictor size, you must vent
the MSD, make the change, and then pumpdown. This takes time, so it pays to
explore the available parameters before deciding to change. The
user-contributed Flow Calculator and Method Translator utilities are very
helpful tools for this task.
Purge gas
The purge gas is usually the same as the carrier gas, with one very important
exception. Do not use hydrogen or any other flammable gas as the purge
gas, regardless of the carrier gas choice.
Quickswap protects the entrance to the MSD when the column is disconnected
by blanketing the connection with purge gas. This gas flows into the column
oven. Hydrogen or other flammable gas would present a serious fire and
explosion hazard if allowed to flow into the oven.
WARNING Hydrogen is both a fire and explosion hazard when mixed with air. For this reason,
hydrogen must not be used as the purge gas.

16 QuickSwap Installation and Startup
Before You Begin
Before You Begin
The MSD ChemStation must be turned ON.
The MSD must be vented and turned OFF.
The GC must be turned ON.
Ensure that the following temperature zones are off and cool:
•The oven heater
•The inlet heater
•The MSD transfer line heater
Turn off the inlet and Aux gas flows.
Overview
These are the steps needed to install the QuickSwap accessory. Detailed
descriptions of each step follow the list.
1Confirm that the GC and the MSD are ready to accept QuickSwap.
aBoth instruments are installed and performance has been verified.
bA pressure-controlled inert purge gas supply is available. Do not use
hydrogen or other flammable gas for the purge supply.
WARNING The oven, inlet, and transfer line may be hot enough to cause burns.
WARNING Hydrogen is both a fire and explosion hazard when mixed with air. For this reason,
hydrogen must not be used as the purge gas.

Overview
QuickSwap Installation and Startup 17
cIf using an Aux EPC module, its firmware has been updated.
dIf necessary, the purge gas controller has been zeroed.
eThe purge gas supply tubing is routed into the left side of the oven and is
terminated with a Swagelok union.
fThe column has been disconnected from the MSD transfer line.
gIf a chemical ionization (CI) source is installed and if using MSD
ChemStation version D.01.xx or earlier, install the electron impact (EI)
source (for easier leak testing).
2Select a restrictor (100-µm id is a good choice for general use) and insert it
into the MSD transfer line.
3Attach QuickSwap to the MSD transfer line.
4Connect the QuickSwap tubing to the purge gas tubing.
5Turn on the MSD and begin pumpdown.
6Start the MSD ChemStation and load a checkout method.
7Set and apply the purge gas pressure (4 psig is recommended).
8Confirm that the actual pressure matches the setpoint.
9Prepare the QuickSwap end of the column.
10 Connect the column to the inlet and QuickSwap. Verify the GC is ON.
11 Configure the column in the MSD ChemStation software (or on GC front
panel).
12 Set and apply the column flow.
13 Confirm actual QuickSwap pressure matches the setpoint and is stable.
14 Perform initial leak test.
15 When MSD pumpdown is finished, Autotune the MSD.
16 Perform final leak test using the MSD manual tune screen.
17 Set up the user or performance verification method conditions.

18 QuickSwap Installation and Startup
Overview
1. Confirm that the GC and MSD are Ready for QuickSwap
1Install the GC and the MSD on the laboratory bench and verify
performance, as described in their respective manuals.
2Confirm that the GC has a pressure-regulated inert purge gas (such as
helium, nitrogen or argon) source for QuickSwap, either a G1570A/G3349B
Auxiliary EPC (6890/6850 GC) or G2317A PCM (6890 GC).
If you are using an Auxiliary EPC for the purge gas, confirm that it reads
0 (zero) pressure when it is off and the output line is not connected. If it
does not, perform the following steps to zero it. The steps are written for a
6890 GC; the 6850 procedure is similar but requires the hand-held
controller.
aFrom the front panel, select OPTIONS.
bSelect CALIBRATION.
cSelect AUX PRESSURE.
dSelect AUX (CHANNEL #) ZERO.
ePress ON to zero the sensor.
3Confirm that a purge gas line runs from the pressure-regulator module into
the left part of the GC oven. The line terminates in a 1/16-inch Swagelok
fitting. (For new GCs ordered with GC Option 885, Agilent installed this line
at the factory.) See “Plumbing the Purge Gas” on page 6.
4Inspect the GC end of the transfer line. Ensure that there is no particulate
matter stuck to the surface and that there are no scratches that run across
the surface (these can be the source of gas leaks and would require
excessive tightening of QuickSwap).
WARNING Do not use hydrogen or any other flammable gas as the purge gas, regardless of the
carrier gas choice.

Overview
QuickSwap Installation and Startup 19
5For users who plan to use a CI source (CI MSDs only), check the MSD
ChemStation version.
If using MSD ChemStation version D.01.xx or earlier, install the EI source.
Agilent recommends using EI mode for easier installation and leak testing
in this case.
If using MSD ChemStation version D.02.xx or later, proceed with either the
EI or CI source installed.
See also “Final leak test procedure for CI sources” on page 35.
2. Select and Install a Restrictor
1Install the lock nut on the end of the MSD transfer line (Figure 6) with the
threads facing the MSD. Run it down until it touches the transfer line (stops
turning). Do not tighten it.
2Restrictors are precut lengths of deactivated fused-silica tubing with
swaged ferrules attached.
•For initial installation, Agilent recommends installing a 100-µm
restrictor for use with the checkout methods supplied on the QuickSwap
User Information CD.
•If not using one of these methods, or if this is not an initial installation,
refer to the Reference Manual to choose an appropriate restrictor.
Figure 6 Installing the lock nut
Transfer line Lock nut
Threads engaged Touching transfer line

20 QuickSwap Installation and Startup
Overview
•If using one of the checkout methods provided, review it to verify the
flow rate is compatible with your MSD. If not, see the instructions on
modifying methods in the Reference Manual.
3. Attach QuickSwap to the MSD Transfer Line
After selecting a restrictor, install it in the MSD transfer line and attach
QuickSwap.
1The QuickSwap plate has three fittings, as shown in Figure 7. Fitting 1 is
plumbed for purge gas. The other two are used to connect to the MSD
transfer line and the column.
CAUTION Restrictors are not labeled individually because of their size and because they will be
exposed to high vacuum. Instead, the containers are labeled and fitted with
color-coded caps (Red = 92 µm, Blue = 100 µm, Black = 110 µm, Green = 120 µm). To
avoid mixing them up, only remove one restrictor at a time and replace the cap
immediately.
Figure 7 Connection identification
Fitting 1 Fitting 2
Fitting 3
Column
connection
MSD transfer
line connection
To purge gas supply
Sealed,
no connection