Agilent Technologies SPS 4 User manual

Agilent Technologies
Agilent SPS 4
Autosampler
User’s Guide

Notices
No part of this manual may be reproduced in
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tronic storage and retrieval or translation
into a foreign language) without prior agree-
ment and written consent from Agilent
Technologies, Inc. as governed by United
States and international copyright laws.
Manual Part Number
G8410-90000
Edition
Revision A, May 2015
Agilent Technologies
9-1 Takakura-cho, Hachioji-shi,
Tokyo 192-8510 Japan
Printed in Malaysia
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2015
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ject to being changed, without notice,
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The hardware and/or software described in
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Safety Notices
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.
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
data. Do not proceed beyond a
CAUTION notice until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and
met.
NOTE
A NOTE contains helpful informa-
tion on the usage - it does not
denote a hazard.
Agilent products must only be used in the
manner described in the Agilent product
user guides. Any other use may result in
damage to the product or personal injury.
Agilent is not responsible for any damages
caused, in whole or in part, by improper use
of the products, unauthorized alterations,
adjustments or modifications to the prod-
ucts, failure to comply with procedures in
Agilent product user guides, or use of the
products in violation of applicable laws,
rules or regulations.
Agilent shall not be liable for errors or dam-
ages on products or performance due to
using non-Agilent genuine parts.

Contents
Agilent SPS 4 Autosampler User’s Guide 3
Contents
1 Safety Practices and Hazards
Electrical Hazards 8
Flammable Liquids 9
Other Precautions 9
Safety Symbols 10
Warning Symbols 11
CE Compliance 12
Environmental Conditions 12
Electromagnetic Compatibility 13
2 Introduction
Overview 16
Front and Rear Views 17
Front View 17
Rear View 19
Intended Use 21
Specifications 22
Environmental 22
Power 22
Weights and Dimensions 23
Key Specifications 23
Options and Accessories 25
3 Installation
Installation Procedure 30
Orientation 30
Bench Requirements 32

4 Agilent SPS 4 Autosampler User’s Guide
Contents
Inspection and Unpacking 32
Unpacking and Lifting 32
Installing the Cover Kit 34
Fitting the Spill Tray 34
Installing the Rack Location Mat 36
Installing the Wash Reservoir 37
Installing the Standards Rack 39
Installing the Sample Racks 40
Fitting the Sample Probe 42
Fitting the Wash Pump Tubing 44
Two Drain Arrangements 46
Loading Wash Pump Tubing 47
Pressure Plate Adjustment 48
Connecting the Power and the Communications Cable 48
Confirming the Operation 50
Setting up the Instrument Controlling Software for SPS 4 50
Notes on Lifting the Autosampler 51
4Operation
Starting up the Autosampler 54
Shutting Down the Autosampler 55
Flushing the Wash Reservoir and Flow Path 55
Software Control 56
5 Maintenance
Routine Maintenance 58
Cleaning 58

Contents
Agilent SPS 4 Autosampler User’s Guide 5
Replacing the Wash Pump Tubing 59
Lubrication 60
Service 60
Spare Parts 60
6 Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting Guide 64
Power Supply Problems 65
Operating State Problems 65
Error Indicator Codes 66
Initialization Problems 68
Probing Problems 69
Probe Arm Jam 69
When the Sample Probe Hits an Object 69
Communication Problems 70
7 Running the Calibration Wizard
Before User Calibration 72
Calibration Wizard Overview 72
Performing User Calibration 74
Error List 79
AAppendices
Installing the Cover Kit 82
Introduction 82
Tools Required 83
Unpacking your Autosampler Cover 83
Installing your Autosampler Cover 84
Door Operation 91

6 Agilent SPS 4 Autosampler User’s Guide
Contents
Connections 92
Care and Maintenance 92
Preventing Earthquake Damage 94
Default Rinse Materials 95

7
Agilent Technologies
Agilent SPS 4 Autosampler
User’s Guide
1
Safety Practices and Hazards
Electrical Hazards 8
Flammable Liquids 9
Other Precautions 9
Safety Symbols 10
Your Agilent SPS 4 autosampler has been carefully designed
so that when used properly you have an accurate, fast,
flexible and safe analytical system.
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by
Agilent, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.
Information about safety practices appears throughout the
documentation provided with your equipment. Before using
the equipment, ensure you read these safety practices
carefully.
Observe all relevant safety practices at all times.

8 Agilent SPS 4 Autosampler User’s Guide
1 Safety Practices and Hazards
Electrical Hazards
The Agilent SPS 4 contains electrical circuits, devices, and components
operating at dangerous voltages. Contact with these circuits, devices and
components can cause death, serious injury, or painful electrical shock.
To reduce the risks of electrical shock, this equipment employs a
three- wire electrical cord and plug to ground the equipment. To use this
safety feature:
•Ensure the matching wall outlet receptacle is properly wired and
grounded correctly.
•Never use a three- wire to two- wire plug adapter.
•Never use a two wire extension cord or a non- grounded multiple outlet
receptacle strip.
•Do not use any power cord other than that supplied with this
equipment.
•The power cord set that is shipped with this equipment cannot be used
with other products.
•Position the autosampler so that it is easy to access the mains power
on the wall outlet or to remove the power cord from the autosampler or
wall outlet.
•Only Agilent- trained, Agilent- qualified, or Agilent- approved customer
support representatives may open panels or covers that are secured by
screws. Removal of such panels or covers can expose parts that involve
the risk of electric shock or personal injury.
Application of the wrong supply voltage can create a fire hazard and a
potentially serious shock hazard, and can seriously damage the
autosampler.
Do not connect the autosampler to the mains power supply until all
checks and settings have been completed.
Replace or repair faulty or frayed insulation on power cords.
NOTE This equipment is rated Equipment Class I.

Safety Practices and Hazards 1
Agilent SPS 4 Autosampler User’s Guide 9
Flammable Liquids
Observe the following precautions when using your autosampler in
conjunction with flammable liquids.
To reduce the risk of fire:
•Ensure the following autosampler parts do not contact the surface of
the fluid or have parts near the surface of the fluid:
•parts that consume power
•parts that produce heat
•parts that conduct heat from other areas in any form
•Ensure no parts in or near the fluid surface are capable of igniting a
flammable liquid.
•Operators must adhere to standard laboratory practices for the safe
handling of flammable liquids.
Other Precautions
Use of the autosampler in any manner other than that specified by Agilent
may impair the protection provided by the equipment.
Use of the autosampler may involve materials, solvents and solutions that
are flammable, corrosive, toxic or otherwise hazardous.
Careless, improper, or unskilled use of materials, solvents and solutions
can create explosions, fire, toxicity and other hazards that can result in
death, serious personal injury and damage to equipment and property.
WARNING The autosampler must always be connected to protective earth through the power
cord. Position the autosampler so that it is easy to access the mains power switch
on the wall outlet or to remove the power cord from the autosampler or wall outlet.

10 Agilent SPS 4 Autosampler User’s Guide
1 Safety Practices and Hazards
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 and safety
glasses.
Components of the autosampler move automatically and at speed.
Safety Symbols
The general definitions of safety symbols used on equipment or in
manuals are listed below.
Direct current.
On supply.
Off supply.
Hazardous voltage and potential for electrical shock. Do not touch
terminals that have this symbol when the equipment is on.
Caution, refer to accompanying documentation. Equipment marked with
this symbol indicates that it is necessary for the user to refer to the
instruction manual.
The CE mark shows that the product complies with all applicable
European Directives.
The CSA mark is a registered trademark of the Canadian Standards
Association.
WARNING Keep clear of the probe arm assembly during operation to prevent injury.
NOTE A protective cover is available to prevent accidental contact with the probe arm assembly.
Contact your local Agilent representative for further information.
^


Safety Practices and Hazards 1
Agilent SPS 4 Autosampler User’s Guide 11
The RCM mark is a registered trademark of the Australian
Communications Authority. This signifies compliance with the Australian
EMC Framework Regulations under the terms of the Radio
communications Act.
This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES- 001.
Cet appareil ISM est conforme à la norme NMB- 001 du Canada.
This is the symbol for an Industrial, Scientific and Medical, Group 1 Class
A product. (CISPR 11)
South Korean Certification (KC) mark.
Warning Symbols
The following is a list of symbols that appear in conjunction with
warnings in this manual or on the equipment. The hazard they describe is
also shown.
A triangular symbol indicates the warning type. The meanings of the
symbols that may appear alongside warnings in the documentation or on
the instrument itself are as follows:

12 Agilent SPS 4 Autosampler User’s Guide
1 Safety Practices and Hazards
CE Compliance
Your autosampler has been designed to comply with the requirements of
the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive and the Machinery
Directive (commonly referred to as the MD) of the European Union.
Agilent has confirmed that each product complies with the relevant
Directives by testing a prototype against the prescribed EN (European
Norm) standards.
Proof that a product complies with these directives is indicated by the CE
symbol on the rear of the product, and the documentation that
accompanies the product containing a copy of the Declaration of
Conformity. The Declaration of Conformity (DoC) is the legal declaration
by Agilent that the product complies with the directives listed above, and
shows the EN standards to which the product was tested to demonstrate
compliance.
Environmental Conditions
This equipment meets the following IEC classifications:
•Pollution Degree 2 (See Note.)
•Installation Category II (See Note.)
•Equipment Class 1
NOTE The "Pollution Degree" indicates the level to which a solid, liquid, or gas deteriorates
according to its dielectric strength. The "2" indicates a normal indoor atmosphere.
The "Installation Category" indicates the regulation for impulse withstand voltage and is
also known as the "Over Voltage Category". The "II" indicates electrical equipment.

Safety Practices and Hazards 1
Agilent SPS 4 Autosampler User’s Guide 13
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.
This device complies with the requirements of CISPR11, Group 1, Class A
as professional radiation 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 equipment may not cause harmful interference.
2This equipment 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 equipment away from the radio or television.
3Plug the equipment into a different electrical outlet, so that the
equipment and the radio or television are on separate electrical circuits.
4Ensure that all peripheral equipment is also certified.
5Ensure that appropriate cables are used to connect the equipment 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.

14 Agilent SPS 4 Autosampler User’s Guide
1 Safety Practices and Hazards
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.
A 급 기기
( 업무용 방송통신기자재 )
이 기기는 업무용 (A 급 ) 전자파적합기기로서 판
매자 또는 사용자는 이 점을 주의하시기 바라
며 , 가정외의 지역에서 사용하는 것을 목적으
로 합니다 .
ICES/NMB-001
This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES- 001.
Cet appareil ISM est conforme à la norme NMB- 001 du Canada.
Sound Emission
This device complies with Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.
Sound pressure Lp < 70 dB(A)

15
Agilent Technologies
Agilent SPS 4 Autosampler
User’s Guide
2
Introduction
Overview 16
Front and Rear Views 17
Intended Use 21
Specifications 22
Options and Accessories 25

16 Agilent SPS 4 Autosampler User’s Guide
2 Introduction
Overview
The Agilent SPS 4 autosampler, represents the state- of- the- art in
autosampler design and is the latest generation of autosamplers from
Agilent. The Agilent SPS 4 is a random access, single probe autosampler,
providing front- end automation for several Agilent instruments.
The Agilent SPS 4 can accommodate a variety of fixtures, including a
standards rack, four sample racks, a wash reservoir, a sample probe and
other accessories.
Depending on your application, there is a choice of options. Note that
“diameters” in the following list mean outside diameters (OD):
•Standards Rack:
34 well rack (12 wells for 29 mm diameter tubes + 22 wells for 17 mm
diameter tubes)
5 well rack (for 61 mm diameter bottles)
•Flat Pack Sample Racks:
21 position rack for 30 mm diameter tubes
24 position rack for 25 mm diameter tubes
40 position rack for 20 mm diameter tubes
60 position rack for 17 mm diameter tubes
90 position rack for 13 mm diameter tubes
•Four 96- well microtiter plates with microtiter plate adapter
•Wash Reservoir: single or dual port
•Sample Probe: range of different probe types, probe materials and
internal diameters

Introduction 2
Agilent SPS 4 Autosampler User’s Guide 17
Front and Rear Views
Front View
The Agilent SPS 4 has 3 axes of movement for the sample probe —
longitudinal (X- axis), rotary or theta (T- axis) and up and down (Z- axis).
Figure 1 shows the front view of the Agilent SPS 4.
Figure 1 Front view of the Agilent SPS 4
1Spill Tray
The spill tray sits on the bottom base bars of the Agilent SPS 4, and
catches any spills.
2Rack Location Mat
The rack location mat sits on top of the spill tray, and positions the
sample racks, standards rack and fixed wash reservoir.
T-Axis
X-Axis
Z-Axis
6
5
32
41
7
8
9

18 Agilent SPS 4 Autosampler User’s Guide
2 Introduction
3Standards Rack
The standards rack is located in the center of the rack location mat.
There are 2 standard rack options.
•34 well (12 wells for 29 mm OD tubes + 22 wells for 17 mm OD
tubes)
•5 well (for 61 mm OD bottles)
4Sample Racks
The sample racks are located on both (left and right) sides of the
standards rack. The rack location mat has a maximum of four sample
rack positions — two rack positions on either side of the standards rack
position.
•21 position rack for 30 mm OD tubes
•24 position rack for 25 mm OD tubes
•40 position rack for 20 mm OD tubes
•60 position rack for 17 mm OD tubes
•90 position rack for 13 mm OD tubes
5Microtiter Plate Adapter
The microtiter plate adapter is used to mount four 96- well microtiter
plates on the rack location mat. It occupies two sample rack positions.
6Fixed Wash Reservoir
The fixed wash reservoir is located at the rear of the rack location mat.
It is supplied with tubing used to connect the wash reservoir to the
rinse source and the waste container.
7Probe Arm
The probe arm moves the sample probe on 3 axes —longitudinal
(X- axis), rotary or theta (T- axis) and up and down (Z- axis).
8Sample Probe
The sample probe is mounted on the probe arm.
9Power/Error Indicator
The power/error indicator is located on the front panel. The LEDs are
green to indicate power is on and the autosampler is functioning
correctly. The indicator lights change to red when an error occurs in
the equipment. There are 4 error indicators and these illuminate in
different combinations to indicate a specific error condition. See "Error

Introduction 2
Agilent SPS 4 Autosampler User’s Guide 19
Indicator Codes" on Page 66 for details of the various error codes.
Rear View
Figure 2 shows the rear view of the Agilent SPS 4.
Figure 2 Rear View of Agilent SPS 4
1Power Switch
The power switch turns on/off the Agilent SPS 4.
I: Power is ON.
O: Power is OFF.
When the Agilent SPS 4 is turned on, the initialization sequence runs to
check the basic functions and set the probe position. If there are no
errors, the power/error indicator turns green.
2Power Supply Input
The output connector from the AC adapter is connected to this socket.
1
6 5 3 2
7
4
8

20 Agilent SPS 4 Autosampler User’s Guide
2 Introduction
3Host Communications Port (USB)
The host communications port connects the Agilent SPS 4 to a
computer controlling your Agilent instrument or in some cases, to the
instrument directly, using the furnished standard USB Type A to B
cable. The Agilent SPS 4 will appear as a virtual COM port under
Windows.
4Auxiliary Communications Port (AUX)
The auxiliary communications port provides an RS485 interface, but is
not used in current Agilent software.
53- channel Peristaltic Pump
The peristaltic pump is located in the center on the rear panel.
Maximum two channels of three- channel pump are used to pump the
rinse solution to the fixed wash reservoir. One channel can also be used
to pump the used rinse solution to the waste container (optional). This
peristaltic pump may also be called a wash pump.
The wash pump speed is adjustable using the instrument control
software.
6Purge Input
The purge input port is not currently used.
7Cable Ducting
The cable ducting is used to hold the USB cable and the power cable.
8Wash Pump Tubing Ducting
A ducting plate that extends vertically down the back of the
autosampler for routing the tubing from the wash pump to the fixed
wash reservoir. Clips are used to secure the wash pump tubing in place.
The same clips are also used to anchor the sample line from the sample
probe to an optimal length.