Agilent Technologies Varian CP-8400 User manual

Varian, Inc.
2700 Mitchell Drive
Walnut Creek, CA 94598-1675/USA
Varian, Inc. 2003 Printed in the Netherlands 03-914852-00:Rev. 4.1
CP-8400 AutoSampler and
CP-8410 AutoInjector
Operator's Manual
NOTICE: Varian, Inc. was acquired by Agilent
Technologies in May 2010. This document is provided
as a courtesy but is no longer kept current and thus
will contain historical references to Varian. For more
information, go to www.agilent.com/chem.

CP-8400 AutoSampler & CP-8410 AutoInjector i
Table of Contents
Introduction.............................................................................................................................. 1
Installing the CP-8400/8410 .................................................................................................... 3
Configuring your CP-8400/8410 to use SPME ...................................................................... 9
Setup and Calibration of the CP-8400/8410 ........................................................................ 11
Vial 0 / Vial 1 Calibration ......................................................................................................... 17
Vial Calibration tool.................................................................................................................. 19
Injector Calibration................................................................................................................... 21
Operation................................................................................................................................ 23
Parameters and Quick Reference ........................................................................................... 23
Automation Page Parameters ................................................................................................. 28
Single Method Automation Parameters ............................................................................ 28
Method Sequence Table Parameters ............................................................................... 32
Priority Sample .................................................................................................................. 34
Method Parameters ................................................................................................................. 35
Standard Split/Splitless and Standard On-Column Sampling Modes ............................... 36
Neat Sampling Mode......................................................................................................... 38
Volatile Sampling Mode .................................................................................................... 40
Viscous Sampling Mode.................................................................................................... 42
SPME Sampling Mode ...................................................................................................... 44
User Defined Sampling Mode ........................................................................................... 47
Instrument Menu...................................................................................................................... 54
CP-8400/8410 Status .............................................................................................................. 55
Special Uses........................................................................................................................... 57
Dual/Duplicate Mode Operation .............................................................................................. 57
Dual Run ........................................................................................................................... 57
Duplicate Run.................................................................................................................... 58
Assigning Methods to Vial Ranges.......................................................................................... 58
Automated Metering of Internal Standard................................................................................ 59
Priority Sample ........................................................................................................................ 59

CP-8400 AutoSampler & CP-8410 AutoInjector 1
Introduction
We strongly recommend that you read the entire manual before you start
using your CP-8400 AutoSampler or CP-8410 AutoInjector. The
CP-3800 will sense whether you have a CP-8400 or CP-8410 installed
automatically and will sense if the Auto Sampler is set to perform liquid
sampling with a syringe or SPME sampling. You will be presented with
the appropriate screens and limits for the specific Auto Sampler and
sampling mode configured on powering up the GC and Auto Sampler.
The CP-8400 is a 100 vial capacity AutoSampler designed to be used
with the CP-3800 GC. The CP-8410 is an AutoInjector based on the
CP-8400; it has a manually positioned tray and can accommodate up to
10, 6, and 5 each of 2 mL, 5 mL and 10 mL vials, respectively. Both the
AutoSampler and AutoInjector can inject into up to two injectors; the
injection may be made into either one or the other of the injectors or into
both (either from the same vial or from adjacent vials) during the same
run. You may select to sample just before injecting or you may choose to
have the Auto Sampler prepare the next injection before the current run
ends (Prep Ahead). Both the CP-8400 and CP-8410 are
preprogrammed with several injection modes (Standard On-Column,
Standard Split/Splitless, Viscous, Volatile, and Neat) that are optimized
for most common types of samples. The User Defined mode allows
access to all parameters and should be used with discretion since
injection accuracy and precision may be adversely affected by incorrect
choice of certain parameters. The SPME mode requires different
hardware (optional) and is selected through a switch on the Auto
Sampler’s syringe carriage. If the SPME mode is selected the other
injection modes will not be presented to you.
Once your CP-8400 or CP-8410 is installed and calibrated, you may
begin running immediately. To perform a single injection, complete the
following steps:
1. Press the green Start button located at the upper left corner of the
CP-3800 keypad.
2. Enter the vial number, number of replicate injections, the injection
volume, and which injector you wish to use.
3. Press the AutoInject softkey.

2 03-914852-00:4
Your AutoSampler or AutoInjector will execute the desired injection.
To set up an automated series of injections, simply complete the
following steps:
1. Press the Automation Select/Edit button on the CP-3800, choose
either Single Method automation to run all of your samples with a
single method, or choose Method Sequence Automation to run
specific methods with specific vials.
2. Press the Automation Select/Edit button again and press 2to
select Single Method, or 3to select Method Sequence and enter
the methods you wish to use, the vial range, the amount you
want to inject and the injector you wish to use (if you have more
than one injector installed).
3. Place your samples into the AutoSampler carrousel.
4. Press the Start button.
This manual will cover AutoSampler installation, software setup and
calibration to the correct sampling and injection positions, a description
of the operating parameters, and some examples of how you may wish
to use the CP-8400/8410 to accomplish your analyses. If, after reading
this manual you still have questions or encounter a problem that is not
covered, please contact Technical Support for further assistance.

CP-8400 AutoSampler & CP-8410 AutoInjector 3
Installing the CP-8400/8410
To use the CP-8400 with the CP-3800 Gas Chromatograph, your
CP-3800 must have Version 3.2 or later software installed. The CP-8410
requires version 3.3 or later. To use SPME mode sample introduction
with either the CP-8400 or CP-8410 you must have Version 3.3.5 or later
software installed. To check the software version installed in your GC,
press the Status key on the GC keyboard, press the Enter key to show
instrument status, and then press the Software Version softkey. The
software version will be shown on the CP-3800 display. If your GC was
manufactured before October 1999 and you have two or more injectors
installed, you will need to schedule a service call with your Varian
Technical Support Representative to have the injector positions
relocated so that the CP-8400 can effectively use them.
Power Requirements
19-24 Vac provided by Varian GC auxiliary (fused)
Input current max. 1A
Environmental Conditions
Temperature range 5 to 40 °C
Relative humidity 0 to 95%
Before installing the CP-8400 or CP-8410, make certain your CP-3800 is
equipped with the appropriate top cover. This cover will have a long
rectangular opening for the installation of the injector locator plate,
markings indicating the front and rear installation positions for the
AutoSampler, and a small rectangular opening to route the
CP-8400/8410 power/communication cable through.
There are two positions on the CP-3800 in which the CP-8400/8410 may
be installed: front and rear. The front position allows the CP-8400/8410
to use the front and middle injectors. The rear position allows the
CP-8400/8410 to use the middle and rear injectors. The CP-8400/8410 is
aligned to the top cover of the CP-3800 by a pair of pins protruding from
the bottom of the AutoSampler/AutoInjector base. These pins will fit into
holes on the top cover. The base is secured to the top cover via two
screws at the rear and three screws underneath the AutoSampler
carrousel/AutoInjector sample tray. The figures that accompany this
description depict a CP-8400 AutoSampler. They apply equally to both
the CP-8400 and CP-8410.

4 03-914852-00:4
CP-8400/8410 CP-3800 Top Cover
To install the CP-8400/8410, follow the steps below:
WARNING:
SHOCK HAZARD
Dangerous voltage exposed. Turn the CP-3800 GC power off. Failure to do
so may result in accidental contact with dangerous voltage.
1. Power down the GC and any other attached devices. Remove
any old equipment or old autosamplers from the top of the GC.
Place the CP-8400/8410 near the GC, manually rotate the
Injector tower so that it does not obstruct the carrousel.
2. Remove the old CP-3800 top cover by lifting up and removing
the Detector cover; set it aside in a location that is out of the
way. Remove the left side top cover by lifting the rear of the
cover and sliding it towards the rear of the GC and up. Remove
the 4 screws holding the injector cover down on the top of the
GC. Retain the screws and set the old top cover aside.
3. Locate the CP-8400/8410 power/communication cable and the
CP-8400/ CP-3800 top cover. Route the single D-shell connector
through the hole from the bottom of the cover to the top so that
the single D-shell is available from the top of the cover. Route
the power cable and CP-3800 25 pin D-shell connector across
the top of the GC to the left side of the GC. Plug the power cable
into Aux 1 (J46) and the 25-pin D-shell into the S.I.D. 1 (J4)
connector.
Injector Locato
r
Plate
CP-8400 in Front Position

Installing the CP-8400/8410
CP-8400 AutoSampler & CP-8410 AutoInjector 5
CP-8400/8410 Power/Communication Connection to CP-3800
Cable Routing for CP-3800
Back of CP-8400/8410
CP-8400/841-
Power Switch
A
ux 1
Cables routed through
hole in cove
r

6 03-914852-00:4
4. If the Injector locator plate is installed in the top cover, remove it
by removing the two screws located on either end of the locator
plate. Install the top cover so that the pins on the top cover fit
into the corresponding slots on the CP-3800 chassis. Screw the
top cover in place.
5. Install the Injector locator plate by fitting the circular holes over
the injectors. You may need to push the locator plate just a little
bit in order to get the injectors to fit. Do not use excessive force.
If the injectors do not fit conveniently, loosen the screws holding
the injector(s) to the CP-3800 chassis and adjust the injector(s)
positions so that they conveniently fit into the locator plate. The
top cover has small access holes to allow you to loosen the
retaining screws on the injectors. You may need to unscrew the
injector nut and remove the inject switch to have unimpeded
access to the injector retaining screws; replace the injector nut (if
removed) so that you have proper alignment when the locator
plate is installed. Once the injector(s) are properly aligned, screw
down the alignment plate and then screw down the injector
retaining screws. Remove the locator plate, replace the inject
switch on each of the injector(s) and reinstall the locator plate.
6. Place the CP-8400/8410 onto the top cover, aligning it with either
the front or rear mounting position as appropriate. Locate and
install the two small screws provided with your CP-8400/8410
and screw down the rear tab.
7. Locate the three long screws and install in appropriate screw
location under the carrousel (note that the CP-8410 does not
have the rollers or central hub but will have the same screw
locations).

Installing the CP-8400/8410
CP-8400 AutoSampler & CP-8410 AutoInjector 7
Carrousel Removed to Show Mounting Screw Locations
8. Plug the D-shell connector of the power/communications cable
into the CP-8400/8410.
9. Remove protective shipping materials from the injector carriage
and install the syringe into the AutoSampler injector tower by
opening the clear plastic door, carefully inserting the syringe into
its holder and the needle through its guide, then fasten the
plunger screw on the top and snap the retaining clip over the
syringe.
Screw Holes: Used
in mounting both
front and rear
A
utoSampler
positions.
Screw hole used in
mounting rear position
only.
Screw hole used in
mounting front position
only.

8 03-914852-00:4
Syringe Installation
10. If the currently installed CP-3800 ROM is version 3.1 or lower,
replace with a version 3.3.5 or higher ROM board. To use the
CP-8400 with the CP-3800 Gas Chromatograph, your CP-3800
must have Version 3.2 or later software installed. The CP-8410
requires version 3.3 or later. To use SPME mode sample
introduction with either the CP-8400 or CP-8410 you must have
Version 3.3.5 or later software installed.
11. Replace the left side top cover.
12. Place a vial with cap into the Vial 0 location if you have a
CP-8400 or the Vial 1 location if you have a CP-8410.
13. Place the CP-8400 carrousel onto the base or place the
CP-8410 sample tray oriented so that Vial 1 is under the arc
traced by the tower. Follow the setup procedure described in the
next section to properly calibrate the AutoSampler/AutoInjector
sampling and inject positions.
CAUTIO
N
If you re-locate the CP-8400/8410 to the rear position, you MUST
recalibrate the injector positions. You will not be automatically
prompted to recalibrate the injector positions. If you fail to
re-calibrate the injector positions, the AutoSampler may miss the
injector, resulting in bent syringe needles
Plunger Retaining Nut
(unscrew to remove
syringe and tighten
when installing)
Syringe Retaining Clip
(lift up to remove
syringe)

CP-8400 AutoSampler & CP-8410 AutoInjector 9
Configuring your CP-8400/8410 to use SPME
The Auto Sampler will only come up in one of two configurations. The
first and default configuration is the liquid sampling configuration. In this
configuration your Auto Sampler will use a syringe to withdraw liquid for
subsequent injection into the chromatograph. The second configuration
is the SPME mode. The SPME operation can be thought of as
fundamentally reversed from liquid sampling in terms of the actions the
plunger performs during the sampling process. In liquid sampling, for
instance, the plunger is at its home state more or less fully descended
and sampling is done by withdrawing the plunger from the syringe barrel
in order to take an aliquot for injection. In SPME however, the plunger is
at the top of its travel when it is in the home position and the SPME fiber
must be exposed by inserting the plunger into the fiber holder barrel to
expose the fiber. Obviously this fundamental difference in the sampling
process mechanics could cause unintentional damage to the SPME
fiber. In order to change the configuration of your Auto Sampler from
liquid sampling to SPME sampling you will need to change the position of
a switch on the CP-8400/8410 tower’s sled assembly. Follow the
procedure below:
1. Turn off the power to your CP-3800 GC.
2. Manually rotate the CP-8400/8410 tower so that it is over the
GC. It is best not to place it over an injector since the injector
may be hot.
3. Open the tower’s clear plastic door and remove the syringe or
SPME Fiber holder.
4. Push the syringe sled as far down as it will go. Note that once
the syringe guide foot touches the top of the GC it can be
compressed further. Do this compression gently and watch for
the white switch that will be just exposed once the sled has
reached its maximum downward travel.
5. If the switch is in the down position, the Auto Sampler is in the
liquid sampling configuration. If the switch is in the up position
then it is in the SPME configuration. Set the switch to the
desired configuration.
6. Raise the sled, install the appropriate block for either a syringe or
a SPME fiber holder and then install the device (syringe or fiber
holder) into the block as appropriate.

10 03-914852-00:4
7. Close the cover on the tower and power up the GC. The GC will
automatically sense the configuration of the switch and behave
accordingly.
`
Location of switch for configuration change on the
CP-8400/8410 Tower Sled Assembly
Note that sled has been
pushed down
compressing the foot and
guide rail in order to
reveal switch.
switch

CP-8400 AutoSampler & CP-8410 AutoInjector 11
Setup and Calibration of the CP-8400/8410
WARNING:
BURN HAZARD
The injector nut and locator plate may be very hot during instrument
operation and should not be touched with unprotected hands.
WARNING
Syringe moves automatically during operation of instrument. Keep your
hands and fingers out of the injection area. Failure to do so may result in
accidental needle prick/scratch.
Important Note: In order to accurately calibrate vial positions, a
calibration tool (CP740889) is used. Follow the “vial calibration tool”
procedure given on page 19
Important Note: Using SPME mode sample introduction, it is mandatory
to perform the calibration process with the liquid sampling syringe
provided standard with your Auto Sampler.
Important Note: If one injector is installed, the setup configuration must
reflect the one-injector position to avoid accidentally injecting into a non-
existent injector and causing damage to your GC and bending the
needle.
Injector position
CP-8400/8410 Front Middle Rear
Front position Position 1 Position 2 -
Rear position - Position 1 Position 2

12 03-914852-00:4
Calibrate both the sampling and injector positions of the CP-8400/8410
the first time you install it. Calibrate the injector positions any time you
move the CP-8400/8410 from one position to the other (for instance from
the front mounting position to the rear position). If calibration fails on
either the vial 0 or the injector, you must recalibrate both the injector and
vial 0.
Important Note: Switch the CP-8400/8410 power on before powering up
the CP-3800. Do not turn off the power switch during normal operations.
If you turn the CP-8400/8410 off while the GC is on, or if there is a
momentary communication failure, a communication error fault will occur.
The CP-3800 must be turned off and then on to clear this fault.
CP-3800 Keyboard
To enter Setup, press the Setup key.
ACTIVE
METHOD
EDIT
METHOD CTRL RUN TIME
END
TIME
[ 1 ] View Instrument Setup
INSTRUMENT SETUP
[ 2 ] Edit Instrument Setup
Setup Screen Select item 2, Edit Setup, by pressing 2 on the CP-3800 keypad
and then pressing the Enter key.

Setup and Calibration of the CP-8400/8410
CP-8400 AutoSampler & CP-8410 AutoInjector 13
ACTIVE
METHOD
EDIT
METHOD CTRL RUN TIME
END
TIME
EDIT INSTRUMENT SETUP MENU
[ 2 ] Edit Heated Zones
[ 3 ] Edit EFC
[ 6 ] Edit Miscellanous Setup Parameters
[ 4 ] Edit Column Parameters
[ 5 ] Edit Sample Delivery Setup
[ 1 ] Edit Time and Date
Save and Exit
Setup Edit Menu Select item 5, Edit Sample Delivery, by pressing 5 on the
CP-3800 keypad and then pressing the Enter key.
Save and Exit
ACTIVE
METHOD
EDIT
METHOD CTRL RUN TIME
END
TIME
[ 2 ] Edit Valves
EDIT SAMPLE DELIVERY SETUP SELECT
[ 1 ] Edit CP-8400 Setup
Automation Selection Select item 1, CP-8400 Setup (or Edit CP-8410 Setup
as appropriate), by pressing 1 on the CP-3800 keypad and then pressing the
Enter key.

14 03-914852-00:4
ACTIVE
METHOD
EDIT
METHOD CTRL RUN TIME
END
TIME
Injector Ports To Use With CP-8400:
Syringe Size:
EDIT CP-8400 SETUP
Both
10 µl
Save and Exit Calibrate
Automation Configuration Select the Calibrate softkey to begin the CP-8400
(or CP-8410) calibration process.
Injector Ports to use with CP-8400/8410 – Available entries: Position 1,
Position 2, Both. If one injector is installed on your CP-3800, make certain to
specify the correct injector in the “Injector Ports to use with CP-8400 (or
CP-8410)” selection. An incorrect setting may cause the CP-8400/8410 to
inadvertently inject into the top cover resulting in damage to the syringe and the
top cover. The CP-8400/8410 syringe tower rotates clockwise to reach the
injectors. The first injector the tower will encounter is referred to as Position 1.
The second injector is Position 2. Select the Both setting if you have two injectors
that you wish to use with the CP-8400/8410. Note that selecting both allows the
CP-8400/8410 to use two injection volumes when dual/duplicate mode is used. If
you configure a single injector, you will see a single injection volume in the
automation tables.
Syringe Size – Available entries: 5 µ
µµ
µL, 10 µ
µµ
µL and 100 µ
µµ
µL. (Note that this field
is not used when the Auto Sampler is in the SPME mode and will be dashed out).
Enter the syringe volume you will install and use with your CP-8400/8410. The
CP-3800 will use this value to set the correct entry selections and any needed
internal settings to correctly use the indicated syringe size. Incorrectly setting this
parameter may cause poor operation but will not harm either the GC or the
AutoSampler.
If you are simply changing a syringe with a different volume syringe you can
press Save and Exit at this point to accept the new syringe size.

Setup and Calibration of the CP-8400/8410
CP-8400 AutoSampler & CP-8410 AutoInjector 15
To begin calibrating the CP-8400/8410, press the Calibrate softkey at the bottom
right corner of the Edit CP-8400 (or CP-8410) Setup screen. If you press Save
and Exit without calibrating, the existing calibration parameters will be retained.
ACTIVE
METHOD
EDIT
METHOD CTRL
RUN
TIME
END
TIME
[ 2 ] Calibrate Injector 1 Position
[ 3 ] Calibrate Injector 2 Position
CP-8400 CALIBRATION SELECT
[ 1 ] Calibrate Vial 0 Position
ACTIVE
METHOD
EDIT
METHOD CTRL
RUN
TIME
END
TIME
[ 2 ] Calibrate Injector 1 Position
[ 3 ] Calibrate Injector 2 Position
CP-8410 CALIBRATION SELECT
[ 1 ] Calibrate Vial 1 Position
Press 1 on the CP-3800 keyboard to begin the “Calibrate Vial 0 Position”
procedure for the CP-8400. If you have a CP-8410, Press 1 on the CP-3800
keyboard to begin the “Calibrate Vial 1 Position” procedure for the CP-8410. This
procedure will allow the AutoSampler/AutoInjector to learn the tower and
carrousel/tray positions so that the syringe is positioned directly over the middle

16 03-914852-00:4
of the first vial in the carrousel (vial 0) or the middle of the first 2 mL vial of the
AutoInjector sample tray. The CP-8400 may use a number of different sample
vial form factors; however, you should use all of the same vials for each session.
Mixing different vials is strongly discouraged. If you calibrate using one vial type
and then begin using another vial type with a different height, it is strongly
recommended that you recalibrate the Vial 0 Position to avoid bent needles and
other minor problems.
The CP-8410 uses three different vial form factors;
You may use the “Calibrate Vial 0/1 Position” of the CP-8400 or the “Calibrate
Vial 1 Position” of the CP-8410 without having to recalibrate the injector positions
by pressing the Save and Exit softkey after performing the “Calibrate Vial 0
Position” or “Calibrate Vial 1 Position” exercise.
Calibrate Injector 1 Position – This procedure is normally performed
only once when the CP-8400/8410 is first installed. You do not need to
recalibrate the Injector 1 Position after normal injector maintenance such
as changing septa or inserts. If you remove the injector or remove the
CP-8400/8410, it is recommended that you recalibrate the Injector 1
position.
Calibrate Injector 2 Position – This procedure is normally performed
only once when the CP-8400/8410 is first installed. You do not need to
recalibrate the Injector 2 Position after normal injector maintenance such
as changing septa or inserts. If you remove the injector or remove the
CP-8400/8410, it is recommended that you recalibrate the Injector 2
position.
Vials Size
2 mL 12 X 32 mm
5 mL 20 x 38 mm
10 mL 22 x 46 mm

Setup and Calibration of the CP-8400/8410
CP-8400 AutoSampler & CP-8410 AutoInjector 17
Vial 0 / Vial 1 Calibration
CP-8400 VIAL 0 CALIB
ACTIVE
METHOD
EDIT
METHOD CTRL RUN TIME
END
TIME
Component
Tower
Direction 1
CCW
Direction 2
CW
Carrousel CCW CW
Move Finish Calib.Start Calib.
Syringe Up Down
CP-8410 VIAL 1 CALIB
ACTIVE
METHOD
EDIT
METHOD CTRL RUN TIME
END
TIME
Component
Tower
Direction 1
CCW
Direction 2
CW
Syringe Up Down
Move Finish Calib.Start Calib.
Tower – moves the syringe tower either counterclockwise (CCW) or
clockwise (CW).
Carrousel (CP-8400 only) – moves the vial carrousel either
counterclockwise (CCW) or clockwise (CW).
Syringe – Moves the syringe sled either Up or Down.