Agilent Technologies 7820A User guide

Agilent Technologies
Agilent 7820A
Gas Chromatograph
Safety Manual

27820A GC Safety Manual
Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2009–2015
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tronic storage and retrieval or translation
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Manual Part Number
G4350-90010
Edition
Fifth edition, August 2016
Fourth edition, June 2015
Third edition, June 2011
Second edition, June 2009
First edition, March 2009
Printed in USA and China
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Safety Notices
CAUTION
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.
WARNING
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.

3
Agilent 7820A Gas Chromatograph
Safety Manual
Agilent Technologies
Introduction
Important Safety Warnings 4
Hydrogen Safety 7
Uncombusted Hazardous Gases 9
Micro-Electron Capture Detector (µECD) 10
Fuses and Batteries 12
Safety and Regulatory Certifications 13
Intended Use 17
Cleaning 17
Recycling the Product 17

47820A GC Safety Manual
Introduction
Important Safety Warnings
Before moving on, there are several important safety notices that you
should always keep in mind when using the Agilent 7820A GC.
Many internal parts of the GC carry dangerous voltages
If the GC is connected to a power source, even if the power switch is off,
potentially dangerous voltages exist on:
•The wiring between the GC power cord and the AC power supply, the AC
power supply itself, and the wiring from the AC power supply to the power
switch.
With the power switch on, potentially dangerous voltages also exist on:
•All electronics boards in the instrument.
•The internal wires and cables connected to these boards.
•The wires for any heater (oven, detector, inlet, or valve box).
WARNING
When handling/using chemicals for preparation or use within the GC, all applicable
local and national laboratory safety practices must be followed. This would include,
but is not limited to, correct use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), correct use
of storage vials, and correct handling of chemicals, as defined in the laboratory’s
internal safety analysis and standard operating procedures. Failure to adhere to
laboratory safety practices could lead to injury or death.
WARNING
All these parts are shielded by covers. With the covers in place, it should be difficult
to accidentally make contact with dangerous voltages. Unless specifically
instructed to, never remove a cover unless the detector, inlet, or oven are turned off.
WARNING
If the power cord insulation is frayed or worn, the cord must be replaced. Contact
your Agilent service representative.

Introduction
7820A GC Safety Manual 5
Do not use an Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS) with a GC
If the area where the GC is located suddenly loses power, an unsafe condition
can result if the GC remains powered on. Do not use the GC with a UPS.
Electrostatic discharge is a threat to GC electronics
The printed circuit (PC) boards in the GC can be damaged by electrostatic
discharge. Do not touch any of the boards unless it is absolutely necessary. If
you must handle them, wear a grounded wrist strap and take other antistatic
precautions. Wear a grounded wrist strap any time you must remove the GC
right side cover.
Many parts are dangerously hot
Many parts of the GC operate at temperatures high enough to cause serious
burns. These parts include but are not limited to:
•The inlets
•The oven and its contents
•The detectors
•The column nuts attaching the column to an inlet or detector
•The valve box
You should always cool these areas of the GC to room temperature before
working on them. They will cool faster if you first set the temperature of the
heated zone to room temperature. Turn the zone off after it has reached the
setpoint. If you must perform maintenance on hot parts, use a wrench and
wear thermally protective gloves. Whenever possible, cool the part of the
instrument that you will be maintaining before you begin working on it.
WARNING
Be careful when working behind the instrument. During cool-down cycles, the GC
emits hot exhaust which can cause burns.

67820A GC Safety Manual
Introduction
Oven thermal leaks
Do not allow wiring or temperature probes to pass through the oven door jam.
Agilent recommends using one of the access holes.
WARNING
The insulation around the inlets, detectors, valve box, and the insulation cups 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.
WARNING
Objects passing through the oven door seal can cause thermal leaks which create
hazardous hot spots which cause burns and melt equipment.

Introduction
7820A GC Safety Manual 7
Hydrogen Safety
Hydrogen gas may be used as carrier gas, and/or as fuel for the FID and NPD.
When mixed with air, hydrogen can form explosive mixtures.
Hydrogen is a commonly used GC carrier gas. Hydrogen is potentially
explosive and has other dangerous characteristics.
•Hydrogen is combustible over a wide range of concentrations. At
atmospheric pressure, hydrogen is combustible at concentrations from 4%
to 74.2% by volume.
•Hydrogen has the highest burning velocity of any gas.
•Hydrogen has a very low ignition energy.
•Hydrogen that is allowed to expand rapidly from high pressure into the
atmosphere can self-ignite due to an electrostatic spark.
•Hydrogen burns with a nonluminous flame which can be invisible under
bright light.
Hydrogen shutdown
Hydrogen gas may be used as a carrier or as fuel for some detectors. When
mixed with air, hydrogen can form explosive mixtures.
WARNING
When using hydrogen (H2) as the carrier gas or fuel gas, be aware that hydrogen
gas can flow into the GC oven and create an explosion hazard. Therefore, be sure
that the supply is turned off until all connections are made and ensure that the inlet
and detector column fittings are either connected to a column or capped at all times
when hydrogen gas is supplied to the instrument.
Hydrogen is flammable. Leaks, when confined in an enclosed space, may create a
fire or explosion hazard. In any application using hydrogen, leak test all
connections, lines, and valves before operating the instrument. Always turn off the
hydrogen supply at its source before working on the instrument.

87820A GC Safety Manual
Introduction
The GC monitors inlet and auxiliary gas streams. If a stream shuts down
because it is unable to reach its flow or pressure setpoint and if that stream is
configured to use hydrogen, the GC assumes that a leak has occurred and
declares a hydrogen safety shutdown. The effects are:
•The offending channel and any associated channels (such as septum purge)
are set off.
•The split valves in the split/splitless inlets open.
•The oven (heater and fan) turns off.
•The small heated zones are turned off.
•An alarm tone sounds.
To recover from this state, fix the cause of the shutdown (tank valve closed,
serious leak, others). Turn the instrument off, then back on.
Measuring hydrogen gas flows
When measuring gas flows on a detector using hydrogen for the detector flame
or carrier gas, measure the hydrogen flow separately. Never allow an air
stream to enter when hydrogen is present in the flow meter.
WARNING
The GC cannot always detect leaks in inlet and/or detector gas streams. For this
reason, it is vital that column fittings should always be either connected to a
column, or have a cap or plug installed. The H2streams must be configured for
hydrogen so that the GC is aware of hydrogen use.
WARNING
Do not measure hydrogen together with air or oxygen. This can create explosive
mixtures that may be ignited by the automatic ignitor.
To avoid this hazard:
Turn the automatic ignitor off before you begin.
Always measure gases separately.

Introduction
7820A GC Safety Manual 9
Uncombusted Hazardous Gases
During normal operation of the GC with many detectors and inlets, some of
the carrier gas and sample vents outside the instrument through the split vent,
septum purge vent, and detector exhaust. If any sample components are toxic
or noxious, or if hydrogen is used as the carrier gas, these exhausts must be
vented to a fume hood. Place the GC in the hood or attach a large diameter
venting tube to the outlet for proper ventilation.

10 7820A GC Safety Manual
Introduction
Micro-Electron Capture Detector (µECD)
The μECD contains a cell plated with 63Ni, a radioactive isotope. The beta
particles released at the energy level in the detector have little penetrating
power—the surface layer of the skin or a few sheets of paper will stop most of
them—but they may be hazardous if the isotope is ingested or inhaled. For this
reason, handle the cell with care. Cap the detector inlet and outlet fittings
when the detector is not in use. Never introduce corrosive chemicals into the
detector. Vent detector exhaust outside the laboratory environment.
Refer to the safety documentation provided with the detector for important
details about safety, maintenance, and compliance with local government
regulation.
WARNING
Materials that may react with the 63Ni source, either to form volatile products or to
cause physical degradation of the plated film, must be avoided. These materials
include oxidizing compounds, acids, wet halogens, wet nitric acid, ammonium
hydroxide, hydrogen sulfide, PCPs, and carbon monoxide. This list is not exhaustive
but indicates the kinds of compounds that may cause damage to 63Ni detectors.
WARNING
In the extremely unlikely event that the oven or the detector-heated zone should go
into thermal runaway (maximum, uncontrolled heating in excess of 400 °C) and the
detector remains exposed to this condition for more than 12 hours, take the
following steps:
1 After turning off the main power and allowing the instrument to cool to room
temperature, cap the detector inlet and exhaust vent openings. Wear disposable
plastic gloves and observe normal laboratory safety precautions.
2 Contact your local Agilent Technologies sales office or distributor for ECD disposal
instructions
3 Include a letter stating the condition of abuse.
It is unlikely, even in this very unusual situation, that radioactive material will
escape the cell. However, permanent damage to the 63Ni plating within the cell is
possible; therefore, the cell must be returned for exchange.

Introduction
7820A GC Safety Manual 11
When handling μECDs:
•Never eat, drink, or smoke.
•Always wear safety glasses when working with or near open μECDs.
•Wear protective clothing such as laboratory jackets, safety glasses, and
gloves, and follow good laboratory practices. Wash hands thoroughly with a
mild nonabrasive cleaner after handling μECDs.
•Cap the inlet and outlet fittings when the μECD is not in use.
•Connect the μECD exhaust vent to a fume hood or vent it to the outside. See
the latest revision of 10 CFR Part 20 (including Appendix B), or the
applicable state regulation. For other countries, consult with the
appropriate agency for equivalent requirements.
Agilent Technologies recommends a vent line internal diameter of 6 mm
(1/4-inch) or greater. With a line of this diameter, the length is not critical.
WARNING
Do not use solvents to clean the µECD.
WARNING
You may not open the µECD cell unless authorized to do so by your local nuclear
regulatory agency. Do not disturb the four socket-head bolts. These hold the cell
halves together. United States customers removing or disturbing them is a violation
of the terms of the exemption and could create a safety hazard.

12 7820A GC Safety Manual
Introduction
Fuses and Batteries
The GC requires fuses and batteries for proper operation. These must only be
accessed by Agilent trained service personnel.
Table 1 AC board fuses
Fuse designation Line voltage Fuse rating and type
100/120 V GC
F1, F2 All 8 A, 250 VAC, IEC 127 type f (non-time delay),
glass body
F3, F4 All 20 A, 250 VAC, IEC 127 type f (non-time
delay), ceramic body
200/220/230/240 V GC
F1, F2 All 6 A, 250 VAC, IEC 127 type f (non-time delay),
glass body
F3, F4 All 20 A, 250 VAC, IEC 127 type f (non-time
delay), ceramic body
Table 2 Logic board battery
Battery designation Battery rating and type
BT1 3-volt lithium-poly carbon battery, .048A-HR,
Panasonic model BR 1225

Introduction
7820A GC Safety Manual 13
Safety and Regulatory Certifications
The Agilent 7820A GC conforms to the following safety standards:
•Canadian Standards Association (CSA): C22.2 No. 61010-1
•CSA/Nationally Recognized Test Laboratory (NRTL): ANSI/UL 61010-1
•International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC): 61010–1, 60101-2-010,
60101-2-081
•EuroNorm (EN): 61010–1
The Agilent 7820A GC conforms to the following regulations on
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) and Radio Frequency Interference
(RFI):
•CISPR 11/EN 55011: Group 1, Class A
•IEC/EN 61326
•AUS/NZ N10149
The 7820A GC complies with the following company standard:
•Q/YXFG27
This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001. Cet appareil ISM est
conforme a la norme NMB—001 du Canada.
The Agilent 7820A GC is designed and manufactured under a quality system
registered to ISO 9001. Declaration of Conformity available.
Instructions for Disposal of Waste Equipment by Users in the European Union.
This symbol on the product or its packaging indicates that this product must
not be disposed of with other waste. Instead, it is your responsibility to
dispose of your waste equipment by handing it over to a designated collection
point for the recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment. The
separate collection and recycling of your waste equipment at the time of
disposal will help conserve natural resources and ensure that it is recycled in

14 7820A GC Safety Manual
Introduction
a manner that protects human health and the environment. For more
information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling,
please contact your local city recycling office or the dealer from whom you
originally purchased the product.
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 사용
자는 이 점을 주의하시기 바라 며 , 가정외의 지역에서 사용하는 것
을 목적으 로 합니다 .
Information
The Agilent Technologies 7820A Gas Chromatograph meets the following IEC
(International Electro-technical Commission) classifications: Safety Class I,
Transient Overvoltage Category II, Pollution Degree 2.
This unit has been designed and tested in accordance with recognized safety
standards and is designed for use indoors in non-classified locations. If the
instrument is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the
protection provided by the instrument may be impaired. Whenever the safety
protection of the Agilent 7820A Gas Chromatograph has been compromised,
disconnect the unit from all power sources and secure the unit against
unintended operation.
Refer servicing to qualified service personnel. Substituting parts or
performing any unauthorized modification to the instrument may result in a
safety hazard.

Introduction
7820A GC Safety Manual 15
Symbols
Warnings in the manual or on the instrument must be observed during all
phases of operation, service, and repair of this instrument. Failure to comply
with these precautions violates safety standards of design and the intended
use of the instrument. Agilent Technologies assumes no liability for the
customer’s failure to comply with these requirements.
See accompanying instructions for more
information.
Indicates a hot surface.
Indicates hazardous voltages.
Indicates earth (ground) terminal.
Indicates potential explosion hazard.
Indicates radioactivity hazard.
Indicates electrostatic discharge hazard.
Indicates a hazard. See the Agilent 7820A
GC user documentation for the item labeled.
Indicates that you must not discard this
electrical/electronic product in domestic
household waste

16 7820A GC Safety Manual
Introduction
Electromagnetic compatibility
This device complies with the requirements of CISPR 11. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions:
•This device may not cause harmful interference.
•This 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.
7Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Agilent Technologies
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Sound Emission Certification for Federal Republic of Germany
Sound pressure
Sound pressure Lp < 70 dB(A) according to DIN-EN 27779.
Schalldruckpegel
Schalldruckpegel LP < 70 dB(A) nach DIN-EN 27779.

Introduction
7820A GC Safety Manual 17
Intended Use
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 products, failure to comply with
procedures in Agilent product user guides, or use of the products in violation
of applicable laws, rules or regulations.
Cleaning
To clean the unit, disconnect the power and wipe down with a damp, lint-free
cloth.
Recycling the Product
For recycling, contact your local Agilent sales office.

© Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Printed in USA, August 2016
Agilent Technologies
G4350-90010
G4350-90010