Agilent Technologies AA Series User manual

Agilent 240/280
Series AA
(including Zeeman)
User’s Guide

2 Agilent 240/280 Series AA User’s Guide
Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 1997,
2000-2004, 2010-2012
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Manual Part Number
8510154700
Edition
Ninth edition, January 2012
Printed in Malaysia
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
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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 240/280 Series AA User’s Guide 3
Contents
1. Safety Practices and Hazards 7
General 7
Electrical Hazards 8
Heat, Vapors and Fumes 9
Compressed Gases and Cylinders 10
Gas Hoses and Connections 11
Ultraviolet Radiation 11
Other 12
Warning and Caution Messages 12
Warning Symbols 12
Color Coding 14
CE Compliance 15
Electromagnetic Compatibility 15
EN55011/CISPR11 15
ICES/NMB-001 16
Flame Operation 16
Flammable Solvents 16
Compressed Gases and Cylinders for Flame Operation 18
Acetylene 18
Nitrous Oxide 20
Burners 20
Nebulizer 21
Liquid Trap 22

Contents
4 Agilent 240/280 Series AA User’s Guide
Heat Hazards 22
Perchloric Acid 23
Flashbacks 24
Furnace and Zeeman Operation 26
Gases 26
Heat Hazards 26
Vapors and Fumes 27
UV Radiation 27
Magnetic Field (Zeeman only) 27
2. Introduction 29
Installation Requirements 30
Agilent AA Documentation 30
Conventions 30
Specifications 31
Environmental 31
Power 32
Gas supplies 37
Weights and Dimensions 37
3. Installation 39
PC Requirements 39
Recommended PC Configuration 40
Installation Procedure Overview 41
Guidelines for Software Installation 41
Installing the SpectrAA Base Software 42
Installing the SpectrAA PRO Software 45

Contents
Agilent 240/280 Series AA User’s Guide 5
Installing the SpectrAA CFR Software 47
Installing the SpectrAA Base Software 47
Installing the SpectrAA CFR Software 50
GPIB Communications 51
Installing the PCI-GPIB Communications Card 51
Configuring the PCI-GPIB Communications Card 54
Installing the USB-GPIB-HS Converter 55
Setting Up for Agilent AA-DUO Operation 55
Starting the SpectrAA Software 56
SpectrAA Release Notes and Software Status Bulletin 57
Installing the Drivers for the Tube-CAM Furnace Camera Option 57
Driver Installation 58
Printer Setup 60
Troubleshooting 60
4. Software Overview 61
Starting the SpectrAA Software 62
SpectrAA Windows 62
Index Page 62
Worksheet Window 63
Reports Window 65
Administration Window 66
Working With the SpectrAA Software 67
Menu Bar 67
Toolbar 67
Dialog Boxes 67

Contents
6 Agilent 240/280 Series AA User’s Guide
Help 67
Searching for Help 68
Printing Help 69
Viewing Help While You Work 69
Quitting Help 69
5. Getting Started 71
Instrument Setup 71
Connections 72
Power 72
Moving Your Instrument 73
Starting the System 73
Pre-analysis Checklist 74

Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent 240/280 Series AA User’s Guide 7
1. Safety Practices and Hazards
General 7
Electrical Hazards 8
Heat, Vapors and Fumes 9
Compressed Gases and Cylinders 10
Gas Hoses and Connections 11
Ultraviolet Radiation 11
Other 12
Warning and Caution Messages 12
Warning Symbols 12
Color Coding 14
CE Compliance 15
Electromagnetic Compatibility 15
Flame Operation 16
Flashbacks 24
Furnace and Zeeman Operation 26
General
Your Agilent AA instrument and accessories have 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 the
manufacturer, the protection provided by the equipment may be
impaired.

Safety Practices and Hazards
8 Agilent 240/280 Series AA User’s Guide
Operation of an atomic absorption spectrometer can involve the use
of compressed gases, flames, and hazardous materials including
corrosive fluids and flammable liquids. Unskilled, improper, or
careless use of this instrument can create explosion hazards, fire
hazards, or other hazards which can cause death, serious injury to
personnel, or severe damage to equipment and property.
Information on safety practices is provided with your instrument and
operation manuals, and also referenced in your Agilent accessory
manuals. Before using your instrument or accessories, you must
thoroughly read these safety practices.
Observe all relevant safety practices at all times.
The safety practices described below are provided to help you
operate the instrument safely. Read each safety topic thoroughly
before attempting to operate the instrument and always operate the
spectrometer in accordance with these safety practices.
Electrical Hazards
The instrument and accessories contain 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 and covers that are retained by fasteners which require the
use of a tool for removal may only be opened by Agilent field service
engineers. Consult the manuals or product labels supplied with your
PC, monitor, printer/plotter, water-cooling system and vacuum pump
(where required) to determine which parts are operator-accessible.
Application of the wrong supply voltage, connection of the
instrument to an incorrectly wired supply outlet, or lack of proper
electrical grounding can create a fire hazard or a potentially serious
shock hazard, and could seriously damage the instrument and any
attached ancillary equipment.
Always use a 3-wire outlet with ground connection which is
adequately rated for the load. The installation must comply with local
and national safety regulations.

Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent 240/280 Series AA User’s Guide 9
Do not connect the instrument to the mains power supply until you
have made sure that the operating voltage is correctly set for the
mains power supply in the specific outlet in your laboratory to which
the equipment is connected.
Heat, Vapors and Fumes
Heat, vapors and fumes generated by flame, furnace and vapor
generation methods can be hazardous to personnel.
Heat, vapors and fumes must be extracted from the instrument by an
exhaust system. The instrument must be vented into a self-contained
arrangement of collector hood, ducting and exhaust fan. The system
must be vented to the outside air, never within the building. Locate
the system outlet such that the exhaust cannot re-enter the building
through any door, window, air conditioning inlet, or other ventilator.
Construct the system in accordance with local codes and regulations
for ventilation.
The exhaust system must be capable of providing an exhaust
ventilation rate of at least 6 cubic meters per minute (200 cfm).
Locate the exhaust fan at least 3 meters (10 feet) away from the
flame and as close to the outlet as possible. The motor must be
mounted away from the hot gases, and plastic parts must not be used
as they will melt. Fit a back-draft damper to the outlet end of the
system. Equip the exhaust fan power supply with an indicator close
to the instrument to indicate whether the exhaust fan is on or off.
Always switch the exhaust fan on before lighting the flame.
Use fireproof ducting that is in accordance with your local fire
prevention regulations. Locate the ducting away from fire alarms,
sprinkler heads and other heat-sensitive devices. Do not make solder
joints in the ducting—the hot exhaust in the duct may melt the joint.
Regularly check the system by smoke test to ensure that the exhaust
system is working.
When operating the atomic absorption spectrometer, always have the
chimney in place to ensure correct ventilation.

Safety Practices and Hazards
10 Agilent 240/280 Series AA User’s Guide
Compressed Gases and Cylinders
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 (except that of air) can an explosion hazard, a
fire hazard, or result in an oxygen–deficient atmosphere. Such
hazards can cause death, serious injury, asphyxiation, anesthetic
effects, and serious damage to equipment and property.
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. Secure all cylinders to an immovable
structure or a properly constructed cylinder stand. The area in which
cylinders are stored must be adequately ventilated to prevent toxic or
explosive accumulations. Move cylinders only on a properly
constructed trolley.
Keep cylinders cool. This rule applies to every cylinder of
compressed gas. Cylinders have pressure relief devices that release
the contents of the cylinder if the temperature exceeds 52 °C
(125 °F).
Ensure that all cylinders are clearly labeled so that there can be no
doubt about the contents. If the cylinder label is not legible, do not
use the cylinder—return it to your supplier. Always ensure that you
have the right cylinder before connecting the cylinder to the
instrument.
If air is supplied from a compressor, all moisture must be extracted
from the air before it is supplied to the gas control module. Moisture
can affect the internal components of the gas control system and
create a potentially hazardous situation.
Use only approved regulators and hose connectors.
Never attempt to refill cylinders.
Remember that for cylinder connections, left-hand thread fittings are
used for fuel; right-hand thread fittings are used for support gases.
When your analytical program is complete, or at the end of the
working day, always ensure that all gas supplies are turned off at the
cylinders.

Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent 240/280 Series AA User’s Guide 11
Gas Hoses and Connections
Even small leaks in gas supply systems can be dangerous. Any leak
can create an explosion hazard, a fire hazard, or can result in an
oxygen-deficient atmosphere. Such hazards can cause death, serious
injury, asphyxiation, anesthetic effects, and serious damage to
equipment and property.
Use only approved regulators, connectors and fittings. If in any
doubt, consult your local gas supplier or your Agilent representative.
Ensure that all gas connectors and hoses are correctly assembled.
Arrange gas hoses so that they will not be damaged, stepped on, or
have things dropped on them.
Never use frayed or damaged hoses.
Perform leak tests at all joints and seals every day before the
instrument is used. Test for leaks with a brush and soapy water or a
proprietary leak-detecting solution. Never use a naked flame when
testing for leaks.
Ultraviolet Radiation
Hazardous ultraviolet radiation is emitted by flames, hollow cathode
lamps and deuterium lamps. This radiation can cause serious damage
to human eyes and skin.
Always wear safety glasses conforming to an approved standard, and
certified or otherwise warranted to protect the eyes from ultraviolet
radiation. Never look directly at the light emitted by a hollow cathode
lamp.
When using a flame, always operate your spectrometer with the
flame shield closed, and the sample compartment front panel and
chimney in place.

Safety Practices and Hazards
12 Agilent 240/280 Series AA User’s Guide
Other
Other specific warnings and cautions appear in the manual and in
the online Help where appropriate, and detail the specific hazard,
describe how to avoid it, and specify the possible consequences of
not heeding the warning or caution.
Warning and Caution Messages
WARNING
Name of Warning
A ‘Warning’ message is used in the text when failure to observe instructions
or precautions could result in death or injury.
CAUTION A ‘Caution’ message is used when failure to observe instructions could result in
damage to equipment (Agilent supplied and/or other associated equipment).
NOTE A ‘Note’ message is used to give advice or information.
Warning Symbols
The following is a list of symbols that appear in conjunction with
warnings in this manual and on the spectrometer. The hazard they
describe is also shown. The beginning of the warning text is noted by
a warning icon:
WARNING

Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent 240/280 Series AA User’s Guide 13
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 liquids Electrical shock
Explosion hazard
Eye hazard
Fire hazard
Heavy weight
(danger to feet)
Heavy weight
(danger to hands)
Hot surface Magnetic field
Moving part
Noxious gases Sharp object
Toxic material
Read all warnings and cautions carefully and observe them at all
times.
The following symbol may be used on warning labels attached to the
instrument. When you see this symbol, refer to the relevant operation
or service manual for the correct procedure referred to by that
warning label.

Safety Practices and Hazards
14 Agilent 240/280 Series AA User’s Guide
The following symbols appear on the instrument for your
information.
I
Mains power on
0
Mains power off
Fuse
Single phase alternating current
When attached to the rear of the instrument, it indicates that the
product complies with the requirements of one or more EU
directives.
Flame off
Flame on
Indicates lamp present
When attached to the rear of the product, indicates that the
product has been certified (evaluated) to CSA 61010.1 and UL
61010-1.
Color Coding
The various indicator lights appearing on Agilent instruments and
associated accessories are color coded to represent the status of the
instrument or accessory.
 A green light indicates the instrument is in normal/standby
mode.
 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.

Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent 240/280 Series AA User’s Guide 15
CE Compliance
Your Agilent AA instrument has been designed to comply with the
requirements of the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) Directive
and the Low Voltage (electrical safety) Directive (commonly referred
to as the LVD) 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 Marking appearing on the rear of the product, and
the documentation package that accompanies the product
containing a copy of the Declaration of Conformity. The
Declaration of Conformity 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.
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 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.

Safety Practices and Hazards
16 Agilent 240/280 Series AA User’s Guide
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.
7Changes 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.
Flame Operation
Flammable Solvents
Unskilled, improper, or careless use of flammable solvents in or near
an atomic absorption spectrometer can create explosion hazards and
fire hazards. These can result in death, or severe personal injury or
burns.
Remember at all times that the combination of a flame and flammable
solvents can present a serious hazard. All relevant safety practices
governing the use of flammable solvents must be strictly followed.

Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent 240/280 Series AA User’s Guide 17
To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion:
When initially selecting an organic solvent, choose a solvent
having the highest flash point consistent with your analytical
requirements.
Never use a solvent having a specific gravity lower than 0.75.
Never leave uncovered containers of flammable solvent standing
near the burner. When aspirating such solvents, always use a
covered container and feed the capillary tubing through a 2 mm
diameter hole in the cover. Always use the smallest volume of
solvent consistent with your analytical requirements.
Always use solvent-resistant tubing such as nitrile rubber for the
drainage system and the vapor vent. Lead the drainage tube to a
suitable wide-necked waste vessel (as described in the next
paragraph). The standard plastic laboratory tubing supplied with
your instrument is not suitable for draining organic solvents or
venting organic vapors. If organic or toxic solutions are being
used in the spray chamber, vent tubing must be connected to the
vapor vent on the liquid trap, run parallel to the drain tubing,
and led to an active exhaust system. Do not lead the vapor tubing
to the waste vessel. If you are not using toxic or hazardous
liquids in the spray chamber, leave the vapor vent uncovered.
Use small, wide-necked waste vessels and empty them
frequently—do not accumulate large volumes of flammable
solvent. Do not use glass waste vessels—use vessels made of a
material that will not shatter in the event of a flashback. Metal
vessels will corrode and it is difficult to determine the level of
liquid in them. Ensure that your waste vessel is below the
instrument and located in an open, well-ventilated position
where you can see it. Never locate the vessel in a confined space.
When your analytical program has been completed, or at the end
of the working day, always empty and rinse the waste vessel.
When your analytical program has been completed, or at the end
of the working day, always empty, clean and refill the liquid trap.
Do not mix nitric or perchloric acid residues with organic solvent
residues.

Safety Practices and Hazards
18 Agilent 240/280 Series AA User’s Guide
Keep the burner slot, spray chamber and liquid trap clean.
Always use the internal igniter to light the flame as the flame will
not operate unless all the safety interlocks are satisfied.
Figure 1. System setup diagram
Compressed Gases and Cylinders for Flame Operation
This spectrometer is to be used only with air, nitrous oxide, and
acetylene for flame operation.
Never use oxygen or oxygen-enriched air as the oxidant because this
will result in an explosion.
Never use any gas except acetylene as the fuel gas.
Acetylene
Unskilled, improper, or careless use of acetylene can create explosion
hazards and fire hazards which can result in death, severe personal
injury or burns.

Safety Practices and Hazards
Agilent 240/280 Series AA User’s Guide 19
Use acetylene at pressures lower than 105 kPa (15 psig). At pressures
above this level, acetylene can explode spontaneously. Your Agilent
AA is designed to operate at fuel supply pressures between 65 and
100 kPa (9.5-14.5 psig). Refer to the Specifications section or the rear
of the instrument for the exact range and recommended pressure.
Do not use any tubing or connector that reacts chemically with
acetylene. Never pass acetylene through copper tubing, or brass
tubing or fittings containing more than 65% copper, since this may
provoke an explosion. Never bring acetylene into direct contact with
copper, silver, liquid mercury, gaseous chlorine or grease, as an
explosion could result.
Use only acetylene that is packed in acetone. Some gas suppliers
offer acetylene packed in material other than acetone. While these
alternatives may overcome some of the disadvantages of acetone,
they may also introduce the more serious problem of corrosion in the
gas control module and must not be used with Agilent atomic
absorption spectrometers.
If the pressure in the acetylene cylinder is allowed to fall below
700 kPa (100 psig), or the consumption is greater than 1/7 of the
cylinder contents per hour, acetone may be carried over from the
cylinder and into the spectrometer. Acetone in the spectrometer can
damage seals, O-rings and hoses, degrade analytical performance and
precipitate flashbacks.
Minimize the amount of acetone which is carried over with the
acetylene by:
Replacing cylinders when their contents pressure drops below
700 kPa (100 psi)
Ensuring that the rate of acetylene drawn off from each cylinder
is not excessive.
If high rates of consumption are observed then connect 2 or more
cylinders in parallel to a manifold. This reduces the rate at which
acetylene is drawn from each cylinder.

Safety Practices and Hazards
20 Agilent 240/280 Series AA User’s Guide
To reduce the possibility of fire or explosion:
Test the supply ‘plumbing’ regularly for leaks with a brush and
soapy water or a proprietary leak-detecting solution (never use a
naked flame when testing for leaks)
‘Crack’ the cylinder before use by gently opening the valve to
check for any drops or spray of acetone. Any cylinder showing
acetone should be returned to the supplier for replacement.
Use ‘Instrument Grade’ acetylene that is at least 99.5% pure.
Turn off fuel gas at the cylinder when you have finished your flame
analysis.
Refer also to your local regulations governing the use of acetylene.
Nitrous Oxide
The de-compression of high pressure N2O gas at the regulator can
cause excessive cooling and eventual freezing of the regulator. To
prevent regulator malfunction and possible flashback, the gas should
be heated with an in-line or wrap-around heater.
Burners
Improper or careless use of burners can create explosion hazards
and fire hazards which can cause death, serious injury to personnel
and damage to equipment and property.
Whenever you handle burners, remember that the burner may be
very hot. Always use protective gloves to handle burners.
Burners are clearly identified by the fuel/oxidant combination for
which they are intended. Always fit the correct burner. Never
attempt to use an air-acetylene burner for nitrous oxide-acetylene, as
this will cause a flashback.
Use only acetylene as the fuel gas.
Use only air or nitrous oxide as oxidant. Never attempt to use oxygen
or oxygen-enriched air, as this will cause a flashback.