Agilent Technologies HP 5890 II Series User manual

Chemical Analysis Group
5890 Gas Chromatograph
5890 Series II Site Prep Info
Document A15282

Site Prep/Installation Manual
HP 5890 Series II and
HP 5890 Series II Plus

Little Falls Site
Hewlett-Packard Company
2850 Centerville Road
Wilmington, DE 19808-1610
D Hewlett-Packard
Company 1989, 1991, 1993,
1994
All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction, adaptation,
or translation without
permission is prohibited,
except as allowed under
the copyright laws.
HP part number
05890-90281
First edition—Jun 1989
Second edition—Mar 1991
Third edition—Oct 1991
Fourth edition—Jul 1993
Fifth edition—Jul 1994
Printed in USA
Warranty
The information contained
in this document is subject
to change without notice.
Hewlett-Packard makes no
warranty of any kind with
regard to this material,
including, but not limited
to, the implied warranties
of merchantability and
fitness for a particular
purpose. Hewlett-Packard
shall not be liable for errors
contained herein or for
incidental or consequential
damages in connection with
the furnishing,
performance, or use of this
material.
Safety Information
The HP 5890 Series II and
HP 5890 Series II Plus are
IEC (International
Electrotechnical
Commission) Safety Class 1
instruments. This unit has
been designed and tested in
accordance with recognized
safety standards. Whenever
the safety protection of the
HP 5890 Series II has been
compromised, disconnect
the unit from all power
sources and secure the unit
against unintended
operation.
Safety Symbols
This manual contains
safety information that
should be followed by the
user to ensure safe
operation.
WARNING
A warning calls attention
to a condition or possible
situation that could cause
injury to the user.
CAUTION
A caution calls attention to
a condition or possible
situation that could
damage or destroy the
product or the user’s work.
Important User
Information for In Vitro
Diagnostic Applications
This is a multipurpose
product that may be used
for qualitative or
quantitative analyses in
many applications. If used
in conjunction with proven
procedures (methodology)
by qualified operator, one
of these applications may
be In Vitro Diagnostic
Procedures.
Generalized instrument
performance characteristics
and instructions are
included in this manual.
Specific In Vitro Diagnostic
procedures and
methodology remain the
choice and the
responsibility of the user,
and are not included.
Sound Emission
Certification for Federal
Republic of Germany
If Test and Measurement
Equipment is operated with
unscreened cables and/or
used for measurements in
open set-ups, users have to
assure that under these
operating conditions the
Radio Interference Limits
are still met at the border
of their premises.
The following information
is provided to comply with
the requirements of the
German Sound Emission
Directive dated January 18,
1991
Sound pressure Lp <
70db(A)
During normal operation
At the operator position
According to ISO 7779
(Type Test)
When operating the HP
5890 Series II with cryo
valve option, the sound
pressure
 78 db(A) during
cryo valve operation for
short burst pulses.
Schallemission
Werden Meß- und
Testgeräte mit
ungeschirmten Kabeln
und/oder in offenen
Meßaufbauten verwendet,
so ist vom Betreiber
sicherzustellen, daß die
Funk-Entströbedingungen
unter Betriebsbedingungen
an seiner
Grundstücksgrenze
eingehalten werden.
Diese Information steht im
Zusammenhang mit den
Anforderungen der
Maschinenlärminformation
sverordnung vom 18
Januar 1991.
Schalldruckpegel LP < 70
dB(A)
Am Arbeitsplatz
Normaler Betrieb
Nach DIN 45635 T. 19
(Typprüfung)
Bei Betrieb des HP 5890
Serie II mit Cryo Ventil
Option treten beim Oeffnen
des Ventils impulsfoermig
Schalldrucke Lp bis ca. 78
dB(A) auf.

Contents
Chapter 1 — Site Preparation 5......................
Introduction 6..........................................................
Environmental considerations 6..........................................
Space considerations 6...............................................
Power considerations 8..................................................
Line voltage 8.......................................................
Power line cord 8....................................................
Gas considerations 10....................................................
Gases for packed columns 10..........................................
Gases for capillary columns 11.........................................
Gas purity 12........................................................
Assembling the gas plumbing 13...........................................
Supply tubing 14.....................................................
Cylinder fitting type and size 14.......................................
Two•stagepressure regulators 15......................................
Molecular sieve moisture trap 15.......................................
Oxygen trap 15.......................................................
Carrier gas miser 16..................................................
Making pipe thread connections 16.....................................
Making swage•typeconnections 17.....................................
Chapter 2 — Installation 19...........................
Introduction 20..........................................................
Shipment checklist 20....................................................
Site preparation 21.......................................................
Cooling considerations 21.............................................
Connecting supply gases 22...............................................
The main flow panel 22...............................................
Auxiliary flow panels 24...............................................
Changing the flow restrictor 26........................................
Gas supply tube connections 28........................................
Setting initial supply pressures and leak testing 30......................
Connecting cryogenic coolant 32.......................................
Gas supply checklist 34...............................................

Contents
Connecting power line cord 35.............................................
Voltage and grounding 35.............................................
Turning power on 36..................................................
Connecting signal output cables 38........................................
Analog signal output cables 39.........................................
Instrument network (INET) cable 41..................................
Remote start/HP 5890 ready cables 43..................................
Remote receptacle 44.................................................
RS•232and HPIB/RS•232cables 48....................................
HP•IB/RS•232interface board information 49...............................
Analog input board information 52.........................................
Post•installchecklist 52...................................................

1
Site Preparation

6
Site Preparation
Introduction
This section discusses the site preparation for the HP 5890 SERIES II
(hereafter referred to as HP 5890). The following topics are discussed:
C Environmental considerations
C Power considerations
C Gas considerations
You will need various suppliesto prepare an area for the HP 5890.
Hewlett•Packard's analytical supplies catalog describes the supplies
available from Hewlett•Packard.You can obtain a copy from your local
sales office.
Environmental considerations
This instrument operates in the 0 ^ to 55 ^ C temperature range and the
5% to 95% relative humidity range. We recommend an environment
comfortable for the operators (reasonably constant temperature and
humidity) for optimum performance and instrument lifetime.
Corrosive substances, whether gas, liquid, or solid, may affect materials
and components used in the HP 5890 and should be avoided.
Space considerations
The HP 5890 requires a clear surface about 56 cm (22 in.) deep by 71 cm
(28 in.) wide, capable of supporting at least 41 kg (90 lbs). Another 25 cm
(10 in.) must be allowed behind the instrument to dissipate oven exhaust
air (up to 400
^ C).

Site Preparation
Environmental considerations
7
The HP 5890 is about 50 cm (20 in.) high. The area above the instrument
should be clear. Shelves or other overhanging obstructions limit access to
the top of the instrument and interfere with cooling.
If space is limited, the Oven Exhaust Deflector may improve oven cooling.
It diverts exhaust air up and away from the instrument. It may be
connected to a 4•inchexhaust duct system, routed to a fume hood, or
vented outside the building with 4•inchdiameter furnace duct.
Oven exhaust deflector
Other instruments used with the HP 5890, such as detectors, integrators,
and samplers, may require additional bench space. See those manuals
for details.

Site Preparation
Power considerations
8
Power considerations
Line voltage
Your gas chromatograph operates from one of these voltage supplies,
depending on the power option ordered. These options and the power
cords furnished are described on the next page.
C 120 VAC single phase (+5, -10%), 48 to 66 Hz, 2200 VA max.
(requires a 20 amp dedicated line)
C 200 VAC split phase (+5, -10%), 48 to 66 Hz, 2200 VA max.
(requires a 15 amp dedicated line)
C 220/240 VAC single phase (+5, -10%), 48 to 66 Hz, 2200 VA max.
(requires a 15 amp dedicated line)
C 220/240 VAC split phase (+5, -10%), 48 to 66 Hz, 2200 VA max.
(requires a 15 amp dedicated line)
Power line cord
To protect personnel, the instrument panels and cabinet are grounded
through the three•conductorpower line cord in accordance with
International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) requirements.
The three•conductorpower line cord, when plugged into a properly
grounded receptacle, provides power and grounds the instrument. A
properly grounded receptacle has its ground contact connected to a
suitable earth ground. Proper receptacle grounding should be verified.
The power options for the HP 5890, and the electrical power and the line
cord termination for each, are shown here.

Site Preparation
Power considerations
9
Option Power and Cord
002
004
005
006
007
008
031
032
033
120 V single phase, 20A for USA.
220 V single phase with power cord for use in Europe and
Peoples Republic of China.
240 V single phase with power cord for use in Great Britain.
240 V single phase with power cord for use in Australia.
220 V split phase with power cord for use in Europe.
240 V split phase with power cord for use in USA.
200 V split phase with power cord for use in Japan.
220 V single phase with power cord for use in Denmark.
220 V single phase with power cord for use in Switzerland.
240 V single phase with power cord for use in South Africa.
001
(Standard)
003 220 V single phase with power cord for use in Hong Kong.

Site Preparation
Gas considerations
10
Gas considerations
Gases for packed columns
The choice of carrier gas depends on the detector selected and what
performance is required from it. These relationships are shown below. In
general, makeup gases are not needed with packed columns.
Detector Carrier Gas Comments
Thermal
conductivity
(TCD)
Flame
ionization
(FID)
Nitrogen/
Phosphorus
(NPD)
Electron
capture
(ECD)
General use.
Maximum sensitivity (see Note A).
Hydrogen detection (see Note B).
Maximum hydrogen sensitivity (see Note B).
Maximum sensitivity.
Acceptable alternate.
Optimum performance.
Acceptable alternate.
Maximum sensitivity.
Maximum dynamic range.
Helium
Hydrogen
Nitrogen
Argon
Nitrogen
Helium
Helium
Nitrogen
Nitrogen
Argon/Methane
Note A:Slightlygreatersensitivitythanhelium,butmayremovepassivationfromfila-
ments causing high drift rates until passivation is completely reduced. Incompatible
with some compounds.
Note B: For analysis of hydrogenor helium;greatly reducessensitivityfor othercom-
pounds (some peaks may invert).
Gas Recommendations for Packed Columns

Site Preparation
Gas considerations
11
Gases for capillary columns
Hydrogen is the recommended carrier gas for capillary analyses; helium
is an acceptable alternate and nitrogen is least desirable.
These detectors are compatible with packed columns which use higher
carrier gas flow rates than those used with capillary columns. A separate
makeup gas system brings total flow into a detector up to the rate for
optimum sensitivity with capillary columns. For each detector and carrier
gas, there is a preferred choice for makeup gas.
Detector Carrier Gas Preferred Makeup Gas Second Choice/Notes
FID
NPD
ECD
TCD
Hydrogen
Helium
Nitrogen
Hydrogen
Helium
Nitrogen
Hydrogen
Helium
Nitrogen
Argon/Methane
Hydrogen
Helium
Nitrogen
Argon
Nitrogen
”
”
Helium
”
”
Argon/Methane
”
Nitrogen
Argon/Methane
Same as carrier
and reference gas

Helium
”
”
See comment below.
Nitrogen
”
Argon/Methane
Nitrogen
Same as carrier and
reference gas
Gas Recommendations for Capillary Columns
When an NPD is used with an HP Series 530 ¿ capillary column,
hydrogen carrier gas, and a packed column inlet (flow•controlled),both
isothermal and temperature programmed analyses may be run.
However, if a capillary inlet (pressure•controlled)is used, only isothermal
analysis is recommended. Temperature programming changes the
resistance of the column and the flow of hydrogen into the detector. NPD
sensitivity is very sensitive to hydrogen flow.

Site Preparation
Gas considerations
12
Gas purity
Some gas suppliers furnish instrument or chromatographic purity
grades (the names vary with the supplier) specifically intended for
chromatographic use. Use these when available.
Carrier Gases and Capillary Makeup Gases
99.9995%
”
”
Best available
Helium
Nitrogen
Hydrogen
Argon/Methane
Note: For ECD use, gases must be 99.9995% pure.
Detector Support Gases
Hydrogen
Air (dry) 99.9995% Best available
Gas Purity Recommendations

Site Preparation
Assembling the gas plumbing
13
Assembling the gas plumbing
Two-Stage Regula-
tor
Main Supply
On/Off Valve
Main Gas
Supply
On/Off
Valve
Moisture Trap
Oxygen
Trap
HP 5890
SERIES ll
General Plumbing Diagram
Follow this general plumbing diagram to prepare gas supply plumbing.
Note that:
C Two•stage(rather than single stage) regulators are strongly
recommended to eliminate pressure surges.
C On/off valves are not essential but are very useful. They are usually
mounted on the outlet fitting of the two•stageregulators.
C FID and NPD detectors should have their own air supply. Detector
operation may be affected by pressure pulses in air lines shared with
other devices (valve actuators, samplers).
C Flow•and pressure•controllingdevices require at least 138 kPa (20
psi) pressure differential across them to operate properly. Source
pressures and capacities must be more than ample to ensure this.
C If auxiliary flow panel(s) are not to be installed in the instrument, we
recommend pressure gauges in gas supply lines just prior to their
connection to instrument inlet fittings. This measures supply
pressure at the instrument rather than pressure at the source (which
may be different due to long or narrow supply lines).

Site Preparation
Assembling the gas plumbing
14
Supply tubing
Caution Do not use methylene chloride or any other halogenated solvent for
tubing that will be used with an electron capture detector. They will
cause elevated baselines and detector noise until they are completely
flushed out of the system.
Copper tubing usually contains oils and other manufacturing lubricants
which must be removed before use. A methylene chloride rinse followed
by a methanol rinse is suitable except when an electron capture detector
will be used.
The choice of tubing diameter depends upon the distance between the
supply source and the chromatograph and the total demand expected for
the particular gas. When the supply is close to the instrument, 1/8•inch
tubing is adequate.
For long distances, or when multiple instruments are to be supplied from
the same source, or if high demand is anticipated (air for an FID), use
larger diameter supply lines to reduce pressure drop.
Be generous when cutting lengths of tubing for local supply lines; a
relatively long coil of flexible tubing between the supply and the
instrument permits moving the instrument to reach rear cover panels.
Cylinder fitting type and size
Consult your local gas supplier for type and size of cylinder valves. They
are described by CGA (Compressed Gas Association) numbers. Use these
numbers to select compatible pressure regulators.

Site Preparation
Assembling the gas plumbing
15
Two-stage pressure regulators
Two stages of pressure regulation are needed to reduce the very high
source pressure to the pressures used by the instrument. The two stages
may be combined in a single regulator with a fairly short tubing run to
the instrument, or one stage may be at the source with the second stage
close to the instrument. In either case, use good quality regulators with
stainless steel diaphragms. See the Hewlett•Packard's analytical
supplies catalogfor further information.
Molecular sieve moisture trap
A type A molecular sieve moisture trap is supplied with ECDs. Install it
between the carrier gas source regulator and inlet supply fitting on the
instrument.
Moisture in the carrier gas can damage columns. We recommend
moisture traps for all carrier gases, regardless of the detector, and also
for detector support gases (makeup, hydrogen, air).
Oxygen trap
Trace amounts of oxygen can damage columns, particularly capillary
columns. Oxygen also degrades the performance of ECDs. An oxygen trap
may be connected between the molecular sieve drier and inlet supply
fittings to the instrument.

Site Preparation
Assembling the gas plumbing
16
Carrier gas miser
A carrier gas miser reduces the use of carrier gas during off•hours.It
reduces two channels of carrier gas flow to a low purging rate during
off•hours,without disturbing the pressure regulator or flow controller
settings.
CONSERVE
FULL
CONSERVE
FULL
FLO
W
A
5890
FLO
W
B
Carrier Gas Miser
Making pipe thread connections
Avoid pipe thread connections if possible. If they must be used, seal them
with Teflon tape. Do not use pipe dope to seal the threads; these
mixtures contain volatile materials that will contaminate the tubing.
Teflon tape is available in two grades. The less expensive hardware
store grade contains a small amount of volatile material. In most cases
this does no harm, but it will interfere strongly (noise, elevated baseline,
reduced sensitivity and linearity) with electron capture detectors. An
instrument grade (the name may vary) has had these volatiles removed.
The better grade tape is recommended for all chromatographic fittings.

Site Preparation
Assembling the gas plumbing
17
Making swage-type connections
Assemble fitting,
bottom tubing
Hand-tighten,
then wrench-tighten
Swage-Type Fittings
Assemble the fittings as shown. Push the tubing into the fitting as far as
it will go, then tighten the fitting by hand (no wrench). Use a wrench to
tighten further (3/4•turnfor 1/8•inchtubing, 1•1/4•turnfor 1/4•inch
tubing).

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2
Installation