Agilent Technologies 1200 series User manual

Agilent Technologies
Agilent 1200 Series
Vacuum Degasser
User Manual
1200 Series VD User Manual

1200 Series VD User Manual
Notices
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2006,
2007-2008
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tronic storage and retrieval or translation
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Manual Part Number
G1322-90011
Edition
11/08
Printed in Germany
Agilent Technologies
Hewlett-Packard-Strasse 8
76337 Waldbronn
Research Use Only
Not for use in Diagnostic Procedures.
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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 per-
formed 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 condi-
tions 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
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WARNING notice until the indi-
cated conditions are fully under-
stood and met.

1200 Series VD User Manual 3
Contents
Contents
1 Introduction 5
Introduction to the Vacuum Degasser 6
How the Electronics Work 7
2 Site Requirements and Specifications 11
Site Requirements 12
Physical Specifications 15
Performance Specifications 17
3 Installing the Vacuum Degasser 19
Unpacking the Vacuum Degasser 20
Optimizing the Stack Configuration 22
Installing the Vacuum Degasser 24
Flow Connections to the Vacuum Degasser 27
Operational Hints for the Vacuum Degasser 31
Transporting the Vacuum Degasser 34
4 Using the Vacuum Degasser 35
When to Use a Vacuum Degasser? 36
Solvent Information 38
Prevent Blocking of Solvent Filters 39
Operation Modes of the Vacuum Degasser 41
5 Troubleshooting and Diagnostics 45
Overview of the Degasser’s Indicators 46
Status Indicators 47
6 Maintenance 49
Introduction to Maintenance and Repair 50

41200 Series VD User Manual
Contents
7 Parts and Materials for Maintenance 61
Cover Parts 62
Power and Status Light Pipes 63
Accessory Kit 64
8 Identifying Cables 65
Cable Overview 66
9 Appendix 75
General Safety Information 76
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive
(2002/96/EC) 80
Radio Interference 81
Sound Emission 82
Agilent Technologies on Internet 83

5
1200 Series VD User Manual
Agilent Technologies
1
Introduction
Introduction to the Vacuum Degasser 6
How the Electronics Work 7

61200 Series VD User Manual
1Introduction
Introduction to the Vacuum Degasser
Introduction to the Vacuum Degasser
The Agilent 1200 Series vacuum degasser, model G1322A, comprises a
4-channel vacuum container, including 4 tubular plastic membranes, and a
vacuum pump. When the vacuum degasser is switched on, the control circuit
turns on the vacuum pump which generates a partial vacuum in the vacuum
container The pressure is meassured by a pressure sensor. The vacuum
degasser maintains the partial vacuum by turning on and off the vacuum
pump depending on the signal from the pressure sensor.
The LC pump draws the solvents from their bottles through the special tubular
plastic membranes of the vacuum container. As the solvents pass through the
vacuum tubes any dissolved gas in the solvents permeates through the
membranes into the vacuum container. The solvents will be almost completely
degassed when leaving the outlets of the vacuum degasser.
Figure 1 Overview (only one of the four solvent channels is shown)
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1200 Series VD User Manual 7
Introduction 1
How the Electronics Work
How the Electronics Work
The vacuum degasser has two different normal operation modes and a
continuous mode. In operation mode 1 the vacuum degasser works around a
defined set point (115 Torr). Due to environmental conditions it is possible
that the vacuum degasser cannot reach the pre-defined set point. Under this
condition the operation mode 2 becomes active and the vacuum pump is
activated in defined time intervals (vacuum level 115 to 190 Torr). In case of a
malfunction of the vacuum degasser (vacuum level above 190 Torr) the
instrument is turned into the error mode.
Figure 2 Operation Modes of the Vacuum Degasser
The main function of the vacuum degasser control assembly is to control the
vacuum pump and to check the vacuum in the vacuum container.
The power section of the control assembly comprises a switching power supply
that generates + 24 V from line voltage. The + 24 V is used to drive the vacuum
pump and the solenoid valve. The electronic control circuit uses + 12 V which
is generated from the + 24 V.
The pressure sensor is connected to the vacuum chamber and checks for the
correct vacuum in the system.
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81200 Series VD User Manual
1Introduction
How the Electronics Work
The amplifier and comparator circuit determines the working range of the
vacuum that has to be built up. When the vacuum degasser is turned on and
the vacuum in the chamber is not within working range (above error limit of
190 Torr), the amplifier and comparator circuit sends a signal to the vacuum
pump driver and the timers of the vacuum pump (timer 1) and the solenoid
valve (timer 2).
The vacuum pump is turned on immediately while the solenoid valve closing is
delayed by 15 seconds. This time delay allows the vacuum pump to start
without load before it is connected to the vacuum chamber. The status
indicator turns yellow when the pump is activated. The status lamp is turned
off as soon as the vacuum is below the error limit.
When the vacuum in the chamber reaches its operation mode 1
(approximately 115 Torr) the amplifier and comparator circuit turns off the
solenoid valve and the vacuum pump is turned off by a timer with a delay of
15 seconds.
As soon as the pressure sensor detects that the limit of the operation mode 1
has been exceeded (e.g. when dissolved gas from the solvent diffused into the
vacuum chamber) the vacuum pump is started again as described before.
The pressure signal is available at the auxiliary output. It allows to monitor
the vacuum system. The upper limit of operation mode 1 is 600 mV. Values
below 600 mV on the pressure output indicate sufficient vacuum in the
chamber. If the 600 mV are exceeded the vacuum pump will be started to keep
the vacuum with in its working limit.
The amplifier and comparator circuit also activates the timer 3 when the
vacuum in the vacuum chambers is below operation mode 1. The timer 3 is
reset when operation mode 1 is reached within a maximum of 8 minutes. If
operation mode 1 is not reached and the time (8 minutes) of timer 3 elapsed,
the timer mode (operation mode 2) is activated. In this mode the vacuum
pump is automatically turned on every 2 minutes for a time frame of 30
seconds. Timers 1 and 2 are activated as described earlier.
The error monitor continuously checks the error limit of the degasser
(190 Torr). If the error limit is exceeded (for example, leak in chamber), the
error timer is activated and the yellow status indicator lamp is turned on. The
vacuum pump is turned on continuously. If the vacuum pump cannot reach
either of its two operation modes within 8 minutes (error timer limit) the
error driver is activated. The error driver will deactivate the vacuum pump
and solenoid valve. The status lamp turns red and the error output on the
remote connector will be activated.

1200 Series VD User Manual 9
Introduction 1
How the Electronics Work
The error output at the remote connector provides a contact closure (potential
free open collector maximum load 35 V DC/50 mA) as long as the error
condition is active. The error condition is set (closed) when the status light
shows the error condition (red).
The continuous mode overwrites all other operation modes of the degasser.
When activated (switch SW1 on the electronic board or via the auxiliary cable)
the vacuum pump is forced into continuous mode and is turned on as long as
the degasser is switched ON.

10 1200 Series VD User Manual
1Introduction
How the Electronics Work

11
1200 Series VD User Manual
Agilent Technologies
2
Site Requirements and Specifications
Site Requirements 12
Power Considerations 12
Power Cords 13
Bench Space 14
Environment 14
Physical Specifications 15
Performance Specifications 17

12 1200 Series VD User Manual
2Site Requirements and Specifications
Site Requirements
Site Requirements
A suitable environment is important to ensure optimum performance of the
instrument.
Power Considerations
The vacuum degasser power supply has wide-ranging capability (see Table 1
on page 15). It accepts any line voltage in the range mentioned below.
Consequently there is no voltage selector in the rear of the vacuum degasser.
There are two externally accessible fuses, that protect the power supply.
WARNING
Incorrect line voltage at the instrument
Shock hazard or damage of your instrumentation can result, if the devices are
connected to a line voltage higher than specified.
➔Connect your vacuum degasser to the specified line voltage.
CAUTION
Provide access to the power plug
In case of an emergency it must be possible to disconnect the instrument from the
power line at any time.
➔Make sure the power connector of the instrument can be easily reached and
unplugged.
➔Provide sufficient space behind the power socket of the instrument to unplug the
cable.

1200 Series VD User Manual 13
Site Requirements and Specifications 2
Site Requirements
Power Cords
Different power cords are offered as options with the module. The female end
of each of the power cords is identical. It plugs into the power-input socket at
the rear of the module. The male end of each of the power cords is different
and designed to match the wall socket of a particular country or region.
WARNING
Electric Shock
The absence of ground connection and the use of an unspecified power cord can
lead to electric shock or short circuit.
➔Never operate your instrumentation from a power outlet that has no ground
connection.
➔Never use a power cord other than the Agilent Technologies power cord designed
for your region.
WARNING
Use of unsupplied cables
The use of cables which haven’t been supplied by Agilent Technologies can lead to
damage of the electronic components or personal injury.
➔Never use cables other than the ones supplied by Agilent Technologies to ensure
proper functionality and compliance with safety or EMC regulations.
CAUTION
Unaccessable power plug.
In case of emergency it must be possible to disconnect the instrument from the power
line at any time.
➔Make sure the power connector of the instrument can be easily reached and
unplugged.
➔Provide sufficient space behind the power socket of the instrument to unplug the
cable.

14 1200 Series VD User Manual
2Site Requirements and Specifications
Site Requirements
Bench Space
The vacuum degasser dimensions and weight (see Table 1 on page 15) allow to
place the vacuum degasser on almost any desk or laboratory bench. It needs
an additional 2.5 cm (1.0 inches) of space at either side and approximately
8 cm (3.1 inches) at the rear for the circulation of air and electric connections.
If the bench should carry a complete Agilent 1200 Series system, make sure
that the bench is designed to carry the weight of all the modules.
Environment
Your vacuum degasser will work within specifications at ambient
temperatures and relative humidity as described in Table 1 on page 15.
CAUTION
Condensation within the vacuum degasser
Condensation will damage the system electronics.
➔Do not store, ship or use your vacuum degasser under conditions where
temperature fluctuations could cause condensation within the vacuum degasser.
➔If your vacuum degasser was shipped in cold weather, leave it in its box and allow it
to warm slowly to room temperature to avoid condensation.

1200 Series VD User Manual 15
Site Requirements and Specifications 2
Physical Specifications
Physical Specifications
Table 1 Physical Specifications
Type Specification Comments
Weight 7kg(15.4lbs)
Dimensions (width × depth × height) 345 × 435 × 80 mm (13.5 × 17 × 3.1 inches)
Line Voltage 100 – 120 or 220 – 240VAC,±10% Wide-rangingcapability
Line Frequency 50 or 60 Hz, ± 5 %
Power consumption 30 W Maximum
Ambient Operating Temperature 0 – 55 °C (32 – 131 °F)1
Ambient Non-operating Temperature -40 – 70 °C (-4 – 158 °F)
Humidity < 95 %, at 25 – 40 °C (77 – 104 °F) Non-condensing
Operating Altitude Up to 2000 m (6500 ft)
Non-operating Altitude Up to 4600 m (14950 ft) For storing the instrument
Safety Standards: IEC, CSA, UL Installation Category II, Pollution Degree 2
1This temperature range represents the technical specifications for this instrument. The mentioned tem-
peratures may not be suitable for all applications and all types of solvents.
WARNING
Unspecified Conditions
Operating the instrumentation under conditions other than their intended use might
result in a potential safety hazard or might damage the instrumentation.
➔Never operate your instrumentation under conditions other than specified by the
vendor.

16 1200 Series VD User Manual
2Site Requirements and Specifications
Physical Specifications
NOTE
The Agilent 1200 Series vacuum degasser has been tested for evaporation of solvents into
the atmosphere by an independent institute with approved methods. The tests were
performed with Methanol (BIA Nr. 7810) and Acetonitrile (NIOSH, Nr. 1606). Evaporation of
these solvents into the atmosphere when operating the degasser was below the limits of
detection.

1200 Series VD User Manual 17
Site Requirements and Specifications 2
Performance Specifications
Performance Specifications
Table 2 Performance Specifications Agilent 1200 Series Vacuum Degasser
Type Specification
Maximum flow rate 10 ml/min per channel
Number of channels 4
Internal volume per channel Typically 12 ml per channel
Materials in contact with solvent PTFE, PEEK
pH range 1 – 14
Analog output (AUX) For pressure monitoring, range 0 – 3 V
NOTE
The G1322 Vacuum Degasser has been tested for evaporation of solvents into the
atmosphere by an independent institute with approved methods. The tests were performed
with Methanol (BIA Nr. 7810) and Acetonitrile (NIOSH, Nr. 1606). Evaporation of these
solvents into the atmosphere when operating the degasser was below the limits of
detection.

18 1200 Series VD User Manual
2Site Requirements and Specifications
Performance Specifications

19
1200 Series VD User Manual
Agilent Technologies
3
Installing the Vacuum Degasser
Unpacking the Vacuum Degasser 20
Damaged Packaging 20
Delivery Checklist 20
Accessory Kit Contents 21
Optimizing the Stack Configuration 22
Installing the Vacuum Degasser 24
Flow Connections to the Vacuum Degasser 27
Operational Hints for the Vacuum Degasser 31
Priming the Degasser 31
Priming with a Syringe 32
Priming with the Pump 33
Transporting the Vacuum Degasser 34

20 1200 Series VD User Manual
3Installing the Vacuum Degasser
Unpacking the Vacuum Degasser
Unpacking the Vacuum Degasser
Damaged Packaging
Upon receipt of your vacuum degasser, inspect the shipping containers for any
signs of damage. If the containers or cushioning material are damaged, save
them until the contents have been checked for completeness and the vacuum
degasser has been mechanically and electrically checked. If the shipping
container or cushioning material is damaged, notify the carrier and save the
shipping material for the carriers inspection.
Delivery Checklist
Ensure all parts and materials have been delivered with the vacuum degasser.
The delivery checklist is shown below. To aid in parts identification, please see
“Parts and Materials for Maintenance” on page 61. Please report missing or
damaged parts to your local Agilent Technologies Sales and Service Office.
Table 3 Vacuum Degasser Delivery Checklist
Description Quantity
Vacuum Degasser 1
Power Cable 1
Remote Cable 1
Auxiliary Cable As ordered
Service Manual 1
Accessory Kit (Tabl e 4 on
page 21)
1