Antec DECADE Elite User manual
Antec
Industrieweg 12
2382 NV
Zoeterwoude
T
he Netherlands
DECADE Elite
User Manual
175.0010, Edition 2, 2015
2
Copyright ©2015, Antec, The Netherlands. Contents of this publication may not be reproduced in any form or by any means
(including electronic storage and retrieval or translation into a foreign language) without prior agreement and written consent
from the copyright of the owner. Antec reserves the right to make changes to the design and specifications of the instrument
and this manual without prior notice.
ROXY, ALEXYS, DECADE, DECADE II, DECADE Elite, DECADE Lite, INTRO, Flexcell, ReactorCell, ISAAC, HyREF, Sen-
Cell and SynthesisCell are trademarks of Antec. Whatman™ (word and device) and Whatrnan™ (word only) are trademarks
of Whatman lnternational Ltd. SOLVENT IFD™ and AQUEOUS IFD™ are trademarks of Arbor Technologies, Inc. Clarity®,
DataApex® are trademarks of DataApex Ltd. Microsoft® and Windows™ are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Excel is a
registered trademark of the Microsoft Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
The software and the information provided herein is believed to be reliable. Antec shall not be liable for errors contained
herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of software or this
manual. All use of the software shall be entirely at the user’s own risk.
Declaration of conformity
We Antec Leyden B.V., Zoeterwoude, The Netherlands, declare that the product:
DECADE Elite™ Electrochemical Detector type 175 and 176
to which this declaration relates, is in conformity with the following CE directives:
Low Voltage Directive ( 2006/95/EC)
Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use:
- Part 1: General Requirements
- Part 2-010: Particular requirements for laboratory
equipment for the heating of materials
IEC61010-1 3ed:2010
IEC61010-2-010 3ed:2014
EMC Directive (2004/108/EC)
Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use - EMC requirements
- Part 1: General Requirements IEC61326-1 2ed: 2012
Electromagnetic Compatibility (CISPR11: group 1, Class A)
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 equip-
ment 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.
WEEE directive (2002/96/EC) Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment
RoHS directive (2011/65/EU) Restriction of Hazardous Substances
This device complies with the requirements of CISPR11 group 1 class A ISM equipment. In a
domestic environment this product may cause radio interference in which case the user may be
required to take adequate measures on his own expenses. Only use manufacturer-supplied
cable(s) to connect with other devices. Thoroughly connect shielding to common. Manufacturer
will not accept any liability for damage, direct or indirect, caused by connecting this instrument
to devices and with cables which do not meet relevant safety standards.
Zoeterwoude,
The Netherlands
March 2, 2015
4 175_0010 - DECADE Elite user manual - rev 02
Table of contents
Table of contents 4
Warning Symbols 7
Safety instructions 9
Introduction 13
Instrument description 14
Installation 17
Site Preparation Requirements 17
Unpacking 18
Mains connection 20
PC connection 21
Software 24
HPLC fluid connections 29
Maintenance & Shutdown 37
Maintenance 37
Shutting down the system 39
DECADE Elite controller 41
Introduction 41
Overview of DECADE Elite screens 42
Parameters 47
Clarity DECADE Elite control module 51
Detection and Parameters 55
Introduction 55
Three-electrode configuration 55
Internal organization 57
Dual flow cell control 57
Filter 62
Introduction 75
Hydrodynamic and scanning voltammogram 83
Specifications DECADE Elite 93
Rear panel I/O 97
USB B connector 98
LAN connector 98
VALVE connector 98
ANALOG DATA connector 102
Digital I/O connector 104
Troubleshooting 109
Instrument errors 109
Analytical troubleshooting 111
Dummy cell test 112
Stop flow test 113
Detector accessories 119
Index 120
CHAPTER 1 Table of contents 5
Intended use
The DECADE Elite Electrochemical Detector is used in combination with
(Ultra) High Performance Liquid Chromatography for the electrochemical
detection of suitable analytes in liquid samples. With this technique the
amount of electroactive substances in mobile phase can be quantified. The
instrument can be used for the chromatographic analysis of a wide range
of electroactive analytes in the fields of for example:
•Bioanalytical analyses
•Food analyses
•Environmental analyses
Operation of an electrochemical detector can involve the use of hazardous
materials including corrosive fluids and flammable liquids. The instrument
should only be operated by users with the following expertise:
•Completed degree as chemical laboratory technician or compara-
ble vocational training
•Fundamental knowledge of liquid chromatography
•Participation in an installation of the system performed by the man-
ufacturer or a company authorized by the manufacturer and suitable train-
ing on the system and chromatography software.
•Knowledge and experience in the safe handling of toxic and corro-
sive chemicals and knowledge of the application of fire prevention
measures prescribed for laboratories.
Information on safety practices is provided with your instrument and opera-
tion manuals. Before using your instrument or accessories, you must thor-
oughly read these safety practices. This manual is written for laboratory
technicians who use the DECADE Elite detector for (U)HPLC analysis.
Unskilled, improper, or careless use of this instrument can create fire
hazards, or other hazards which can cause death, serious injury to
personnel, or severe damage to equipment and property. Observe all
relevant safety practices at all times. Only use the device for
applications that fall within the scope of the specified intended use.
Else the protective and safety equipment of the device could fail.
For research purposes only. While clinical applications may be shown,
this instrument is not tested by the manufacturer to comply with the In
Vitro Diagnostics Directive.
6 175_0010 - DECADE Elite user manual - rev 02
WEEE directive
All equipment of Antec Leyden which are subjected to the WEEE directive
shipped after August 13, 2005 are compliant with the WEEE marking re-
quirements. Such products are labelled with the “crossed out wheelie”, de-
picted on the left site.
The symbol on the product indicates that the product must not be
disposed as unsorted municipality waste.
Collection & recycling information
Please ship the instrument back to the manufacturer (Antec Leyden,
the Netherlands) at the end-of-life time of the product. The manufac-
turer will take care of the proper disposal and recycling of the instru-
ment at its facilities.
Shipping address for the end-of-life products:
Antec Leyden B.V.
Industrieweg 12
2382NV Zoeterwoude
The Netherlands
In case of questions, or if further information is required about the collec-
tion & recycling procedure, please contact your local distributor.
ROHS directive
The DECADE Elite is ROHS compliant and in conformity with Directive
2011/65/EU Restricted use of Hazardous Substances in electrical and
electronic Equipment (ROHS).
Antec Leyden is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company.
CHAPTER 1 Table of contents 7
Warning Symbols
The following symbols are used in this guide:
This sign warns about the risk of electric shock. It calls
attention to a procedure or practice which, if not adhered
to, could result in loss of life by electrocution. Do not pro-
ceed beyond a danger sign until the indicated conditions
are fully understood and met.
The warning sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a
procedure or practice which, if not adhered to, could re-
sult in severe injury, loss of life or damage or destruction
of parts or all of the equipment. Do not proceed beyond a
warning sign until the indicated conditions are fully under-
stood and met.
The caution sign denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a
procedure or practice which, if not adhered to, could re-
sult in damage or destruction of parts or all of the equip-
ment and/or erratic results. Do not proceed beyond a
cautions sign until the indicated conditions are fully un-
derstood and met.
The biohazard sign draws attention to the fact that use
of biological materials, viral samples may carry a signifi-
cant health risk.
The toxic hazard sign draws attention to the fact that use
of toxic solvents or samples may carry a significant
health risk.
8 175_0010 - DECADE Elite user manual - rev 02
The attention sign signals relevant information. Read this
information.
The note sign signals additional information. It provides
advice or a suggestion that may support you in using the
equipment.
CHAPTER 1 Table of contents 9
Safety instructions
Adhere to the following standard quality control procedures and the follow-
ing equipment guidelines when using the DECADE Elite detector. The fol-
lowing safety practices are intended to ensure safe operation of the instru-
ment.
Working environment & safety
The intended use of the instrument is to detect electroactive substances in
liquid samples in combination with a (U) HPLC system in a GLP-approved
environment. Operators using the system should have the appropriate ed-
ucation an extensive understanding of GLP rules and be skilled in the art.
Use this system ONLY for the intended use. Use of the system for any
other purpose will cause unsafe situations.
System Operation
To assure optimal performance keep of the detector we recommend that
the instrument is checked regularly and maintenance procedures are car-
ried out. Preventive maintenance contracts are available for that
Purpose. Please contact your local dealer or the nearest sales office for
more information.
Electrical safety
The removal of protective panels on the instrument can result in exposure
to potentially dangerous voltages. Therefore, disconnect the instrument
from all power sources before disassembly.
Untrained personnel should not open the instrument, this may only be
done by authorized service engineers. Replace or repair faulty insula-
tion on power cords immediately after discovery of the fault. Check that the
actual power voltage is the same as the voltage for which the instruments
are wired. Make sure power cords are connected to correct voltage
sources: grounded AC power source, line voltage 100 –240 VAC. The in-
strument should be connected to a protective earth via a ground socket.
The DECADE Elite must only be used with appliances and power sources
10 175_0010 - DECADE Elite user manual - rev 02
with proper protective grounding to prevent damage through build-up of
static electricity. The power source should exhibit minimal power transients
and fluctuations. If necessary connect to a filtered mains socket.
Replace blown fuses with fuses of proper type and rating as indicated on
the rear panel and as listed in the list of accessories and spares (appendix
D). The fuse holder is integrated in the mains connector. Ensure that the
instrument is never put in operation with fuses of a different type. This
could cause fire. Only use manufacturer-supplied I/O cable(s) to connect
with other devices. Thoroughly connect shielding to common. Manufac-
turer will not accept any liability for damage, direct or indirect, caused by
connecting this instrument to devices and with cables which do not meet
relevant safety standards.
Solvents
The solvents used may be flammable, toxic or corrosive. The room in
which the system is installed should be well ventilated to prevent that sol-
vent vapors cause poisoning or ignite and cause a fire. Use of open fire in
the vicinity of this system must be strictly prohibited. Do not install the sys-
tem in the same room with any other equipment that emits or could poten-
tially emit sparks. Provide protective equipment near the instrument, when
solvent gets into the eyes or on the skin, it must be flushed away immedi-
ately. Provide equipment, such eye wash stations and safety showers, as
close to system as possible. Use proper eye and skin protection when
working with solvents. Additional safety requirements or protection may be
necessary depending on the chemicals used in combination with this
equipment. Make sure that you understand the hazards associated with
the chemicals used and take appropriate measures with regards to safety
and protection.
Sample containers (vials) should be sealed to minimize any risks related to
solvent vapor.
USE ONLY WITH 250 V FUSES
EMPLOYER UNIQUEMENT
AVEC DES FUSIBLES DE 250V
CHAPTER 1 Table of contents 11
Biological Hazard
When you analyze biological fluids you need possible precautions and
treat all specimens as potentially infectious. Always wear protective
And gloves when handling toxic or biologically infectious samples to pre-
vent bio hazards or hazards while working with the DECADE Elite. If nec-
essary the instrument must be decontaminated before decommissioning or
shipment of the instrument for repair to Antec or its representatives. When
shipped to Antec every instrument has to be accompanied with a decon-
tamination form which should be completely filled in and signed by the cus-
tomer. Without this decontamination form the instrument will not be pro-
cessed by Antec (either repaired or disposed).
Waste disposal
Perform periodic leak checks on LC tubing and connections. Do not close
or block the drain in the oven compartment. Do not allow flammable and/or
toxic solvents to accumulate. Follow a regulated, approved waste
Disposal program. Never dispose of flammable and/ toxic solvents through
the municipal sewage system.
Applications: quality control
It is recommended that you routinely run several quality control samples.
Quality control samples should represent low, average and high levels of a
compound. Make sure that quality control sample results are within
An acceptable range, and evaluate precision from day to day and run to
run. Data collected when quality control samples are out of range may not
be valid. Do not report this data until you are certain that system
Performance is acceptable. Apart from use of quality control samples, we
Recommend that you use blanks. The blanks will help you assess whether
carry-over is within an acceptable range and monitor the integrity of your
data.
Using the DECADE Elite in other ways than indicated in the manual or
defined by good laboratory practice may result in erratic or unsafe
operation.
12 175_0010 - DECADE Elite user manual - rev 02
CHAPTER 1 Introduction 13
C H A P T E R 1
Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the DECADE Elite. This detector ena-
bles you to perform all (U)HPLC applications using electrochemical detec-
tion. The DECADE Elite includes a highly stable Faraday-shielded oven
compartment accommodating column and flow cell. This flow cell has sur-
prised researchers for its unsurpassed S/N ratio and therefore you now
possess the best possible combination for extremely sensitive EC anal-
yses.
The DECADE Elite has 3 operational measurement modes: DC, SCAN
and PULSE mode. Furthermore, a Service, Diag(nostics) and Config(ura-
tion) mode are available. In addition, crucial parameters can be controlled
by either relays or TTL. The DECADE Elite can support up to 4 flow cells
(optional), which makes it possible to perform 4 independent measure-
ments with one detector.
The DECADE Elite is available in different colors. The DECADE Lite is a
“light” version of the Elite, it is for single flow cell operations in DC mode
only.
This manual covers the installation, set-up and operation of the
DECADE Elite only. Detailed operation instructions for other peripheral
LC equipment and parts such as flow cells, pumps, auto samplers,
valves, column heaters etc. are given in the manuals accompanying
those accessories.
14 175_0010 - DECADE Elite user manual - rev 02
Instrument description
DECADE Elite –Front side
#
Description
#
Description
1
Instrument housing
7
'+' and '-' value keys
2
LC tubing inlet/outlet
8
Cursor keys
3
Instrument door panel
9
Door handle (for opening door)
4
4 x 40 Ch LCD display
5
Function keys
6
<Enter> key
CHAPTER 1 Introduction 15
DECADE Elite –Back side
#
Description
#
Description
1
Instrument rear panel
7
USB connector (USB B)
2
Type label (pn, sn etc.)
8
Fuse & power rating
3
Digital I/O connector (25-pins sub-D fem)
9
Mains switch/inlet
4
Analog data (9-pins sub-D fem)
10
Grounding stud
5
Valve connector (9-pins sub-D male)
11
Fuse compartment
6
LAN connector (RJ45 jack)
12
Ventilation holes
16 175_0010 - DECADE Elite user manual - rev 02
DECADE Elite –Oven compartment
#
Description
#
Description
1
Cell cabinet
8
Column clamp
2
Cell connector (9-pins sub-D fem)
9
Mounting hole for cell clamp (M4)
3
Top fan heater (intake)
10
Bottom fan heater (exhaust)
4
Door sensor
11
Mounting hole for column clamp (M3)
5
Mounting plate (for cells & col-
umns)
12
Fuse compartment
6
Door lock
13
Door panel, rear
7
Flow cell clamp (for SenCell)
14
Type label
CHAPTER 2 Installation 17
C H A P T E R 2
Installation
Site Preparation Requirements
For a successful onsite installation of the instrument, please arrange the
following requirements at your location in advance:
Personal Computer
In case the instrument is used via remote control by PC software (Dia-
logue, Clarity) or firmware (FW) update needs to be performed a desktop
computer is required with the following requirements:
Free LAN port (onboard, PCI, PCI express or PCI-X)
Free USB port (required for FW updates)
Microsoft Windows 7 Operating System or higher
Detailed requirements for use of the DECADE Elite in combination with
Clarity chromatography software are listed in document 195.7000 Com-
puter requirements which can be downloaded from the Antec website
(www.myantec.com).
Laboratory requirements
Your instrument is intended for indoor use only in an industrial or commer-
cial environment (EN55011 group 1 class A ISM equipment). It is suitable
for the following categories: Installation category II, Pollution degree 2,
equipment class I.
Table I. Environmental specifications
Parameter
Requirement
Operating temperature
10 –40 oC (50 –104 oF)
Operating humidity
20 –80%, non-condensing
18 175_0010 - DECADE Elite user manual - rev 02
For optimum analytical performance it is recommended that the
ambient temperature of the laboratory be between 20-25 °C and be held
constant to within ± 2 °C throughout the entire working day. Note: that
for optimal temperature stability of the cell cabinet the oven
temperature should be set to a temperature at least 7 degrees higher as
ambient temperature.
Requirements for the laboratory bench on which the instrument will be in-
stalled:
Stabile, clean, flat and smooth surface.
Enough mechanical strength to hold at least the weight of the
detector: a full-dressed detector with flow cells, columns and
valves can weigh up to 20 kg.
A detector has the following dimensions 44 (D) x 22 (W) x 43 (H)
cm = 17.3” (D) x 8.7” (W) x 16.9” (H). Take into account that
additional space is necessary on all sides (at least 10 cm) to
prevent obstruction of ventilation holes and allow sufficient heat
dissipation.
Chemicals
Mobile phase and flush/storage solutions must be clean as it is in direct
contact with the working electrode in EC detection. High purity chemicals
including water is a prerequisite. So all chemicals should be electrochemi-
cally clean, HPLC grade or better. For water used for the preparation of
mobile phases a water purification apparatus is advised which is able to
supply high purity deionized water with resistivity of >18 MOhm.cm and
low TOC level (<10 ppb).
Unpacking
Inspect the transport box for possible damage as it arrives. Immediately in-
form the transport company in case of damage, otherwise she may not ac-
cept any responsibility. Keep the transport box as it is designed for opti-
mum protection during transport and it may be needed again. Carefully un-
pack the system and inspect it for completeness and for possible damage.
Contact your supplier in case of damage or if not all marked items on the
checklist are included. Prior to shipment, your detector has been thor-
oughly inspected and tested to meet the highest possible demands. The
results of all tests are included.
CHAPTER 2 Installation 19
See check list below for reference:
(1) Delivery is in accordance with order O
(2) Delivery is undamaged O
(3) All items on checklist(s) are included O
(4) Certificates of performance are included:
- detector O
- flow cell(s)* O
(5) User manual(s) is (are) included on USB stick O
*) Note that flow cells are not part of the DECADE Elite detector and have
to be ordered separately.
To unpack the DECADE Elite, lift it from its box by both hands (Fig. 1).
Never lift the DECADE Elite at its front door, but at its sides.
Fig. 1. Lift instructions DECADE Elite.
With both hands under the instrument lift the DECADE Elite to its operation
location. Install the detector in an area which meets the environmental
conditions.
Fig. 2. Location of power supply fan DECADE Elite.
20 175_0010 - DECADE Elite user manual - rev 02
Remove the protective tape from the DECADE Elite LCD screen. Leave
the instrument to adopt ambient temperature for at least half an hour in the
place of installation.
Use the detector indoors only. Place the detector upright (on its
instrument feet) on a stable, flat and smooth surface. Do not place the
instrument in an area subject to excessive dust or shocks.
Do not place it near a source of heat or in direct sun light, as this may
influence the heating capabilities of the instrument. Make sure the
detector is placed in such a way that the mains power connection can
be reached easily to disconnect it from the mains power by removing
the Mains power cable. Do not block the ventilation holes at the back of
the instrument and do not block the fan located at the bottom of the
detector (Fig. 2.). Blocking the fan will impair the cooling capability of
the power supply.
Do not place object/instruments on top of the DECADE Elite. Objects can
be placed on any side of the detector; however, make sure these objects
are placed at a distance of 5 cm from the DECADE Elite , if objects are
placed at only one side of the instrument and 10 cm from the DECADE
Elite, if objects are placed on more than one side of the instruments.
Mains connection
Check that fuses and voltage range on the rear side of the instrument
match that for the power outlet to be used.
This device complies with the requirements of EN 55011 group 1 class
A ISM equipment. In a domestic environment this product may cause
radio interference in which case the user may be required to take
adequate measures on his own expenses. Understanding power
surges. Power surges, line spikes, and transient energy sources can
impede instrument operation. Ensure that the instrument's electrical
supply is adequately protected from these conditions and properly
grounded. If necessary connect the instrument to a filtered mains inlet.
Power supply and protective earth: The system must be connected to a
suitable mains power supply with a correctly installed protective earth
conductor. Never use the system without a properly connected
protective earth conductor.
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