CAMAG AMD 2 User manual

INSTRUCTION MANUAL
AMD 2

Introduction
Instruction Manual, Nov-18 1
Content
1Introduction.................................................................................................................................... 2
1.1 Precaution................................................................................................................................. 2
1.2 Parts supplied............................................................................................................................ 4
1.3 Further accessories.................................................................................................................... 4
Edwards vacuum pump..................................................................................................................... 4
Vacuum connection kit ..................................................................................................................... 5
Additional metal vacuum hose.......................................................................................................... 5
Spare bottle set for AMD 2 ............................................................................................................... 5
2Unpacking/Installation .................................................................................................................. 5
3Getting started ............................................................................................................................... 7
3.1 The AMD 2 ............................................................................................................................... 7
Display and function of keys ............................................................................................................. 7
3.2 Filling the bottles ...................................................................................................................... 9
Conditioning bottle (A) ..................................................................................................................... 9
Waste bottle (B) ................................................................................................................................ 9
Solvent bottles (1-5).......................................................................................................................... 9
3.3 Initial rinsing ............................................................................................................................. 9
3.4 Insert a plate ........................................................................................................................... 10
4Application hints.......................................................................................................................... 11
4.1 Universal gradient ................................................................................................................... 11
4.2 Gradient optimization ............................................................................................................. 13
4.3 Remarks.................................................................................................................................. 13
5Maintenance and Service ............................................................................................................ 15
5.1 Cleaning ................................................................................................................................. 15
5.2 Decontamination .................................................................................................................... 15
5.3 User maintenance ................................................................................................................... 16
5.4 Service Maintenance ............................................................................................................... 17
5.5 Maintenance data sheet.......................................................................................................... 17
5.6 Troubleshooting...................................................................................................................... 18
6Technical data............................................................................................................................... 19
Declaration of Conformity (DoC)

Introduction
Instruction Manual, Nov-18 2
1Introduction
1.1 Precaution
•Please read this operating manual before starting the installation! This manual
contains information and warnings the user has to follow to ensure reliable
operation of the instrument
•If the instrument is used in a manner not specified in this manual, the protection
provided by the equipment may be impaired
•Some interior parts of the instrument are under AC power. Careless and improper
use can cause injury. Unauthorized manipulations can cause damage
•This sign indicates (on instrument and in this manual) that failure to take note of
the accompanying information may result in damage of the instrument
•The instrument is manufactured and tested in accordance with the respective
European safety publications shown on the Declaration of Conformity (DoC). The
instrument complies with safety class 1 and has been designed for indoor use only
(IP 20). Further, this device has passed the CAMAG Quality Assurance tests and has
been delivered in safe operation condition. For detailed instrument data see chapter
technical data
•Attention: For safety reasons the instrument may only be used for the purposes
described in the operating manual
•To avoid injury use adequate safety equipment (protective goggles, gloves etc. if
applicable) when working with the instrument
•Before first operation, check whether the voltage shown on the instrument
matches your local mains voltage. The power cord may only be connected to a
grounded, fused (not higher than 16 A) outlet. Do not use extension cords without
ground contact
•When working with the fluids of the instrument, be sure to take the appropriate
caution (protect your eyes from direct contact with liquid)
•The instrument may be used only by properly trained laboratory staff
•The instrument may not be used in rooms with danger of explosions
•The instrument contains highly sophisticated electronics and optical parts. It may be
operated only in a non-condensing atmosphere in the temperature range outlined
in the chapter "Technical Data". Before installation and use, the instrument should
be acclimated properly
•Use a damp lint free cloth for cleaning the instrument surface. Do not employ
aggressive detergents
•Protect yourself and the instrument from electrostatic shock which can cause
damage to the electronic parts

Introduction
Instruction Manual, Nov-18 3
•Only authorized personnel may open the instrument. Service and repair is only to
be performed by trained specialists. Use spare parts and consumables supplied by
CAMAG only. The warranty is voided if parts from other sources are used. Check
the service manual before you start service to reduce product-specific risks
•The power cord has to be removed before the instrument is opened. It is not
permitted to work on an instrument that has been opened and is connected to the
power supply
•Spare fuses must be of the type specified by the instrument manufacturer. It is
forbidden to short-circuit or manipulate fuses
•Use only the original, with the instrument delivered power cord type
•If the instrument is found to be defective, it must be switched off and steps must
be taken to ensure that it cannot be switched on by mistake
•If liquids penetrate the inside of the instrument, the power has to be disconnected
immediately. Small amounts of liquid can be wiped off and/or dried by means of a
hairdryer, with larger amounts of liquid a service technician has to be called. A test
of functionality has to be performed in all cases
•Carry out all safety checks and the preventive maintenance as recommended by the
manufacturer in order to assure your personal safety and the full functionality of
the instrument. Have an authorized service specialist perform any service not
described by this manual
•See original manufacturers' manuals for further safety data on third party
equipment supplied with the system
•Lift/move/transport the system with the necessary care and with sufficient
manpower (install the transport security devices if applicable, transport it only in the
original packaging)
•The safety of any system incorporate with the equipment is the responsibility of the
assembler of the system
•This symbol indicates that this equipment must not be disposed of as unsorted
municipal waste but is to be collected separately as electrical and electronic
equipment (WEEE-Directive 2002/96/EC). To properly recycle the instrument or
parts of it you are requested to send the equipment back to the distributor,
producer or an adequate collection system at the end of its life. This will have
potential effects on the environment and human health
•Some parts in contact with the solvent are made of anodized aluminium. Do not
use solvents or mixtures that may corrode this material (like strong acids or strong
bases) or leave residuals when evaporated. The anodized aluminium is stable
against solvents with pH between 4 and 8, provided no F-, Cl-, Br-, I- or heavy
metal ions are present

Introduction
Instruction Manual, Nov-18 4
•Not every vacuum pump is suitable for the AMD2 system. Make sure the capacity is
high enough and no oil (fume) can be drawn into the AMD2 system after the
pump has been turned off
•The screw caps of the bottles have to be carefully tightened by hand to prevent
stripping the nipple threads
•The waste air of the vacuum pump has to be connected to a fume hood or other
exhaust
1.2 Parts supplied
Part no Description
140.8860-1
1
AMD 2 accessory kit
140.0450-1
1
Pneumatic connection set II
296.0028
1
Connecting plug for vacuum pump
362.0006
2
Fuse 1 AT 5.0x20
660.0048
2
O-ring 31, 42x2, 62 FEP/MQ
662.1011
2
Lid gasket for AMD 2 chamber
663.1528
2
Silicon gasket for conditioning bottle, Ø27xØ43x5
666.1550
4
PTFE flange for conditioning bottle
700.0028
1
Spirit level, Ø 60 mm, 1°
705.0009
1
Allen key, 3 mm, chromed
705.0014
Allen key, 2,5 mm, chromed
115.8879
1
HPTLC plate positioning device
125.1028
1
Control cable, RS232 9/25Pin
B.022.8860E
1
Instruction manual
700.1011
1
CCD-Test plate ADC 2/AMD 2
115.8878
1
Plate holder
1
Power cable
1.3 Further accessories
Edwards vacuum pump
Optionally a kit containing an Edwards oil sealed rotary vane vacuum pump RV3 (2-phase
220V, operating voltage 100-120V or 220-240V selectable, 50/60 Hz) CAMAG order
#022.8880 can be supplied including following parts:
Part no Description
343.2100
1
Oil sealed rotary vane vacuum pump RV3
952.2100
1
Oil, ultra grade 15, 1 L
343.2101
1
Oil vapour filter EMF10
343.2102
1
Gas ballast/oil return kit
666.2101
1
Reducer DN25/10KF
672.3102
1
Flexible vacuum hose DN10KF, 1 m, metal
664.2101
2
Centring ring DN10KF
672.3101
2
Clamp ring DN10/16KF
666.2100
1
Tube adapter DN25KF Ø 12 mm
664.2100
3
Centring ring DN25KF
672.3100
3
Clamp ring DN20/25KF

Unpacking/Installation
Instruction Manual, Nov-18 5
Vacuum connection kit
Accessories for connecting a hose to other vacuum pumps can be supplied under the
CAMAG order #140.8885 and contains:
Part no Description
666.2102
1
Elbow (90 degrees, DN10KF)
666.2103
1
Hose connector
672.0028
1
Vacuum tube, 2m red Ø 10/20 mm
664.2101
2
Centring ring DN10KF
672.3101
2
Clamp ring DN10/16KF
Additional metal vacuum hose
Additional metal vacuum hose can be supplied under the CAMAG order #140.8880 and
contains:
Part no Description
672.3102
1
Flexible vacuum hose DN10KF, 1 m, metal
664.2101
1
Centring ring DN10KF
672.3101
1
Clamp ring DN10/16KF
Spare bottle set for AMD 2
A set of spare bottles can be supplied under the CAMAG order
#140.8865 and contains:
Part no Description
960.0064
5
250 mL bottle GL45, coated, with ETFE
pouring ring
960.0062
2
500 mL bottle GL45, coated, with ETFE
pouring ring
960.0070
7
Screw-cap GL45, blue
2Unpacking/Installation
•Take the instrument carefully out of its packaging and check the items supplied
•For installation select a smooth horizontal surface within convenient distance of the
gas supply and the vacuum pump, preferably near a fume hood. Avoid influence of
direct sunshine, heat and vibrations
•Check the position with the spirit level placed on the top of the chamber lid, when
the lid is closed. Level the instrument by turning the 4 vertically adjustable feet at
the bottom of the instrument
•Place one solvent safety trough into the recess in the rear part of the instrument lid
and slide the other in behind the lower edge of the splash protection sheet
Provide:
•External supply of compressed nitrogen or clean air, e.g. a gas cylinder with
reduction valve (4,5-6 bar, consumption about 1 L/step)

Unpacking/Installation
Instruction Manual, Nov-18 6
•A vacuum pump with sufficient capacity. If the recommended Edwards oil sealed
rotary vane vacuum pump RV3 has been supplied by CAMAG, all necessary
connections are provided. If the AMD system is to be operated with a different type
vacuum pump, note that the minimum average pumping capacity of 3 m3/h
according to PNEUROP and a final pressure of <10mbar are required. You may
need to order the additional vacuum connection kit (CAMAG order #140.8885)
Connections
•Connect the reduction valve of the gas cylinder to the intake at the back of the
instrument. Set the gas pressure to 6 bars (87psi) and open the valve of the
pressure regulator
•Remove the stoppers from the vacuum pump connections. Place the centring ring
DN25KF and the reducer DN25/10KF on the intake nipple of the vacuum pump. Fix
it with the clamp ring DN20/25KF
•Connect the flexible vacuum hose to the gas inlet of the vacuum pump by means
of the centring ring DN10KF and fix the connection with a clamp ring DN10/16KF
•Connect the other end of the flexible vacuum hose to the AMD2 vacuum
connection at the rear of the instrument. Use a centring ring DN10KF and a clamp
ring DN10/16KF
•Install the oil vapour filter EMF10 with a centring ring DN25KF and a clamp ring
DN20/25KF on the gas outlet connection of the vacuum pump
•The same centring ring and clamp can be used to fit the tube adapter DN25KF
inner Ø12 mm to the outlet side of the filter. Use a tube with an interior diameter
of at least 10 mm to connect the oil vapour filter with your fume hood
•Connect the drain-cock from the oil vapour filter with the gas ballast/oil return
using the 8 mm diameter silicon rubber tube supplied. Fix it with the plastic clamp
•Connect the tubing at the back of the AMD2 device with the respective glass
bottle. The tube marked with blue stripes is to be connected with the conditioning
bottle (A), blue connector and the tube marked yellow with the yellow connector
•Tighten all connector firmly
•Screw the red cap firmly onto waste bottle C.
•After checking that the voltage on the back of the AMD2 instrument matches your
power supply, connect the instrument to the power outlet using the power cable
supplied.
•Connect the AMD2 device to your PC via a serial port.

Getting started
Instruction Manual, Nov-18 7
3Getting started
3.1 The AMD 2
The AMD 2 instrument
The actual developing chamber is situated in the front part of the housing. Five solvent
bottles (1-5) are arranged in front. A conditioning bottle (A) and a solvent waste bottle (B)
are integrated in the hood. All valves, the gradient mixer, connecting elements and the
electronics are accommodated inside the housing.
The developing module can also operate "stand alone", i.e. the developing program last
used can be repeated as often as desired.
Display and function of keys
Control lamps
The control lamps in the display indicate the following status:
•POWER ON: this lamp is lit when the instrument is switched on.
•ON LINE: this lamp indicates a communication to the PC.
Keys
The following keys can be used:
DIALOG
Switches to the SETUP mode in which basic parameters, e.g. Baud-rate, language or LCD
contrast can be edited, and the firmware version can be displayed.
ARROW KEYS, like = upwards and = downwards
OPERATING mode: Show the current pressure and temperature.
SETUP mode: Select the parameters in the dialog.
ENTER

Getting started
Instruction Manual, Nov-18 8
OPERATING mode: Shows values of the last used method, like number of steps and used
time.
SETUP mode: Switches to the next parameter.
END
Interrupts the current development, performs a drying step and ends the program.
Pressing the END key twice interrupts also the drying step and ends the program
immediately.
In the SETUP mode this key is not active.
RESET
SETUP mode: Ends the dialog.
OPERATING mode: The running program is aborted, but the parameters remain saved in
the instrument.
In the chamber the solvent trough may remain filled with solvent. To remove the solvent
and dry the chamber, press the END key.
RUN
Display
Line1 Line 2 Description
<RUN> STARTS
AMD 2 PROGRAM
System ready message.
WAITING FOR
SYSTEM PRESSURE CLOSE
LID
System is waiting for N2-pressure or
closing of the lid.
PLATE CHECK
AND
CCD ADJUSTMENT
A brightness adjustment is per-formed
on the plate.
SYSTEM
DRAINING
The chamber is emptied; solvents are
disposed into the waste bottle.
OUTLET
OPENED
TIME
Solvent outlet is opened for the time
shown.
CANCELING
VACUUM
Chamber is equilibrated with
atmospheric pressure.
GRADIENT IS
BEING BUILT BEING
MIXED
Gradient solvents are filled into the
syringe and mixed.
VENTILATE
TIME
The chamber is equilibrated with
atmospheric pressure during the time
shown.
PRECONDITION
ING
TIME
The chamber is equilibrated with the gas
phase of the conditioning bottle during
the time shown.
PRES. TEMP.
1015 mb 25.4 °C
Shows the pressure and temperature of
the current development step or before
starting a run (after pressing the arrow
keys).
PRES. TIME
2.3 mb 2:00
Shows the pressure and drying time of
the current vacuum drying.
FRONT STEP
TIME
27.4 mm 6 8:30
Shows the current state of the
development step.
STEPS TIME
25 4:12:30
Shows the number of development steps
and the time of the last used method
(after pressing <ENTER>)
DRYING
-
Chamber is dried with vacuum.

Getting started
Instruction Manual, Nov-18 9
RINSING PASS
NUMBER
Chamber is rinsed; the number of rinsing
processes is indicated.
VACUUM TEST
-
Vacuum test is performed (before each
start).
PAUSE
TIME
Appears by pressing <RUN> during the
development. Pressing <RUN> again
continues the program.
OPERATION
COMPLETED
System ready message at the end of a
gradient.
3.2 Filling the bottles
Conditioning bottle (A)
If the AMD procedure calls for conditioning liquid, fill the conditioning bottle in position A
with at least 200 mL of the respective solvent.
The two connections marked with blue and yellow stripes should always
be fixed very tight. If you by some reason have to loosen them you must
always loosen the blue connector first! Otherwise the conditioning liquid
may be pushed up into the gas inlet pipe by the slight overpressure in the
bottle.
Waste bottle (B)
This bottle collects the waste and protects the vacuum pump for excessive solvent. Make
sure this bottle is empty before starting a new AMD 2 run.
Solvent bottles (1-5)
The solvent used to form the gradient is entered in these bottles. Depending on the
purpose of the solvent in the gradient, it can be pure or contain a mixture of several
solvents.
If acid or base has to be used in the gradient, this has to be mixed into the
individual solvent bottles and not added by the gradient mixer from one
separate bottle containing this pure acid or base.
3.3 Initial rinsing
The AMD 2 is a powerful tool for determining small amounts of impurities. Handle the
instrument, solvents and plates carefully in order to avoid trouble with false peaks
(blanks).
To avoid blanks in the chromatogram you should rinse the instrument carefully before you
run the very first gradient.

Getting started
Instruction Manual, Nov-18 10
•Open visionCATS and double click on the AMD2 icon
•Go to the subtab “Manual control”
•Set “number of rinsing press” to 3
•Click on “Start”
•Activate the tick box “Empty solvent tubes only”
•Click on “Start”
3.4 Insert a plate
Plate positioning is a delicate operation that can spoil the result if carried out improperly!
•Make sure not to touch the silica gel on the plate
•Carefully position the applied plate, layer upwards on the HPTLC plate positioning
device
•Note, that the lower plate edge (application side) has to be pushed against the two
plate stops on the positioning device
•Hold the HPTLC plate positioning device with the left hand (do not touch the
plate!) and take the plate holder in the right hand
•Inserted the plate holder into the HPTLC plate positioning device parallel to the
guide bar
•Press the clamp of the plate holder to insert the upper edge of the plate into the
clamp
•Push the plate holder over the plate until both supports hit the end of the sliding
range
•Release the clamp and then carefully remove the plate holder carrying the HPTLC
plate from the positioning device. The plate is now correctly positioned
During the whole process the plate has to stay adjusted to both plate
stops of the HPTLC plate positioning device

Application hints
Instruction Manual, Nov-18 11
HPTLC plate positioning device with HPTLC plate and plate holder
•Now the plate holder containing the correctly positioned HPTLC-plate can be
inserted into the separation chamber of the AMD2 device
Make sure the layer/sorbent side of the HPTLC plate faces towards the
backside of the instrument.
Check to make sure that the chamber lid sealing is clean, then place the lid
on and fix it with the two screws
4Application hints
4.1 Universal gradient
Universal gradient is the term for a normal phase AMD gradient that starts with a very
polar solvent and is varied via a solvent of medium polarity to a non-polar solvent, so that
substances from virtually all classes of compounds are chromatographed. Such a gradient
covers a wide range of polarity.

Application hints
Instruction Manual, Nov-18 12
Example of an universal gradient from methanol to n-hexane based on dichloromethane
Unlike a gradient in column liquid chromatography, the AMD gradient starts with the
strongest, in this case the most polar solvent and is varied toward decreasing elution
strength. The most polar elution solvent is run over the shortest developing distance, the
most non-polar over the longest.
The solvent of medium polarity is also called „base solvent“, the one with the strongest
elution strength „increasing solvent“ (increasing the elution strength) and the one with

Application hints
Instruction Manual, Nov-18 13
the lowest elution strength „decreasing solvent“ (decreasing the elution strength). The
„base solvent“ governs the selectivity of a universal gradient.
Examples for a universal gradient are listed below:
Increasing solvent Base solvent Decreasing solvent
methanol
dichloromethane
n-heptane
methanol
t-butyl methyl ether
n-heptane
acetonitrile
dichloromethane
n-heptane
methanol + water
1
acetonitrile
dichloromethane
methanol + water
1
t-butyl methyl ether
dichloromethane
various solvents
ethyl acetate
various solvents
acetone
various solvents
various solvents
1max. 40%
Methanol as „increasing solvent“, dichloromethane as „base sol-vent“ and n-heptane as
„decreasing solvent“ are preferred if separation according to functional groups is
required. T-butyl methyl ether as „base solvent“ is often used for the separation of
homologues mixtures.
It is recommended to develop an unknown sample first with a universal gradient and to
optimize the gradient afterwards according to the separation results.
4.2 Gradient optimization
In the past, a wealth of chromatographic experience was required to find a suitable
solvent system for a given separation problem. With the AMD technique, optimization of
the solvent gradient becomes routine. For gradient optimization the analogue curve of a
chromatogram is superimposed with the in-scale diagram of the gradient, as shown in the
following figures. Thus the region of the gradient causing the separation of selected
fractions can be identified. This means you should spread the part of the gradient which
was responsible for the beginning separation and can omit non relevant parts. This leads
to a shallower gradient.
Additionally, the gas phase can be varied to improve the separation. Alkaline (e.g. 15 mL
NH325%/200 mL H20), neutral or acidic (e.g. 12 mL CH3COOH conc./200 mL H20)
conditioning can be tested.
4.3 Remarks
•A 25-step developing program for a regular 200 μm HPTLC plate using 3 mm
distance increments takes about 4 hours, all intermediate drying and conditioning
steps included. Reducing the number of steps to 20 lowers the total time to about
2.5 hours.

Application hints
Instruction Manual, Nov-18 14
•A reduction of AMD running times by up to 50 % can be reached by using "extra
thin" (100 μm) layers which require only 2 mm migration increments and shorter
drying times. Use of Licrosphere plates reduces developing times as well.
•If a polarity change of the gradient does not result in the desired resolution after 2-
3 attempts: change selectivity, i.e. the „base solvent“. If there is still poor resolution
the stationary phase must be changed, e.g. to diol, amino, cyano and RP18 W
HPTLC plates.
•Gradients with less change in volume % than shown in the table below are
comparable with multiple isocratic developments over the same distance. Such
gradients are not recommended.
Polarity change Min. change (% per step)
methanol to dichloromethane
5
acetonitrile to dichloromethane
10
t-butyl methyl ether to n-heptane
15
dichloromethane to n-heptane
30
•To avoid increasing diffusion of peaks, 5-10 steps are sufficient for isocratic
development
•Of course all solvents, glassware, HPTLC plates etc. used should be as pure as
required by the analytical task. If necessary pre-washing of HPTLC plates can be
done by immersion in very pure methanol or isopropanol for about 2 hours or by
pre-developing with the above mentioned solvents to a higher running distance
than the following gradient. Then the plates have to be dried again, e.g. in a very
pure drying cabinet at 120 °C for 20 min. It is recommended to keep prewashed
plates protected against laboratory atmosphere, e.g. in an (empty!) desiccator or
wrapped in aluminium foil
•If basic or acidic components are present or expected in a sample, it is
recommended to adjust the pH. This can be done by adding small amounts (0.01-2
%) of NH3, HCOOH, CH3COOH etc. to the polar solvent. Adding bases or acids to
dichloromethane or less polar solvents has no effect. In this case the layer has to be
conditioned by the gas phase by filling the conditioning bottle with about 200 mL
of a 0.1-4.0 N solution of the acids or bases. The rule that acids are to be
chromatographed in an acid environment and bases in an alkaline one need not be
followed with AMD chromatography and a universal gradient. Since a universal
gradient starts with a high polarity, even salts will initially migrate, i.e. salts of acids
in an alkaline medium or salts of bases in an acidified medium. Often sharper
separations are obtained in such systems. The less favourable behaviour of acids in
an acidified medium etc. may be explained as follows: in an acid medium the free,
dissociated acid migrates to the position corresponding to its polarity. Of course
this is a different position than the one assumed by the salt of this acid when

Maintenance and Service
Instruction Manual, Nov-18 15
chromatographed in an alkaline medium. As the universal gradient turns to lower
polarities, pH loses its influence of „no dissociation“. Due to functional groups the
acid molecule may regain a certain mobility, leading to broadening of the
separation zones
•Additionally to a slight polarity gradient a pH gradient can be employed in the
AMD 2 system. This means adding e.g. a small volume of a base to the first bottle
content and a small volume of an acid to the third bottle content. The content of
bottle 2 is kept neutral. Of course all solvents used should be sufficiently polar, so
that the base and the acid may dissociate during chromatography
5Maintenance and Service
5.1 Cleaning
•Open visionCATS and double click on the AMD2 icon
•Go to the subtab “Manual control”
•Set “number of rinsing press” to 3
•Click on “Start”
•Activate the tick box “Empty solvent tubes only”
•Click on “Start”
Use a damp lint free cloth for cleaning the instrument surface. Do not employ aggressive
detergents
Use a lint free cloth soaked in e.g. Methanol and rub all inside surfaces thoroughly
5.2 Decontamination
Before transportation or a longer term of not using your system, decontaminate it in an
appropriate manner. The decontamination procedure below reflects the minimal
requirements, so keep in mind that the procedure for your instrument has to be adapted
according the substances used.
Decontamination procedure:
•Empty and clean the conditioning bottle
•Fill all solvent bottles with a suitable cleaning solvent
•Open visionCATS and double click on the AMD2 icon
•Go to the subtab “Manual control”
•Set “number of rinsing press” to 3
•Click on “Start”
•Activate the tick box “Empty solvent tubes only”
•Click on “Start”

Maintenance and Service
Instruction Manual, Nov-18 16
•To rinse the chamber it is recommended to run a short washing „gradient“, using a
suitable solvent and develop a plate up to about 20 mm 3 times at least.
•Repeat the steps to clean the instrument with a suitable solvent (to get rid of
residuals of the first cleaning solvent) if appropriate
•Clean the exterior of the instrument with a lint free cloth
•Open the chamber lid and all bottles for one day
5.3 User maintenance
User maintenance procedure which should be performed once a week (depending on the
usage):
AMD 2
•Check proper horizontal levelling of the AMD2 device by means of the spirit level
supplied. Placed it on top of the closed chamber lid and level the instrument by
rotating the 4 adjustable feet at the bottom of the instrument
•The inside of the chamber needs cleaning approximately every 10 plates. Use a lint
free cloth soaked in e.g. Methanol an rub all inside surfaces thoroughly
•Remove dust, particles of the layer and other soiling matter from the trough of the
developing chamber e.g. by sucking it off
•Check the tightness of the lid gasket of the development chamber by carefully
inspecting the surface. Clean the gasket surface if it is soiled or replace the lid
gasket if it is inflexible, hard or has small scratches
•Check the external supply of compressed nitrogen (or clean air). The external
pressure should be 4,5-6 bar (60-90 psi)
Vacuum pump
•The vacuum pump must always run at least 30 minutes after the last drying process
in order to allow any solvent dissolved in the oil to be removed. To support this,
always run the vacuum pump with the gas ballast valve fully open:
oHeraeus vacuum pump models: black turning cap with two holes
oEdvards vacuum pump models: Respective knob
•The oil in the vacuum pump must be replaced at least once every year. Follow the
maintenance instructions of your vacuum pump
•If corrosive components such as acids are present in the solvents, their vapours
could impair the quality of the vacuum pump oil. The annual oil change is therefore
particularly important.
Maintenance check which should be performed once a week:
•Check the level and quality of the vacuum pump oil. If necessary, fill it up or replace
the oil if it has changed color

Maintenance and Service
Instruction Manual, Nov-18 17
5.4 Service Maintenance
The instrument may only be serviced by authorized technicians who have been properly
trained. In addition to the aforementioned user maintenance, CAMAG strongly
recommend that maintenance be performed at least once a year by CAMAG authorised
service personnel. Regular service and maintenance will ensure that the instrument
performs according to CAMAG specifications.
The section “Maintenance data sheet” informs about the parts to be replaced and their
respective replacement cycle.
5.5 Maintenance data sheet
CAMAG Maintenance data sheet
AMD 2
October 2012/UB
Purpose
The maintenance data sheet informs about maintenance interval of the
respective instrument as well as the proposal for IQ/OQ interval if applicable. In
addition, it identifies consumable parts with the respective replacement cycle.
Maintenance interval
Maintenance
12 months
IQ/OQ 12 months
Consumable parts
Part No.
Description
Replacement cycle
662.1011
Silicon gasket for lid
12 months
663.1528
Silicon Gasket for conditioning
bottle
12 months
695.0050
Dosage syringe
36 months
115.8871-1
Tube, chamber – and 8-port valve
to distribution block (set of 2)
36 months
115.8866-1
Tube, distribution block to V4
36 months
660.0031
O-ring for lid (6)
36 months

Maintenance and Service
Instruction Manual, Nov-18 18
Maintenance interval of vacuum pump in use
Maintenance
Refer to the respective manual / suppliers recommendation
IQ/OQ
CAMAG recommends no IQ/OQ as the pump is tested with the AMD2
IQ/OQ
5.6 Troubleshooting
1. Migration distances are not reproducible:
•Check the temperature in the laboratory. Has it changed? The gradient should be
performed at 15-30 °C.
•Check if the chamber is leaking (see item 4).
•Check the plate quality. Does the plate have a different activity which can be
influenced by the humidity of the ambient air? Did you use a plate from an old
package opened for a long time? Repeat the test with a plate from a new batch.
2. Total run time is not reproducible:
•If the total run time changes more than ± 5 min check the temperature, plate
quality and pump efficiency (see item 1 and 4).
3. Solvent exhausted:
•Check if all solvent bottles are filled. If they are filled check if tube connections are
distorted?
4. Chamber leaking - if the pre-set value entered at EDITDevelopment parameters cannot
be reached by the vacuum test before the start of the gradient:
•Check the tightness of the lid gasket of the development chamber, i.e. clean the
gasket surface if it is soiled or replace the lid gasket if it is inflexible, hard or has
small scratches.
•Check the connections of vacuum pump.
•Check the maintenance and oil of the vacuum pump (Check User maintenance)
•Does the vacuum pump used fulfil the requirements? Check the vacuum of the
pump using a separate vacuum gauge.
•If necessary and of no importance to your application, increase the limit values at
EDIT-Development parameters.
•If the above mentioned items are correct and the end pressure is still not reached,
contact CAMAG service.
5. N2 pressure is missing:
•If the pneumatic pressure is too low, check your gas supply. It should indicate 4,5-6
bar (60-90 psi).
6. N2 consumption is too high:

Technical data
Instruction Manual, Nov-18 19
•If the nitrogen consumption is significantly higher than 1L/gradient step check the
tightness of all tube connections and bottle caps.
7. Chromatograms are distorted:
•Check the levelling of the AMD2 device using the spirit level shipped with the
instrument (place it onto the closed chamber lid). Make sure that plate positioning
is correct.
8. Blanks in the chromatogram:
•Check the purity of the solvents used, pre-develop the plate with methanol or
isopropanol, rinse the chamber and solvent tubes.
6Technical data
General data
Plate types
TLC/HPTLC glass plates 20 x 10 cm
Glass thickness 1 mm
Layer thickness up to 250 μm
Nitrogen or clean air pressure
4.5 – 6 bar (60 – 90 psi)
Nitrogen consumption
Approx. 1 L / gradient step
Gas volume of chamber
Approx. 550 mL
Weight
Approx. 31 kg
Dimension (wxdxh)
430 x 500 x 360 mm (550 incl. bottles)
Environment temperature 15° – 30° C
Solvent front detection
CCD, accuracy better than ± 1mm
Number of developing steps
Max. 99
Electrical data
Power connection
100 V – 240 V; 50 / 60 Hz
Power consumption
Approx. 60 W
Max. power outlet current to
vacuum pump
5 A
Fuses
2 x 1.0 AT, at 115/230 V, slow blow
CAMAG (Switzerland) · Sonnenmattstrasse 11 · CH-4132 Muttenz 1
Telephone [phone] · Fax [phone] · E-Mail: [email protected]
CAMAG (Germany) · Bismarckstraße 27-29 · D-12169 Berlin
Telephone [phone] · Fax [phone] · E-Mail: [email protected]
CAMAG Scientific Inc. (USA) · 515 Cornelius Harnett Drive · Wilmington, NC 28401
Telephone [phone] · Fax [phone] · E-Mail: [e-mail]
www.camag.com