Dionex As User manual

AS Autosampler
Operator's Manual
Document No. 065051
Revision 03
January 2008

©2008 by Dionex Corporation
All rights reserved worldwide.
Printed in the United States of America.
This publication is protected by federal copyright law. No part of this publication
may be copied or distributed, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted into any human or computer language, in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, magnetic, manual, or otherwise, or disclosed to third parties
without the express written permission of Dionex Corporation, 1228 Titan Way,
Sunnyvale, California 94088-3603 U.S.A.
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY AND LIMITED WARRANTY
THIS PUBLICATION IS PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT WARRANTY OF
ANY KIND. DIONEX CORPORATION DOES NOT WARRANT,
GUARANTEE, OR MAKE ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED
REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE USE, OR THE RESULTS OF THE
USE, OF THIS PUBLICATION IN TERMS OF CORRECTNESS, ACCURACY,
RELIABILITY, CURRENTNESS, OR OTHERWISE. FURTHER, DIONEX
CORPORATION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REVISE THIS PUBLICATION
AND TO MAKE CHANGES FROM TIME TO TIME IN THE CONTENT
HEREINOF WITHOUT OBLIGATION OF DIONEX CORPORATION TO
NOTIFY ANY PERSON OR ORGANIZATION OF SUCH REVISION OR
CHANGES.
TRADEMARKS
Chromeleon is a registered trademark and PolyVial is a trademark of Dionex
Corporation.
PEEK is a trademark of Victrex plc.
Teflon and Tefzel are registered trademarks of E.I. duPont de Nemours & Co.
Microsoft, Windows XP, and Windows 2000 are registered trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation.
PRINTING HISTORY
Revision 01, May 2005
Revision 02, August 2006
Revision 03, January 2008

Doc. 065051-03 1/08 i
Contents
1 • Introduction
1.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 About This Manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.2.1 Safety Messages and Notes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.3 Safety and Regulatory Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.3.1 Safety Labels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2•Description
2.1 Overview of Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2.2 Front Panel Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
2.2.1 Keypad Button Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
2.2.2 Display Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2.3 Autosampler Compartment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
2.3.1 Syringe and Reservoir Organizer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.3.2 Sampling Needle Arm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.3.3 Sampling Needle Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.3.4 Flush, Waste, and Inject Ports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.3.5 Sample Vials and Well Plates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
2.3.6 Injection Valve Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
2.3.7 Sample Temperature Control Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
2.3.8 Simultaneous Injection Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

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2.3.9 Sequential Injection Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
2.3.10 Concentrator Injection Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24
2.4 Rear Panel Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
2.4.1 USB Receptacle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
2.4.2 TTL/Relay Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
2.4.3 Fuse Holder and Power Receptacle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
2.5 Autosampler Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
2.5.1 Local Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
2.5.2 Computer Control (Locked Remote Mode) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
2.6 System Wellness and Predictive Performance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31
2.7 Theory of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
2.7.1 Understanding the Wait Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
2.7.2 Overlapping Sample Preparation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
2.7.3 Running Samples Without Overlap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
2.7.4 Operating the AS as the System Master (Disabling the
Wait Operation) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
2.7.5 Understanding the Cycle Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
2.7.6 Operating Events During a Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .37
2.7.7 Understanding the Status Display During a Run . . . . . . . . . . . .40
2.7.8 Operating Events During Flushing and Priming . . . . . . . . . . . .41
2.7.9 Sample and Prep Syringe Fluid Schematics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
3 • Operation and Maintenance
3.1 Getting Ready to Run . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45
3.1.1 Turn On the Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45

Contents
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3.1.2 Fill the Vials or Wells and Load the Sample Tray . . . . . . . . . . 46
3.2 Selecting Computer or Front Panel (Local) Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
3.2.1 Connecting to Chromeleon or Chromeleon Xpress . . . . . . . . . 52
3.2.2 Running a Sequence of Injections in Chromeleon or
Chromeleon Xpress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
3.3 Default Operating Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
3.4 Specifying Sample Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
3.4.1 Vial Tray Sample Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
3.4.2 Well Plate Tray Sample Positions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
3.5 Specifying Injection Volumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
3.6 Sample Injection Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
3.6.1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
3.6.2 Determining the Injection Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
3.6.3 Determining the Sample Loop Injection Type . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
3.6.4 Guidelines for Sample Volumes Used, Loop Sizes, and
Injection Volumes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
3.6.5 Normal, Full-Loop Injections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
3.6.6 Normal, Large-Loop Injections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
3.6.7 Normal, Partial-Loop Injections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
3.6.8 Normal, Partial-Loop, Limited-Sample Injections . . . . . . . . . . 76
3.6.9 Simultaneous Injections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
3.6.10 Concentrate Injections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
3.6.11 Sequential Injections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86
3.6.12 Sequential Concentrate Injections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
3.7 Selecting Syringe Speed Settings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92

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3.7.1 Selecting Syringe Speeds on the Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . .93
3.7.2 Entering Syringe Speeds in the Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .94
3.8 Syringe Speed and Tubing Size Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97
3.9 Opening the Autosampler Door During Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .100
3.10 Routine Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
3.10.1 Daily . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .102
3.10.2 Periodically . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103
3.10.3 Annually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103
3.10.4 Manually Flushing the Inject Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103
3.11 System Shutdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .104
4 • Troubleshooting
4.1 Error Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105
4.2 Liquid Leaks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124
4.2.1 Leaking Syringe or Syringe Valve Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .124
4.2.2 Leaking Drain Line Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125
4.2.3 Leaking Inject Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125
4.2.4 Leaking Fitting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125
4.2.5 Broken Liquid Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .125
4.3 Condensation on Well Plate Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .126
5•Service
5.1 Replacement Tubing and Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127
5.1.1 Syringe and Reservoir Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .127

Contents
Doc. 065051-03 1/08 v
5.1.2 Assemblies, Tubing, and Fittings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
5.2 Resetting the Usage Counters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129
5.2.1 Resetting a Usage Counter on the AS Wellness Panel . . . . . . 130
5.2.2 Resetting a Usage Counter on the Usage Log Screen . . . . . . 131
5.3 Replacing the Sample or Prep Syringe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 132
5.3.1 Removing the Existing Syringe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
5.3.2 Filling the New Syringe and Removing Bubbles . . . . . . . . . . 134
5.3.3 Connecting the New Syringe and Flushing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 134
5.3.4 Initializing the Syringe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135
5.3.5 Resetting the Syringe Usage Counter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
5.4 Replacing the Sampling Needle Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 136
5.4.1 Removing the Old Sampling Needle Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . 138
5.4.2 Installing the New Sampling Needle Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . 142
5.4.3 Resetting the Sampling Needle Assembly Usage Counter . . 145
5.5 Removing the Drip Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145
5.6 Installing the Drip Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
5.7 Replacing the Needle Seal Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 148
5.8 Aligning the Sampling Needle in the Inject Port . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 151
5.9 Calibrating the Inject Port Volume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 155
5.10 Replacing the Leak Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
5.11 Calibrating the Leak Sensor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 162
5.12 Removing the Sample or Prep Syringe Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 164
5.13 Replacing the Sample Syringe Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 165
5.14 Replacing the Prep Syringe Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
5.15 Replacing a Sample or Prep Syringe Pump Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . 169

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5.16 Rebuilding the Injection or Diverter Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .170
5.17 Replacing the Well Plate Tray Thermal Pads . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .172
5.18 Changing the Main Power Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173
A • Specifications
A.1 Autosampler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
A.1.1 Electrical. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
A.1.2 Environmental/Physical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .175
A.1.3 Valves (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176
A.1.4 Injection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .176
A.2 Sample Temperature Control (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .177
B • Installation
B.1 Facility Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .179
B.2 Unpacking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .180
B.3 Autosampler Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186
B.3.1 Before You Begin. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186
B.3.2 Installation Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .186
B.3.3 Connecting the Syringes and Drain Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .187
B.3.4 Connecting a Single Injection Valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .191
B.3.5 Connecting Two Injection Valves (for Simultaneous
Injections) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .193
B.3.6 Connecting a Diverter Valve (for Sequential Injections) . . . . .197
B.3.7 Connecting a Second AS to a Dual ICS-3000 System . . . . . . .200

Contents
Doc. 065051-03 1/08 vii
B.3.8 Connecting the AS to Chromeleon or Chromeleon
Xpress (Optional) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
B.3.9 Connecting the Power Cord . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
B.3.10 Turning On the Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
B.3.11 Selecting Module Setup Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
B.3.12 Configuring the AS in Chromeleon or Chromeleon Xpress . . 212
B.3.13 Priming the Liquid Lines. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
B.3.14 Removing Bubbles from the Syringe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
B.4 Injection Valve Plumbing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 219
B.5 Setting Up Chromeleon or Chromeleon Xpress for Simultaneous
Injections 220
B.5.1 Assigning Unique Names to Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
B.5.2 Creating Sequences, Programs, and Quantification Methods . 224
C • Display Screens
C.1 Menu of Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 228
C.2 Main Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 229
C.3 Detail Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
C.4 Method Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 236
C.4.1 Sample Prep Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
C.4.2 Method Setup Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 242
C.4.3 Timed Events Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 243
C.5 Schedule Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 245
C.6 Module Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247
C.6.1 Installed Options Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 247

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C.6.2 Front Panel Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .248
C.6.3 Plumbing Configuration Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .249
C.6.4 Time/Date Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .251
C.6.5 System Parameters Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .252
C.6.6 Inject Port Alignment Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .255
C.6.7 Door Interlock Bypass Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .256
C.7 Flush/Prime Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .257
C.8 Time Function In Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .259
C.9 Diagnostic Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260
C.9.1 Power-Up Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .260
C.9.2 Diagnostic Tests Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .261
C.9.3 XYZ Test Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .262
C.9.4 Temperature Statistics Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .263
C.9.5 Liquid Control Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .264
C.9.6 Logs Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .267
C.9.7 Leak Sensor Calibration and Status Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .270
C.9.8 Keyboard Test Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .271
C.9.9 Code Versions Screen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .272
C.10 Time Function Out Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .272
D • Front Panel Control
D.1 Accessing AS Screens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .273
D.2 Entering or Changing Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .273
D.3 Running a Schedule of Injections from the Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . .274

Contents
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D.3.1 Selecting and Starting the Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
D.3.2 Placing a Running Schedule on Hold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
D.3.3 Stopping a Running Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
D.4 Running Under Direct Control from the Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
D.5 Creating Methods from the AS Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
D.5.1 Creating a Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 279
D.5.2 Saving a Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 280
D.5.3 Defining Sample Prep Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 281
D.5.4 Selecting Method Setup Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 291
D.5.5 Defining Timed Events Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 294
D.5.6 Editing a Method . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
D.5.7 Deleting a Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
D.5.8 Copying a Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 297
D.5.9 Example Method for Dilution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
D.6 Creating Schedules from the AS Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 298
D.6.1 Creating a New Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 299
D.6.2 Saving a Schedule . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 300
D.6.3 Selecting an Action if a Scheduled Vial Is Missing . . . . . . . . 300
D.6.4 Defining Schedule Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
D.6.5 Editing a Schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
D.6.6 Deleting a Schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
D.6.7 Copying a Schedule. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 303
D.7 Selecting Syringe Speeds for Front Panel Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . 304
D.8 Aligning the Sampling Needle from the AS Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . 306
D.9 Calibrating the Inject Port Volume from the AS Front Panel . . . . . . . 311

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E • TTL and Relay Control
E.1 TTL and Relay Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .317
E.1.1 Connecting a TTL or Relay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .318
E.1.2 Selecting TTL Input Control Types . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .319
E.2 Controlling TTL and Relay Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .321
E.2.1 Example TTL/Relay Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .322
F • Reordering Information

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1 • Introduction
1.1 Overview
The Dionex AS Autosampler precisely delivers from 1 to 8,000 μL of sample to
an injection valve. The injection volume range delivered by a particular AS
depends on the size of the sample syringe and the sampling mode.
Modes
Several sampling modes are available:
•In normal mode, sample is delivered to a single system and a sample loop is
installed on the injection valve.
•In concentrate mode, the AS delivers sample to a Dionex ultra-low pressure
concentrator column.
•In simultaneous mode, the AS can deliver sample to two independent ion
chromatography (IC) systems. Sample is delivered equally to the two IC
systems (50% of the volume to each). This mode requires the simultaneous
injection option.
•In sequential mode, a diverter valve allows sample to be delivered to two
independent channels or IC systems through sequential injections. This mode
requires the sequential injection option.
•In sequential concentrate mode, a diverter valve allows sample to be delivered
to two independent channels or IC systems on which Dionex ultra-low
pressure concentrator columns are installed.
Sample Temperature Control
The sample temperature control option provides uniform heating and cooling of
the vial tray.
Sample Preparation
The sample preparation option is used for automated dilutions and pipet functions.

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Injection Valve Options
The AS can be configured either without an injection valve, or with one or two
injection valves installed in the autosampler compartment.
Vials, Well Plates, and Sample Trays
The AS can sample from either vials or well plates. Several types of sample trays
are available to accommodate the various vial and well plate sizes. Insulated trays
are available for use with the sample temperature control option.
During sampling, the tray remains stationary and a sampling needle arm moves
from position to position. Up to 99 injections can be taken from each vial or well.
Control
The AS can be controlled locally, from the front panel keypad and display, or
remotely, with a personal computer running Windows®2000 or Windows XP and
Chromeleon®Chromatography Data Management System software (Release 6.7
or later), or Chromeleon Xpress (Release 1.0 or later). Limited remote control is
also available, using TTL and relay signals.
For communication between the AS and the software, the AS is connected to a
USB (Universal Serial Bus) port on the computer, USB hub, or other Dionex
module equipped with a USB hub.

1 • Introduction
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1.2 About This Manual
NOTE For details about using Chromeleon or Chromeleon
Xpress to operate the AS, refer to the Chromeleon or
Chromeleon Xpress Help. If you are using Chromeleon
Xpress, also refer to the Chromeleon Xpress Quick
Reference Guide (P/N 065070), provided on the Dionex
Reference Library CD-ROM (P/N 053891).
Chapter 1
Introduction Introduces the AS; explains the conventions used in
this manual, including safety-related information.
Chapter 2
Description Describes the AS operating features and system
components; provides the theory of operation.
Chapter 3
Operation and
Maintenance
Provides operating instructions for the AS and
describes routine preventive maintenance
procedures.
Chapter 4
Troubleshooting Lists problems and presents step-by-step
procedures for how to isolate and eliminate the
cause of each problem.
Chapter 5
Service Provides step-by-step instructions for routine
service and parts replacement procedures that the
user can perform.
Appendix A
Specifications Lists the AS specifications and installation site
requirements.
Appendix B
Installation Describes how to install the AS.
Appendix C
Display Screens Describes the front panel operational and diagnostic
display screens.
Appendix D
Front Panel Control Provides step-by-step instructions for operating the
AS from the front panel.
Appendix E
TTL and Relay Control Describes the AS TTL and relay control features.
Appendix F
Reordering Information Lists spare parts for the AS.

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1.2.1 Safety Messages and Notes
This manual contains warnings and precautionary statements that can
prevent personal injury and/or damage to the AS when properly followed.
Safety messages appear in bold type and are accompanied by icons, as
shown below.
Messages d'avertissement en français
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury. Also used to identify a situation or
practice that may seriously damage the instrument, but will not cause
injury.
Indicates that the function or process of the instrument may be
impaired. Operation does not constitute a hazard.
Signale une situation de danger immédiat qui, si elle n'est pas évitée,
entraînera des blessures graves à mortelles.
Signale une situation de danger potentiel qui, si elle n'est pas évitée,
pourrait entraîner des blessures graves à mortelles.
Signale une situation de danger potentiel qui, si elle n'est pas évitée,
pourrait entraîner des blessures mineures à modérées. Également
utilisé pour signaler une situation ou une pratique qui pourrait
gravement endommager l'instrument mais qui n'entraînera pas de
blessures.

1 • Introduction
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Warnhinweise in Deutsch
Notes
Informational messages also appear throughout this manual. These are
labeled NOTE and are in bold type:
NOTE NOTES call attention to certain information. They alert
you to an unexpected result of an action, suggest how to
optimize instrument performance, etc.
Bedeutet unmittelbare Gefahr. Mißachtung kann zum Tod oder
schwerwiegenden Verletzungen führen.
Bedeutet eine mögliche Gefährdung. Mißachtung kann zum Tod oder
schwerwiegenden Verletzungen führen.
Bedeutet eine mögliche Gefährdung. Mißachtung kann zu kleineren
oder mittelschweren Verletzungen führen. Wird auch verwendet, wenn
eine Situation zu schweren Schäden am Gerät führen kann, jedoch
keine Verletzungsgefahr besteht.

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1.3 Safety and Regulatory Information
The AS is designed for IC (ion chromatography) and HPLC (high-performance
liquid chromatography) applications and should not be used for any other
purpose. Operation of an AS in a manner not specified by Dionex may result in
personal injury.
1.3.1 Safety Labels
The TUV GS and cTUVus Mark safety labels and the CE Mark label on
the AS indicate that the AS is in compliance with the following standards:
EN 61010-1:2001 (safety), CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 1010.1-92 + A2:97
(safety), UL 61010C-1:2002 R8.02 (safety), and EN 61326:1997,
including A1:1998 and A2:2001 (EMC susceptibility and immunity).
The symbols below appear on the AS or on AS labels.
Alternating current
Protective conductor terminal (earth ground)
Power supply is on
Power supply is off
Indicates a potential hazard. Refer to the operator’s manual for
an explanation of the hazard and how to proceed.

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2 • Description
2.1 Overview of Features
Figure 2-1 illustrates the main features of the AS Autosampler.
Figure 2-1. AS Operating Features
Front
Panel
Sample and
Prep Syringes
Autosampler
Compartment
Power
Switch
Flush
Reservoir

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Front Panel
The front panel contains a liquid crystal display (LCD) and membrane keypad
(see Section 2.2). The front panel permits manual control of AS functions.
Power Switch
The power switch is in the lower left corner of the AS. The switch functions only
when the door is fully closed.
Autosampler Compartment
The autosampler compartment contains a stationary sample tray and an XYZ
sampling needle arm that moves from vial to vial during operation (see
Section 2.3). The compartment also contains an inject port, flush port, and waste
port. Valves for sample injection or for diverting sample flow to different systems
can optionally be included.
Syringe and Reservoir Organizer
The organizer on top of the autosampler holds the sample syringe, the flush liquid
reservoir, and the optional prep syringe and reagent reservoirs. See Section 2.3.1
for details.
Options
•Sample Preparation:When this option is installed, the AS can perform
sample preparation functions such as diluting standards or dispensing
reagents. See Section 2.3.1 for details.
•Sample Temperature Control (not pictured): When this option is installed,
the AS provides uniform heating and cooling of the sample tray. See
Section 2.3.7 for details.
•Simultaneous Injection (not pictured): When this option is installed, the AS
can deliver sample to two independent ion chromatography (IC) systems
simultaneously. See Section 3.6.9 for details.
•Sequential Injection (not pictured): When this option is installed, the AS can
deliver sample to two independent ion chromatography (IC) systems
alternately.
•Concentrator Injection (not pictured): When this option is installed, the AS
can load sample to a Dionex ultra-low pressure concentrator column. See
Section 2.3.10 for details.