Hitachi L-8900 User manual

SERVICE MANUAL
FOR
L-8900 HIGH SPEED AMINO ACID ANALYZER
Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
Copyright C Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation 2005.
All rights reserved. Printed in Japan. Part No. 852-9051 TR-F (HT-HMS056003)

PREFACE
This Service Manual is designed for Model L-8900 High Speed
Amino Acid Analyzer, exclusively used for engineers approved by
our company, to catch and diagnose trouble symptom and remedy
the instrument as soon as possible.
If trouble can be expected, remedy is easy, however, unexpected
trouble may occur generally. Read this Service Manual to learn the
structure, judge correctly, and remedy properly.
Wrong maintenance, repair may cause safety problems. In early
period after the delivery, repair is often requested by customers
though it is caused by inexperience of operation or misoperation.
Always carry this Manual, read carefully before performing
maintenance or repair work to accomplish correct work.
ABOUT THIS MANUAL
Cautions, Safety cautions, Warning labels are described on the
opening pages of this Manual. Read carefully and understand the
contents completely before performing maintenance and repair
work.
Be sure to read Cautions (Cautions 1 - 4) on the opening pages,
and SAFETY SUMMARY (Safety 1 - 13) first.

IMPORTANT - 1
IMPORTANT
CE Conformity Marking
This instrument, considering use in Europe, satisfies the following
demands, has CE conformity marking.
1 EMC Demand
This instrument conforms to EMC order 89/336/EEC, has CE
conformity marking, is designed to safety EN61326 (1997) and its
amendment 1 (1998), amendment 2 (2000).
This instrument is classified to Class A of EN61326.
Therefore, this instrument cannot be used in general home
facilities, and in facilities directly connected to low voltage power
net to provide power to buildings to be used for family houses.
This instrument also satisfies Table 1 "Minimum immunity test
demand items", Table 2 "Continuous operation without monitoring".
However, if this instrument is used near a strong electromagnetic
source, noise may affect the performances and functions.
2 Safety Demand
This instrument conforms to LVD order 73/23/EEC, has CE
marking, is designed to satisfy EN61010-1 (2001).
This instrument is classified to Class 1, Contamination degree 2 of
EN61010, so, use in proper environment and proper grounding are
absolutely required.

IMPORTANT - 2
Precautions on Electromagnetic Disturbances
Electromagnetic Interference by This Instrument to the Surroundings
Operation of this instrument may cause electromagnetic
interference on the electronic or electric equipment nearby such as
a radio or TV set.
Only those connection cables that are specified in the instruction
manual are allowed to connect the instrument to configure your
desired system. Electromagnetic interference is minimized by
using the specified cables. However, it is not meant to guarantee
that this instrument may not cause any electromagnetic
interference.
If you suspect that this instrument is responsible for any
electromagnetic interference, turn off the power of this instrument
to check whether or not the disturbance disappears partially or
completely. If disappeared, carry out one or more of the following
trials to remedy the troubled equipment.
•Change the direction of antenna of radio or TV set.
• Make either the troubled equipment or the instrument apart
from this instrument.
• If the same power line is shared, use independent power lines
for the instrument and for the troubled equipment such as a
radio or TV set.

IMPORTANT - 3
Electromagnetic Interference by the Surroundings to This Instrument
Operation of this instrument in the vicinity of equipment that
generates strong electric or magnetic fields may be responsible for
a poor performance or malfunction of the instrument through noise
induced by those strong fields.
Only those connection cables that are specified in the instruction
manual are allowed to connect the instrument to configure your
desired system. Electromagnetic interference is minimized by
using the specified cables. However, it is not meant to guarantee
that this instrument may be free from any electromagnetic
interference.
If you suspect that a specific type of equipment is responsible for
any electromagnetic interference on this instrument, turn off the
power of the equipment to check whether or not the disturbance
disappears partially or completely. If disappeared, carry out one
or more of the following trials to remedy the electromagnetic
disturbance on this instrument.
•Change the direction of this instrument.
• Make this instrument apart from the equipment suspected to be
the source of the disturbance.
• If the same power line is shared, use independent power lines
for this instrument and for the equipment suspected to be the
source of the disturbance.
•Check that no other equipment that is linked to this instrument
suffers electromagnetic interference.

IMPORTANT - 4
WARRANTY ON PRODUCT
Model L-8900 Amino Acid Analyzer is guaranteed as follows, only
when it is used following the contents of the instruction manual,
based on the specifications described in the instruction manual.
No guarantee is offered on express or implied quality, performance,
merchandise value, or any fitness for special purpose to use.
No guarantee is offered when information, oral or written, give by a
sales division, agency or employee without the specified approval,
does not agree with the performance of the product.
No compensation is offered for damages of data and application
software caused by trouble o this instrument.
(1) Scope of Guarantee
If the instrument fails by manufacturing defect of our company,
only repair of the instrument is performed without charging.
A substitute part may be used for repair, or replacement with
an equivalent product may be made instead of repair. Market-
supply products such as personal computer and a printer,
which are frequently updated in performance, may not be
available in original models at the time of replacement. No
guarantee is offered on instruments disposed of, instruments
resold without informing us, articles of consumption, failure of
parts whose guarantee periods are limited.
(2) Guarantee Period
One year from the date of delivery.
(3) Items out of Guarantee
Note that the following cases are excluded from the
guarantee though it is in guarantee period.
(a) Failure due to operation at a place not meeting the
installation requirements specified by the manufacturer.
(b) Failure due to power supply (voltage/frequency) other
than specified by the manufacturer or due to abnormality
in power supply.
(c) Corrosion or deterioration of the piping due to impurities
contained in gas, compressed air or cooling water
supplied by the user.
(d) Corrosion of the electric circuits or deterioration of the
optical elements due to highly corrosive atmospheric gas
such as chlorine gas or dusty environmental condition.
(e) Failure due to use of software, hardware or spare parts
no supplied by the manufacturer.

IMPORTANT - 5
(f) Failure due to use or use method not described in the
instruction manual, due to repair not controlled by us.
(g) Failure due to maintenance and repair performed by
Maintenance Service company not specified by us.
(h) Failure due to relocation or transport not approved by the
manufacturer after initial installation.
(i) Failure due to disassembly, modification or relocation not
approved by the manufacturer.
(j) Failure due to acts of God, including fire, earthquake,
storm, flood, lightning, social disturbance, riot, crime,
insurrection, terrorism, war (declared or undeclared),
radioactive pollution, contamination with harmful
substances, etc.
(k) Failure due to computer virus.
(4) Written Guarantee
Will not be re-issued. Keep it securely.

IMPORTANT - 6
INSTALLATION/RELOCATION
Customers should not performed installation at the delivered.
Engineers who have been trained by our service department or our
company, and approved by our company perform installation so
that the instrument will be used safety and precisely.
DISPOSAL
(a) Matters directly affect environment are not used. However,
laws or regulations may be changed in the future. When
disposing of the instrument, check laws and regulations
concerned carefully, then dispose of the instrument.
(b) When disposing of Waste solutions, see "Safety Summary"
(Safety-9) in the instruction manual.
OTHER CAUTIONS
Handling Chemicals and Samples
(a) When performing analysis by using this instrument,
customers are requested to handle, store, dispose of
chemicals and samples to be used by the customers following
the standards specified by laws or regulations on customers'
responsibility.
(b) About handling, storing way, disposal of reagent, standard
solution, and sample of precision control, follow instructions
given by the responsible companies.

SAFETY - 1
SAFETY SUMMARY
Before using the Model L-8900 High Speed Amino Acid Analyzer,
be sure to read the following safety instruction carefully, and
understand the contents completely.
General Safety Guidelines
• When operating, follow instructions in the instruction manual
for each instrument.
• Be sure to follow cautions described on the instrument and in
the instruction manual. If not, personal injuries or damages to
instrument may be caused.
• Installation at the delivery should be performed only by
personnel who are trained and approved by our company.
The hazard warnings which appear on the warning labels on the
product or in the manual have one of the following alert headings
consisting of an alert symbol and signal word DANGER,
WARNING or CAUTION.
: This is a safety alert symbol. It is used
for calling attention to danger that will
potentially harm a person.
To avoid possible injury or death, all the
safety messages after this symbol must
be followed.
DANGER : Indicates an imminently hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, will result
in death or serious injury.
WARNING : Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided can result
in death or serious injury.
CAUTION : Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, can result
in minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE : Indicates a potentially hazardous
situation which, if not avoided, can result
in damage to property.

SAFETY - 2
SAFETY SUMMARY
In addition, the following signal word is used for ensuring proper
use of the product.
NOTE : Used to indicates in instruction for ensuring correct
trouble-free use of the instrument and accurate
measurement therewith.
General Safet
y
Guidelines
(
Continued
)

SAFETY - 3
SAFETY SUMMARY
Precautions on Use
• Before using this instrument, be sure to read the instruction
manual carefully to attain a solid understanding of its
functions and operations.
• Keep the instruction manual handy so that it can be referred
to whether needed.
• Be sure to understand and follow all the safety instructions
given in the manual.
• Be sure to observe all the hazard warnings attached to the
instrument or provided in the manual. Failure to do so can
result in personal injury or damage to instrument.
• Be sure to follow all the methods of use instructed in the
manual for operating the product.
• Absolutely avoid modifying the instrument, using non-
specified parts or removing safety devices as it could be
hazardous.
• Do not perform any operation or action other than described
in this manual.
• When using chemicals for operation, be sure to provide
proper ventilation of the laboratory room. Inadequate
ventilation may endanger human health.
• Keep in mind that the hazard warnings in this manual or on
the product cannot cover every possible case, as it is
impossible to predict and evaluate all circumstances
beforehand. Always be alert and use your common sense.
Be sure to observe the cautionary instructions mentioned above.
If not, accurate results of analyses may not be attained or
personal injury may be incurred.
General Safet
y
Guidelines
(
Continued
)

SAFETY - 4
SAFETY SUMMARY
Precaution during Use
If an abnormal condition such as unusual noise, odor, fuming or
gas leakage occurs during operation of the instrument,
disconnect the power cable immediately. Provide proper safety
measures as required, contact our Service office.
Precautions on Installation, Maintenance and Relocation
• At the time of installation, it is requested for the customer to
check that all the ordered items have been delivered.
If the instrument is operated without necessary standard
furnished parts, a failure could occur to cause an unsafe
condition.
• Maintenance to be performed by the customer should be
within the scope described in this instruction manual.
Before proceeding to maintenance, be sure to attain a clear
understanding of maintenance items described in the
instruction manual. Do not carry out any maintenance items
other than those contained in the instruction manual, or a
failure in the instrument or personal injury will result.
• After installation of the instrument, do not relocate it as the
finely adjusted optical mechanisms may be affected by
possible shock during relocation.
General Safet
y
Guideline
(
Continued
)

SAFETY - 5
SAFETY SUMMARY
Safety Instructions in This Manual
Shown below are the safety instructions contained in this
manual and their relevant sections in it.
DANGER Indications
The indication " DANGER" does not apply to this instrument.
WARNING Indications
Warning: Burst
Handling Reagent Containers
•Burst caused by a crack of the reagent container (of glass or
polyethylene) may cause personal injures. Before applying N2
gas pressure to a reagent container, check the container for
cracks, and put it in a protection cover.
•When reagent is scattered, or touches a human body, wash
with water.
•N
2gas pressure provided to Instrument should be 0.05 - 0.1
MPa (0.5 - 1.0 kgf/cm2). Pressure for use should be 34 - 40
kPa (0.35 - 0.4 kfg/cm2).

SAFETY - 6
SAFETY SUMMARY
Warning: Infection
Protective tools described below are Plastic gloves for preventing
infection, safety goggles, Protective gown, and Protective mask.
Handling Bio-Samples
 If touching samples, you may be infected with infective
matters in samples.
 Liquid leaked from the flow path may cause infection.
 Wear Protective tools when handling samples.
 If a sample sticks to your body, wash and disinfect your body,
consult a doctor for diagnosis.
 If a sample sticks to the instrument, wear Protective tools,
wipe it of at once, and disinfect.
Handling Bio-Waste Solutions
 If touching a waste solution, you may be infected with
infective matters in the waste solution.
 Wear Protection tools to handle waste solutions.
 If a waste solution sticks to your body, wash and disinfect
your body at once, consult a doctor for diagnosis.
Injury and Infection by Touching the Mechanism
 Touching the mechanism of Autosampler may cause injury or
infection.
 Do not put your hand in the instrument while Autosampler is
running.
WARNING Indications
(
Continued
)

SAFETY - 7
SAFETY SUMMARY
Warning: Ignition of Flammable ChemicalsWarning: Infection
Handling Flammable Chemicals
 When using flammable chemicals such as organic solvents,
ignition may occur.
 Always check the following. If abnormal, stop using at once.
•Solvents, Waste solutions should not leak.
•Solvents should not leak in Instrument.
 The room should be well-ventilated.
 This instrument is not an explosion proof type. In unattended
running, do not use organic solvents whose flash point is
lower than 70 °C.
 When using flammable chemicals, be careful about ignition
by static electricity. Especially, when using chemicals without
conductivity, use containers with conductivity, and perform
grounding correctly.
Warning: Explosion of Vapor from Flammable Chemicals
Handling Flammable Chemicals
 If a flammable chemical such as organic solvent leaks from
the flow path of the instrument and its vapor concentration
reaches the explosion limit, it may cause spontaneous
combustion with dangerously explosive results.
 When using a flammable and ready volatile chemical, be sure
to check for leakage from the instrument flow path and
ventilate the laboratory room adequately.
WARNING Indications
(
Continued
)

SAFETY - 8
SAFETY SUMMARY
Warning: Ignition of Flammable Chemicals by Static Electricity
Handling Flammable Chemicals
 When using Flammable Chemicals such as organic solvents,
Ignition can occur.
 When using Flammable Chemicals, be careful about Ignition
by Static Electricity.
 To prevent ignition by Static electricity, pay attention to the
following.
•Use Waste Solution Containers with conductivity and
grounding not to accumulate static electricity.
•Do not put Fire source near the instrument.
Warning: Electric Shock due to Contact with Inside of Instrument
Touching the inside of instrument may cause Electric Shock
Hazard
 When removing the cover (for replacing parts), be sure to
turn off the power switch, disconnect the power cord from the
receptacle.
WARNING Indications
(
Continued
)

SAFETY - 9
SAFETY SUMMARY
Warning: Electric Shock due to Improper Grounding
Improper Grounding may cause Electric Shock Hazard
 Be sure to use Power Cable furnished with the instrument.
Power Cable other than the specified may cause electric
shock.
 This instrument is 'Plug connection-type equipment'
(European standard EN61010-1). Connect the Power Cable
to a receptacle for 3-core plug with a grounding terminal.
 If there is not a receptacle for 3-core plug, use a converting
Adapter to insert in a receptacle for 2-core plug. In this case,
be sure to perform proper grounding.
WARNING Indications
(
Continued
)

SAFETY - 10
SAFETY SUMMARY
CAUTION Indications
Caution: Burns
Column Oven
 Touching Column Oven may cause burns of high
temperature (85 °C). When replacing Column, temperature
display should be 55 °C or lower.
Light Source Lamp
 Touching Lamp or Lamp Cover may cause burns of high
temperature (70 °C). When replacing Lamp, turn off the
power, wait for 20 minutes to cool the Lamp.
Reaction Device
 Touching the inside of Reaction device may cause burn s of
high temperature (140 °C). When performing reaction work,
temperature display should be 55 °C or lower.
Caution: Injury to Your Hand by Mechanism
Autosampler
 While Autosampler is running, if you put your hand into the
instrument, you may be injured by the Arm or Needle. Do not
put your hand in the instrument while Autosampler is running.
Caution: Fatigue due to Long-Hour Operation
 If you keep working with the display monitor in the same
posture for long hours, your eyes and body will be fatigued.
When working with the display monitor for a long time, take a
break for 10 to 15 minutes per hour health of your eyes and
body.

SAFETY - 11
SAFETY SUMMARY
CAUTION
Restriction of Reagent
•For the flow path of eluant of this instrument, Fluorocarbon
polymers, stainless steel (SUS316), ceramics, ruby, sapphire,
quartz are used. Do not use solvents that corrode these
materials. Use only solvents specified in the instruction
manual.
•Before starting operation, check reagent volume without fail.
Cautions for Leakage
•Use the pressure limiter function of Pump so that pumping
will stop automatically when liquid leakage occurs.
•When liquid leaks from the flow path system even a little,
loosen the joints, wash them with water, tighten them. Wipe
of the water completely.
•Check the flow paths that can be seen for leakage every day.
About leakage in Reaction device, check at least once per
week. In this case, make Reaction device Off.
•When liquid leaks from Pump Seal unit, tighten Pump Seal
fixing nut, or replace Seal regularly.
Restriction of Waste Solution Disposal
•Collect waste solution and dispose of it following regulations
or laws of water turbidity prevention or about sewage.
Improper disposal may cause environmental pollution. A
breach of regulations or laws will be punished.
About Accuracy and Precision of Measured Values
•To secure reliability of analysis data, measure standard
samples every day to monitor that the instrument is running
normally. Especially manage peak size (area, height) and
retention time of each ingredient. If there is an ingredient
whose retention time is delayed very much, and the peak
cannot be identified, check liquid leakage.

SAFETY - 12
SAFETY SUMMARY
When Stopping Instrument Manually
•When stopping the instrument manually, choose one of the
following.
(a) Remove Sample vials from Autosampler, Start operation
with Analysis program in use. The instrument performs
analysis finish action at once. (After cleaning the flow
paths, automatically stops in 1 hour.)
(b) Stop ninhydrine pump (Pump 2), set temperature of
Reaction device at OFF, run Buffer solution pump (Pump
1) with a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min for 30 minutes, stop
Buffer solution pump.
Switching Analysis Method
•When switching Ninhydrine method and OPA method, wash
Pump, Reaction device, and Flow paths with water
completely.
Handling Drain Valve
•Do not make Ninhydrine pump (Pump 2) On with Open Drain
valve of Buffer solution pump (Pump 1). Ninhydrine may flow
reversely to Column to deteriorate Column.
N2Gas Pressure
•Set N2gas pressure provided to Instrument at 0.05 - 0.10
MPa. Set N2gas pressure in the instrument at 34 - 40 kPa by
using a regulator. Over-pressure may cause gas leakage or
over-flow.
Stainless Steel Tube in Reaction Device
•Stainless steel in Reaction device has been processed to be
corrosion preventive. Deformation of the tube deteriorates
this quality. Do not deform the tube.