Polymer Laboratories PL-ELS 2100 User manual

Service Manual
FOR
PL-ELS 2100/2100
EVAPORATIVE
LIGHT-SCATTERING
DETECTOR
Version 2.0 June 2006
Polymer Laboratories Ltd Now a part of Varian, Inc. Essex Road, Church Stretton, Shropshire SY6 6AX,
UK
Tel [phone], Fax [phone], Service Tel [phone]
Polymer Laboratories Varian Inc, Amherst Fields Research Park, 160 Old Farm Road, Amherst, MA
01002, USA
Tel: [phone], Fax [phone]
Polymer Laboratories BV, Herculesweg 8, 4339 PL Middleburg, The Netherlands
Tel [phone], Fax [phone]
Polymer Laboratories GmbH, PEKA Park T5 001 Otto-Hesse Stra€e 19 D 64293 Darmstadt,
Germany Tel [phone], Fax [phone]
Polymer Laboratories SARL, GVIO Parc de Marseille Sud, Impasse du Paradou, B•timent D5, BP 159
13276 Marseille, France. Tel + 33 (0)491 176400, Fax + 33 (0)491 176401

Document Revision History (6/26931)
Revision #Date Section
Changed
Changes Approval
Draft 12th July 2005 All Originated
Version 1
release
11th August 2005 Title page Document number
French address
SJOD
6/26931B
Version 2.0
28th March 2006 Title page,
Introduction,
Safety,
Installation,
Cleaning &
Decontamina
tion.
Company names &
addresses, Safety
pages to front,
updated safety info &
insta llation details,
added cleaning &
decontamination,
misc updates
throughout
JCP / PEC
6/26931B
Version 2.0
19th May 2006 All Addition of PL-ELS
2100/2100 Ice
evaporator removal,
power supply and
general formatting
SMB/JCP
DO NOT ISSUE THIS PAGE

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................ 1
SAFETY........................................................................................................................................... 2
INSTALLATION............................................................................................................................. 3
Site Pre paration Che ck List………………………......................................................................... 3
Unpacking the de tector………………………………..................................................................... 4
Packing list…………………………………………......................................................................... 4
Powe r Connections……………………………………………......................................................... 4
Gas Connection………………………………………………. ......................................................... 4
Fluid Connection……………………………………………............................................................ 5
Extraction…………………………………………………….. ......................................................... 5
Data Connection………………………………………….. .............................................................. 5
Analogue Signal Connector………………………………............................................................. 5
Serial RS232 Connector……………………………………........................................................... 6
Control I/O Connector…………………………………………...................................................... 6
Installing the Detector……………………………………….. ......................................................... 7
Storing the Instrume nt…………………………………….............................................................. 8
OPTIMISING DETECTOR PERFORMANCE............................................................................... 9
Ge ne ral Conside rations…………………………………................................................................. 9
Optimisation Parame te rs…………………………… ..................................................................... 9
Gas Flow………………………………………….. ....................................................................... 9
Evaporator Temperature…………………………………. ............................................................. 9
Nebuliser Temperature………………………………….. .............................................................10
Optimisation Proce dure ………………………………………………............................................ 10
OVERVIEW OF DETECTOR’S OPERATION MODES.............................................................. 11
Standby Mode……………………………………………… .......................................................... 11
Run Mode…………………………………………........................................................................ 11
TROUBLESHOOTING................................................................................................................. 12
Instrument Error Codes…………………………………. ............................................................ 12
Ge ne ral Proble ms…………………………………………. ........................................................... 13
REPAIRING THE PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice ..................................................................................... 14
Overvie w of Main Asse mbly………………………………........................................................... 14
Removing The Front Panel……………………………….............................................................15
Overvie w of Ne bulise r Asse mbly………………………. .............................................................. 17
Replacing the Nebuliser………………………………..................................................................18
Replacing The Nebuliser Heater Assembly……….......................................................................20
Replacing The Nebuliser Chamber………………........................................................................22
Replacing The Solvent Leak Assembly………………..................................................................24

Replacing The Vapour Sensors……………………………...........................................................25
Replacing The Fan Assembly……………………........................................................................28
Overvie w of PL-ELS 2100 Evaporator Assembly…………………………………………………..30
Removing And Cleaning The Evaporator Cartridge (Diffuser)......................................................31
Replacing The Evaporator Heater Assembly (Evaporation Tube) ..................................................33
Replacing The Mass Flow Controller‚‚‚‚‚........................................................................35
Replacing The Gas Inlet Plug Assembly‚‚‚‚‚‚ ...............................................................36
Replacing The Gas Inlet Valve‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚ ..................................................................37
Overvie w of PL-ELS 2100 Ice Evaporator Assembly.................................................................. 38
Removing And Cleaning The PL-ELS 2100 Ice Evaporator Cartridge (Diffuser) ...........................39
Replacing The PL-ELS 2100 Ice Evaporator Heater Assembly .....................................................41
Removing The Photodetector (PMT) Assembly‚........................................................................46
Replacing The LED Light Source Assembly‚‚‚.....................................................................48
Cleaning The Optical Lens Assembly‚‚‚‚‚.. .....................................................................50
Replacing The Optical Light Trap‚‚‚‚‚‚‚.. ...................................................................52
Replacing The Optical Heater‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚........................................................................54
Removing & Cleaning The Prism Assembly‚‚.........................................................................55
Ele ctronics………………………………………….. ..................................................................... 57
Replacing The Main Control PCB………………… ....................................................................57
Replacing The PL-ELS 2100 Power Supply………. ....................................................................59
Replacing The PL-ELS 2100 Ice Power Supply….. .....................................................................60
Firmware ……………………………………………….................................................................. 64
Device Identifier…………………………………….....................................................................64
Upgrading Firmware………………………………......................................................................65
Programming Device Identity……………………........................................................................70
IDENTIFYING PARTS AND MATERIALS ................................................................................. 74
INSTRUMENT SPECIFICATIONS.............................................................................................. 75
CLEANING & DECONTAMINATION PROCEDURES .............................................................. 76
Cleaning…………………………………………… .....................................................................76
Decontamination…………………………………....................................................................... 76

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INTRODUCTION
The combined PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice Service Manual is designed for use by personnel who
have had training and are experienced in servicing this type of equipment. Whilst the PL-ELS
2100/2100 Ice has been designed for easy repair, there are potential hazards associated with
servicing this instrument. We strongly recommend that our service engineers perform all
servicing
It is understood that the purchaser must assume all risk in the use of this manual for the purpose
of performing service upon the instrument it covers. There are no user-serviceable parts in the
PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice.
Polymer Laboratories strongly recommends the use of original Polymer Laboratories spare parts
only, otherwise we do not guarantee any specification or liability
It is strongly recommended that the operator read the entire manual carefully before attempting to
service the instrument. In addition, be sure to observe all signs and pictographs that are specifica lly
defined as follows:
WARNING:
The “warning sign” denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a
procedure, practice which, if not correctly done or adhered
to, could result in severe injury or damage or destruction of
the instrument. Please do not proceed beyond a warning
sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and
met.
ATTENTION:
The “attention sign” denotes relevant information. Read this
information first before proceeding, it will be helpful or
necessary to complete the task.
NOTE:
The “note sign” denotes additional information.
It provides the user with advice and suggestions to facilitate
the operation of the instrument

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SAFETY
The following procedures require opening the main cove r of the detector.
Always ensure that the detector is disconnected from the mains power when
the side panel is opened. The PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice has a safety bar at the
powe r input socket that prevents the detector’s side panel being opened whe n
the powe r cable is still connected.
WARNIN
To disconnect the detector from the mains supply line, unplug the power
cord. When working with solvents please observe appropriate safety
procedures (for example, safety goggles, gloves and protective clothing),
especially when toxic or hazardous solvents are used.
NOTE AUTION
Electronic boards and components are sensitive to electronic discharge
(ESD). In order to prevent damage always use ESD protection whe n
handling electronic boards and components.
WARNING
The LED light source is a Class 1 LED product. Te mporary discomfort may
result from directly viewing the light produced by this source. Do not look
into the beam.
Make sure that only fuses with the required rated current and of the
specified type (super-fast, fast, time delay etc) are used for replacement. The
use of repaired fuses and the short-circuiting of fuse-holde rs must be
avoided.
Any adjustme nt, maintenance, and repair of the opened instrument unde r
voltage should be avoided as much as possible. When inevitable, this should
only be carried out by a skilled person who is aware of the hazards involved.
Use of a mains isolating transforme r is recommended.
Read and understand the PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice user manual before
undertaking any service ope rations on this instrume nt.

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INSTALLATION
Site Preparation Check List
Environmental Conditions
Temperature 15ƒ to 35ƒC (59 to 86ƒF)
At constant temperature
Avoid positioning in direct sunlight
Humidity 10-80%
Power
USA and Japan 115V (AC) „10%
50/60 Hz, 2A max, with a protective earth connection.
Europe 230V (AC) „10%
50/60 Hz, 2A max, with a protective earth connection.
Gas Supply
Gas: Nitrogen (98% purity or better and filtered to 0.2…m)
Notes:
 Air can only be used for non flammable solvents
 The mass flow controller is not calibrated for use
with gases other than Air or Nitrogen
 For operation with other inert gases contact
Polymer Laboratories for advice.
Gas flow: up to 3.25 SLM @ 60 psi @ 25ƒC
Pressure operating range: 60 † 100 psi (4-6.7 bar)
Maximum Pressure: 100 psi (6.7 bar)
Extraction Requirements
During normal operation the carrier solvent is evaporated as it passes
through the instrument and must be extracted safely at the rear of the
unit.
The exhaust from the instrument (13mm ID PVC tubing) must be extracted to a fume hood or
similar solvent disposal unit. If the extraction tube provided with the instrument is to be extended
it is recommended that the diameter of the extension is increased to at least 50mm (2) diameter
tubing so the extraction quality is not inhibited.

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Unpacking the detector
Care has been taken to ensure that the instrument is received in proper condition. The packing
and protection are designed for normal hazards of road, rail or air transit. Any damage to the
container or instrument should be reported immediately to your local distributor, or to Polymer
Laboratories. It is recommended that the shipping container be kept, if possible, for reshipment
or return to a service centre.
Examine the shipping carton for visible signs of exterior damage. Unpack the instrument and
examine for transit damage. Check that all items on the packing list are included.
Notify your local distributor or Polymer Laboratories of any damage or missing items.
Packing list
 PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice detector
 Manual for PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice detector
 Mains Lead (110-120V, 60Hz or 230V, 50Hz)‡
 15 pin D male connector for Aux I/O connection
 Detector output cable
 Gas Inlet tube (2m)
 Exhaust hose (PVC†2.0m)
 Waste hose (Tygon SE200†7cm)
 Solvent waste container (500ml)
 Valco Nut and ferrule (1/16”)
Powe r Connections
 Before connecting the power cable, ensure the instrument voltage rating matches your
local power supply.
 Use only a supply with protective grounding.
 The correct fuses should be installed.
 For 115V (AC) or 230V (AC) use two 250V H 2A T fuses
THIS UNIT IS DOUBLE -FUSED.
RISK OF FIR E, REPLACE FUSES AS MARKED!
If the voltage rating and fuses are correct for your power source, connect the power cable
Gas Connection
The instrument should be supplied with clean, dry nitrogen gas at a minimum head pressure of
60psi. A 4mm push-in connector is provided at the rear of the instrument for a convenient
connection to the gas source.

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To prevent against unnecessary gas usage, an automatic but controlled gas shut off valve is
integrated into the gas inlet manifold1. This will only allow gas to pass into the instrument when
the instrument is operating. Should the instrument default to a standby mode the gas valve will
close after 15 minutes.
THE GAS INLET VALVE WILL BE CLOSED WHEN THE
INSTRUMENT IS FIRST POWERED ON AND WILL ONLY OPEN
ONCE THE INSTRUMENT IS SET TO RUN MODE
Fluid Connection
The eluent from the chromatography system is connected to the front of the instrument via the
low dead volume Valco bulkhead connector provided.
USE ONLY VALCO FITTINGS
The liquid inlet port is connected directly to the nebuliser by a short length (190mm) of capillary
tube giving a delay volume from port to nebuliser tip of ~5…l.
Extraction
The PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice is provided with tubing for venting the exhaust gases and vapors,
and so does not need to be placed in a fume cupboard. Instead, the exhaust hose provided must
be attached to the rear of the unit and vented to a fume hood or other disposal unit. Ensure the
exhaust hose has an upward slope from the PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice so that any condensed solvent
is collected in the waste bottle at the front of the unit and to prevent it accumulating in the
tubing.
THE EXHAUST MUST BE EXTRACTED TO A SUITABLE FUME
EXTRACTION SYSTEM
Data Connection
Analogue Signal Connector
The PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice is fitted with an analogue output (0-1V) to allow connection with a
data acquisition interface.
1Only with instruments with Firmware V1.2.1 & Serial #004-162 or later

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Serial RS232 Connector
The PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice is fitted with a standard RS232 (DTE-DCE) 3-wire serial interface.
The serial RS232 connector provides a 24bit (10Hz) digital output for connection to a
chromatographic acquisition device.
The PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice ca n be controlled from a PC using the RS232 interface and the PL-
ELS 2100/2100 Ice graphical control software from Polymer Laboratories Ltd. Refer to the
control software on-line manual for operating instructions. If controlling the instrument from a
PC then a serial port or USB port is required. If the USB port is used a serial to USB adapter is
also required (0860-0620).
Control I/O connector
The PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice can be connected to auxiliary equipment to pause or stop the
operation of a pump or autosampler if the PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice reports an error condition.
The PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice is equipped with 2 contact closures, which are normally open and 2
TTL logic interfaces; one active low and one active high.
The PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice can be auto-zeroed remotely.
Table 1.1: Control I/O connector
I/O Description Pin No.
Outputs User contact closure †normally
open
4 & 12
Pump stop contact closure †
normally open
3 & 10
TTL Active low 2 & ground
TTL Active high 9 & ground
Ground (to case) 1, 5, 6 ,11
Inputs Remote A/Z 7 & ground [firmware version
1.0.15. Units with serial # 004-161 and
before will also require a wiring
modification on the main PCB]
The instrument is supplied with a connector for the I/O socket in order to make appropriate
connections; however, a cable can be purchased for this from Polymer Laboratories (Part # 0860-
0055).
PUMP STOP FACILITY MUST BE EMPLOYED IF INSTRUMENT IS
TO BE LEFT UNATTENDED, OR IF UNITS ARE STACKED