Agilent 7890B

Gas Chromatograph

Operation Manual

Agilent Technologies
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Contents
1 Introduction
Chromatography Using a GC 10
The Operating Panel 11
The display 12
Status lights 12
Beeping instrument 13
Blinking setpoint 13
The keypad 14

2 Operating Basics
Overview 16
Instrument Control 17
To Start Up the GC 18
To Shut Down the GC for Less Than a Week 19
To Shut Down the GC for More Than a Week 20
Correcting Problems 21

3 Keypad Operation
The Run Keys 24
The GC Component Keys 25
The Status Key 26
The Info Key 27
The General Data Entry Keys 28
The Supporting Keys 29
Method Storage and Automation Keys 30
Keypad Functionality When the GC Is Controlled by an Agilent Data
System 31
The Service Mode Key 31
About GC Status 32
Status board 32
Alert tones 32
Error conditions 33
Blinking setpoint 33
About Logs 35
Maintenance log 35

Operation Manual 3
 4 Methods and Sequences
What Is a Method? 38
What Is Saved in a Method? 38
What Happens When You Load a Method? 39
Creating Methods 40
To load a method 41
To store a method 41
What Is a Sequence? 43
Creating Sequences 43
Automating Data Analysis, Method Development, and Sequence
Development 47

5 Running a Method or a Sequence from the Keypad

Running Methods from the Keypad 50
To manually inject a sample with a syringe and start a run 50
To run a method to process a single ALS sample 50
To abort a method 50
Running Sequences from the Keypad 51
To start running a sequence 51
To pause a running sequence 51
To resume a paused sequence 52
To stop a running sequence 52
To resume a stopped sequence 52
Aborting a sequence 52
To resume an aborted sequence 52

6 Chromatographic Checkout
About Chromatographic Checkout 54
To Prepare for Chromatographic Checkout 55
To Check FID Performance 57
To Check TCD Performance 62
To Check NPD Performance 67
To Check uECD Performance 72
To Check FPD+ Performance (Sample 5188-5953) 77
Preparation 77
Phosphorus performance 78
Sulfur performance 82

4 Operation Manual
 To Check FPD+ Performance (Sample 5188-5245, Japan) 84
Preparation 84
Phosphorus performance 85
Sulfur performance 89
To Check FPD Performance (Sample 5188-5953) 91
Preparation 91
Phosphorus performance 92
Sulfur performance 96
To Check FPD Performance (Sample 5188-5245, Japan) 99
Preparation 99
Phosphorus performance 100
Sulfur performance 104

7 Resource Conservation
Resource Conservation 108
Sleep Methods 108
Wake and Condition Methods 110
To Set the GC to Conserve Resources 112
To Edit an Instrument Schedule 115
To Create or Edit a Sleep, Wake, or Condition Method 116
To Put the GC to Sleep Now 117
To Wake the GC Now 118

8 Early Maintenance Feedback

Early Maintenance Feedback (EMF) 120
Counter types 120
Thresholds 121
Default Thresholds 122
Available Counters 123
To Enable or Change a Limit for an EMF Counter 126
To Disable an EMF Counter 127
To Reset an EMF Counter 128
EMF Counters for Autosamplers 129
Counters for 7693A and 7650 ALS with EMF-enabled firmware 129
Counters for ALS with earlier firmware 129
EMF Counters for MS Instruments 130

Operation Manual 5
 9 GC-MS Features
GC/MS Communications 132
Venting the MSD 132
MS Shutdown events 132
To Set Up a Vent Method 134
To Manually Prepare the GC for Venting the MS 135
To Manually Exit the MS Vent State 136
To Use the GC When the MSD is Shut Down 137
To Enable or Disable MS Communications 138

10 Configuration
About Configuration 140
Assigning GC resources to a device 140
Setting configuration properties 141
General Topics 142
To Unlock the GC Configuration 142
Ignore Ready = 142
Information displays 143
Unconfigured: 143
Oven 144
To configure the oven for cryogenic cooling 145
Front Inlet/Back Inlet 147
To configure the Gas type 147
To configure the PTV or COC coolant 147
To configure the MMI coolant 149
Column # 151
To view a summary of column connections 154
Composite Columns 160
To configure composite columns 161
LTM Columns 162
LTM Series II column modules 162
Cryo Trap 163
Front Detector/Back Detector/Aux Detector/Aux Detector 2 165
To configure the makeup/reference gas 165
Lit offset 165
To configure the FPD heaters 165
To ignore the FID or FPD ignitor 166

6 Operation Manual
 Analog out 1/Analog out 2 167
Fast peaks 167
Valve Box 168
To assign a GC power source to a valve box heater 168
Thermal Aux 169
PCM A/PCM B/PCM C 172
Pressure aux 1,2,3/Pressure aux 4,5,6/Pressure aux 7,8,9 174
Status 175
Time 176
Valve # 177
Front injector/Back injector 178
Sample tray (7683 ALS) 180
Instrument 181
Using the Optional Barcode Reader 182
Barcode reader power 182
Installing the barcode reader 183
To scan configuration data using the G3494B RS-232 barcode
reader 183
To scan configuration data using the G3494A USB barcode reader 184
To uninstall the RS-232 barcode reader 184

11 Options
About Options 186
Calibration 186
To zero a specific flow or pressure sensor 188
Column calibration 188
Communication 193
Configuring the IP address for the GC 193
Keyboard and Display 194

Operation Manual 7
8 Operation Manual
Agilent 7890BGas Chromatograph
Operation Manual

1
Introduction
Chromatography Using a GC 10
The Operating Panel 11

This document provides an overview of the individual

components that make up the Agilent 7890B Gas
Chromatograph (GC).

Agilent Technologies 9
1 Introduction

Chromatography Using a GC
Chromatography is the separation of a mixture of
compounds into individual components.

There are three major steps involved with separating and

identifying components of a mixture using a GC. They are:
1 Injecting a sample into the GC. (This takes place at the
inlet.)
2 Separating the sample into individual components. (This
takes place inside the column in the oven.)
3 Detecting what compounds were in the sample. (This is
done in the detector.)
During this process, status messages from the GC are
displayed, and user changes to parameter settings can be
made through the operating panel or data system.

Inlet

Detector

Oven

Power switch
Operating panel

Refer to the Advanced Operating Manual and the Getting

Started manual for more details.

10 Operation Manual
 Introduction 1

The Operating Panel

The operating panel consists of the display, status lights, and
keypad. See Keypad Operation and the Advanced Operation
Manual, along with the complete suite of documentation
included on the Agilent GC and GC/MS User Manuals &
Tools DVDs that are included with your GC shipment for
more detailed information.

Display
Shows status, setpoints, current
activity, and messages.

Status lights
LEDs indicate general status, run
state, program state, external
control, and maintenance due.

Keyboard
Use to enter settings and program the
GC.

Operation Manual 11
1 Introduction

The display
The display shows details of what is currently happening in
the GC and allows you to make changes to parameters as
necessary.

OVEN
Temperature 150.0 150.0
Initial time 1.000<
Rate 1 20.000
Actual Setpoint

The cursor, <, shows the current active line. Use the scroll
keys to select a different line in the display and
to view additional lines in the display.
A blinking asterisk (*) prompts you to press [Enter] to store
a value or [Clear] to abort the entry. You cannot perform any
other task until this is done.

Status lights
The status lights provide a basic look at what is currently
happening inside the Agilent 7890B GC.

A lit LED on the status board indicates:

The current progress of a run (Pre Run, Post Run, and
Run).
Items that may require attention (Rate, Not Ready,
Service Due, and Run Log).
The GC is controlled by an Agilent data system
(Remote).

12 Operation Manual
 Introduction 1

The GC is programmed for events to occur at specified

times (Clock Table).
The GC is in gas saver mode (Gas Saver).

Beeping instrument
A single beep means that a problem exists, but the problem
will not prevent the GC from executing the run. The GC will
emit one beep and display a message. The GC can start the
run and the warning disappears when a run starts.
A series of warning beeps sound if the GC encounters a
more serious problem. The GC starts with one beep. The
longer the problem persists, the more the GC beeps. For
example, a series of beeps sound if the front inlet gas flow
cannot reach setpoint. The message Front inlet flow shutdown is
briefly displayed. The flow shuts down after 2 minutes. Press
[Off/No] to stop the beeping.
A continuous beep sounds if a hydrogen flow is shut down
or a thermal shutdown occurs. Press [Clear] to stop the beep.
Fault messages indicate hardware problems that require user
intervention. Depending on the type of error, the GC will
beep once or not at all.

Blinking setpoint
If a gas flow, multiposition valve, or the oven is shut down
by the system, Off or On/Off will blink on the appropriate
line of the components parameter listing.

Operation Manual 13
1 Introduction

The keypad
All of the parameters required to operate the Agilent 7890B
GC can be entered through the GCs keypad. Normally,
however, most of these parameters are controlled using an
attached data system, such as Agilents OpenLAB CDS or
MassHunter software.
When an Agilent data system is controlling your 7890B GC,
it is possible for the data system to disable editing of the
GCs current method from the keypad.

The Run keys

GC Component keys

Service Mode key

Status key

Supporting keys

General data entry

keys
Method Storage and
Automation keys

14 Operation Manual
Agilent 7890B Gas Chromatograph
Operation Manual

2
Operating Basics
Overview 16
Instrument Control 17
To Start Up the GC 18
To Shut Down the GC for Less Than a Week 19
To Shut Down the GC for More Than a Week 20
Correcting Problems 21

This section describes a few basic tasks that an operator

performs when using the Agilent 7890B GC.

Agilent Technologies 15
2 Operating Basics

Overview
Operating the GC involves the following tasks:
Setting up the GC hardware for an analytical method.
Starting up the GC. See To Start Up the GC.
Preparing the automatic liquid sampler. Install the
method- defined syringe; configure solvent and waste
bottle usage and syringe size; and prepare and load
solvent, waste, and sample vials.
For the 7693A ALS, see its Installation, Operation, and
Maintenance manual.
For the 7683 ALS, see manual Operating the 7683B
ALS on a 7890 Series GC.
Loading the analytical method or sequence into the GC
control system.
See the Agilent data system documentation.
For standalone GC operation see To load a method
and To load a stored sequence.
Running the method or sequence.
See the Agilent data system documentation.
For standalone GC operation, see To manually inject a
sample with a syringe and start a run, To run a
method to process a single ALS sample, and To start
running a sequence.
Monitoring sample runs from the GC control panel or the
Agilent data system program. See About GC Status or
the Agilent data system documentation.
Shutting down the GC. See To Shut Down the GC for
Less Than a Week or To Shut Down the GC for More
Than a Week.

16 Operation Manual
 Operating Basics 2

Instrument Control
The Agilent 7890B GC is typically controlled by an attached
data system such as Agilent OpenLAB CDS. Alternately, the
GC can be controlled entirely from its keypad, with output
data being sent to an attached integrator for report
generation.
Agilent data system users Please refer to the online help
included in the Agilent data system for details on how to
load, run, or create methods and sequences using the data
system.
Standalone GC users If you are running your GC without
an attached data system, see the following for details on
loading methods and sequences from the keypad:
To load a method
To load a stored sequence
For details on running methods and sequences from the
keypad see:
To manually inject a sample with a syringe and start a
run
To run a method to process a single ALS sample
To start running a sequence
For details on how to create methods and sequences using
the GC keypad, see Methods and Sequences.

Operation Manual 17
2 Operating Basics

To Start Up the GC
Successful operation begins with a properly installed and
maintained GC. The utility requirements for gases, power
supply, venting of hazardous chemicals, and required
operational clearances around the GC are detailed in the
Agilent GC, GC/MS, and ALS Site Preparation Guide.
1 Check gas source pressures. For required pressures, see
the Agilent GC, GC/MS, and ALS Site Preparation Guide.
2 Turn on the carrier and detector gases at their sources
and open the local shutoff valves.
3 Turn on the cryo coolant at its source, if used.
4 Turn on the GC power. Wait for Power on successful to
display.
5 Install the column.
6 Check that the column fittings are leak free. See the
Troubleshooting manual.
7 Load the analytical method. See To load a method.
8 Wait for the detector(s) to stabilize before acquiring data.
The time required for the detector to reach a stable
condition depends on whether the detector was turned off
or its temperature was reduced while the detector
remained powered.

Table 1 Detector stabilization times

Detector type Stabilization time starting Stabilization time starting

from a reduced temperature from detector off
(hours) (hours)
FID 2 4
TCD 2 4
uECD 4 18 to 24
FPD 2 12
NPD 4 18 to 24

18 Operation Manual
 Operating Basics 2

To Shut Down the GC for Less Than a Week

1 Wait for the current run to finish.
2 If the active method has been modified, save the changes.

WA R N I N G Never leave flammable gas flows on if the GC will be unmonitored.

If a leak develops, the gas could create a fire or explosion hazard.

3 Turn off all gases, except the carrier gas, at their sources.
(Leave the carrier gas on to protect the column from
atmospheric contamination.)
4 If you are using cryogenic cooling, turn off the cryo
coolant at the gas source.
5 Reduce detector, inlet, and column temperatures to
between 150 and 200 C. If desired, the detector can be
turned off. See the following table to determine if it is
advantageous to shut down the detector for a short time
period. The time required to return the detector to a
stable condition is a factor. See Table 1.

Operation Manual 19
2 Operating Basics

To Shut Down the GC for More Than a Week

See Maintaining Your GC manual for procedures for
installing columns, consumables, and so on.
1 Load a GC maintenance method and wait for the GC to
become ready. For more information about creating
maintenance methods, see the Maintaining Your GC
manual. (If a maintenance method is not available, set all
heated zones to 40 C.)
2 Turn off the main power switch.
3 Shut off all gas valves at the gas source.
4 If you are using cryogenic cooling, shut off the cryo
coolant valve at the source.

WA R N I N G Be careful! The oven, inlet, and/or detector may be hot enough to

cause burns. If they are hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect
your hands.

5 When the GC is cool, remove the column from the oven

and cap both ends to keep out contaminants.
6 Cap the inlet and detector column fittings and all GC
external fittings.

20 Operation Manual
 Operating Basics 2

Correcting Problems
If the GC stops operation because of a fault, check the
display for any messages. Press [Status] and scroll to view
any additional messages.
1 Use the keyboard or data system to stop the alert tone.
Press [Off/No] on the keyboard or turn off the offending
component in the data system.
2 Resolve the problem, for example, by changing gas
cylinders or fixing the leak. See the Troubleshooting
Guide for details.
3 Once the problem is fixed, you may need to either power
cycle the instrument, or use the software keyboard or
data system to turn the problem component off, then on
again. For shutdown errors, you will need to do both.

Operation Manual 21
2 Operating Basics

22 Operation Manual
Agilent 7890B Gas Chromatograph
Operation Manual

3
Keypad Operation
The Run Keys 24
The GC Component Keys 25
The Status Key 26
The Info Key 27
The General Data Entry Keys 28
The Supporting Keys 29
Method Storage and Automation Keys 30
Keypad Functionality When the GC Is Controlled by an Agilent Data
System 31
The Service Mode Key 31
About GC Status 32
About Logs 35

This section describes the basic operation of the Agilent

7890B GC keypad. For additional information on keypad
functionality, see the Advanced Operation Manual.

Agilent Technologies 23
3 Keypad Operation

The Run Keys

These keys are used to start, stop, and prepare the GC to
run a sample.

[Prep Run] Activates processes required to bring the GC to

the starting condition dictated by the method
(such as turning off the inlet purge flow for a
splitless injection or restoring normal flow
from gas saver mode). See the Advanced
Operation Manual for details.

[Start] Starts a run after manually injecting a sample.

(When you are using an automatic liquid
sampler or gas sampling valve, the run is
automatically activated at the appropriate
time.)

[Stop] Immediately terminates the run. If the GC is in

the middle of a run, the data from that run
may be lost. Also see To resume an aborted
sequence on page 52.

24 Operation Manual
 Keypad Operation 3

The GC Component Keys

These keys are used to set the temperature, pressure, flow,
velocity, and other method operating parameters.
To display the current settings, press any one of these keys.
More than three lines of information may be available. Use
the scroll keys to view additional lines, if necessary.
To change settings, scroll to the line of interest, enter the
change, and press [Enter].
For context- sensitive help, press [Info]. For example, if you
press [Info] on a setpoint entry, the help provided would be
similar to: Enter a value between 0 and 350.
[Oven] Sets oven temperatures, both isothermal
and temperature programmed.
[Front Inlet] Controls inlet operating parameters.
[Back Inlet]
[Col 1] Controls column pressure, flow, or
[Col 2] velocity. Can set pressure or flow ramps.
[Aux Col #]
[Front Det] Controls detector operating parameters. If
[Back Det] configured with a 5977 MS, control GC- MS
[Aux Det #] communications and special functions.
[Analog Out 1] Assigns a signal to the analog output. The
[Analog Out 2] analog output is located on the back of
the GC.
[Front Injector] Edits injector control parameters such as
[Back Injector] injection volumes and sample and solvent
washes.
[Valve #] Allows control of a sampling valve and/or
switching valves 1 to 8 (on or off). Sets
multiposition valve position.
[Aux Temp #] Controls extra temperature zones such as
a heated valve box, a mass selective
detector (or other) transfer line, or an
unknown device. Can be used for
temperature programming.
[Aux EPC #] Provides auxiliary pneumatics to an inlet,
detector, capillary flow technology (CFT)
device, or other device. Can be used for
pressure programming.
[Column Comp] Creates a column compensation profile.

Operation Manual 25
3 Keypad Operation

The Status Key

[Status] Displays ready, not ready, and fault

information.
When the Not Ready status light is blinking, a
fault has occurred. Press [Status] to see which
parameters are not ready and what fault has
occurred.
The order in which items appear in the
scrolling display window for [Status] can be
modified. You may, for example, want to
display the things you most frequently check
in the top three lines so that you do not need
to scroll to see them. To change the order of
the Status display:
1 Press [Config] [Status].
2 Scroll to the setpoint you want to appear
first and press [Enter]. This setpoint will
now appear at the top of the list.
3 Scroll to the setpoint you want to appear
second and press [Enter]. This setpoint will
now be the second item on the list.
4 Continue as above until the list is in the
order you require.

26 Operation Manual
 Keypad Operation 3

The Info Key

[Info] Provides help for the currently shown

parameter. For example, if Oven Temp is the
active line in the display (has a < next to it),
[Info] will display the valid range of oven
temperatures. In other cases, [Info] will
display definitions or actions that need to be
performed.

Operation Manual 27
3 Keypad Operation

The General Data Entry Keys

[Mode/Type] Accesses a list of possible parameters associated

with a components nonnumeric settings. For
example, if the GC is configured with a
split/splitless inlet and the [Mode/Type] key is
pressed, the options listed will be split, splitless,
pulsed split, or pulsed splitless.
[Clear] Removes a misentered setpoint before pressing
[Enter]. It can also be used to return to the top
line of a multiline display, return to a previous
display, cancel a function during a sequence or
method, or cancel loading or storing sequences
and methods.

[Enter] Accepts changes you enter or selects an

alternate mode.

Scrolls up and down through the display one

line at a time. The < in the display indicates the
active line.

Numeric Keys Are used to enter settings for the method

parameters. (Press [Enter] when you are finished
to accept the changes.)

[On/Yes] Are used when you are setting up parameters,

[Off/No] such as the warning beep, method modification
beep, and key click or for turning on or off a
device like a detector.

[Front] [Back] Are mostly used during configuration

operations. For example, when configuring a
column, use these keys to identify the inlet and
detector to which the column is attached.
[Delete] Removes methods, sequences, run table entries,
and clock table entries. [Delete] also aborts the
adjust offset process for nitrogen- phosphorus
detectors (NPD) without interrupting other
detector parameters. See the Advanced
Operation Manual for more details.

28 Operation Manual
 Keypad Operation 3

The Supporting Keys

[Time] Displays the current date and time on the first
line.
The two middle lines show the time between
runs, the elapsed time and time remaining
during a run, and the last run time and
post- time during a post- run.
The last line always displays a stopwatch. While
on the stopwatch line, press [Clear] to set the
clock to zero and [Enter] to start or stop the
stopwatch.

[Post Run] Is used to program the GC to do something after

a run, such as bakeout or backflush a column.
See the Advanced Operation Manual for details.

[Logs] Access three logs: the Run Log, the Maintenance

Log, and the System Event Log. The information
in these logs can be used to support Good
Laboratory Practices (GLP) standards.

[Options] Accesses the instrument parameters setup

options for calibration, communications, and the
keyboard and display. Scroll to the desired line
and press [Enter] to access the associated entries.
See Options on page 185.

[Config] Is used to set up components that are not

automatically detectable by the GC but are
essential to running a method, such as column
dimensions, carrier and detector gas types,
makeup gas configurations, sample tray settings,
and column plumbing to inlets and detectors.
These settings are part of, and are stored with,
the method.
To view the current configuration for a
component (such as the inlet or detector), press
[Config], then the component key of interest. For
example, [Config][Front Det] opens front detector
configuration parameters.

Operation Manual 29
3 Keypad Operation

Method Storage and Automation Keys

These keys are for loading and storing methods and
sequences locally on your GC. They cannot be used to access
methods and sequences stored by your Agilent data system.

[Load] Are used together to load and store methods

[Method] and sequences on your GC.
[Store]
[Seq] For example, to load a method, press [Load]
[Method] and select one from the list of methods
stored in the GC. See To load a method on
page 41.

[Run Table] Is used to program special events you require

during a run. A special event could be switching
a valve, for example. See the Advanced
Operation Manual for details.

[Clock Table] Is used to program events to occur at a time of

day, as opposed to during a run, and to access
the Instrument Schedule. The clock table events
could, for example, be used to start a shutdown
run at 5:00 p.m. every day. See the Advanced
Operation Manual and Resource Conservation
on page 108.

[Seq Control] Starts, stops, pauses, or resumes a sequence, or

views the status of a sequence. See Running
Sequences from the Keypad on page 51.

[Sample Tray] Displays whether the tray and/or bar code

reader/mixer is enabled.

[Prog] Allows you to program a series of keystrokes

[User Key 1] commonly used for specific operations. Press
[User Key 2] User Key 1 or User Key 2 to record up to 31
keystrokes as a macro. See the Advanced
Operation Manual.

30 Operation Manual
 Keypad Operation 3

Keypad Functionality When the GC Is Controlled by an Agilent Data System

When an Agilent data system controls the GC, the data
system defines the setpoints and runs the samples. If
configured to lock the keypad, the data system can prevent
the changing of setpoints. The Remote LED is lit when a data
system is controlling the GC. Lit LEDs on the status board
show the current progress of a run.
When an Agilent data system controls the GC, the keypad
can be used:
To view run status by selecting [Status]
To view the method settings by selecting the GC
component key
To display the last and next run times, the run time
remaining, and the post- run time remaining by repeatedly
selecting [Time]
To abort a run by selecting [Stop]
To find which computer is controlling the GC by pressing
[Options] > Communication, then scrolling. The name of the
computer controlling the GC is listed after the Enable DHCP
setting, along with the number of hosts connected to the
GC.

The Service Mode Key

[Service Mode] Is used to set up Early Maintenance

Feedback and to access inlet leak checks for
selected inlet types. See Early Maintenance
Feedback (EMF) on page 120 and the
Troubleshooting manual. This key also
accesses settings intended for service
personnel. Because these advanced settings
can cause problems if misused, avoid the
service settings unless specifically directed to
use them.

Operation Manual 31
3 Keypad Operation

About GC Status
When the GC is ready to begin a run, the display screen
shows STATUS Ready for Injection. Alternately, when a
component of the GC is not ready to begin a run, the Not
Ready LED is lit on the status board. Press [Status] to see a
message explaining why the GC is not ready.

Status board

A lit LED on the status board indicates:

The current progress of a run (Pre Run, Post Run, and
Run).
Items that may require attention (Rate, Not Ready,
Service Due, and Run Log).
The GC is controlled by an Agilent data system
(Remote).
The GC is programmed for events to occur at specified
times (Clock Table).
The GC is in gas saver mode (Gas Saver).

Alert tones
A series of warning beeps sounds before a shutdown occurs.
The GC starts with one beep. The longer the problem
persists, the more the GC beeps. After a short time the
component with the problem shuts down, the GC emits one
beep, and a brief message is displayed. For example, a series
of beeps sounds if the front inlet gas flow cannot reach
setpoint. The message Front inlet flow shutdown is briefly
displayed. The flow shuts down after 2 minutes. Press
[Off/No] to stop the beep.

32 Operation Manual
 Keypad Operation 3

A continuous tone sounds if a hydrogen flow is shut down

or a thermal shutdown occurs.

WA R N I N G Before resuming GC operations, investigate and resolve the cause

of the hydrogen shutdown. See Hydrogen Shutdown in the
Troubleshooting manual for details.

One beep sounds when a problem exists, but the problem

will not prevent the GC from executing the run. The GC will
emit one beep and display a message. The GC can start the
run and the warning will disappear when a run starts.
Fault messages indicate hardware problems that require user
intervention. Depending on the type of error, the GC emits
no beep or a single beep.

Error conditions
If a problem occurs, a status message appears. If the
message indicates broken hardware, more information may
be available. Press the applicable component key (for
example, Front Det, Oven, or Front Inlet).
When configured for operation with an MS using Smart
Technologies (for example, a 5977 MSD), the GC will display
message related to the MS. In this case, check the MS for
more information.

Blinking setpoint
If the system shuts down a gas flow, multiposition valve, or
the oven, Off will blink on the appropriate line of the
components parameter listing.
If there is a detector pneumatics shutdown or failure in
another part of the detector, the detector On/Off line of the
detectors parameter list blinks.
For any flow or pressure parameter, and for oven
temperature, go to the blinking parameter, then press
[Off/No] to clear the fault. Resolve the problem if possible,
then press [On/Yes] on the parameter to use it again. If the
problem is not fixed, the fault will recur.

Operation Manual 33
3 Keypad Operation

If the shutdown includes safety concerns, for example a

shutdown for hydrogen carrier gas flow, you must power
cycle the GC. See the Troubleshooting manual for more
information.

34 Operation Manual
 Keypad Operation 3

About Logs
Three logs are accessible from the keypad: the run log, the
maintenance log, and the system event log. To access the
logs, press [Logs] then scroll to the desired log and press
[Enter]. The display will indicate the number of entries the
log contains. Scroll through the list.

Run log
The run log is cleared at the start of each new run. During
the run, any deviations from the planned method (including
keypad intervention) are listed in the run log table. When
the run log contains entries, the Run Log LED lights.

Maintenance log
The maintenance log contains entries made by the system
when any of the user- defined component counters reach a
monitored limit. The log entry contains a description of the
counter, its current value, the monitored limits, and which of
its limits has been reached. In addition, each user task
related to the counter is recorded in the log, including
resetting, enabling or disabling monitoring, and changing
limits or units (cycles or duration).

System event log

The system event log records significant events during the
GCs operation. Some of the events also appear in the run
log if they are in effect during a run.

Operation Manual 35
3 Keypad Operation

36 Operation Manual
Agilent 7890B Gas Chromatograph
Operation Manual

4
Methods and Sequences
What Is a Method? 38
What Is Saved in a Method? 38
What Happens When You Load a Method? 39
Creating Methods 40
To program a method 41
To load a method 41
To store a method 41
Method mismatch 41
What Is a Sequence? 43
Creating Sequences 43
About the priority sequence 44
To program a sequence 44
To program a priority sequence 45
To program an ALS subsequence 45
To program a valve subsequence 46
To program post sequence events 46
To store a sequence 46
To load a stored sequence 47
To determine sequence status 47
Automating Data Analysis, Method Development, and Sequence
Development 47

Agilent Technologies 37
4 Methods and Sequences

What Is a Method?
A method is the group of settings required to analyze a
specific sample.
Since every type of sample reacts differently in the GCsome
samples require a higher oven temperature, others require a
lower gas pressure or a different detectora unique method
must be created for each specific type of analysis.

What Is Saved in a Method?

Some of the settings saved in a method define how the
sample will be processed when the method is used.
Examples of method settings include:
The oven temperature program
The type of carrier gas and flows
The type of detector and flows
The type of inlet and flows
The type of column
The length of time to process a sample
Data analysis and reporting parameters are also stored in a
method when it is created on an Agilent data system, for
example OpenLAB CDS or MassHunter software. These
parameters describe how to interpret the chromatogram
generated by the sample and what type of report to print.
See the Advanced Operation Manual for more details on
what can be included in a method.

38 Operation Manual
 Methods and Sequences 4

What Happens When You Load a Method?

There are two kinds of methods:
The active methodThis is sometimes referred to as the
current method. The settings defined in this method are
the settings the GC is currently maintaining.
Stored methodsUp to 9 user- created methods can be
stored in the GC, along with one SLEEP method, one
WAKE method, one CONDITION method, an MS VENT
method, and a default method.
When a method is loaded from the GC or Agilent data
system, the setpoints of the active method are immediately
replaced with the setpoints of the method loaded.
The method loaded becomes the active (current) method.
The Not Ready light will stay lit until the GC reaches all
of the settings specified by the method that was just
loaded.
Refer to Running a Method or a Sequence from the Keypad
for details on using the keypad to load, modify, and save
methods.

Operation Manual 39
4 Methods and Sequences

Creating Methods
A method is the group of setpoints needed to run a single
sample on the GC, such as oven temperature programs,
pressure programs, inlet temperatures, sampler parameters,
and so forth. A method is created by saving a group of
setpoints as a numbered method using the [Store] key.
The GC also can store several specialized methods. The GC
stores three methods used for resource conservation, called
SLEEP, CONDITION, and WAKE. When configured for use with
an attached MS, the GC also provides a method called MS
VENT, used to change GC setpoints to values appropriate for
a safe MS venting process. See Early Maintenance Feedback
on page 119 and GC- MS Features on page 131 for more
information about these specialized methods.
Components for which setpoint parameters can be stored are
shown in Table 2.

Table 2 Setpoint parameter components

Component Component
Oven Aux temp
Valve 18 Aux EPC
Front and back inlet Aux column
Columns 1 to 6 Aux detector 1 and 2
Front and back detector Post run
Analog 1 and 2 Run table
Front and back injector Sample tray

The GC also saves ALS setpoints.

See the 7693A Installation, Operation, and Maintenance
manual for details on its setpoints.
See 7650 Installation, Operation, and Maintenance manual
for details on its setpoints.
Operating the 7683B ALS on a 7890 Series GC manual for
details on its setpoints.
Current setpoint parameters are saved when the GC is
turned off, and loaded when you turn the instrument back
on.

40 Operation Manual
 Methods and Sequences 4

To program a method
1 Individually select each component for which setpoint
parameters are appropriate for your method. (See
Table 2.)
2 Examine the current setpoints and modify as desired.
Repeat for each component as appropriate.
3 Examine the current setpoints for the ALS, if
appropriate, and modify as desired.
4 Save the setpoints as a stored method. (See To store a
method on page 41.)

To load a method
1 Press [Load].
2 Press [Method].
3 Enter the number of the method to be loaded (1 through
9).
4 Press [On/Yes] to load the method and replace the active
method. Alternatively, press [Off/No] to return to the
stored methods list without loading the method.

To store a method
1 Ensure that the proper parameters are set.
2 Press [Method].
3 Scroll to the method to store, then press [Enter].
4 Press [On/Yes] to store the method and replace the active
method. Alternatively, press [Off/No] to return to the
stored methods list without storing the method.

Method mismatch
This section applies only to a standalone (not connected to a
data system) GC. When a data system, such as OpenLAB
CDS or MassHunter, controls the GC, methods are stored in
the data system and can be edited there. See your data
system documentation for more information.
Suppose your standalone GC is equipped with a single FID.
You have created and saved methods that use this detector.
Now you remove the FID and install a TCD in its place.

Operation Manual 41
4 Methods and Sequences

When you try to load one of your stored methods, you

observe an error message saying that the method and the
hardware do not match.
The problem is that the actual hardware is no longer the
same as the hardware configuration saved in the method.
The method cannot run because it does not know how to
operate the recently- added TCD.
On inspecting the method, you find that the detector- related
parameters have all been reset to the default values.
Method mismatch occurs only for electronic devices in the
GC, such as inlets, detectors, and EPC modules. The GC does
generate a mismatch for consumables such as columns,
liners, and syringes.

Correcting a method mismatch on a standalone GC

This problem can be avoided if you follow this procedure for
any hardware change, even including the simple replacement
of a defective detector board.
1 Before changing any hardware, press [Config][hardware
module], where [hardware module] is the device you intend
to replace, for example, [Config][Front Detector].
2 Press [Mode/Type]. Select Remove module and press [Enter].
The module is now Unconfigured.
3 Turn the GC off.
4 Make the hardware change that you intended (in this
example, remove the FID and its flow module and replace
them with the TCD and its module).
5 Turn the GC on. Press [Config][hardware module], for
example, [Config][Front Detector]
6 Press [Mode/Type]. Select Install module and press [Enter].
The GC will install the new hardware module, which
corrects the active method (but not the stored one!).
7 Save the corrected method using the same number (which
overwrites the stored method) or a new number (which
leave the original method unchanged).

42 Operation Manual
 Methods and Sequences 4

What Is a Sequence?
A sequence is a list of samples to be analyzed along with the
method to be used for each analysis.
Refer to Running a Method or a Sequence from the Keypad
and Creating Sequences for details on how to create, load,
modify, and save sequences using the keypad.

Creating Sequences
A sequence specifies the samples to be run and the stored
method to be used for each. The sequence is divided into a
priority sequence (ALS only), subsequences (each of which
uses a single method), and post- sequence events
Priority sequence allows you to interrupt a running ALS
or valve sequence to analyze urgent samples. (See About
the priority sequence on page 44.)
Subsequences contain the stored method number and
information that defines a set of vials (or valve positions)
to be analyzed using a particular method. Sampler and/or
valve subsequences can be used in the same sequence.
Post sequence names a method to be loaded and run
after the last run in the last subsequence. Specifies
whether the sequence is to be repeated indefinitely or
halted after the last subsequence.
Samples in each subsequence are specified as either ALS
tray locations or sampling valve positions (gas or liquid
sampling valves, often with a stream selection valve).
Five sequences with up to five subsequences each can be
stored.

Operation Manual 43
4 Methods and Sequences

About the priority sequence

The priority sequence consists of a single sampler or valve
subsequence and a special Use priority parameter, which can
be activated at any time, even when a sequence is running.
This feature allows you to interrupt a running sequence
without having to edit it.
If Use priority is On, then:
1 The GC and ALS complete the current run, then the
sequence pauses.
2 The GC runs the priority sequence.
3 The GC resets the Use priority parameter to Off.
4 The main sequence resumes where it paused.

To program a sequence
1 Press [Seq]. (Press again, if necessary, to display
subsequence information.)
2 Create a priority sequence, if desired. (See To program a
priority sequence on page 45.) If you might want to use
a priority sequence, you must program it now. (Once the
sequence starts, you cannot edit it without stopping it.)
3 Scroll to the Method # line of Subseq 1 and enter a method
number. Use 1 to 9 for the stored methods, 0 for the
currently active method, or [Off/No] to end the sequence.
4 Press [Mode/Type] to select a valve or injector type. (See
To program a valve subsequence on page 46 or To
program an ALS subsequence on page 45.)
5 Create the next subsequence or scroll to Post Sequence.
(See To program post sequence events on page 46.)
6 Save the completed sequence. (See To store a sequence
on page 46.)

44 Operation Manual
 Methods and Sequences 4

To program a priority sequence

1 Press [Seq]. (Press again, if necessary, to display
subsequence information.)
2 Scroll to Priority Method # and enter a method number. Use
1 to 9 for the stored methods, 0 for the currently active
method, or [Off/No] to end the sequence. Press [Enter].
The active method, 0, will change during the sequence if
the subsequences use stored methods. Therefore,
method 0 should be chosen for the priority sequence only
if all subsequences use method 0.
3 Press [Mode/Type] and select the injector type.
4 Program the ALS subsequence. (See To program an ALS
subsequence on page 45.)
5 Store the completed sequence. (See To store a sequence
on page 46.)
Once a priority subsequence exists in a sequence, you can
activate it when the urgent samples are ready to be
processed by:
1 Press [Seq]. (Press again, if necessary, to display
subsequence information.)
2 Scroll to Use Priority and press [On/Yes].
When the priority samples are completed, the normal
sequence resumes.

To program an ALS subsequence

1 See step 1 through step 3 of To program a sequence on
page 44.
2 Press [Mode/Type] and select the injector type.
3 Enter injector sequence parameters (if using both
injectors, there will be two sets of parameters):
Number of Injections/vialthe number of repeat runs from
each vial. Enter 0 if no samples are to be injected. For
example, you could enter 0 to perform a blank (no
injection) run to clean the system after running a dirty
sample.
Samplesthe range (firstlast) of sample vials to be
analyzed.
4 Proceed with step 5 of To program a sequence on
page 44.

Operation Manual 45
4 Methods and Sequences

To program a valve subsequence

1 See step 1 through step 3 of To program a sequence on
page 44.
2 Press [Mode/Type] and select Valve.
3 Enter the valve sequence parameters (the first three
appear only if a multiposition valve is configured):
#inj/positionnumber of injections at each position
(099)
Position rngfirstlast valve positions to sample (132)
Times thru rangenumber of times to repeat the range
(199)
# injectionsnumber of injections for each sample
4 Proceed with step 5 of To program a sequence on
page 44.

To program post sequence events

1 See step 1 through step 4 of To program a sequence on
page 44.
2 Scroll to the Method # line of Post Sequence and enter a
method number. Use 1 to 9 for the stored methods, or 0 if
there is no method to be loaded (keep the active method
loaded).
3 Press [On/Yes] at Repeat sequence to keep repeating the
sequence (useful for valve sequences). Otherwise, press
[Off/No] to halt the sequence when all subsequences are
finished.

To store a sequence
1 Press [Store][Seq].
2 Enter an identifying number for the sequence (19).
3 Press [On/Yes] to store the sequence. Alternatively, press
[Off/No] to cancel.
A message is displayed if a sequence with the number
you selected already exists.
Press [On/Yes] to replace the existing sequence or
[Off/No] to cancel.
Sequences can also be stored from within the stored
sequence list ([Seq]) by scrolling to the appropriate sequence
number and pressing the [Store] key.

46 Operation Manual
 Methods and Sequences 4

To load a stored sequence

1 Press [Load][Seq].
2 Enter the number of the sequence to be loaded (19).
3 Press [On/Yes] to load the sequence or [Off/No] to cancel
the load.
An error message is displayed if the specified sequence
number has not been stored.

To determine sequence status

Press [Seq Control] to display the current status of the active
sequence. There are six possible sequence status modes:
Start/running
Ready wait
Paused/resume
Stopped
Aborted
No sequence

Automating Data Analysis, Method Development, and Sequence

Development
The output of the detectors is digitized and can be sent to
an automated data analysis system (such as Agilent
OpenLAB CDS), where it is analyzed and the results
summarized in reports.
The Agilent data system also can be used to create and store
methods and sequences that are sent to the GC through a
network.

Operation Manual 47
4 Methods and Sequences

48 Operation Manual
Agilent 7890B Gas Chromatograph
Operation Manual

5
Running a Method or a Sequence from
the Keypad
Running Methods from the Keypad 50
Running Sequences from the Keypad 51

This section explains how to load, store, and run a method

or sequence using the GC keypad, without the use of an
Agilent data system. The keypad can be used to select and
run a method or automated sequence stored in the GC and
run it. In this case, the data generated from the run is
normally sent to an integrator for the data analysis report.
For information on creating a method or sequence using
keypad entry, see Chapter 4, Methods and Sequences."

Agilent Technologies 49
5 Running a Method or a Sequence from the Keypad

Running Methods from the Keypad

To manually inject a sample with a syringe and start a run

1 Prepare the sample syringe for injection.
2 Load the desired method. (See "To load a method".)
3 Press [Prep Run].
4 Wait for STATUS Ready for Injection to be displayed.
5 Insert the syringe needle through the septum and all the
way into the inlet.
6 Simultaneously depress the syringe plunger to inject the
sample and press [Start].

To run a method to process a single ALS sample

1 Prepare the sample for injection.
2 Load the sample vial into the assigned location in the
ALS tray or turret.
3 Load the desired method. (See "To load a method".)
4 Press [Start] on the GC keypad to initiate the ALS syringe
cleaning, sample loading, and sample injection method.
After the sample is loaded into the syringe, the sample is
automatically injected when the GC reaches the ready
state.

To abort a method
1 Press [Stop].
2 When you are ready to resume running analyses, load the
appropriate sequence or method. (See "To load a method"
or "To load a stored sequence".)

50 Operation Manual
 Running a Method or a Sequence from the Keypad 5

Running Sequences from the Keypad

A sequence can specify up to five subsequences to be run,
as well as priority (ALS only) and post- run sequences, if
defined. Each sequence is stored as a number (from 1 to 9).

To start running a sequence

1 Load the sequence. (See "To load a stored sequence".)
2 Press [Seq Control].
3 Verify the status of the sequence:
Runningthe sequence is running
Ready/waitthe instrument is not ready (due to oven
temperature, equilibration times, and so forth.)
Pausedthe sequence is paused
Stoppedproceed to step 4
Abortedthe sequence stopped without waiting for the
run to finish (See "Aborting a sequence".)
No sequencethe sequence is off or not defined
4 Scroll to the Start sequence line and press [Enter] to change
the status to Running.
The Run LED will light and stay lit until the sequence is
completed. The sequence continues to run until all
subsequences are executed or until the sequence is
aborted.

Ready wait
If a sequence is started but the instrument is not ready (due
to oven temperature, equilibration times, and so forth), the
sequence will not start until all instrument setpoints are
ready.

To pause a running sequence

1 Press [Seq Control].
2 Scroll to Pause sequence and press [Enter].

The sequence stops when the current sample run is

complete. The sequence status changes to paused, and you
are given the option to resume or stop the paused
sequence.

Operation Manual 51
5 Running a Method or a Sequence from the Keypad

To resume a paused sequence

1 Press [Seq Control].
2 Scroll to Resume sequence and press [Enter].

The sequence resumes with the next sample.

To stop a running sequence

1 Press [Seq Control].
2 Scroll to Stop sequence and press [Enter].

The sequence stops at the end of the currently running

subsequence unless [Seq] > Repeat sequence is On. The
sampler tray halts immediately. A stopped sequence can
only be restarted from the beginning.

To resume a stopped sequence

1 Press [Seq Control].
2 Scroll to Resume sequence and press [Enter].

The sequence restarts from the beginning of the sequence.

Aborting a sequence
When a sequence is aborted, it stops immediately without
waiting for the current run to finish.
The following will cause a sequence to abort:
The [Stop] key is pressed.
A sampler error occurs, producing an error message.
The GC detects a configuration mismatch during a method
load.
A running sequence tries to load a method that doesnt
exist.
The sampler is turned off. You can correct the problem
and then resume the sequence. The aborted sample run
will be repeated.

To resume an aborted sequence

1 Correct the problem. (See "Aborting a sequence".)
2 Press [Seq Control].
3 Scroll to Resume sequence and press [Enter].

The aborted sample run will be repeated.

52 Operation Manual
Agilent 7890B Gas Chromatograph
Operation Manual

6
Chromatographic Checkout

About Chromatographic Checkout 54

To Prepare for Chromatographic Checkout 55
To Check FID Performance 57
To Check TCD Performance 62
To Check NPD Performance 67
To Check uECD Performance 72
To Check FPD+ Performance (Sample 5188-5953) 77
To Check FPD+ Performance (Sample 5188-5245, Japan) 84
To Check FPD Performance (Sample 5188-5953) 91
To Check FPD Performance (Sample 5188-5245, Japan) 99

This section described the general procedure for verifying

performance against the original factory standards. The
checkout procedures described here assume a GC that has
been in use for some period of time. Therefore the
procedures ask that you perform bakeouts, replace
consumable hardware, install the checkout column, and so
forth. For a new GC installation, refer to Installation and
First Startup manual for the steps you can skip in this case.

Agilent Technologies 53
6 Chromatographic Checkout

About Chromatographic Checkout

The tests described in this section provide basic
confirmation that the GC and detector can perform
comparably to factory condition. However, as detectors and
the other parts of the GC age, detector performance can
change. The results presented here represent typical outputs
for typical operating conditions and are not specifications.
The tests assume the following:
Use of an automatic liquid sampler. If not available, use a
suitable manual syringe instead of the syringe listed.
Use of a 10- L syringe in most cases. However, a 5- L
syringe is an acceptable substitute.
Use of the septa and other hardware (liners, jets,
adapters, and so forth) described. If you substitute other
hardware, performance can vary.

54 Operation Manual
 Chromatographic Checkout 6

To Prepare for Chromatographic Checkout

Because of the differences in chromatographic performance
associated with different consumables, Agilent strongly
recommends using the parts listed here for all checkout
tests. Agilent also recommends installing new consumable
parts whenever the quality of the installed ones is not
known. For example, installing a new liner and septum
ensures that they will not contribute any contamination to
the results.
When the GC is delivered from the factory, these consumable
parts are new and do not need replacement.

For a new GC, check the installed inlet liner. The liner shipped in the inlet
NOTE
may not be the liner recommended for checkout.

1 Check the indicators/dates on any gas supply traps.

Replace/recondition expended traps.
2 Install new consumable parts for the inlet and prepare
the correct injector syringe (and needle, as needed).

Table 3 Recommended parts for checkout by inlet type

Recommended part for checkout Part number

Split splitless inlet
Syringe, 10-L 5181-1267
O-ring 5188-5365
Septum 5183-4757
Liner 5062-3587 or
5181-3316
Multimode inlet
Syringe, 10-L 5181-1267
O-ring 5188-6405
Septum 5183-4757
Liner 5188-6568
Packed column inlet
Syringe, 10-L 5181-1267
O-ring 5080-8898

Operation Manual 55
6 Chromatographic Checkout

Table 3 Recommended parts for checkout by inlet type (continued)

Recommended part for checkout Part number

Septum 5183-4757
Cool on-column inlet
Septum 5183-4758
Septum nut 19245-80521
Syringe, 5-L on-column 5182-0836
0.32-mm needle for 5-L syringe 5182-0831
7693A ALS: Needle support insert, COC G4513-40529
7683B ALS: Needle support assembly for 0.25/0.32 mm G2913-60977
injections
Insert, fused silica, 0.32-mm id 19245-20525
PTV inlet
Syringe, 10-Lfor septum head 5181-1267
Syringe, 10-L, 23/42/HPfor septumless head 5181-8809
Inlet adapter, Graphpak-2M 5182-9761
Silver seal for Graphpak-2M 5182-9763
Glass liner, multibaffle 5183-2037
PTFE ferrule (septumless head) 5182-9748
Microseal replacement (if installed) 5182-3444
Ferrule, Graphpak-3D 5182-9749

56 Operation Manual
 Chromatographic Checkout 6

To Check FID Performance

1 Gather the following:
Evaluation column, HP- 5 30 m 0.32 mm 0.25 m
(19091J- 413)
FID performance evaluation (checkout) sample
(5188- 5372)
Chromatographic- grade isooctane
4- mL solvent and waste bottles or equivalent for
autoinjector
2- mL sample vials or equivalent for sample
Inlet and injector hardware (See To Prepare for
Chromatographic Checkout.)
2 Verify the following:
Capillary column jet installed. If not, select and install
a capillary column jet.
Capillary column adapter installed (adaptable FID
only). If not, install it.
Chromatographic- grade gases plumbed and configured:
helium as carrier gas, nitrogen, hydrogen, and air.
Empty waste vials loaded in sample turret.
4- mL solvent vial with diffusion cap filled with
isooctane and inserted in Solvent A injector position.
3 Replace consumable parts (liner, septum, traps, syringe,
and so forth) as needed for the checkout. See To Prepare
for Chromatographic Checkout.
4 Install the evaluation column. (See the procedure for the
SS, PP, COC, MMI, or PTV in the Maintenance manual.)
Bake out the evaluation column for at least 30 min at
180 C. (See the procedure for the SS, PP, COC, MMI,
or PTV in the Maintenance manual.)
Be sure to configure the column.
5 Check the FID baseline output. The output should be
between 5 pA and 20 pA and relatively stable. (If using a
gas generator or ultra pure gas, the signal may stabilize
below 5 pA.) If the output is outside this range or
unstable, resolve this problem before continuing.
6 If the output is too low:
Check that the electrometer is on.

Operation Manual 57
6 Chromatographic Checkout

Check that the flame is lit.

Check that the signal is set to the correct detector.
7 Create or load a method with the parameter values listed
in Table 4.

Table 4 FID Checkout Conditions

Column and sample

Type HP-5, 30 m 0.32 mm 0.25 m
(19091J-413)
Sample FID checkout 5188-5372
Column flow 6.5 mL/min
Column mode Constant flow
Split/splitless inlet
Temperature 250 C
Mode Splitless
Purge flow 40 mL/min
Purge time 0.5 min
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Gas saver Off
Multimode inlet
Mode Splitless
Inlet temperature 75 C
Initial time 0.1 min
Rate 1 720 C/min
Final temp 1 250 C
Final time 1 5.0 min
Purge time 1.0 min
Purge flow 40 mL/min
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Packed column inlet
Temperature 250 C
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Cool on-column inlet
Temperature Oven Track

58 Operation Manual
 Chromatographic Checkout 6

Table 4 FID Checkout Conditions (continued)

Septum purge 15 mL/min

PTV inlet
Mode Splitless
Inlet temperature 75 C
Initial time 0.1 min
Rate 1 720 C/min
Final temp 1 350 C
Final time 1 2 min
Rate 2 100 C/min
Final temp 2 250 C
Final time 2 0 min
Purge time 0.5 min
Purge flow 40 mL/min
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Detector
Temperature 300 C
H2 flow 30 mL/min
Air flow 400 mL/min
Makeup flow (N2) 25 mL/min
Lit offset Typically 2 pA
Oven
Initial temp 75 C
Initial time 0.5 min
Rate 1 20 C/min
Final temp 190 C
Final time 0 min
ALS settings (if installed)
Sample washes 2
Sample pumps 6
Sample wash volume 8
Injection volume 1 L
Syringe size 10 L

Operation Manual 59
6 Chromatographic Checkout

Table 4 FID Checkout Conditions (continued)

Solvent A pre washes 2

Solvent A post washes 2
Solvent A wash volume 8
Solvent B pre washes 0
Solvent B post washes 0
Solvent B wash volume 0
Injection mode (7693A) Normal
Airgap Volume (7693A) 0.20
Viscosity delay 0
Inject Dispense Speed (7693A) 6000
Plunger speed (7683) Fast, for all inlets except COC.
PreInjection dwell 0
PostInjection dwell 0
Manual injection
Injection volume 1 L
Data system
Data rate 5 Hz

8 If using a data system, prepare the data system to

perform one run using the loaded checkout method. Make
sure that the data system will output a chromatogram.
If not using a data system, create a one sample sequence
using the GC keypad.
9 Start the run.

If performing an injection using an autosampler, start the

run using the data system or press [Start] on the GC.

60 Operation Manual
 Chromatographic Checkout 6

If performing a manual injection (with or without a data

system):
a Press [Prep Run] to prepare the inlet for splitless
injection.
b When the GC becomes ready, inject 1 L of the
checkout sample and press [Start] on the GC.
c The following chromatogram shows typical results for a
new detector with new consumable parts installed and
nitrogen makeup gas.

FID1 A, (C:\FID.D)
pA
C15 C16
400

350

300

250

200

150

100

C13 C14
50

0
0 1 2 3 4 5 mi

Operation Manual 61
6 Chromatographic Checkout

To Check TCD Performance

1 Gather the following:
Evaluation column, HP- 5 30 m 0.32 mm 0.25 m
(19091J- 413)
FID/TCD performance evaluation (checkout) sample
(18710- 60170)
4- mL solvent and waste bottles or equivalent for
autoinjector
Chromatographic- grade hexane
2- mL sample vials or equivalent for sample
Chromatographic- grade helium as carrier, makeup, and
reference gas
Inlet and injector hardware (See To Prepare for
Chromatographic Checkout.)
2 Verify the following:
Chromatographic- grade gases plumbed and configured:
helium as carrier gas and reference gas.
Empty waste vials loaded in sample turret.
4- mL solvent vial with diffusion cap filled with hexane
and inserted in Solvent A injector position.
3 Replace consumable parts (liner, septum, traps, syringe,
and so forth) as needed for the checkout. See To Prepare
for Chromatographic Checkout.
4 Install the evaluation column. (See the procedure for the
SS, PP, COC, MMI, or PTV in the Maintenance manual.)
Bake out the evaluation column for at least 30 min at
180 C. (See the procedure for the SS, PP, COC, MMI,
or PTV in the Maintenance manual.)
Configure the column
5 Create or load a method with the parameter values listed
in Table 5.

Table 5 TCD Checkout Conditions

Column and sample

Type HP-5, 30 m 0.32 mm 0.25 m
(19091J-413)
Sample FID/TCD checkout 18710-60170

62 Operation Manual
 Chromatographic Checkout 6

Table 5 TCD Checkout Conditions (continued)

Column flow 6.5 mL/min

Column mode Constant flow
Split/splitless inlet
Temperature 250 C
Mode Splitless
Purge flow 60 mL/min
Purge time 0.75 min
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Multimode inlet
Mode Splitless
Inlet temperature 40 C
Initial time 0.1 min
Rate 1 720 C/min
Final temp 1 350 C
Final time 1 2 min
Purge time 1.0 min
Purge flow 40 mL/min
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Packed column inlet
Temperature 250 C
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Cool on-column inlet
Temperature Oven track
Septum purge 15 mL/min
PTV inlet
Mode Splitless
Inlet temperature 40 C
Initial time 0.1 min
Rate 1 720 C/min
Final temp 1 350 C
Final time 1 2 min
Rate 2 100 C/min

Operation Manual 63
6 Chromatographic Checkout

Table 5 TCD Checkout Conditions (continued)

Final temp 2 250 C

Final time 2 0 min
Purge time 0.5 min
Purge flow 40 mL/min
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Detector
Temperature 300 C
Reference flow (He) 20 mL/min
Makeup flow (He) 2 mL/min
Baseline output < 30 display counts on Agilent
OpenLAB CDS ChemStation Edition
(< 750 V)
Oven
Initial temp 40 C
Initial time 0 min
Rate 1 20 C/min
Final temp 90 C
Final time 0 min
Rate 2 15 C/min
Final temp 170 C
Final time 0 min
ALS settings (if installed)
Sample washes 2
Sample pumps 6
Sample wash volume 8
Injection volume 1 L
Syringe size 10 L
Solvent A pre washes 2
Solvent A post washes 2
Solvent A wash volume 8
Solvent B pre washes 0
Solvent B post washes 0

64 Operation Manual
 Chromatographic Checkout 6

Table 5 TCD Checkout Conditions (continued)

Solvent B wash volume 0

Injection mode (7693A) Normal
Airgap Volume (7693A) 0.20
Viscosity delay 0
Inject Dispense Speed (7693A) 6000
Plunger speed (7683) Fast, for all inlets except COC.
PreInjection dwell 0
PostInjection dwell 0
Manual injection
Injection volume 1 L
Data system
Data rate 5 Hz

6 Display the signal output. A stable output at any value

between 12.5 and 750 V (inclusive) is acceptable.
If the baseline output is < 0.5 display units (< 12.5 V),
verify that the detector filament is on. If the offset is
still < 0.5 display units (< 12.5 V), your detector
requires service.
If baseline output is > 30 display units (> 750 V),
there may be chemical contamination contributing to
the signal. Bakeout the TCD. If repeated cleanings do
not give an acceptable signal, check gas purity. Use
higher purity gases and/or install traps.
7 If using a data system, prepare the data system to
perform one run using the loaded checkout method. Make
sure that the data system will output a chromatogram.
8 Start the run.

If performing an injection using an autosampler, start the

run using the data system or press [Start] on the GC.

Operation Manual 65
6 Chromatographic Checkout

If performing a manual injection (with or without a data

system):
a Press [Prep Run] to prepare the inlet for splitless
injection.
b When the GC becomes ready, inject 1 L of the
checkout sample and press [Start] on the GC.
c The following chromatogram shows typical results for a
new detector with new consumable parts installed.

25 uV
70

C14 C15 C16

60

50

40

30

20
2 4 6 8
Time (min.)

66 Operation Manual
 Chromatographic Checkout 6

To Check NPD Performance

1 Gather the following:
Evaluation column, HP- 5 30 m 0.32 mm 0.25 m
(19091J- 413)
NPD performance evaluation (checkout) sample
(18789- 60060)
4- mL solvent and waste bottles or equivalent for
autoinjector.
Chromatographic- grade isooctane
2- mL sample vials or equivalent for sample.
Inlet and injector hardware (See To Prepare for
Chromatographic Checkout.)
2 Verify the following:
Capillary column jet installed. If not, select and install
a capillary column jet.
Capillary column adapter installed. If not, install it.
Chromatographic- grade gases plumbed and configured:
helium as carrier gas, nitrogen, hydrogen, and air.
Empty waste vials loaded in sample turret.
4- mL vial with diffusion cap filled with isooctane and
inserted in Solvent A injector position.
3 Replace consumable parts (liner, septum, traps, syringe,
and so forth) as needed for the checkout. See To Prepare
for Chromatographic Checkout.
4 If present, remove any protective caps from the inlet
manifold vents.
5 Install the evaluation column. (See the procedure for the
SS, PP, COC, MMI, or PTV in the Maintenance manual.)
Bake out the evaluation column for at least 30 min at
180 C. (See the procedure for the SS, PP, COC, MMI,
or PTV in the Maintenance manual.)
Be sure to configure the column
6 Create or load a method with the parameter values listed
in Table 6.

Operation Manual 67
6 Chromatographic Checkout

Table 6 NPD Checkout Conditions

Column and sample

Type HP-5, 30 m 0.32 mm 0.25 m
(19091J-413)
Sample NPD checkout 18789-60060
Column mode Constant flow
Column flow 6.5 mL/min (helium)
Split/splitless inlet
Temperature 200 C
Mode Splitless
Purge flow 60 mL/min
Purge time 0.75 min
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Multimode inlet
Mode Splitless
Inlet temperature 60 C
Initial time 0.1 min
Rate 1 720 C/min
Final temp 1 350 C
Final time 1 2 min
Purge time 1.0 min
Purge flow 60 mL/min
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Packed column inlet
Temperature 200 C
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Cool on-column inlet
Temperature Oven track
Septum purge 15 mL/min
PTV inlet
Mode Splitless
Inlet temperature 60 C

68 Operation Manual
 Chromatographic Checkout 6

Table 6 NPD Checkout Conditions (continued)

Initial time 0.1 min

Rate 1 720 C/min
Final temp 1 350 C
Final time 1 2 min
Rate 2 100 C/min
Final temp 2 250 C
Final time 2 0 min
Purge time 0.75 min
Purge flow 60 mL/min
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Detector
Temperature 300 C
H2 flow 3 mL/min
Air flow 60 mL/min
Makeup flow (N2) Makeup + column = 10 mL/min
Output 30 display units (30 pA)
Oven
Initial temp 60 C
Initial time 0 min
Rate 1 20 C/min
Final temp 200 C
Final time 3 min
ALS settings (if installed)
Sample washes 2
Sample pumps 6
Sample wash volume 8
Injection volume 1 L
Syringe size 10 L
Solvent A pre washes 2
Solvent A post washes 2
Solvent A wash volume 8
Solvent B pre washes 0

Operation Manual 69
6 Chromatographic Checkout

Table 6 NPD Checkout Conditions (continued)

Solvent B post washes 0

Solvent B wash volume 0
Injection mode (7693A) Normal
Airgap Volume (7693A) 0.20
Viscosity delay 0
Inject Dispense Speed (7693A) 6000
Plunger speed (7683) Fast, for all inlets except COC.
PreInjection dwell 0
PostInjection dwell 0
Manual injection
Injection volume 1 L
Data system
Data rate 5 Hz

7 If using a data system, prepare the data system to

perform one run using the loaded checkout method. Make
sure that the data system will output a chromatogram.
8 Start the run.

If performing an injection using an autosampler, start the

run using the data system, or creating a one sample
sequence and pressing [Start] on the GC.
If performing a manual injection (with or without a data
system):
a Press [Prep Run] to prepare the inlet for splitless
injection.
b When the GC becomes ready, inject 1 L of the
checkout sample and press [Start] on the GC.
c The following chromatogram shows typical results for a
new detector with new consumable parts installed.

70 Operation Manual
 Chromatographic Checkout 6

NPD1 B, (C:\NPD.D) Malathion

pA
70

60 Azobenzene

50

40

30

20
Octadecane
10

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 min

Operation Manual 71
6 Chromatographic Checkout

To Check uECD Performance

1 Gather the following:
Evaluation column, HP- 5 30 m 0.32 mm 0.25 m
(19091J- 413)
uECD performance evaluation (checkout) sample
(1871360040, Japan: 5183- 0379)
4- mL solvent and waste bottles or equivalent for
autoinjector.
Chromatographic- grade isooctane
2- mL sample vials or equivalent for sample.
Inlet and injector hardware (See To Prepare for
Chromatographic Checkout.)
2 Verify the following:
Clean fused silica indented mixing liner installed. If
not, install it.
Chromatographic- grade gases plumbed and configured:
helium for carrier gas, nitrogen for makeup.
Empty waste vials loaded in sample turret.
4- mL vial with diffusion cap filled with hexane and
inserted in Solvent A injector position.
3 Replace consumable parts (liner, septum, traps, syringe,
and so forth) as needed for the checkout. See To Prepare
for Chromatographic Checkout.
4 Install the evaluation column. (See the procedure for the
SS, PP, COC, MMI, or PTV in the Maintenance manual.)
Bake out the evaluation column for at least 30 minutes
at 180 C. (See the procedure for the SS, PP, COC,
MMI, or PTV in the Maintenance manual.)
Be sure to configure the column.
5 Display the signal output to determine baseline output. A
stable baseline output at any value between 0.5 and
1000 Hz (OpenLAB CDS ChemStation Edition display
units) (inclusive) is acceptable.
If the baseline output is < 0.5 Hz, verify that the
electrometer is on. If the offset is still < 0.5 Hz, your
detector requires service.

72 Operation Manual
 Chromatographic Checkout 6

If the baseline output is > 1000 Hz, there may be

chemical contamination contributing to the signal.
Bakeout the uECD. If repeated cleanings do not give an
acceptable signal, check gas purity. Use higher purity
gases and/or install traps.
6 Create or load a method with the parameter values listed
in Table 7.

Table 7 uECD Checkout Conditions

Column and sample

Type HP-5, 30 m 0.32 mm 0.25 m
(19091J-413
Sample ECD checkout (18713-60040 or
Japan: 5183-0379)
Column mode Constant flow
Column flow 6.5 mL/min (helium)
Split/splitless inlet
Temperature 200 C
Mode Splitless
Purge flow 60 mL/min
Purge time 0.75 min
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Multimode inlet
Mode Splitless
Inlet temperature 80 C
Initial time 0.1 min
Rate 1 720 C/min
Final temp 1 250 C
Final time 1 5 min
Purge time 1.0 min
Purge flow 60 mL/min
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Packed column inlet
Temperature 200 C
Septum purge 3 mL/min

Operation Manual 73
6 Chromatographic Checkout

Table 7 uECD Checkout Conditions (continued)

Cool on-column inlet

Temperature Oven track
Septum purge 15 mL/min
PTV inlet
Mode Splitless
Inlet temperature 80 C
Initial time 0.1 min
Rate 1 720 C/min
Final temp 1 350 C
Final time 1 2 min
Rate 2 100 C/min
Final temp 2 250 C
Final time 2 0 min
Purge time 0.75 min
Purge flow 60 mL/min
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Detector
Temperature 300 C
Makeup flow (N2) 30 mL/min (constant + makeup)
Baseline output Should be < 1000 display counts. In
Agilent OpenLAB CDS ChemStation
Edition (< 1000 Hz)
Oven
Initial temp 80 C
Initial time 0 min
Rate 1 15 C/min
Final temp 180 C
Final time 10 min
ALS settings (if installed)
Sample washes 2
Sample pumps 6
Sample wash volume 8

74 Operation Manual
 Chromatographic Checkout 6

Table 7 uECD Checkout Conditions (continued)

Injection volume 1 L
Syringe size 10 L
Solvent A pre washes 2
Solvent A post washes 2
Solvent A wash volume 8
Solvent B pre washes 0
Solvent B post washes 0
Solvent B wash volume 0
Injection mode (7693A) Normal
Airgap Volume (7693A) 0.20
Viscosity delay 0
Inject Dispense Speed (7693A) 6000
Plunger speed (7683) Fast, for all inlets except COC.
PreInjection dwell 0
PostInjection dwell 0
Manual injection
Injection volume 1 L
Data system
Data rate 5 Hz

7 If using a data system, prepare the data system to

perform one run using the loaded checkout method. Make
sure that the data system will output a chromatogram.
8 Start the run.

If performing an injection using an autosampler, start the

run using the data system or press [Start] on the GC.
If performing a manual injection (with or without a data
system):
a Press [Prep Run] to prepare the inlet for splitless
injection.
b When the GC becomes ready, inject 1 L of the
checkout sample and press [Start] on the GC.
9 The following chromatogram shows typical results for a
new detector with new consumable parts installed. The

Operation Manual 75
6 Chromatographic Checkout

Aldrin peak will be missing when using the Japanese

sample 5183- 0379.

ECD1 B, (C:\ECD.D)
Hz
Lindane
12000
(18713-60040
5183-0379)
10000

8000

6000 Aldrin
(18713-60040)

4000

2000

0
2 4 6 8 10 12 min

76 Operation Manual
 Chromatographic Checkout 6

To Check FPD+ Performance (Sample 5188-5953)

To check FPD+ performance, first check the phosphorus
performance, then the sulfur performance.

Preparation
1 Gather the following:
Evaluation column, HP- 5 30 m 0.32 mm 0.25 m
(19091J- 413)
FPD performance evaluation (checkout) sample
(5188- 5953), 2.5 mg/L ( 0.5%) methylparathion in
isooctane
Phosphorus filter
Sulfur filter and filter spacer
4- mL solvent and waste bottles or equivalent for
autoinjector.
2- mL sample vials or equivalent for sample.
Chromatographic- grade isooctane for syringe wash
solvent.
Inlet and injector hardware (See To Prepare for
Chromatographic Checkout.)
2 Verify the following:
Capillary column adapter installed. If not, install it.
Chromatographic- grade gases plumbed and configured:
helium as carrier gas, nitrogen, hydrogen, and air.
Empty waste vials loaded in sample turret.
4- mL vial with diffusion cap filled with isooctane and
inserted in Solvent A injector position.
3 Replace consumable parts (liner, septum, traps, syringe,
and so forth) as needed for the checkout. See To Prepare
for Chromatographic Checkout.
4 Verify that the Lit Offset is set appropriately. Typically, it
should be about 2.0 pA for the checkout method.
5 Install the evaluation column. (See the procedure for the
SS, PP, COC, MMI, or PTV in the Maintenance manual.)
Set the oven, inlet, and detector to 250 C and bake
out for at least 15 minutes. (See the procedure for the
SS, PP, COC, MMI, or PTV in the Maintenance manual.)
Be sure to configure the column.

Operation Manual 77
6 Chromatographic Checkout

Phosphorus performance
1 If it is not already installed, install the phosphorus filter.
2 Create or load a method with the parameter values listed
in Table 10.

Table 8 FPD+ Checkout Conditions (P)

Column and sample

Type HP-5, 30 m 0.32 mm 0.25 m
(19091J-413)
Sample FPD checkout (5188-5953)
Column mode Constant pressure
Column pressure 25 psi
Split/splitless inlet
Temperature 200 C Split/splitless
Mode Splitless
Purge flow 60 mL/min
Purge time 0.75 min
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Multimode inlet
Mode Splitless
Inlet temperature 75 C
Initial time 0.1 min
Rate 1 720 C/min
Final temp 1 250 C
Final time 1 5.0 min
Purge time 1.0 min
Purge flow 60 mL/min
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Packed column inlet
Temperature 200 C
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Cool on-column inlet
Temperature Oven track

78 Operation Manual
 Chromatographic Checkout 6

Table 8 FPD+ Checkout Conditions (continued)(P)

Septum purge 15 mL/min

PTV inlet
Mode Splitless
Inlet temperature 75 C
Initial time 0.1 min
Rate 1 720 C/min
Final temp 1 350 C
Final time 1 2 min
Rate 2 100 C/min
Final temp 2 250 C
Final time 2 0 min
Purge time 0.75 min
Purge flow 60 mL/min
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Detector
Temperature 200 C (On)
Hydrogen flow 60 mL/min (On)
Air (Oxidizer) flow 60 mL/min (On)
Mode Constant makeup flow OFF
Makeup flow 60 mL/min (On)
Makeup gas type Nitrogen
Flame On
Lit offset Typically 2 pA
PMT voltage On
Emission Block 125 C
Oven
Initial temp 70 C
Initial time 0 min
Rate 1 25 C/min
Final temp 1 150 C
Final time 1 0 min
Rate 2 5 C/min

Operation Manual 79
6 Chromatographic Checkout

Table 8 FPD+ Checkout Conditions (continued)(P)

Final temp 2 190 C

Final time 2 4 min
ALS settings (if installed)
Sample washes 2
Sample pumps 6
Sample wash volume 8
Injection volume 1 L
Syringe size 10 L
Solvent A pre washes 2
Solvent A post washes 2
Solvent A wash volume 8
Solvent B pre washes 0
Solvent B post washes 0
Solvent B wash volume 0
Injection mode (7693A) Normal
Airgap Volume (7693A) 0.20
Viscosity delay 0
Inject Dispense Speed (7693A) 6000
Plunger speed (7683) Fast, for all inlets except COC.
PreInjection dwell 0
PostInjection dwell 0
Manual injection
Injection volume 1 L
Data system
Data rate 5 Hz

3 Ignite the FPD flame, if not lit.

80 Operation Manual
 Chromatographic Checkout 6

4 Display the signal output and monitor. This output

typically runs between 40 and 55 but can be as high as
70. Wait for the output to stabilize. This takes
approximately 1 hour.
If the baseline output is too high:
Check column installation. If installed too high, the
stationary phase burns in the flame and increases
measured output.
Check for leaks.
Bake out the detector and column at 250 C.
Wrong flows set for installed filter.
If the baseline output is zero, verify the electrometer is on
and the flame is lit.
5 If using a data system, prepare the data system to
perform one run using the loaded checkout method. Make
sure that the data system will output a chromatogram.
6 Start the run.

If performing an injection using an autosampler, start the

run using the data system or press [Start] on the GC.

Operation Manual 81
6 Chromatographic Checkout

If performing a manual injection (with or without a data

system):
a Press [Prep Run] to prepare the inlet for splitless
injection.
b When the GC becomes ready, inject 1 L of the
checkout sample and press [Start] on the GC.
c The following chromatogram shows typical results for a
new detector with new consumable parts installed.

Methylparathion

Isooctane

Sulfur performance
1 Install the sulfur filter and filter spacer.
2 Ignite the FPD flame if not lit.
3 Display the signal output and monitor. This output
typically runs between 50 and 60 but can be as high as
70. Wait for the output to stabilize. This takes
approximately 1 hour.
If the baseline output is too high:
Check column installation. If installed too high, the
stationery phase burns in the flame and increases
measured output.
Check for leaks.
Bake out the detector and column at 250 C.
Wrong flows set for installed filter.

82 Operation Manual
 Chromatographic Checkout 6

If the baseline output is zero, verify the electrometer is on

and the flame is lit.
4 If using a data system, prepare the data system to
perform one run using the loaded checkout method. Make
sure that the data system will output a chromatogram.
5 Start the run.

If performing an injection using an autosampler, start the

run using the data system or press [Start] on the GC.
If performing a manual injection (with or without a data
system):
a Press [Prep Run] to prepare the inlet for splitless
injection.
b When the GC becomes ready, inject 1 L of the
checkout sample and press [Start] on the GC.
6 The following chromatogram shows typical results for a
new detector with new consumable parts installed.

Methylparathion

Isooctane

Operation Manual 83
6 Chromatographic Checkout

To Check FPD+ Performance (Sample 5188-5245, Japan)

To verify FPD+ performance, first check the phosphorus
performance, then the sulfur performance.

Preparation
1 Gather the following:
Evaluation column, DB5 15 m 0.32 mm 1.0 m
(123- 5513)
FPD performance evaluation (checkout) sample
(5188- 5245, Japan), composition: n- Dodecane
7499 mg/L ( 5%), Dodecanethiol 2.0 mg/L ( 5%),
Tributyl Phosphate 2.0 mg/L ( 5%), tert- Butyldisulfide
1.0 mg/L ( 5%), in isooctane as solvent
Phosphorus filter
Sulfur filter and filter spacer
4- mL solvent and waste bottles or equivalent for
autoinjector.
2- mL sample vials or equivalent for sample.
Chromatographic- grade isooctane for syringe wash
solvent.
Inlet and injector hardware (See To Prepare for
Chromatographic Checkout.)
2 Verify the following:
Capillary column adapter installed. If not, install it.
Chromatographic- grade gases plumbed and configured:
helium as carrier gas, nitrogen, hydrogen, and air.
Empty waste vials loaded in sample turret.
4- mL vial with diffusion cap filled with isooctane and
inserted in Solvent A injector position.
3 Replace consumable parts (liner, septum, traps, syringe,
and so forth) as needed for the checkout. See To Prepare
for Chromatographic Checkout.
4 Verify the lit offset is set appropriately. Typically, it
should be about 2.0 pA for the checkout method.
5 Install the evaluation column. (See the procedure for the
SS, PP, COC, MMI, or PTV in the Maintenance manual.)

84 Operation Manual
 Chromatographic Checkout 6

Set the oven, inlet, and detector to 250 C and bake

out for at least 15 minutes. (See the procedure for the
SS, PP, COC, MMI, or PTV in the Maintenance manual.)
Configure the column.

Phosphorus performance
1 If it is not already installed, install the phosphorus filter.
2 Create or load a method with the parameter values listed
in Table 12.

Table 9 FPD+ Phosphorus Checkout Conditions

Column and sample

Type DB-5MS, 15 m 0.32 mm 1.0 m
(123-5513)
Sample FPD checkout (5188-5245)
Column mode Constant flow
Column flow 7.5 mL/min
Split/splitless inlet
Temperature 250 C
Mode Splitless
Total purge flow 69.5 mL/min
Purge flow 60 mL/min
Purge time 0.75 min
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Multimode inlet
Mode Splitless
Inlet temperature 80 C
Initial time 0.1 min
Rate 1 720 C/min
Final temp 1 250 C
Final time 1 5.0 min
Purge time 1.0 min
Purge flow 60 mL/min
Septum purge 3 mL/min

Operation Manual 85
6 Chromatographic Checkout

Table 9 FPD+ Phosphorus Checkout Conditions (continued)

Packed column inlet

Temperature 250 C
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Cool on-column inlet
Temperature Oven track
Septum purge 15 mL/min
PTV inlet
Mode Splitless
Inlet temperature 80 C
Initial time 0.1 min
Rate 1 720 C/min
Final temp 1 350 C
Final time 1 2 min
Rate 2 100 C/min
Final temp 2 250 C
Final time 2 0 min
Purge time 0.75 min
Purge flow 60 mL/min
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Detector
Temperature 200 C (On)
Hydrogen flow 60.0 mL/min (On)
Air (oxidizer) flow 60.0 mL/min (On)
Mode Constant makeup flow Off
Makeup flow 60.0 mL/min (On)
Makeup gas type Nitrogen
Flame On
Lit offset Typically 2 pA
PMT voltage On
Emission Block 125 C
Oven
Initial temp 70 C

86 Operation Manual
 Chromatographic Checkout 6

Table 9 FPD+ Phosphorus Checkout Conditions (continued)

Initial time 0 min

Rate 1 10 C/min
Final temp 105 C
Final time 0 min
Rate 2 20 C/min
Final temp 2 190 C
Final time 2 7.25 min for sulfur
12.25 min for phosphorus
ALS settings (if installed)
Sample washes 2
Sample pumps 6
Sample wash volume 8
Injection volume 1 L
Syringe size 10 L
Solvent A pre washes 2
Solvent A post washes 2
Solvent A wash volume 8
Solvent B pre washes 0
Solvent B post washes 0
Solvent B wash volume 0
Injection mode (7693A) Normal
Airgap Volume (7693A) 0.20
Viscosity delay 0
Inject Dispense Speed (7693A) 6000
Plunger speed (7683) Fast, for all inlets except COC.
PreInjection dwell 0
PostInjection dwell 0
Manual injection
Injection volume 1 L
Data System
Data rate 5 Hz

Operation Manual 87
6 Chromatographic Checkout

3 Ignite the FPD flame, if not lit.

4 Display the signal output and monitor. This output
typically runs between 40 and 55 but can be as high as
70. Wait for the output to stabilize. This takes
approximately 1 hour.
If the baseline output is too high:
Check column installation. If installed too high, the
stationery phase burns in the flame and increases
measured output.
Check for leaks.
Bake out the detector and column at 250 C.
Wrong flows set for installed filter
If the baseline output is zero, verify the electrometer is on
and the flame is lit.
5 If using a data system, prepare the data system to
perform one run using the loaded checkout method. Make
sure that the data system will output a chromatogram.
6 Start the run.

If performing an injection using an autosampler, start the

run using the data system or press [Start] on the GC.
If performing a manual injection (with or without a data
system):
a Press [Prep Run] to prepare the inlet for splitless
injection.
b When the GC becomes ready, inject 1 L of the
checkout sample and press [Start] on the GC.

88 Operation Manual
 Chromatographic Checkout 6

7 The following chromatogram shows typical results for a

new detector with new consumable parts installed.

Tributylphosphate

Isooctane t-Butyldisulfide

Sulfur performance
1 Install the sulfur filter.
2 Ignite the FPD flame, if not lit.
3 Display the signal output and monitor. This output
typically runs between 50 and 60 but can be as high as
70. Wait for the output to stabilize. This takes
approximately 2 hours.
If the baseline output is too high:
Check column installation. If installed too high, the
stationery phase burns in the flame and increases
measured output.
Check for leaks.
Bake out the detector and column at 250 C.
Wrong flows set for installed filter
If the baseline output is zero, verify the electrometer is on
and the flame is lit.
4 If using a data system, prepare the data system to
perform one run using the loaded checkout method. Make
sure the data system will output a chromatogram.

Operation Manual 89
6 Chromatographic Checkout

5 Start the run.

If performing an injection using an autosampler, start the

run using the data system or press [Start] on the GC.
If performing a manual injection (with or without a data
system):
a Press [Prep Run] to prepare the inlet for splitless
injection.
b When the GC becomes ready, inject 1 L of the
checkout sample and press [Start] on the GC.
6 The following chromatogram shows typical results for a
new detector with new consumable parts installed.

t-Butyldisulfide

1-Dodecanethiol

Isooctane

90 Operation Manual
 Chromatographic Checkout 6

To Check FPD Performance (Sample 5188-5953)

To check FPD performance, first check the phosphorus
performance, then the sulfur performance.

Preparation
1 Gather the following:
Evaluation column, HP- 5 30 m 0.32 mm 0.25 m
(19091J- 413)
FPD performance evaluation (checkout) sample
(5188- 5953), 2.5 mg/L ( 0.5%) methylparathion in
isooctane
Phosphorus filter
Sulfur filter and filter spacer
4- mL solvent and waste bottles or equivalent for
autoinjector.
2- mL sample vials or equivalent for sample.
Chromatographic- grade isooctane for syringe wash
solvent.
Inlet and injector hardware (See To Prepare for
Chromatographic Checkout.)
2 Verify the following:
Capillary column adapter installed. If not, install it.
Chromatographic- grade gases plumbed and configured:
helium as carrier gas, nitrogen, hydrogen, and air.
Empty waste vials loaded in sample turret.
4- mL vial with diffusion cap filled with isooctane and
inserted in Solvent A injector position.
3 Replace consumable parts (liner, septum, traps, syringe,
and so forth) as needed for the checkout. See To Prepare
for Chromatographic Checkout.
4 Verify that the Lit Offset is set appropriately. Typically, it
should be about 2.0 pA for the checkout method.
5 Install the evaluation column. (See the procedure for the
SS, PP, COC, MMI, or PTV in the Maintenance manual.)
Set the oven, inlet, and detector to 250 C and bake
out for at least 15 minutes. (See the procedure for the
SS, PP, COC, MMI, or PTV in the Maintenance manual.)
Be sure to configure the column.

Operation Manual 91
6 Chromatographic Checkout

Phosphorus performance
1 If it is not already installed, install the phosphorus filter.
2 Create or load a method with the parameter values listed
in Table 10.

Table 10 FPD Checkout Conditions (P)

Column and sample

Type HP-5, 30 m 0.32 mm 0.25 m
(19091J-413)
Sample FPD checkout (5188-5953)
Column mode Constant pressure
Column pressure 25 psi
Split/splitless inlet
Temperature 200 C Split/splitless
Mode Splitless
Purge flow 60 mL/min
Purge time 0.75 min
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Multimode inlet
Mode Splitless
Inlet temperature 75 C
Initial time 0.1 min
Rate 1 720 C/min
Final temp 1 250 C
Final time 1 5.0 min
Purge time 1.0 min
Purge flow 60 mL/min
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Packed column inlet
Temperature 200 C
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Cool on-column inlet
Temperature Oven track

92 Operation Manual
 Chromatographic Checkout 6

Table 10 FPD Checkout Conditions (continued)(P)

Septum purge 15 mL/min

PTV inlet
Mode Splitless
Inlet temperature 75 C
Initial time 0.1 min
Rate 1 720 C/min
Final temp 1 350 C
Final time 1 2 min
Rate 2 100 C/min
Final temp 2 250 C
Final time 2 0 min
Purge time 0.75 min
Purge flow 60 mL/min
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Detector
Temperature 200 C (On)
Hydrogen flow 75 mL/min (On)
Air (Oxidizer) flow 100 mL/min (On)
Mode Constant makeup flow OFF
Makeup flow 60 mL/min (On)
Makeup gas type Nitrogen
Flame On
Lit offset Typically 2 pA
PMT voltage On
Oven
Initial temp 70 C
Initial time 0 min
Rate 1 25 C/min
Final temp 1 150 C
Final time 1 0 min
Rate 2 5 C/min
Final temp 2 190 C

Operation Manual 93
6 Chromatographic Checkout

Table 10 FPD Checkout Conditions (continued)(P)

Final time 2 4 min

ALS settings (if installed)
Sample washes 2
Sample pumps 6
Sample wash volume 8
Injection volume 1 L
Syringe size 10 L
Solvent A pre washes 2
Solvent A post washes 2
Solvent A wash volume 8
Solvent B pre washes 0
Solvent B post washes 0
Solvent B wash volume 0
Injection mode (7693A) Normal
Airgap Volume (7693A) 0.20
Viscosity delay 0
Inject Dispense Speed (7693A) 6000
Plunger speed (7683) Fast, for all inlets except COC.
PreInjection dwell 0
PostInjection dwell 0
Manual injection
Injection volume 1 L
Data system
Data rate 5 Hz

3 Ignite the FPD flame, if not lit.

94 Operation Manual
 Chromatographic Checkout 6

4 Display the signal output and monitor. This output

typically runs between 40 and 55 but can be as high as
70. Wait for the output to stabilize. This takes
approximately 1 hour.
If the baseline output is too high:
Check column installation. If installed too high, the
stationery phase burns in the flame and increases
measured output.
Check for leaks.
Bake out the detector and column at 250 C.
Wrong flows set for installed filter.
If the baseline output is zero, verify the electrometer is on
and the flame is lit.
5 If using a data system, prepare the data system to
perform one run using the loaded checkout method. Make
sure that the data system will output a chromatogram.
6 Start the run.

If performing an injection using an autosampler, start the

run using the data system or press [Start] on the GC.

Operation Manual 95
6 Chromatographic Checkout

If performing a manual injection (with or without a data

system):
a Press [Prep Run] to prepare the inlet for splitless
injection.
b When the GC becomes ready, inject 1 L of the
checkout sample and press [Start] on the GC.
c The following chromatogram shows typical results for a
new detector with new consumable parts installed.

Methylparathion

Isooctane

Sulfur performance
1 Install the sulfur filter and filter spacer.
2 Make the following method parameter changes.

Table 11 Sulfur method parameters (S)

Parameter Value ( mL/min)

H2 flow 50
Air flow 60

3 Ignite the FPD flame if not lit.

4 Display the signal output and monitor. This output
typically runs between 50 and 60 but can be as high as

96 Operation Manual
 Chromatographic Checkout 6

70. Wait for the output to stabilize. This takes

approximately 1 hour.
If the baseline output is too high:
Check column installation. If installed too high, the
stationery phase burns in the flame and increases
measured output.
Check for leaks.
Bake out the detector and column at 250 C.
Wrong flows set for installed filter.
If the baseline output is zero, verify the electrometer is on
and the flame is lit.
5 If using a data system, prepare the data system to
perform one run using the loaded checkout method. Make
sure that the data system will output a chromatogram.
6 Start the run.

If performing an injection using an autosampler, start the

run using the data system or press [Start] on the GC.
If performing a manual injection (with or without a data
system):
a Press [Prep Run] to prepare the inlet for splitless
injection.
b When the GC becomes ready, inject 1 L of the
checkout sample and press [Start] on the GC.
7 The following chromatogram shows typical results for a
new detector with new consumable parts installed.

Operation Manual 97
6 Chromatographic Checkout

Methylparathion

Isooctane

98 Operation Manual
 Chromatographic Checkout 6

To Check FPD Performance (Sample 5188-5245, Japan)

To verify FPD performance, first check the phosphorus
performance, then the sulfur performance.

Preparation
1 Gather the following:
Evaluation column, DB5 15 m 0.32 mm 1.0 m
(123- 5513)
FPD performance evaluation (checkout) sample
(5188- 5245, Japan), composition: n- Dodecane
7499 mg/L ( 5%), Dodecanethiol 2.0 mg/L ( 5%),
Tributyl Phosphate 2.0 mg/L ( 5%), tert- Butyldisulfide
1.0 mg/L ( 5%), in isooctane as solvent
Phosphorus filter
Sulfur filter and filter spacer
4- mL solvent and waste bottles or equivalent for
autoinjector.
2- mL sample vials or equivalent for sample.
Chromatographic- grade isooctane for syringe wash
solvent.
Inlet and injector hardware (See To Prepare for
Chromatographic Checkout.)
2 Verify the following:
Capillary column adapter installed. If not, install it.
Chromatographic- grade gases plumbed and configured:
helium as carrier gas, nitrogen, hydrogen, and air.
Empty waste vials loaded in sample turret.
4- mL vial with diffusion cap filled with isooctane and
inserted in Solvent A injector position.
3 Replace consumable parts (liner, septum, traps, syringe,
and so forth) as needed for the checkout. See To Prepare
for Chromatographic Checkout.
4 Verify the lit offset is set appropriately. Typically, it
should be about 2.0 pA for the checkout method.

Operation Manual 99
6 Chromatographic Checkout

5 Install the evaluation column. (See the procedure for the

SS, PP, COC, MMI, or PTV in the Maintenance manual.)
Set the oven, inlet, and detector to 250 C and bake
out for at least 15 minutes. (See the procedure for the
SS, PP, COC, MMI, or PTV in the Maintenance manual.)
Configure the column.

Phosphorus performance
1 If it is not already installed, install the phosphorus filter.
2 Create or load a method with the parameter values listed
in Table 12.

Table 12 FPD Phosphorus Checkout Conditions

Column and sample

Type DB-5MS, 15 m 0.32 mm 1.0 m
(123-5513)
Sample FPD checkout (5188-5245)
Column mode Constant flow
Column flow 7.5 mL/min
Split/splitless inlet
Temperature 250 C
Mode Splitless
Total purge flow 69.5 mL/min
Purge flow 60 mL/min
Purge time 0.75 min
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Multimode inlet
Mode Splitless
Inlet temperature 80 C
Initial time 0.1 min
Rate 1 720 C/min
Final temp 1 250 C
Final time 1 5.0 min
Purge time 1.0 min
Purge flow 60 mL/min

100 Operation Manual

 Chromatographic Checkout 6

Table 12 FPD Phosphorus Checkout Conditions (continued)

Septum purge 3 mL/min

Packed column inlet
Temperature 250 C
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Cool on-column inlet
Temperature Oven track
Septum purge 15 mL/min
PTV inlet
Mode Splitless
Inlet temperature 80 C
Initial time 0.1 min
Rate 1 720 C/min
Final temp 1 350 C
Final time 1 2 min
Rate 2 100 C/min
Final temp 2 250 C
Final time 2 0 min
Purge time 0.75 min
Purge flow 60 mL/min
Septum purge 3 mL/min
Detector
Temperature 200 C (On)
Hydrogen flow 75.0 mL/min (On)
Air (oxidizer) flow 100.0 mL/min (On)
Mode Constant makeup flow Off
Makeup flow 60.0 mL/min (On)
Makeup gas type Nitrogen
Flame On
Lit offset Typically 2 pA
PMT voltage On
Emission Block 125 C
Oven

Operation Manual 101

6 Chromatographic Checkout

Table 12 FPD Phosphorus Checkout Conditions (continued)

Initial temp 70 C
Initial time 0 min
Rate 1 10 C/min
Final temp 105 C
Final time 0 min
Rate 2 20 C/min
Final temp 2 190 C
Final time 2 7.25 min for sulfur
12.25 min for phosphorus
ALS settings (if installed)
Sample washes 2
Sample pumps 6
Sample wash volume 8
Injection volume 1 L
Syringe size 10 L
Solvent A pre washes 2
Solvent A post washes 2
Solvent A wash volume 8
Solvent B pre washes 0
Solvent B post washes 0
Solvent B wash volume 0
Injection mode (7693A) Normal
Airgap Volume (7693A) 0.20
Viscosity delay 0
Inject Dispense Speed (7693A) 6000
Plunger speed (7683) Fast, for all inlets except COC.
PreInjection dwell 0
PostInjection dwell 0
Manual injection
Injection volume 1 L
Data System
Data rate 5 Hz

102 Operation Manual

 Chromatographic Checkout 6

3 Ignite the FPD flame, if not lit.

4 Display the signal output and monitor. This output
typically runs between 40 and 55 but can be as high as
70. Wait for the output to stabilize. This takes
approximately 1 hour.
If the baseline output is too high:
Check column installation. If installed too high, the
stationery phase burns in the flame and increases
measured output.
Check for leaks.
Bake out the detector and column at 250 C.
Wrong flows set for installed filter
If the baseline output is zero, verify the electrometer is on
and the flame is lit.
5 If using a data system, prepare the data system to
perform one run using the loaded checkout method. Make
sure that the data system will output a chromatogram.
6 Start the run.

If performing an injection using an autosampler, start the

run using the data system or press [Start] on the GC.
If performing a manual injection (with or without a data
system):
a Press [Prep Run] to prepare the inlet for splitless
injection.
b When the GC becomes ready, inject 1 L of the
checkout sample and press [Start] on the GC.

Operation Manual 103

6 Chromatographic Checkout

7 The following chromatogram shows typical results for a

new detector with new consumable parts installed.

Tributylphosphate

Isooctane t-Butyldisulfide

Sulfur performance
1 Install the sulfur filter.
2 Make the following method parameter changes.

Table 13 Sulfur method parameters

Parameter Value ( mL/min)

H2 flow 50
Air flow 60

3 Ignite the FPD flame, if not lit.

4 Display the signal output and monitor. This output
typically runs between 50 and 60 but can be as high as
70. Wait for the output to stabilize. This takes
approximately 2 hours.
If the baseline output is too high:
Check column installation. If installed too high, the
stationery phase burns in the flame and increases
measured output.
Check for leaks.

104 Operation Manual

 Chromatographic Checkout 6

Bake out the detector and column at 250 C.

Wrong flows set for installed filter
If the baseline output is zero, verify the electrometer is on
and the flame is lit.
5 If using a data system, prepare the data system to
perform one run using the loaded checkout method. Make
sure the data system will output a chromatogram.
6 Start the run.

If performing an injection using an autosampler, start the

run using the data system or press [Start] on the GC.
If performing a manual injection (with or without a data
system):
a Press [Prep Run] to prepare the inlet for splitless
injection.
b When the GC becomes ready, inject 1 L of the
checkout sample and press [Start] on the GC.
7 The following chromatogram shows typical results for a
new detector with new consumable parts installed.

t-Butyldisulfide

1-Dodecanethiol

Isooctane

Operation Manual 105

6 Chromatographic Checkout

106 Operation Manual

Agilent 7890B Gas Chromatograph
Operation Manual

7
Resource Conservation

Resource Conservation 108

Sleep Methods 108
Wake and Condition Methods 110
To Set the GC to Conserve Resources 112
To Edit an Instrument Schedule 115
To Create or Edit a Sleep, Wake, or Condition Method 116
To Put the GC to Sleep Now 117
To Wake the GC Now 118

This section describes the resource- saving features of the

GC.

Agilent Technologies 107

7 Resource Conservation

Resource Conservation
The 7890B GC provides an instrument schedule to conserve
resources such as electricity and gases. Using the instrument
schedule, you can create sleep, wake, and conditioning
methods that allow you to program resource usage. A SLEEP
method sets low flows and temperatures. A WAKE method
sets new flows and temperatures, typically to restore
operating conditions. A CONDITION method sets flows and
temperatures for a specific run time, typically high enough
to clean out contamination if present.
Load the sleep method at a specified time during the day to
reduce flows and temperatures. Load the wake or condition
method to restore analytical settings before operating the GC
again. For example, load the sleep method at the end of each
day or work week, then load the wake or condition method
an hour or so before arriving to work the next day.

Sleep Methods
Create a sleep method to reduce gas and power usage during
times of reduced activity.
When creating a sleep method, consider the following:
The detector. While you can reduce temperatures and gas
usage, consider the stabilization time required to prepare
the detector for use. See Table 1, Detector stabilization
times, on page 18. The power savings is minimal.
Connected devices. If connected to an external device
such as a mass spectrometer, set compatible flows and
temperatures.
The columns and oven. Be sure to maintain sufficient
flow to protect the columns at the temperature set for the
oven. You may need to experiment to find the best
reduced flow rate and temperature. Also consider whether
the additional thermal cycling might loosen fittings,
especially for MS transfer line connections. In this case,
consider keeping the oven temperature > 110 C.
The inlets. Maintain sufficient flow to prevent
contamination.
Cryo cooling. Devices which use cryo cooling may start
immediately using cryogen if the wake method requires it.
See Table 14 below for general recommendations.

108 Operation Manual

 Resource Conservation 7

Table 14 Sleep method recommendations

GC Component Comment
Columns and oven Reduce temperature to save power.
Turn off to save the most power.
Maintain some carrier gas flow to protect the columns.
Inlets For all inlets:
Reduce temperatures. Reduce temperatures to 40 C or Off to save the most
power.
Split/splitless Use split mode to prevent diffusion of contamination from the vent line. Use
reduced split ratio.
Reduce pressure. Consider using current Gas Saver levels, if used.
Cool on-column Reduce pressure.
Consider reducing septum purge flow.
Multimode Use split mode to prevent diffusion of contamination from the vent line. Use
reduced split ratio.
Reduce pressure. Consider using current Gas Saver levels, if used.
Purged packed Reduce pressure.
Consider reducing septum purge flow.
Volatiles interface Reduce pressure.
Consider reducing septum purge flow.
Detectors
FID Turn off the flame. (This turns off hydrogen and air flows.)
Reduce temperatures. (Keep at or above 100 C to reduce contamination and
condensation.)
Turn off makeup flow.
FPD+ Turn off the flame. (This turns off hydrogen and air flows.)
Reduce temperatures. (Keep at or above 100 C to reduce contamination and
condensation.)
Turn off makeup flow.
ECD Reduce makeup flow. Try using 1520 mL/min and test results.
Maintain temperature to avoid long recovery/stabilization times.
NPD Maintain flows and temperatures. Sleep not recommended due to recovery
times and also thermal cycling can reduce bead life.
TCD Leave filament on.
Leave block temperature on.
Reduce reference and makeup flows.
FPD Maintain flows and temperatures. Sleep not recommended.

Operation Manual 109

7 Resource Conservation

Table 14 Sleep method recommendations (continued)

GC Component Comment
Other devices
Valve box Reduce temperature. (Keep valve box temperature high enough to prevent
sample condensation, if applicable.)
Aux thermal zones Reduce or turn off. Also refer to connected device manuals, for example for a
connected MSD.
Aux pressures or flows Reduce or turn off as appropriate for connected columns, transfer lines, and so
forth. Always refer to connected device or instrument manuals, for example for
a connected MSD, to maintain at least the minimum recommended flows or
pressures.

See also To Create or Edit a Sleep, Wake, or Condition

Method on page 116.

Wake and Condition Methods

The GC can be programmed to wake in one of several ways:
By loading the last active method used before going to
sleep
By loading the WAKE method
By running a method called CONDITION, then loading the
last active method
By running a method called CONDITION, then loading the
WAKE method
These choices provide flexibility in how you prepare the GC
after a sleep cycle.
A WAKE method sets a temperatures and flows. The oven
temperature program is isothermal since the GC does not
start a run. When the GC loads a WAKE method, it remains
at those settings until you load another method using the
keypad, data system, or by starting a sequence.
A WAKE method can include any settings, however it
typically will do the following:
Restore inlet, detector, column, and transfer line flows.
Restore temperatures.
Ignite the FID, FPD+, or FPD flame.
Restore inlet modes.
A CONDITION method sets flows and temperatures for the

110 Operation Manual

 Resource Conservation 7

duration of the methods oven program. When the program

ends, the GC loads either the WAKE method or the last
active method before sleep, as specified in the instrument
schedule (or when manually exiting the sleep state).
One possible use for a condition method is to set higher
than normal temperatures and flows to bake out any
possible contamination that may have collected in the GC
during sleep.

Operation Manual 111

7 Resource Conservation

To Set the GC to Conserve Resources

Set the GC to conserve resources by creating and using an
Instrument Schedule.
1 Decide how to restore flows. The choices are:
Wake current: At the specified time, the GC will restore
the last active method used before it went to sleep.
Wake with WAKE file: At the specified time, the GC will
load the wake method, and remain at those settings.
Condition, Wake current: At the specified time, the GC will
load the condition method. This method runs once,
then the GC will load the last method active before it
went to sleep. During this conditioning run, the GC
does not produce or collect data.
Condition, Wake w WAKE file: At the specified time, the GC
will load the condition method. This method runs once,
then the GC will load the wake method. During the
conditioning run, the GC does not produce or collect
data.
Adjust front (or back) detector offset: If the GC includes an
NPD, you can set the GC to run its automatic Adjust
offset bead voltage adjustment.
2 Create a SLEEP method. This method should reduce flows
and temperatures. See Sleep Methods.
3 Program the WAKE or CONDITION methods, as needed. See
Wake and Condition Methods. (While it is good practice
to create these methods, you do not need them if you
only wake the GC to the last active method.)

112 Operation Manual

 Resource Conservation 7

4 Create the Instrument Schedule.

a Press [Clock Table], scroll to Instrument Schedule, then
press [Enter].

INST SCHEDULE
Go to sleep now. <
Edit the Instrument Schedule?
Edit clock table?
Actual Setpoint

b Press [Mode/Type] to create a new schedule item.

c When prompted, scroll to the desired day of the week
and press [Enter].

INST SCHEDULE TABLE DAY

Monday <
Tuesday
Wednesday
Actual Setpoint

d When prompted, select the Go to Sleep function, press

[Enter], then input the event time. Press [Enter].
e Next set the wake function. While still viewing the
schedule, press [Mode/Type] to create a new schedule
item.
f When prompted, scroll to the desired day of the week
and press [Enter].

INST SCHEDULE TABLE DAY

Monday <
Tuesday
Wednesday
Actual Setpoint

Operation Manual 113

7 Resource Conservation

g When prompted, select the desired wake function,

press [Enter], then input the event time. Press [Enter].
(See step 2 for descriptions of the wake functions.)

INST SCHEDULE ( 2 of 2)
Monday: 07:30<
Type: Wake with WAKE file.

Actual Setpoint

h Repeat steps b through g as needed for any other days

of the week.
You do not have to program events for every day. For
example, you can program the GC to sleep on Friday
evening, then wake on Monday morning, keeping it
continuously at operating conditions during weekdays.
You can also use the Instrument Schedule to program an
Adjust Offset function for an NPD, if installed. This function
is useful for automatically preparing the NPD for use each
day.
See also To Create or Edit a Sleep, Wake, or Condition
Method on page 116.

114 Operation Manual

 Resource Conservation 7

To Edit an Instrument Schedule

To edit an existing schedule, delete unwanted items, then
add new items as desired.
1 Press [Clock Table], scroll to Instrument Schedule, then press
[Enter].

INST SCHEDULE
Go to sleep now. <
Edit the Instrument Schedule?
Edit clock table?
Actual Setpoint

2 Scroll to the schedule item to delete.

INST SCHEDULE ( 3 of 9)
Monday: 05:30<
Type: Front det adjust offset

Actual Setpoint

3 Press [Delete]. When prompted press [On/Yes] to confirm,

or [Off/No] to cancel and keep the item.

INST SCHEDULE
Delete this event?
YES to delete,
NO to cancel
Actual Setpoint

Add new items as described in To Set the GC to Conserve

Resources on page 112.

Operation Manual 115

7 Resource Conservation

To Create or Edit a Sleep, Wake, or Condition Method

To create or edit a SLEEP, WAKE, or CONDITION method:
1 If desired, load a method with similar setpoints.
2 Edit the method setpoints. The GC allows for setting only
relevant parameters:
For a SLEEP method, the GC sets the initial oven
temperature, inlet and detector temperatures, inlet
(column) and detector flow rates, auxiliary
temperatures, and so forth. The GC ignores any ramps
in a SLEEP method, as well as signal output, or other
run- related or time- related settings. The SLEEP method
cannot be run.
For a WAKE method, the GC can set the same
parameters as for the sleep method. The GC ignores
any ramps in a WAKE method, as well as signal output
or other run- related or time- related settings. The WAKE
method cannot be run.
For a CONDITION method, the method can also include
ramps, for example an oven ramp. The oven run time
sets the length of time the CONDITION method setpoints
apply to the GC before the GC loads the wake method
or last active method. While the GC runs the
CONDITION method to apply any ramps and hold times,
the GC does not collect data or produce a signal. The
CONDITION run is a blank runthere is no injection.
3 Press [Method], scroll to the method to store (SLEEP,
WAKE, or CONDITION), and press [Store].
4 If prompted to overwrite, press [On/Yes] to overwrite the
existing method or [Off/No] to cancel.

116 Operation Manual

 Resource Conservation 7

To Put the GC to Sleep Now

1 Press [Clock Table], select Instrument Schedule, then press
[Enter].
2 Select Go to sleep now, then press [Enter].

INST SCHEDULE
Go to sleep now. <
Edit the Instrument Schedule?
Edit clock table?
Actual Setpoint

Operation Manual 117

7 Resource Conservation

To Wake the GC Now

If the GC is asleep, you can wake it up as follows:
1 Press [Clock Table], select to Instrument Schedule, then press
[Enter].
2 Select the desired wake choice, then press [Enter].
Wake up now (restore method). Exit sleep mode by loading
the last active method used before going to sleep.
Wake up now (WAKE method). Exit sleep mode by loading
the WAKE method.
Run Condition, Wake (current). Exit sleep mode by running
the condition method. When the CONDITION method
ends, the GC loads the last active method used before
going to sleep.
Run Condition, Wake up (WAKE). Exit sleep mode by
running the condition method. When the CONDITION
method ends, the GC loads the wake method.

118 Operation Manual

Agilent 7890B Gas Chromatograph
Operation Manual

8
Early Maintenance Feedback
Early Maintenance Feedback (EMF) 120
Default Thresholds 122
Available Counters 123
To Enable or Change a Limit for an EMF Counter 126
To Disable an EMF Counter 127
To Reset an EMF Counter 128
EMF Counters for Autosamplers 129
EMF Counters for MS Instruments 130

This section describes the Early Maintenance Feedback

feature available on the Agilent 7890B GC.

Agilent Technologies 119

8 Early Maintenance Feedback

Early Maintenance Feedback (EMF)

The 7890B provides injection- and time- based counters for
various consumable and maintenance parts. Use these
counters to track usage and replace or recondition these
items before potential degradation impacts the
chromatographic results.
If using an Agilent data system, these counters can be set
and reset from within the data system.

Counter types
Injection counters increment whenever an injection occurs
on the GC via an ALS injector, headspace sampler, or
sampling valve. Manual injections do not increment counters.
The GC differentiates between front and back injections, and
only increments counters associated with the configured
injection flow path.
For example, consider the following GC:

Configured front flow path Configured back flow path

Front injector Back injector
Front inlet Back inlet
Column 1 (GC oven) Column 2 (GC oven)
Purged Union / Aux EPC 1 Back detector
Column 3 (GC oven)
Front detector

In this example, for a front ALS injection, the GC will

increment counters for the front injector, front inlet, and the
front detector, but it would not increment the back injector,
back inlet, or back detector counters. For the columns, the
GC would increment the injection counters for columns 1
and 3, and the oven cycles counter for all 3 columns.
Time counters increment against the GC clock. Changing the
GC clock changes the age of tracked consumables.

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 Early Maintenance Feedback 8

Thresholds
The EMF feature provides two warning thresholds: Service due
and Service warning.
Service Due: When the counter exceeds this number of
injections or days, the Service Due indicator lights and an
entry is made in the Maintenance Log. The Service Due limit
must be larger than the Service warning limit.
Service warning: When the counter exceeds this number of
injections or days, the instrument status shows a
reminder that the component may need maintenance
soon.
Both thresholds are set independently for each counter. You
can enabled one or both, as desired.

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8 Early Maintenance Feedback

Default Thresholds
Selected counters have default thresholds to use as a
starting point. To view any available information for a
counter:
1 Navigate to the desired counter and press [Enter]. See To
Enable or Change a Limit for an EMF Counter.
2 Scroll to the counters Service Due entry and press
[Mode/Type]. If available, the default threshold for the
counter displays. Press [Clear] to return to the counter.
If a default limit is not suggested, enter a conservative limit
based on your experience. Use the warning feature to alert
you when service is approaching, then track performance to
determine if the Service Due threshold is too high or too low.
For any EMF counter, you may need to adjust the threshold
values based on the demands of your applications.

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 Early Maintenance Feedback 8

Available Counters
Table 15 lists the most common counters available. The
available counters will vary based on the installed GC
options, consumables, and future updates.

Table 15 Common EMF counters

GC Component Parts with a counter Type Default value

Detectors
FID Collector Number of injections
Jet Number of injections
Ignitor Number of ignition attempts
TCD Switching solenoid On time
Filament on time On time
ECD Insert liner Number of injections
Time since wipe test On time 6 months
NPD Bead Number of injections
Ceramics Number of injections
Collector Number of injections
Bead baseline offset pA Value
Bead baseline voltage Voltage value Ceramic bead: 3.895
Blos bead: 1.045
Bead current integral pA-sec Value
Bead on time On time Ceramic bead: 1200 h
Blos bead: 2400 h
FPD+/FPD Ignitor Number of ignition attempts
PMT Number of injections
PMT On time 6 months
Inlets
SSL Gold seal Number of injections 5000
Gold seal Time 90 days
Liner Number of injections 200
Liner Time 30 days
Liner O-ring Number of injections 1000

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8 Early Maintenance Feedback

Table 15 Common EMF counters (continued)

GC Component Parts with a counter Type Default value

Liner O-ring Time 60 days
Septum Number of injections 200
Split vent trap Number of injections 10,000
Split vent trap Time 6 months
MMI Liner Number of injections 200
Liner Time 30 days
Liner O-ring Number of injections 1000
Liner O-ring Time 60 days
Septum Number of injections 200
Split vent trap Number of injections 10,000
Split vent trap Time 6 months
Cooling cycles Number of injections
Clean bottom seal Number of injections 1000
PP Liner Number of injections 200
Liner Time 30 days
Septum Number of injections 200
Top weldment O-ring Number of injections 10,000
Top weldment O-ring Time 1 year
COC Septum Number of injections 200
PTV Column adapter silver seal Number of injections 5000
Liner Number of injections 200
Liner Time 30 days
Split vent trap Number of injections 10,000
Split vent trap Time 6 months
PTFE ferrule Number of injections
PTFE ferrule Time 60 days
VI Split vent trap Number of injections 10,000
Split vent trap Time 6 months
Columns
Column Injections onto column Number of injections
Oven cycles Number of injections

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 Early Maintenance Feedback 8

Table 15 Common EMF counters (continued)

GC Component Parts with a counter Type Default value

Length Value
Valves
Valve Rotor Activations (number of injections)
Maximum temperature Value
Instrument
Instrument On time Time
Run count Number of injections
Filters Time
ALS Injectors
ALS Syringe Number of injections 800
Syringe Time 2 months
Needle Number of injections 800
Plunger moves Value 6000
Mass spectrometers
Mass spectrometer Pump Time (days) 1 year
Filament 1 Time (days) 1 year
Filament 2 Time (days) 1 year
Source (time since last Time (days) 1 year
cleaning)
EMV at last tune V 2600

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8 Early Maintenance Feedback

To Enable or Change a Limit for an EMF Counter

When using the GC without a data system, enable or change
the limit for a counter as follows:
1 Press [Service Mode].
2 Scroll to Maintenance and press [Enter].
3 Scroll to the desired GC component (front or back inlet,
front or back detector, valves, instrument, and so forth)
and press [Enter] to select it. The GC displays the list of
counters for this component.
4 Scroll to the desired counter.
5 Press [Enter] to select the current counter. The display
will show the Service Due and Service warning entries.
If the Service Due or Service warning line reads a number
or time (number of days, for example), the counter is
enabled.
If the Service Due or Service warning line reads Off, press
[On/Yes] to enable the counter.
The display also shows the date and time when the
counter was last modified.
6 Scroll to each threshold line and enter the desired limit.

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 Early Maintenance Feedback 8

To Disable an EMF Counter

When using the GC without a data system, disable a counter
as follows:
1 Press [Service Mode].
2 Scroll to Maintenance and press [Enter].
3 Scroll to the desired GC component (front or back inlet,
front or back detector, valves, instrument, and so forth)
and press [Enter] to select it. The GC displays the list of
counters for this component.
4 Scroll to the desired counter.
5 Press [Enter] to select the current counter. The display
will show the Service Due and Service warning entries.
If the Service Due or Service warning line reads a number
or time (number of days, for example), the counter is
enabled.
If the Service Due or Service warning line reads Off, that
counter is currently disabled.
The display also shows the date and time when the
counter was last modified.
6 Scroll to each threshold line and press [Off/No] to disable.

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8 Early Maintenance Feedback

To Reset an EMF Counter

When a Service Due counter passes its threshold, the GC
Service Due indicator lights.
1 Press [Service Mode].
2 Scroll to Maintenance and press [Enter].
3 Each EMF component with a counter that passed its
threshold will be marked with an asterisk. Scroll to the
desired GC component (front or back inlet, front or back
detector, valve, instrument, and so forth) and press [Enter]
to select it. The list of counters for this component
display. Each component that passed its threshold will be
marked with an asterisk.
4 Scroll to the desired counter.
5 Press [Off/No] to reset the counter to 0.

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 Early Maintenance Feedback 8

EMF Counters for Autosamplers

The GC provides access to the counters for the autosampler.
The functionality for ALS counters depends on the ALS
model and firmware version. In all cases, the 7890B GC
shows EMF counter status and allows you to enable, disable,
and clear the counters using the GC keyboard.

Counters for 7693A and 7650 ALS with EMF-enabled firmware

If using an Agilent 7693 injector with firmware version
G4513A.10.8 (or higher), or a 7650 injector with firmware
version G4567A.10.2 (or higher), each injector independently
tracks its EMF counters.
The injector counters will increment as long as the
injector is used on any 7890 Series GC. You can change
positions on the same GC or install the injector on a
different GC without losing the current ALS counter data.
The ALS will report an exceeded limit only when
mounted on a 7890B GC.

Counters for ALS with earlier firmware

If using a 7693 or 7650 injector with earlier firmware, or if
using another injector model (for example 7683B), the GC
tracks the counters for that injector. The GC uses the
injector serial number to distinguish between installed
injectors, but only maintains up to two sets of countersone
for the front injector, and one for the back injector.
The GC will track injector counters regardless of installed
position (front or back inlet). Because the GC tracks the
injector serial number, you can change the injector
position without losing the counters as long as the
injector remains installed on the GC.
Each time the GC detects a new injector (different model
or different serial number), the GC resets the ALS
counters in the new injectors position.

Operation Manual 129

8 Early Maintenance Feedback

EMF Counters for MS Instruments

When connected to an Agilent 5977 Series MSD, the GC
reports the EMF counters as tracked by the MSD. The 5977
Series MSD provides its own EMF tracking.
When connected to an earlier model MS or MSD (for
example, a 5975 Series MSD), the GC tracks the MS
counters, not the MS.

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Agilent 7890B Gas Chromatograph
Operation Manual

9
GC-MS Features
GC/MS Communications 132
To Set Up a Vent Method 134
To Manually Prepare the GC for Venting the MS 135
To Manually Exit the MS Vent State 136
To Use the GC When the MSD is Shut Down 137
To Enable or Disable MS Communications 138

This section describes the communications and features of a

7890B- 5977 Series MSD system.

Agilent Technologies 131

9 GC-MS Features

GC/MS Communications
When the 7890B GC and a 5977 Series MSD (or other MS
instrument with Smart Technologies) are configured together,
they communicate with and react to each other. (See the
Installation and First Startup manual for configuration
details.) The two most important events that cause
interaction are venting the MSD and an MS shutdown.

Venting the MSD

When you use the MSD keypad to start a venting, or when
you use the Agilent data system to starting venting, the MSD
alerts the GC. The GC loads the special MS Vent method.
The GC keeps the MS Vent method loaded until:
The MS becomes ready again.
You manually clear the MS Vent state.
During the venting process the 5977 Series MSD will notify
the GC that venting is complete. The GC will then set very
low flows at each flow- or pressure- controlled device leading
back through the column configuration chain to the inlet.
For example, for a configuration that uses a purged union at
the transfer line, the GC will set the pressure at the purged
union to 1.0 psi, and the pressure at the inlet to 1.25 psi.
If using hydrogen carrier gas, the GC will simply turn the
gas off to prevent hydrogen accumulation in the MSD.
Note that while in the MS Vent state, the GC will not go into
MS Shutdown after losing communications with the MSD.

MS Shutdown events
When configured with a 5977 Series MSD, the following
events will cause an MS Shutdown in the GC:
Loss of communications with the MS, when not venting
the MS. (Requires no communications for a length of
time.)
MSD reports a high vacuum pump failure.
When the GC enters an MS shutdown:
The GC aborts any current run.
The oven is set to 50 C. When it reaches that setpoint, it
turns off.
The MS transfer line temperature is turned off.

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 GC-MS Features 9

If using a flammable carrier gas, the gas is turned off

after the oven cools (for the MS column flow path only).
If not using a flammable carrier gas, the GC will set very
low flows at each flow- or pressure- controlled device
leading back through the column configuration chain to
the inlet. For example, for a configuration that uses a
purged union at the transfer line, the GC will set the
pressure at the purged union to 1.0 psi, and the pressure
at the inlet to 1.25 psi.
The GC displays the error state and notes the events in
the logs.
The GC will not be usable until the error state is cleared or
until the MSD is unconfigured from the GC. See To Use the
GC When the MSD is Shut Down.
If the MS is repaired or clears its error, or if
communications are restored, the GC will automatically clear
this error state.
Note that for MS instruments without Smart Technologies,
such as a 5975 Series MSD, you can manually create an MS
Shutdown, if desired, by pressing [Aux Det #], scrolling to MS
Shutdown, and then pressing [Enter].

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9 GC-MS Features

To Set Up a Vent Method

A good MS Vent method does the following:
Turns off the MS transfer line heater.
Turns off the inlet heater.
Sets the oven to a low temperature, < 50 C.
Sets the column flow rate into the MS to as high a flow
as you feel is appropriate and safe. For turbo pumps, set
the flow to 15 mL/min or to the maximum flow rate
possible for the column configuration (note that rates
above 15 mL/min may not provide additional benefits).
For diffusion pumps, typically set the flow to 2 mL/min
(never exceed 4 mL/min).
You must create this method to use the fast venting feature.
To create and store the method:
1 Create the method by making the settings on the GC.
2 When the settings are entered, press [Method].
3 Scroll to MS Vent, then press [Store]. If prompted to
overwrite an existing MS Vent method, press [On/Yes] to
confirm.

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 GC-MS Features 9

To Manually Prepare the GC for Venting the MS

If using an MS that does not communicate events to the GC
(beyond a simple start/stop), you can still prepare the GC
for venting by loading the MS Vent method. To manually load
the MS Vent method:
1 Press [Method], scroll to MS Vent, and press [Load].
2 When prompted, press [On/Yes] to confirm.

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9 GC-MS Features

To Manually Exit the MS Vent State

CAUTION Manually exiting the MS Vent state when the GC and MS are still
connected and the MS is venting or off can damage the MS if you
set inappropriate flows.

Normally, exit the MS Vent state when venting is complete

and the MS is ready. When configured with a 5977 series
MSD, the GC will automatically exit the MS Vent state when
the MSD becomes ready again.
1 Press [Aux Det #].
2 Scroll to Clear MS Vent, then press [Enter].

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 GC-MS Features 9

To Use the GC When the MSD is Shut Down

To use the GC while an MS is being repaired or maintained,
do the following:
1 Disable MS communications. Press [Aux Det #], scroll to
MS Communication, then press [Off/No].
2 Scroll to Clear MS Shutdown, then press [Enter].

Be careful to avoid settings that send carrier gas into the

MS, or which raise the temperature of parts which might
cause burns when working on the MS.
If needed, completely uninstall the MS from the GC.

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9 GC-MS Features

To Enable or Disable MS Communications

1 Press [Aux Det #].
2 Scroll to MS Communication. The entry will read On if
enabled, or Disabled if disabled.
3 Press [Off/No] to disable. The line will read MS
Communication Disabled.
Press [On/Yes] to enable communications.

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Agilent 7890B Gas Chromatograph
Operation Manual

10
Configuration
About Configuration 140
Assigning GC resources to a device 140
Setting configuration properties 141
General Topics 142
To Unlock the GC Configuration 142
Ignore Ready = 142
Information displays 143
Unconfigured: 143
Oven 144
Front Inlet/Back Inlet 147
To configure the PTV or COC coolant 147
To configure the MMI coolant 149
Column # 151
To configure a single column 152
To configure multiple columns 155
Composite Columns 160
LTM Columns 162
Cryo Trap 163
Front Detector/Back Detector/Aux Detector/Aux Detector 2 165
Analog out 1/Analog out 2 167
Fast peaks 167
Valve Box 168
Thermal Aux 169
To assign a GC power source to an Aux thermal zone 169
To configure a MSD transfer line heater 170
To configure a nickel catalyst heater 170
To configure an ion trap transfer line heater 171
PCM A/PCM B/PCM C 172
Pressure aux 1,2,3/Pressure aux 4,5,6/Pressure aux 7,8,9 174
Status 175
Time 176
Valve # 177
Front injector/Back injector 178
Sample tray (7683 ALS) 180
Instrument 181
Using the Optional Barcode Reader 182

Agilent Technologies 139

10 Configuration

About Configuration
Configuration is a two- part process for most GC accessory
devices that require power and/or communication resources
from the GC. In the first part of the configuration process, a
power and/or communication resource is assigned to the
device. The second part of the configuration process allows
setting of any configuration properties associated with the
device.

Assigning GC resources to a device

A hardware device requiring but not assigned GC resources
is given a mode of Unconfigured by the GC. Once you assign
GC resources to a device, the GC gives the device a mode of
Configured, allowing you to access other property settings (if
any) for the device.
To assign GC resources to a device with an Unconfigured
mode:
1 Unlock the GC configuration. Press [Options], select
Keyboard & Display and press [Enter]. Scroll down to Hard
Configuration Lock and press [Off/No].
2 Press [Config] on the GC keypad and select a device from
the list, then press [Enter].
The [Config] key opens a menu similar to this:
Oven
Front inlet
Back Inlet
Column #
Front detector
Back detector
Aux detector
Aux detector 2
Analog out 1
Analog out 2
Valve Box
Thermal Aux 1
Thermal Aux 2
Thermal Aux 3
PCM A
PCM B
PCM C
Aux EPC 1,2,3
Aux EPC 4,5,6

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 Configuration 10

Aux EPC 7,8,9

Status
Time
Valve #
2 Dimensional GC Valve
Front injector
Back injector
Sample tray
Instrument
In many cases you can move directly to the item of
interest by pressing [Config][device].
3 When the Configure Device Display opens, the cursor
should be on the Unconfigured field. Press [Mode/Type] and
follow the GC prompts to assign resources to the device.
4 After assigning resources, the GC prompts for you to
power cycle the GC. Turn the GC power switch off and
then on.
When the GC starts, select the device just assigned the GC
resources for further configuration if needed. When accessed,
its mode should indicate Configured and the other
configuration properties are displayed.

Setting configuration properties

A devices configuration properties are constant for an
instrument hardware setup unlike method settings which can
change from sample run to sample run. Two example
configuration settings are the gas type flowing through a
pneumatic device and the operation temperate limit of a
device.
To change the setting configuration properties for a
Configured device:
1 Press [Config] on the GC keypad and select a device from
the list, then press [Enter].
In many cases you can move directly to the item of
interest by pressing [Config][device].
2 Scroll to the device setting and change the property. This
can involve making a selection from a list using
[Mode/Type], using [On/Yes] or [Off/No], or entering a
numeric value. Press [Info] for help on changing numeric
settings, or see the section of this document describing
the specific configuration of the device.

Operation Manual 141

10 Configuration

General Topics

To Unlock the GC Configuration

Accessory devices including inlets, detectors, pressure
controllers (AUX EPC and PCM), and temperature control
loops (Thermal AUX) have electrical connections to a power
source and/or the communication bus in the GC. These
devices must be assigned GC resources before they can be
used. Before assigning resources to a device, you must first
unlock the GC configuration. If you try to configure an
Unconfigured device without unlocking the GC configuration,
the GC displays the message CONFIGURATION IS LOCKED Go to
Keyboard options to unlock.
It is also necessary to unlock the GC configuration if you are
removing the GC resources from a Configured device. This
action returns the device state to Unconfigured.
To unlock the GC configuration:
1 Press [Options], select Keyboard & Display and press [Enter].
2 Scroll down to Hard Configuration Lock and press [Off/No].

The GC configuration remains unlocked until the GC is

power cycled off and on.

Ignore Ready =
The states of the various hardware elements are among the
factors that determine whether the GC is Ready for analysis.
Under some circumstances, you may not wish to have a
specific element readiness considered in the GC readiness
determination. This parameter lets you make that choice.
The following elements allow readiness to be ignored: inlets,
detectors, the oven, PCM, and auxiliary EPC modules.
For example, suppose an inlet heater is defective but you
dont plan to use that inlet today. By setting Ignore Ready =
TRUE for that inlet, you can use the rest of the GC. After the
heater is repaired, set Ignore Ready = FALSE or the run could
start before that inlets conditions are ready.
To ignore an element's readiness, press [Config], then select
the element. Scroll to Ignore Ready and press [On/Yes] to set it
to True.

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 Configuration 10

To consider an element's readiness, press [Config], then select

the element. Scroll to Ignore Ready and press [Off/No] to set it
to False.

Information displays
Below are some examples of configuration displays:

[ EPC1 ] = (INLET) (SS) EPC #1 is used for an inlet of type

split/splitless. It is not available for other uses.

[ EPC3 ] = (DET-EPC) (FID) EPC #3 is controlling detector

gases to an FID.

[ EPC6 ] = (AUX_EPC) (PCM) EPC #6 is controlling a

two- channel pressure control module.

FINLET (OK) 68 watts 21.7 This heater is connected to the

front inlet. Status = OK, meaning that it is ready for use. At
the time that the GC was turned on, the heater was drawing
68 watts and the inlet temperature was 21.7 C.

[ F-DET ] = (SIGNAL) (FID) The signal board for the front

detector is type FID.

AUX 2 1 watts (No sensor) The AUX 2 heater is either not

installed or is not working properly.

Unconfigured:
Accessory devices requiring GC power or communication
must be assigned these GC resources before they can be
used. To make this hardware element usable, first To
Unlock the GC Configuration on page 142 then go to the
Unconfigured parameter and press [Mode/Type] to install it. If
the hardware element you are configuring requires selection
of additional parameters, the GC asks for that selection. If
no parameters are required, press [Enter] at the GC prompt
to install that element. You are required to power the GC off
and then power the GC on to complete this configuration.
After restarting the GC, a message reminding you of this
change and its effect on the default method is displayed. If
needed, change your methods to accommodate the new
hardware.

Operation Manual 143

10 Configuration

Oven
See Unconfigured: on page 143 and Ignore Ready = on
page 142.

Maximum temperature Sets an upper limit to the oven

temperature. Used to prevent accidental damage to columns.
The range is 70 to 450 C. See the column manufacturers
recommendations.

Equilibration time The time after the oven approaches its

setpoint before the oven is declared Ready. The range is 0 to
999.99 minutes. Used to ensure that the oven contents have
stabilized before starting another run.

Cryo These setpoints control liquid carbon dioxide (CO2 or

liquid nitrogen (N2) cooling of the oven.
The cryogenic valve lets you operate the oven below ambient
temperature. Minimum attainable oven temperature depends
on the type of valve installed.
The GC senses the presence and type of cryogenic valve and
disallows setpoints if no valve is installed. When cryogenic
cooling is not needed or cryogenic coolant is not available,
the cryogenic operation should be turned off. If this is not
done, proper oven temperature control may not be possible,
particularly at temperatures near ambient.

External oven mode Isothermal internal oven and

programmed external oven used to calculate column flow.

Slow oven cool down mode On reduces the oven fan speed
during the cool down cycle.

Limit ballistic power Reduce oven power when heating at

maximum rate to limit the current drawn from the power
line.

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 Configuration 10

To configure the oven

1 Press [Config][Oven].
2 Scroll to Maximum temperature. Enter a value and press
[Enter].
3 Scroll to Equilibration time. Enter a value and press [Enter].
4 Scroll to Cryo. Press [On/Yes] or [Off/No]. If On, enter the
setpoints described in To configure the oven for
cryogenic cooling on page 145.
5 Scroll to External oven mode. Press [On/Yes] or [Off/No].
6 Scroll to Slow oven cool down mode. Press [On/Yes] to run
the oven fan at reduced speed during cool down, or
[Off/No] to run it at normal speed. Note that enabling this
feature means the GC will cool more slowly than noted in
the GCs published specifications.

To configure the oven for cryogenic cooling

All cryogenic setpoints are in the [Config][Oven] parameter
list.

Cryo [ON] enables cryogenic cooling, [OFF] disables it.

Quick cryo cool This feature is separate from Cryo. Quick

cryo cool makes the oven cool faster after a run than it
would without assistance. This feature is useful when
maximum sample throughput is necessary, however it does
use more coolant. Quick cryo cool turns off soon after the
oven reaches its setpoint and Cryo takes over, if needed.

Ambient temp The temperature in the laboratory. This

setpoint determines the temperature at which cryogenic
cooling is enabled:
Ambient temp + 25C, for regular cryo operation
Ambient temp + 45C, for Quick Cryo Cool.

Cryo timeout Cryo timeout occurs, and the oven shuts off,
when a run does not start within a specified time (10 to 120
minutes) after the oven equilibrates. Turning cryo timeout
off disables this feature. We recommend that it be turned on
because cryo timeout conserves coolant at the end of a
sequence or if automation fails. A Post Sequence method
could also be used.

Operation Manual 145

10 Configuration

Cryo fault Shuts the oven down if it does not reach setpoint
temperature after 16 minutes of continuous cryo operation.
Note that this is the time to reach the setpoint, not the time
to stabilize and become ready at the setpoint. For example,
with a cool on- column inlet and cryo control in the oven
track mode, it may take the oven 20 to 30 minutes to
achieve readiness.
If the temperature goes below the minimum allowed
temperature (90C for liquid nitrogen, 70C for liquid
CO2), the oven will shut down.
The COC and PTV inlets must use the same cryo type as
configured for the oven.

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 Configuration 10

Front Inlet/Back Inlet

See Unconfigured: on page 143 and Ignore Ready = on
page 142.

To configure the Gas type

The GC needs to know what carrier gas is being used.
1 Press [Config][Front Inlet] or [Config][Back Inlet].
2 Scroll to Gas type and press [Mode/Type].
3 Scroll to the gas you will use. Press [Enter].

This completes carrier gas configuration.

To configure the PTV or COC coolant

Press [Config][Front Inlet] or [Config][Back Inlet]. If the inlet has
not been configured previously, a list of available coolants is
displayed. Scroll to the desired coolant and press [Enter]. If
oven cooling is installed, your choices are restricted to the
coolant used by the oven or None.

Cryo type [Mode/Type] displays a list of available coolants.

Scroll to the desired coolant and press [Enter].
If the Cryo type selection is anything other than None,
several other parameters appear.

Cryo [On/Yes] enables cryogenic cooling of the inlet at the

specified Use cryo temperature setpoint, [Off/No] disables
cooling.

Use cryo temperature This setpoint determines the

temperature at which cryogenic cooling is used continuously.
The inlet uses cryogen to achieve the initial setpoint. If the
initial setpoint is below the Use cryo temperature, cryogen is
used continuously to achieve and maintain the setpoint.
Once the inlet temperature program starts, the cryogen will
be turned off when the inlet exceeds the Use cryo temperature.
If the initial setpoint is above the Use cryo temperature,
cryogen is used to cool the inlet until it reaches the setpoint
and then it is turned off. At the end of a run, the inlet waits
until the oven becomes ready before it uses cryogen.

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10 Configuration

If the inlet is to be cooled during a run, cryogen will be

used to achieve the setpoint. This may have a negative
impact on the chromatographic performance of the oven and
cause distorted peaks.

Cryo timeout Use this setting to conserve cryogenic fluid. If

selected, the instrument shuts down the inlet and cryogenic
(subambient) cooling (if installed) when no run starts in the
number of minutes specified. The setpoint range is 2 to 120
minutes (default 30 minutes). Turning cryo timeout off
disables this feature. We recommend cryo timeout enabling
to conserve coolant at the end of a sequence or if
automation fails. A Post Sequence method could also be
used.

Cryo fault Shuts down the inlet temperature if it does not

reach setpoint in 16 minutes of continuous cryo operation.
Note that this is the time to reach the setpoint, not the time
to stabilize and become ready at the setpoint.

Shutdown behavior
Both Cryo timeout and Cryo fault can cause cryo shutdown.
If this happens, the inlet heater is turned off and the cryo
valve closes. The GC beeps and displays a message.
The inlet heater is monitored to avoid overheating. If the
heater remains on at full power for more than 2 minutes,
the heater is shut down. The GC beeps and displays a
message.
To recover from either condition, turn the GC off, then on,
or enter a new setpoint.

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 Configuration 10

To configure the MMI coolant

Press [Config][Front Inlet] or [Config][Back Inlet]. If the inlet has
not been configured previously, a list of available coolants is
displayed. Scroll to the desired coolant and press [Enter].

Cryo type/Cooling type [Mode/Type] displays a list of available

coolants. Scroll to the desired coolant and press [Enter].
Normally, select the coolant type that matches the installed
hardware.
N2 cryo Select if the N2 option is installed and you are
using LN2 or compressed air.
CO2 cryo Select if the CO2 option is installed and you
are using LCO2 or compressed air.
Compressed air Select if the N2 or CO2 option is installed
and you are only using compressed air. If Compressed air is
selected as the Cooling type, air coolant is used to cool
the inlet regardless of the Use cryo temperature setpoint
during the cooling cycle. If the inlet reaches setpoint, the
air coolant is turned off and stays off for the duration of
the cooling cycle. See the Advanced Operation manual for
details.
If the Cryo type selection is anything other than None,
several other parameters appear.

Cryo [On/Yes] enables cryogenic cooling of the inlet at the

specified Use cryo temperature setpoint, [Off/No] disables
cooling.

Use cryo temperature If N2 cryo or CO2 cryo is selected as the

Cryo type, this setpoint determines the temperature below
which cryogenic cooling is used continuously to hold the
inlet at setpoint. Set the Use cryo temperature equal to or
higher than the inlet setpoint to cool the inlet and hold the
setpoint until the inlet temperature program exceeds the Use
cryo temperature. If the Use cryo temperature is less than the
inlet setpoint, cryogen will cool the inlet to the initial
setpoint and turn off.

Cryo timeout This parameter is available with N2 cryo and

CO2 cryo Cryo types. Use this setting to conserve cryogenic
fluid. If selected, the instrument shuts down the inlet and
cryogenic cooling when no run starts in the number of
minutes specified. The setpoint range is 2 to 120 minutes
(default 30 minutes). Turning cryo timeout off disables this

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10 Configuration

feature. We recommend cryo timeout enabling to conserve

coolant at the end of a sequence or if automation fails. A
Post Sequence method could also be used.

Cryo fault This parameter is available with N2 cryo and CO2

cryo Cryo types. Shuts down the inlet temperature if it does
not reach setpoint in 16 minutes of continuous cryo
operation. Note that this is the time to reach the setpoint,
not the time to stabilize and become ready at the setpoint.

Shutdown behavior
Both Cryo timeout and Cryo fault can cause cryo shutdown.
If this happens, the inlet heater is turned off and the cryo
valve closes. The GC beeps and displays a message.
The inlet heater is monitored to avoid overheating. If the
heater remains on at full power for more than 2 minutes,
the heater is shut down. The GC beeps and displays a
message.
To recover from either condition, turn the GC off, then on,
or enter a new setpoint.

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Column #

Length The length, in meters, of a capillary column. Enter 0

for a packed column or if the length is not known.

Diameter The inside diameter, in millimeters, of a capillary

column. Enter 0 for a packed column.

Film thickness The thickness, in microns, of the stationary

phase for capillary columns.

Inlet Identifies the source of gas for the column.

Outlet Identifies the device into which the column effluent

flows.

Thermal zone Identifies the device that controls the

temperature of the column.

In_Segment Length The length, in meters, of the In Segment

of a composite column. Enter 0 to disable. See Composite
Columns on page 160.

Out_Segment Length The length, in meters, of the Out

Segment of a composite column. Enter 0 to disable. See
Composite Columns on page 160.

Segment 2 Length The length, in meters, of the Segment 2 of

a composite column. Enter 0 to disable. See Composite
Columns on page 160.

Column ID lock Set whether the column dimensions can be

set using the keyboard or only through an optional barcode
scanner accessory. When locked, the keyboard cannot change
column dimensions, and an Agilent data system will not
overwrite column configuration data. When locked, a method
will use the scanned column configuration.

Scan column barcodes If using an optional barcode scanner

accessory, select to input column configuration data by
scanning it. See Using the Optional Barcode Reader on
page 182.

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To configure a single column

You define a capillary column by entering its length,
diameter, and film thickness. You then enter the device
controlling the pressure at the Inlet (end of the column), the
device controlling the pressure at the column Outlet, and the
Thermal zone that controls its temperature.
With this information, the instrument can calculate the flow
through the column. This has great advantages when using
capillary columns because it becomes possible to:
Enter split ratios directly and have the instrument
calculate and set the appropriate flow rates.
Enter flow rate or head pressure or average linear
velocity. The instrument calculates the pressure needed to
achieve the flow rate or velocity, sets that, and reports all
three values.
Perform splitless injections with no need to measure gas
flows.
Choose any column mode. If the column is not defined,
your choices are limited and vary depending on the inlet.
Except for the simplest configurations, such as a column
connected to a specific inlet and detector, we recommend
that you begin by making a sketch of how the column will be
connected.
If using an optional barcode scanner accessory, see To scan
configuration data using the G3494B RS- 232 barcode reader
on page 183. Using the scanner will automatically configure
the column dimensions and temperature limits. You will still
need to set the inlet, outlet, and thermal zone as described
below.
To configure a column:
1 Press [Config][Col 1] or [Config][Col 2], or press [Config][Aux
Col #] and enter the number of the column to be
configured.
2 Scroll to the Length line, type the column length, in
meters, followed by [Enter].
3 Scroll to Diameter, type the column inside diameter in
microns, followed by [Enter].
4 Scroll to Film thickness, type the film thickness in microns,
followed by [Enter]. The column is now defined.

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If you do not know the column dimensionsthey are

usually supplied with the columnor if you do not wish
to use the GC calculating features, enter 0 for either
Length or Diameter. The column will be not defined.
5 Scroll to Inlet. Press [Mode/Type] to select a gas pressure
control device for this end of the column. Selections
include the installed GC inlets, and installed Aux and
PCM channels.
Select the appropriate gas pressure control device and
press [Enter].
6 Scroll to Outlet. Press [Mode/Type] to select a gas pressure
control device for this end of the column.
Select the appropriate gas pressure control device and
press [Enter].
Available choices include the installed Aux and PCM
channels, front and back detectors, and MSD.
When a detector is selected, the outlet end of the
column is controlled at 0 psig for the FID, TCD, FPD,
NPD, and uECD or vacuum for the MSD.
Selecting Other enables the Outlet pressure setpoint. If the
column exhausts into a nonstandard detector or
environment (neither ambient pressure nor complete
vacuum), select Other and enter the outlet pressure.
7 Scroll to Thermal zone. Press [Mode/Type] to see the
available choices. In most cases this will be GC oven, but
you may have an MSD transfer line heated by an
auxiliary zone, valves in a separately- heated valve box or
other configurations.
Select the appropriate Thermal zone and press [Enter].
8 Scroll to Column ID lock. If using an optional barcode
scanner, this will be set to On by the data system.
Normally, set to Off when not using a barcode scanner.
9 Set In_Segment Length, Out_Segment Length, and Segment 2
Length to 0 to disable composite column configuration.
See Composite Columns on page 160 for information.
This completes configuration for a single capillary column.

Additional notes on column configuration

Packed columns should be configured as column not defined.
To do this, enter 0 for either column length or column
diameter.

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10 Configuration

You should check configurations for all columns to verify

that they specify the correct pressure control device at each
end. The GC uses this information to determine the flow
path of the carrier gas. Only configure columns that are in
current use in your GCs carrier gas flow path. Unused
columns configured with the same pressure control device as
a column in the current flow path cause incorrect flow
results.
It is possible, and sometimes appropriate, to configure both
installed columns to the same inlet.
When splitters or unions exist in the carrier gas flow path,
without a GCs pressure control device monitoring the
common junction point, the individual column flows cannot
be controlled directly by the GC. The GC can only control
the inlet pressure of the upstream column whose inlet end is
attached to a GCs pressure control device. A column flow
calculator available from Agilent, and provided with Agilent
capillary flow devices, is used for determining pressures and
flows at this type of junction.
Some pneumatic setpoints change with oven temperature
because of changes in column resistance and in gas viscosity.
This may confuse users who observe pneumatics setpoints
changing when their oven temperature changes. However, the
flow condition in the column remains as specified by the
column mode (constant flow or pressure, ramped flow or
pressure) and the initial setpoint values.

To view a summary of column connections

To view a summary of column connections, press
[Config][Aux Col #], then press [Enter]. The GC lists the column
connections, for example:

COLUMN CONFIGURATION SUMMARY

Front Inlet -> Column 1
Column 1 -> Front detector

Actual Setpoint

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 Configuration 10

To configure multiple columns

To configure multiple columns, repeat the procedure above
for each column.
These are the available choices for Inlet, Outlet, and Thermal
zone. Some will not appear on your GC if the specific
hardware is not installed.

Table 16 Choices for column configuration

Inlet Outlet Thermal zone

Front inlet Front detector GC oven
Back inlet Back detector Auxiliary oven
Aux# 1 through 9 MSD Aux thermal zone 1
PCM A, B, and C Aux detector Aux thermal zone 2
Aux PCM A, B, and C Aux 1 through 9 Aux thermal zone 3
Unspecified PCM A, B, and C
Aux PCM A, B, and C
Front inlet
Back inlet
Other

Inlets and outlets

The pressure control devices at the inlet and outlet ends of
a column, or series of columns in a flow path, control its gas
flow. The pressure control device is physically attached to
the column through a connection to a GC inlet, a valve, a
splitter, a union, or other device.

Table 17 Column inlet end

If the column gas flow source is: Choose:

An inlet (SS, PP, COC, MMI, PTV, VI, or other) with electronic The inlet.
pressure control
A valve, such as gas sampling The auxiliary (Aux PCM) or pneumatics (PCM) control
module channel that provides gas flow during the inject
cycle.
A splitter with an EPC makeup gas supply The Aux PCM or EPC channel that provides the makeup gas
A device with a manual pressure controller Unknown

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10 Configuration

Similar considerations apply for the column outlet end.

When a column exits to a splitter, select the GCs pressure
control source attached to the same splitter.

Table 18 Column outlet end

If the column exhausts into Choose:

A detector The detector.
A splitter with a makeup gas supply The Aux PCM or EPC channel that provides makeup gas
flow to the splitter.
A device with a manual pressure controller Unknown

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 Configuration 10

A simple example
An analytical column is attached at its inlet end to a
split/splitless inlet located at the front of the GC and the
column outlet is attached to an FID located at the front
detector position.

Table 19 Analytical column

Column Inlet Outlet Thermal zone

Analytical column Front split/splitless Front FID GC oven

Since only a single column is configured, the GC determines

that it controls the inlet pressure to the column by setting
the front inlet pressure and the outlet pressure is always
atmospheric. The GC can calculate a pressure for the front
inlet that can exactly overcome the resistance to flow
presented by this column at any point during a run.

Slightly more complex example

A precolumn is followed by a AUX 1 pressure controlled
splitter and two analytical columns. This requires three
column descriptions.

Table 20 Precolumn split to two analytical columns

Column Inlet Outlet Thermal zone

1 - Precolumn Front inlet AUX 1 GC oven
2 - Analytical column AUX 1 Front detector GC oven
3 - Analytical column AUX 1 Back detector GC oven

The GC can calculate the flow through the precolumn using

the precolumns physical properties to calculate the columns
resistance to flow, along with the front inlet pressure and
the AUX 1 pressure. Your analytical method can set this flow
directly for the precolumn.
For the flow in the two parallel analytical columns 1 and 2,
the GC can use the columns physical properties to calculate
the split flow through each individual column, at a given
AUX 1 pressure, with both columns exiting to atmospheric
pressure. Your analytical method can only set the flow for
the lowest numbered column in a split, analytical column 2.
If you try to set the flow for column #3, it will be ignored
and the flow for column #2 will be used.

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10 Configuration

If other columns are currently defined, they may not use

AUX 1, Front inlet, Front detector, or Back detector in their
configuration.

Complicated example
The inlet feeds the analytical column which ends at a
three- way splitter. The splitter has the column effluent and
makeup gas coming in, and transfer lines (non- coated
columns) to three different detectors. This is a case where a
sketch is necessary.

Split/splitless inlet Aux EPC ECD FPD MSD

0.507 m x 0.10 mm x 0 m 0.532 m x 0.18 mm x 0 m

1.444 m x 0.18 mm x 0 m

30 m x 0.25 mm x 0.25 m HP-MS5

Table 21 Splitter with makeup and multiple detectors

Column Inlet Outlet Thermal zone

1 - 30 m 0.25 mm 0.25 m Front inlet Aux EPC 1 GC oven
2 - 1.444 m 0.18 mm 0 m Aux EPC 1 MSD GC oven
3 - 0.507 m 0.10 mm 0 m Aux EPC 1 Front detector GC oven
4 - 0.532 m 0.18 mm 0 m Aux EPC 1 Back detector GC oven

The oven was chosen for the MSD line since most of it is in
the oven.
As in the previous examples, your analytical method can
control the flow of column # 1 which has a GC pressure
controlled inlet and outlet.

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 Configuration 10

The flows to the three detectors are based on the pressure

drops through the capillaries and their resistance to flow. An
Agilent flow calculator provided with the capillary flow
splitter device is used to size the length and diameter of
these capillary sections to obtain the desired split ratios.
Your analytical method can set the flow or pressure for
column # 2, the lowest numbered column in the split. Use
the value obtained from the Agilent flow calculator for this
setpoint in your method.

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10 Configuration

Composite Columns
A composite column is a capillary column that passes
through multiple heating zones. A composite column consists
of a main segment and one or more additional segments.
There may be one segment on the input side of the main
segment (In Segment) and up to two segments on its output
side (Out Segment, Segment 2). Each of the four segments'
lengths, diameters, and film thicknesses can be specified
separately. Also, the zones that determine the temperatures
of each of the four segments are specified separately. The
three additional segments are often uncoated (zero film
thickness) and, serving as connectors, are of shorter length
than the main segment. It is necessary to specify these
additional segments so that the flow- pressure relationship
for the composite column can be determined.
Composite columns differ from multiple columns because for
composite columns, 100% of the column flow continues
through a single column or through multiple column
segments without additional makeup gas.

GC Inlet Detector
Out segment

MSD

In segment Transfer Line

Analytical column Segment 2

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 Configuration 10

To configure composite columns

1 Follow steps 1- 7 on page 153.
2 If using an In Segment, scroll to In_Segment Length and
enter the length, in meters. If not using an In Segment,
enter 0 to disable.
3 If using an Out Segment, scroll to Out_Segment Length and
enter the length, in meters. If not using an Out Segment,
enter 0 to disable.
4 If using a Segment 2, scroll to Segment 2 Length and enter
the length, in meters. If not using a Segment 2, enter 0 to
disable.

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10 Configuration

LTM Columns
See Unconfigured: on page 143 and Ignore Ready = on
page 142.
Low Thermal Mass (LTM) controllers and columns mount on
the front door of the GC and connect to LVDS connectors
[A- DET 1], [A- DET 2], or [EPC 6].
Press [Config][Aux Col #], enter the desired LTM column
number [1-4], and configure as a composite column. See
Composite Columns on page 160.

LTM Series II column modules

If using a LTM Series II column module, the GC obtains the
following parameters from the column module itself during
startup: primary column dimensions (length, id, film
thickness, and basket size), and column maximum and
absolute maximum temperatures.
Configure the column type, the In and Out segment
dimensions, and so forth as needed.
Note that LTM columns can be edited only for certain
parameters: column length (within a small percentage, for
calibration purposes) and id (within a small percentage).
Since the LTM Series II column module contains its column
information, and since the column type is not changeable,
changing other dimensions (for example, film thickness) does
not apply.
See Composite Columns on page 160.

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 Configuration 10

Cryo Trap
This discussion assumes that the trap is mounted in position
B, that you use liquid nitrogen coolant and control the trap
with Thermal Aux 1.
Configuration is in several parts:
Configure the trap to the GC
Configure a heater to the cryo trap.
Configure the coolant.
Configure the user- configurable heater.
Reboot the GC.

Configure the cryo trap to the GC

1 Press [Config], then [Aux Temp #] and select Thermal Aux 1.
Press [Enter].
2 Press [Mode/Type]. Scroll to Install BINLET with BV Cryo and
press [Enter].
3 Press [Options], select Communications, and press [Enter].
Select Reboot GC and press [On/Yes] twice.
This informs the GC that a cryo trap is installed at position
B.

Configure a heater to the cryo trap

1 Press [Config], then [Aux Temp #], select Thermal Aux 1 and
press [Enter]. Select Auxiliary Type: Unknown and press
[Mode/Type]. Select User Configurable Heater and press
[Enter].
2 Press [Options], select Communications, and press [Enter].
Select Reboot GC and press [On/Yes] twice.
This informs the GC that the heater parameters will be
supplied by the user.

Configure the coolant

The GC can handle only one type of coolant. If the coolant
has already been specified for some other device, then that
same coolant must be specified here.
1 Press [Config], then [Aux Temp #].
2 Select Thermal Aux 1 and press [Enter].

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10 Configuration

3 Scroll to Cryo Type (Valve BV).

If the value is not N2, press [Mode/Type], select N2 Cryo,

press [Enter] and then [Clear].
This tells the GC what coolant will be used.

Configure the user-configurable heater

Many of the following steps tell you to reboot the GC. Ignore
these requests by pressing [Clear]. Do not reboot until
specifically told to do so in these instructions.
1 Press [Config] and select Aux 1. Press [Enter].
2 Enter the following control values. Press [Enter], then
[Clear] after each one.
a Proportional Gain5.30
b Integral Time10
c Derivative Time1.00
d Mass (Watt- sec/deg)18
e Power (Watts)To find the watts to set here, scroll to
Back Inlet Status (BINLET). Note the watts value and enter
it for this parameter.
f Cryo Control ModePress [Mode/Type]. The first line
should already be PTV. Select Cryo Trap.
g Zone Control modePress [Mode/Type] and select PTV.
h SensorPress [Mode/Type] and select Thermocouple.
i Maximum Setpoint400
j Maximum Programming Rate720

Reboot the GC
Press [Options], select Communications, and press [Enter]. Select
Reboot GC and press [On/Yes] twice.

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 Configuration 10

Front Detector/Back Detector/Aux Detector/Aux Detector 2

See Ignore Ready = and Unconfigured: on page 143.

To configure the makeup/reference gas

The makeup gas line of your detector parameter list changes
depending on your instrument configuration.
If you have an inlet with the column not defined, the
makeup flow is constant. If you are operating with column
defined, you have a choice of two makeup gas modes. See
the Advanced Operation manual for details.
1 Press [Config][device], where [device] is one of the
following:
[Front Det]
[Back Det]
[Aux detector 1]
[Aux detector 2]
2 Scroll to Makeup gas type (or Makeup/reference gas type) and
press [Mode/Type].
3 Scroll to the correct gas and press [Enter].

Lit offset
The GC monitors the difference between the detector output
with the flame lit and the output when the flame is not lit.
If this difference falls below the setpoint, the GC assumes
that the flame has gone out and tries to reignite it. See the
Advanced Operation manual for details on how to set the Lit
Offset:
FID
FPD
If set too high, the lit detector baseline output can be below
the Lit Offset setpoint, causing the GC to erroneously try to
reignite the flame.

To configure the FPD heaters

The flame photometric detector (FPD) uses two heaters, one
in the transfer line near the base of the detector and one
near the combustion chamber. When configuring the FPD

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10 Configuration

heaters, select Install Detector 2 htr rather than the default

Install Detector (FPD). This two heater configuration controls
the detector body using the detector heated zone, and the
transfer line using Thermal Aux 1 for a front detector or
Thermal Aux 2 for a back detector.

To ignore the FID or FPD ignitor

WA R N I N G In general, do not ignore the ignitor for normal operation. Ignoring

the ignitor also disables the Lit Offset and autoignition features,
which work together to shut down the detector if the detector
flame goes out. If the flame goes out under manual ignition, GC
will continue to flow hydrogen fuel gas into the detector and lab.
Use this feature only if the ignitor is defective, and only until the
ignitor is repaired.

If using an FID or FPD, you can ignite the flame manually

by setting the GC to ignore the ignitor.
1 Press [Config][Front Det] or [Config][Back Det].
2 Scroll to Ignore Ignitor.
3 Press [On/Yes] to ignore the ignitor (or [Off/No] to enable
the ignitor.
When Ignore Ignitor is set to True, the GC does not try to light
the flame using the ignitor. The GC also completely ignores
the Lit Offset setpoint and does not attempt autoignition. This
means that the GC cannot determine if the flame is lit, and
will not shut down the fuel gas.

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 Configuration 10

Analog out 1/Analog out 2

Fast peaks
The GC allows you to output analog data at two speeds. The
faster speedto be used only with the FID, FPD, and
NPDallows minimum peak widths of 0.004 minutes (8 Hz
bandwidth), while the standard speedwhich can be used
with all detectors allows minimum peak widths of 0.01
minutes (3.0 Hz bandwidth).
To use fast peaks:
1 Press [Config][Analog out 1] or [Config][Analog out 2].
2 Scroll to Fast peaks and press [On/Yes].

The fast peaks feature does not apply to digital output.

If you are using the fast peaks feature, your integrator must be
fast enough to process data coming from the GC. Integrator
bandwidth should be at least 15 Hz.

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10 Configuration

Valve Box
See Unconfigured: on page 143 and Ignore Ready = on
page 142.
The valve box mounts on top of the column oven. It may
contain up to four valves mounted on heated blocks. Each
block can accommodate two valves.
Valve positions on the blocks are numbered. We suggest that
valves be installed in the blocks in numeric order.
All heated valves in a valve box are controlled by the same
temperature setpoint.

To assign a GC power source to a valve box heater

1 Unlock the GC configuration, press [Options], select
Keyboard & Display and press [Enter]. Scroll down to Hard
Configuration Lock and press [Off/No].
2 Press [Config], scroll to Valve Box and press [Enter].
3 With Unconfigured selected, press [Mode/type], select one of
the following and press [Enter].
Install heater A1 - for a valve box containing a single
heater plugged into the connector labeled A1 on the
valve box bracket.
Install heater A2 - for a valve box containing a single
heater plugged into the connector labeled A2 on the
valve box bracket.
Install 2 htr A1 & A2 - for a valve box containing two
heaters plugged into the connectors labeled AI and A2
on the valve box bracket.
The valve box bracket is located inside the GC right side
electrical compartment in the upper right location.
4 When prompted by the GC, turn the power off then on
again.
This completes the configuration of the valve box. To set the
valve box temperature for your method press the [Valve #]
key, and scroll to Valve Box.

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 Configuration 10

Thermal Aux
See Unconfigured: on page 143 and Ignore Ready = on
page 142.
The auxiliary thermal controllers provide up to three
channels of temperature control. These controllers are
labeled Thermal Aux 1, Thermal Aux 2, and Thermal Aux 3.

To assign a GC power source to an Aux thermal zone

Devices such as valve boxes and transfer lines have heaters
which can be plugged into one of several connectors on the
GC. Before use, you must configure these devices so that the
GC knows the type of device plugged into the connector
(inlet heater, detector heater, transfer line heater, and so on)
and how to control it.
This procedure assigns the heater power source to the
Thermal Aux 1, Thermal Aux 2, or Thermal Aux 3
temperature control zone.
1 Unlock the GC configuration. Press [Options], select
Keyboard & Display and press [Enter]. Scroll down to Hard
Configuration Lock and press [Off/No].
2 Press [Config][Aux Temp #] and scroll to Thermal Aux 1,
Thermal Aux 2, or Thermal Aux 3 and press [Enter].
3 With Unconfigured selected, press [Mode/Type], and select:
Install Heater A1 to configure a valve box heater plugged
into the valve box bracket plug labeled A1.
Install Heater A2 to configure a valve box heater plugged
into the valve box bracket plug labeled A2.
If installing a transfer line, scroll to the line which
describes the transfer line type (MSD Transfer, Ion Trap,
RIS Transfer, and so on) and its GC connector (F-DET, A1,
BINLET, and so on). For example, for an MSD transfer
line connected to A2, select Install MSD Transfer A2.
4 Press [Enter] after making the selection.
5 For devices such as a valve box, inlet, or detector,
configuration is complete. When prompted by the GC,
turn the power off then on again. Skip the rest of the
steps in this procedure.
For other devices, next configure the specific device type:
Press [Clear] to skip the reboot for now.

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10 Configuration

6 Scroll to Auxiliary type, press [Mode/Type], scroll to and

select the desired device type, and press [Enter]. Types
may include:
Cryo focus
Cryo trap
AED transfer line
Nickel catalyst
ICMPS argon preheat
ICMPS transfer line
ICPMS injector
Ion Trap GC Heated Interface
G3520 Transfer Line
MSD transfer line
User Configurable
7 When prompted, reboot the GC to implement the changes.

To configure a MSD transfer line heater

1 Check that a power source for the MSD heater was
assigned. See To assign a GC power source to an Aux
thermal zone on page 169.
2 Press [Config][Aux Temp #] and scroll to Thermal Aux 1,
Thermal Aux 2, or Thermal Aux 3 depending on where the
MSD heater was assigned, and press [Enter].
3 Scroll to Auxiliary type, press [Mode/Type], scroll to and
select the MSD transfer line, and press [Enter].

To configure a nickel catalyst heater

1 Check that a power source for the Nickel Catalyst heater
was assigned. See To assign a GC power source to an
Aux thermal zone on page 169.
2 Press [Config][Aux Temp #] and scroll to Thermal Aux 1,
Thermal Aux 2, or Thermal Aux 3 depending on where the
Nickel Catalyst heater was assigned, and press [Enter].
3 Scroll to Auxiliary type, press [Mode/Type], scroll to and
select Nickel catalyst, and press [Enter].

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 Configuration 10

To configure an AED transfer line heater

1 Check that a power source for the AED transfer line
heater was assigned. See To assign a GC power source to
an Aux thermal zone on page 169.
2 Press [Config][Aux Temp #] and scroll to Thermal Aux 1,
Thermal Aux 2, or Thermal Aux 3 depending on where the
AED transfer line heater was assigned, and press [Enter].
3 Scroll to Auxiliary type, press [Mode/Type], scroll to and
select the AED transfer line, and press [Enter].

To configure an ion trap transfer line heater

1 Check that a power source for the ion trap transfer line
heater was assigned. See To assign a GC power source to
an Aux thermal zone on page 169.
2 Press [Config][Aux Temp #] and scroll to Thermal Aux 1,
Thermal Aux 2, or Thermal Aux 3 depending on where the ion
trap transfer line heater was assigned, and press [Enter].
3 Scroll to Auxiliary type, press [Mode/Type], scroll to and
select Ion Trap GC Heated Interface, and press [Enter].

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10 Configuration

PCM A/PCM B/PCM C

See Unconfigured: on page 143 and Ignore Ready = on
page 142.
A pressure control module (PCM) provides two channels of
gas control.
Channel 1 is a simple forward- pressure regulator that
maintains a constant pressure at its output. With a fixed
downstream restrictor, it provides constant flow.
Channel 2 is more versatile. With the normal flow direction
(in at the threaded connector, out via the coiled tubing), it is
similar to channel 1. However with the flow direction
reversed (some extra fittings will be needed), it becomes a
back- pressure regulator that maintains a constant pressure
at its inlet.
Thus channel 2 (reversed) behaves as a controlled leak. If
the inlet pressure drops below setpoint, the regulator closes
down. If inlet pressure rises above setpoint, the regulator
bleeds off gas until the pressure returns to setpoint.

To assign a GC communication source to a PCM

1 Unlock the GC configuration, press [Options], select
Keyboard & Display and press [Enter]. Scroll down to Hard
Configuration Lock and press [Off/No].
2 Press [Config][Aux EPC #], scroll to a PCMx and press
[Enter].
3 With Unconfigured selected, press [Mode/Type], select Install
EPCx and press [Enter].
4 When prompted by the GC, turn the power off then on
again.
To configure the other parameters on this PCM, see To
configure a PCM.

To configure a PCM
1 Press [Config][Aux EPC #], scroll to the PCMx and press
[Enter].
2 Scroll to Gas type, press [Mode/Type], make a selection and
press [Enter].

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 Configuration 10

This completes configuration for Channel 1. The rest of the

entries refer to Channel 2.
3 Scroll to Aux gas type, press [Mode/Type], make a selection
and press [Enter].
4 Scroll to Aux Mode:, press [Mode/Type], select one of the
following and press [Enter]:
Forward Pressure Control - Aux channel
Back Pressure Control- Aux channel
For a definition of these terms the Advanced Operation
manual.
The pressure control mode for the main channel is set by
pressing [Aux EPC #]. Select Mode:, press [Mode/Type], select
the mode and press [Enter].

Operation Manual 173

10 Configuration

Pressure aux 1,2,3/Pressure aux 4,5,6/Pressure aux 7,8,9

See Ignore Ready = and Unconfigured: on page 143.
An auxiliary pressure controller provides three channels of
forward- pressure regulation. Three modules can be installed
for a total of nine channels.
The numbering of the channels depends on where the
controller is installed. See the Advanced Operation manual
for details. Within a single module, channels are numbered
from left to right (as seen from the back of the GC) and are
labeled on the AUX EPC module.

To assign a GC communication source to an Aux EPC

1 Unlock the GC configuration, press [Options], select
Keyboard & Display and press [Enter]. Scroll down to Hard
Configuration Lock and press [Off/No].
2 Press [Config][Aux EPC #], select Aux EPC 1,2,3 or Aux EPC 4,5,6
or Aux EPC 7,8,9 and press [Enter].
3 With Unconfigured selected, press [Mode/Type], select Install
EPCx and press [Enter].
4 When prompted by the GC, turn the power off then on
again.
To configure the other parameters on this EPC, see To
configure an auxiliary pressure channel.

To configure an auxiliary pressure channel

1 Press [Config][Aux EPC #], select Aux EPC 1,2,3 or Aux EPC 4,5,6
or Aux EPC 7,8,9 and press [Enter].
2 Select Chan x Gas type, press [Mode/Type], select the gas that
is plumbed to the channel and press [Enter].
3 If necessary, repeat the above step for the other two
channels on this EPC module.

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 Configuration 10

Status
The [Status] key has two tables associated with it. You switch
between them by pressing the key.

The Ready/Not Ready status table

This table lists parameters that are Not Ready or gives you a
Ready for Injection display. If there are any faults, warnings, or
method mismatches present, they are displayed here.

The setpoint status table

This table lists setpoints compiled from the active parameter
lists on the instrument. This is a quick way to view active
setpoints during a run without having to open multiple lists.

To configure the setpoint status table

You can change the order of the list. You might want the
three most important setpoints to appear in the window
when you open the table.
1 Press [Config][Status].
2 Scroll to the setpoint that should appear first and press
[Enter]. This setpoint will now appear at the top of the
list.
3 Scroll to the setpoint that should appear second and
press [Enter]. This setpoint will now be the second item
on the list.
4 And so on, until the list is in the order you wish.

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10 Configuration

Time
Press [Time] to open this function. The first line always
displays the current date and time, and the last line always
displays a stopwatch. The two middle lines vary:

Between runs Show last and next (calculated) run times.

During a run Show time elapsed and time remaining in the

run.

During Post Run Show last run time and remaining Post Run
time.

To set time and date

1 Press [Config][Time].
2 Select Time zone (hhmm) and enter the local time offset
from GMT using a 24 hour format.
3 Select Time (hhmm) and enter the local time.
4 Select Date (ddmmyy) and enter the date.

To use the stopwatch

1 Press [Time].
2 Scroll to the time= line.
3 To begin the timed period press [Enter].
4 To stop the timed period press [Enter].
5 Press [Clear] to reset the stopwatch.

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 Configuration 10

Valve #
Up to 4 valves can be mounted in a temperature- controlled
valve box and are normally wired to the valve box bracket
V1 through V4 plugs, located inside the electrical
compartment. Additional valves or other devices (4 through
8) can be wired using the plug labeled EVENT on the back of
the GC.

To configure a valve
1 Press [Config][Valve #] and enter the number (1 to 8) of
the valve you are configuring. The current valve type is
displayed.
2 To change the valve type, press [Mode/Type], select the
new valve type, and press [Enter].

Valve types
Sampling Two- position (load and inject) valve. In load
position, an external sample stream flows through an
attached (gas sampling) or internal (liquid sampling) loop
and out to waste. In inject position, the filled sampling
loop is inserted into the carrier gas stream. When the
valve switches from Load to Inject, a run starts if one is
not already in progress. See the Advanced Operation
manual for details.
Switching Two- position valve with four, six, or more
ports. These are general- purpose valves used for such
tasks as column selection, column isolation, and many
others. For an example of valve control, see the Advanced
Operation manual.
Multiposition Also called a stream selection valve. It
selects one from a number of gas streams and feeds it to
a sampling valve. The actuator may be ratchet- (advances
the valve one position each time it is activated) or
motor- driven. An example that combines a stream
selection valve with a gas sampling valve is provided in
the Advanced Operation manual.
Remote start Available selection when configuring valve
#7 or #8 only. Use this selection when wires controlling
an external device are attached to an internal pair of
contacts controlled by the GC.
Other Something else.
Not installed Self- explanatory.

Operation Manual 177

10 Configuration

Front injector/Back injector

The GC supports three models of samplers.
For the 7693A and 7650A samplers, the GC recognizes
which injector is plugged into which connector, INJ1 or INJ2.
No configuration is needed. To move an injector from one
inlet to another requires no settings: the GC detects the
injector position.
To configure the 7693A sampler system, see the 7693A
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance manual. To
configure the 7650A sampler system, see the 7650A
Installation, Operation, and Maintenance manual.
For the 7683 series samplers, normally the front inlets
injector is plugged into the connection on the rear of the GC
labeled INJ1. The rear inlets injector is plugged into the
connection on the rear of the GC labeled INJ2.
When a GC shares a single 7683 injector between two inlets,
the injector is moved from one inlet to the other and the
injectors plug- in on the rear of the GC is switched.
To move the 7683 injector from one inlet on the GC to
another without changing the injectors plug- in, use the
Front/Back tower parameter. See To move a 7683 injector
between front and back positions on page 179.

Solvent Wash Mode (7683 ALS)

This section applies to the 7683 ALS system. To configure
the 7693A sampler system, see the 7693A Installation,
Operation, and Maintenance manual.
Depending upon the installed injector and turret, these
parameters may be available to configure multiple solvent
wash bottles usage. If necessary, refer to your injector user
documentation for details.
A, BUse solvent bottle A if injector uses solvent A washes
and solvent bottle B if injector uses solvent B washes.
A-A2, B-B2Use solvent bottles A and A2 if injector uses
solvent A washes and solvent bottles B and B2 if injector
uses solvent B washes. The injector alternates between both
bottles.

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 Configuration 10

A-A3, B-B3Use solvent bottles A, A2, and A3 if injector uses

solvent A washes and solvent bottles B, B2, and B3 if
injector uses solvent B washes. The injector alternates
between all bottles.

To configure an injector (7683 ALS)

This section applies to the 7683 ALS system. To configure
the 7693A sampler system, see the 7693A Installation,
Operation, and Maintenance manual. To configure the 7650A
sampler system, see the 7650A Installation, Operation, and
Maintenance manual.
1 Press [Config][Front Injector] or [Config][Back Injector].
2 Scroll to Front/Back tower.
3 Press [Off/No] to change the present tower position from
INJ1 to INJ2 or from INJ2 to INJ1.
4 If the installed turret has locations for multiple solvent
bottles, scroll to Wash Mode, press [Mode/Type], and then
select 1, 2, or 3 bottles for each solvent and press [Enter].
5 Scroll to [Syringe size]. Enter the size of the syringe that is
installed and press [Enter].

To move a 7683 injector between front and back positions

This section applies only to the 7683 ALS system. (The
7693A system automatically determines the current injector
location.)
If only one injector is installed on the GC, move it from the
front to back inlet and reconfigure the GC as described
below:
1 Press [Config][Front Injector] or [Config][Back Injector].
2 Scroll to Front/Back tower.
3 Press [Off/No] to change the present tower position from
INJ1 to INJ2 or from INJ2 to INJ1.
If you press [Config], then scroll down, you will see that
the only configurable injector is now in the other
position.
4 Lift the injector and place it over the mounting post for
the other inlet.

Operation Manual 179

10 Configuration

Sample tray (7683 ALS)

This section applies to the 7683 ALS system. To configure
the 7693A sampler system, see the 7693A Installation,
Operation, and Maintenance manual.
1 Press [Config][Sample Tray].
2 If the vial gripper is touching vials either too high or too
low for reliable pickup, scroll to Grip offset and press
[Mode/Type] to select:
Up to increase the gripper arm pickup height
Default
Down to decrease the gripper arm pickup height
3 Scroll to Bar Code Reader.
4 Press [On/Yes] or [Off/No] to control the following bar
code setpoints:
Enable 3 of 9encodes both letters and numbers, plus a
few punctuation marks, and message length can be
varied to suit both the amount of data to be encoded
and the space available
Enable 2 of 5restricted to numbers but does allow
variable message length
Enable UPC coderestricted to numbers- only with fixed
message length
Enable checksumverifies that the checksum in the
message matches the checksum calculated from the
message characters, but does not include the checksum
character in the returned message
5 Enter 3 as the BCR Position when the reader is installed in
the front of the tray. Positions 119 are available.

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 Configuration 10

Instrument
1 Press [Config]. Scroll to Instrument and press [Enter].
2 Scroll to Serial #. Enter a serial number and press [Enter].
This function can only be done by Agilent service
personnel.
3 Scroll to Auto prep run. Press [On/Yes] to enable Auto prep
run, [Off/No] to disable it. See the Advanced Operation
manual for details.
4 Scroll to Zero Init Data Files.
Press [On/Yes] to enable it. When it is On, the GC
immediately begins to subtract the current detector
output from all future values. This applies only to
digital output, and is useful when a non- Agilent data
system has problems with baseline data that is
non- zero.
Press [Off/No] to disable it. This is appropriate for all
Agilent data systems.
5 Scroll to Require Host Connection. Set On to consider
whether or not the remote host reports Ready as part of
GC readiness.
6 Press [Clear] to return to the Config menu or any other
function to end.

Operation Manual 181

10 Configuration

Using the Optional Barcode Reader

The optional G3494A USB Barcode Reader and G3494B
RS- 232 Barcode Reader accessories provide an easy way to
input configuration information when used with an Agilent
data system. The G3494B accessory uses RS- 232
communication and connects to the BCR/RA port on the back
of the GC. The G3494A accessory uses USB communications,
and connects to the data system PC.
Refer to your Agilent data system help for additional usage
details.
The barcode reader accessories can be used to input data
directly from labels on the new consumables into the data
system. The data system uses this part number information
to search its consumable parts catalogs to then populate
various configuration fields with the appropriate data for the
part.
Scannable data includes part numbers, lot numbers, and
serial numbers. Lookup data from the database includes:
Column description, temperature limits, form factor, and
nominal dimensions.
Liner description and internal volume.
Injector syringe description, type, and volume.

Barcode reader power

The USB version of the barcode reader gets its power from
the PCs USB port.
The RS- 232 version of the barcode reader uses its own
power supply. Plug the power cord into the appropriate
outlet. When power cycling the GC, turn off the RS- 232
barcode reader too.

CAUTION To avoid damaging the barcode reader, do not connect or disconnect

the RS-232 barcode reader to or from the GC when either GC power
or barcode reader power is on.

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 Configuration 10

Installing the barcode reader

To install the G3494B RS-232 barcode reader

1 Shut down the GC and turn it off.
2 Connect the control cable from the barcode reader to the
GC the BCR/RA port.
3 Plug the barcode reader power cord into an appropriate
outlet.
4 Turn on the GC.
5 Press [Options], scroll to [Communications], and press
[Enter].
6 Scroll to BCR/RA connector, then press [Mode/Type].
7 Select Barcode reader connection, then press [Enter] to
accept.
The barcode reader is ready for use.

To install the G3494A USB barcode reader

1 Shut down the Agilent data system.
2 Connect the USB cable from the barcode reader to an
open PC USB port.
The barcode reader is ready for use.

To scan configuration data using the G3494B RS-232 barcode reader

1 If not open, launch the data system online session for the
GC.
2 Press [Config], then scroll to the desired item to configure:
Select the column to configure a column.
Select [Front Inlet] or [Back Inlet] to scan liner data.
Select Injector to configure an ALS syringe.
3 Scroll to the appropriate line: Scan syringe barcodes, Scan
column barcodes, or Scan liner barcodes. Press [Enter].
4 Scroll to the appropriate entry to scan. See Table 22.

Operation Manual 183

10 Configuration

Table 22 Scannable configuration data

Columns Liners Syringes

Part No. Part Number Part Number
Serial No. Lot Number Lot Number

5 Scan the barcode for the entry.

6 Scroll to the next line for the consumable item, then scan
its barcode.
7 After scanning all desired items, scroll to Enter to save, Clear
to abort.
8 Press [Enter] to save the scanned data, or press [Clear] to
abort the process and discard the scanned data.
9 After pressing [Enter], the GC will beep once when the
data system and GC successfully synchronize their data.
If the data system online session is not running, you will not
see the new configuration data. You will need to open the
data system online session, then rescan the information.

To scan configuration data using the G3494A USB barcode reader

Refer to the online help available in the data system.

To uninstall the RS-232 barcode reader

To uninstall the barcode reader, disable it before
disconnecting it.
1 Press [Options], scroll to [Communications], and press
[Enter].
2 Scroll to BCR/RA connector, then press [Mode/Type].
3 Select Disable BCR/RA connection, then press [Enter] to
accept.
4 Turn off the GC.
5 Unplug the barcode reader from the GC and disconnect it
from power.

184 Operation Manual

Agilent 7890B Gas Chromatograph
Operation Manual

11
Options
About Options 186
Calibration 186
Maintaining EPC calibrationinlets, detectors, PCM, and AUX 186
Auto flow zero 187
Auto zero septum purge 187
Zero conditions 187
Zero intervals 188
To zero a specific flow or pressure sensor 188
Column calibration 188
Communication 193
Configuring the IP address for the GC 193
Keyboard and Display 194

Agilent Technologies 185

11 Options

About Options
The [Options] key is used for a group of functions that are
usually set on installation and seldom changed afterward. It
accesses this menu:

Calibration
Communication
Keyboard and Display

Calibration
Press [Calibration] to list the parameters that can be
calibrated. These include:
Inlets
Detectors
ALS
Columns
Oven
Atmospheric pressure
In general, you will only need to calibrate the EPC modules
and capillary columns. ALS, oven, and atmospheric pressure
calibration should only be performed be trained service
personnel.

Maintaining EPC calibrationinlets, detectors, PCM, and AUX

The EPC gas control modules contain flow and/or pressure
sensors that are calibrated at the factory. Sensitivity (slope
of the curve) is quite stable, but zero offset requires periodic
updating.

Flow sensors
The split/splitless and purged packed inlet modules use flow
sensors. If the Auto flow zero feature (see page 186) is on,
they are zeroed automatically after each run. This is the
recommended way. They can also be zeroed manuallysee
To zero a specific flow or pressure sensor.

186 Operation Manual

 Options 11

Pressure sensors
All EPC control modules use pressure sensors. They must be
zeroed individually. There is no automatic zero for pressure
sensors.

Auto flow zero

A useful calibration option is Auto flow zero. When it is On,
after the end of a run the GC shuts down the flow of gases
to an inlet, waits for the flow to drop to zero, measures and
stores the flow sensor output, and turns the gas back on.
This takes about two seconds. The zero offset is used to
correct future flow measurements.
To activate this, select Calibration on the Options menu, then
choose either Front inlet or Back inlet, press [Enter], and turn
Auto flow zero on.

Auto zero septum purge

This is similar to Auto flow zero, but is for the septum purge
flow.

Zero conditions
Flow sensors are zeroed with the carrier gas connected and
flowing.
Pressure sensors are zeroed with the supply gas line
disconnected from the gas control module.

Operation Manual 187

11 Options

Zero intervals

Table 23 Flow and Pressure Sensor Zero Intervals

Sensor type Module type Zero interval

Flow All Use Auto flow zero and/or
Auto zero septum purge
Pressure Inlets
Packed columns Every 12 months
Small capillary columns Every 12 months
(id 0.32 mm or less)
Large capillary columns At 3 months, at 6 months,
(id > 0.32 mm) then every 12 months
Auxiliary channels Every 12 months
Detector gases Every 12 months

To zero a specific flow or pressure sensor

1 Press [Options], scroll to Calibration, and press [Enter].
2 Scroll to the module to be zeroed and press [Enter].
3 Set the flow or pressure:
Flow sensors. Verify that the gas is connected and
flowing (turned on).
Pressure sensors. Disconnect the gas supply line at the
back of the GC. Turning it off is not adequate; the valve
may leak.
4 Scroll to the desired zero line.
5 Press [On/Yes] to zero or [Clear] to cancel.
6 Reconnect any gas line disconnected in step 3 and
restore operating flows

Column calibration
As you use a capillary column, you may occasionally trim off
portions, changing the column length. If measuring the
actual length is impractical, and if you are using EPC with a
defined column, you can use an internal calibration routine
to estimate the actual column length. Similarly, if you do not
know the column internal diameter or believe it is
inaccurate, you can estimate the diameter from related
measurements.

188 Operation Manual

 Options 11

Before you can calibrate the column, make sure that:

You are using a capillary column
The column is defined
There are no oven ramps
The column gas source (usually the inlet) is On and
non- zero
Also note that column calibration fails if the calculated
column length correction is > 5 m, or if the calculated
diameter correction is > 20 m.

Calibration modes
There are three ways to calibrate the column length and/or
diameter:
Calibrate using an actual measured column flow rate
Calibrate using an unretained peak time (elution time)
Calibrate both length and diameter using flow rate and
elution time

CAUTION When you measure the column flow rate, be sure to convert the
measurement to normal temperature and pressure if your
measurement device does not report data at NTP. If you enter
uncorrected data, the calibration will be wrong.

To estimate the actual column length or diameter from an elution

time
1 Set oven ramp 1 to 0.00, then verify that the column is
defined.
2 Perform a run using an unretained compound and record
the elution time.
3 Press [Options], scroll to Calibration and press [Enter].
4 From the calibration list, select the column and press
[Enter]. The GC displays the current calibration mode for
the column.
5 To recalibrate or to change calibration mode, press
[Mode/Type] to see the column calibration mode menu.

Operation Manual 189

11 Options

6 Scroll to Length or Diameter and press [Enter]. The

following choices appear:
Mode
Measured flow
Unretained peak
Calculated length or Calculated diameter
Not calibrated
7 Scroll to Unretained peak and enter the actual elution time
from the run performed above.
8 When you press [Enter], the GC will estimate the column
length or diameter based on the elution time input and
will now use that data for all calculations.

To estimate the actual column length or diameter from the

measured flow rate
1 Set oven ramp 1 to 0.00, then verify that the column is
defined.
2 Set the oven, inlet, and detectors temperatures to 35 C
and allow them to cool to room temperature.
3 Remove the column from the detector.

CAUTION When you measure the column flow rate, be sure to convert the
measurement to normal temperature and pressure if your
measurement device does not report data at NTP. If you enter
uncorrected data, the calibration will be wrong.

4 Measure the actual flow rate through the column using a

calibrated flow meter. Record the value. Reinstall the
column.
5 Press [Options], scroll to Calibration and press [Enter].
6 From the calibration list, select the column and press
[Enter]. The GC displays the current calibration mode for
the column.
7 To recalibrate or to change calibration mode, press
[Mode/Type] to see the column calibration mode menu.
8 Scroll to Length or Diameter and press [Enter]. The
following choices appear:
Mode
Measured flow

190 Operation Manual

 Options 11

Unretained peak
Calculated length or Calculated diameter
Not calibrated
9 Scroll to Measured flow and enter the corrected column
flow rate (in mL/min) from the run performed above.
10 When you press [Enter], the GC will estimate the column
length or diameter based on the elution time input and
will now use that data for all calculations.

To estimate the actual column length and diameter

1 Set oven ramp 1 to 0.00, then verify that the column is
defined.
2 Perform a run using an unretained compound and record
the elution time.
3 Set the oven, inlet, and detectors temperatures to 35 C
and allow them to cool to room temperature.
4 Remove the column from the detector.

CAUTION When you measure the column flow rate, be sure to convert the
measurement to normal temperature and pressure if your
measurement device does not report data at NTP. If you enter
uncorrected data, the calibration will be wrong.

5 Measure the actual flow rate through the column using a

calibrated flow meter. Record the value. Reinstall the
column.
6 Press [Options], scroll to Calibration and press [Enter].
7 From the calibration list, select the column and press
[Enter]. The GC displays the current calibration mode for
the column.
8 To recalibrate or to change calibration mode, press
[Mode/Type] to see the column calibration mode menu.
9 Scroll to Length & diameter and press [Enter]. The following
choices appear:
Mode
Measured flow
Unretained peak
Calculated length
Calculated diameter
Not calibrated

Operation Manual 191

11 Options

10 Scroll to Measured flow and enter the corrected column

flow rate (in mL/min) from the run performed above.
11 Scroll to Unretained peak and enter the actual elution time
from the run performed above.
12 When you press [Enter], the GC will estimate the column
length or diameter based on the elution time input and
will now use that data for all calculations.

192 Operation Manual

 Options 11

Communication

Configuring the IP address for the GC

For network (LAN) operation, the GC needs an IP address. It
can get this from a DHCP server, or it can be entered
directly from the keyboard. In either case, see your LAN
administrator.

To use a DHCP server

1 Press [Options]. Scroll to Communications and press [Enter].
2 Scroll to Enable DHCP and press [On/Yes]. When prompted,
turn the GC off and then on again.

To set the LAN address at the keyboard

1 Press [Options]. Scroll to Communications and press [Enter].
2 Scroll to Enable DHCP and, if necessary, press [Off/No].
Scroll to Reboot GC. Press [On/Yes] and [On/Yes].
3 Press [Options]. Scroll to Communications and press [Enter].
4 Scroll to IP. Enter the numbers of the GC IP address,
separated by dots, and press [Enter]. A message tells you
to power cycle the instrument. Do not power cycle yet.
Press [Clear].
5 Scroll to GW. Enter the Gateway number and press
[Enter]. A message tells you to power cycle the
instrument. Do not power cycle yet. Press [Clear].
6 Scroll to SM and press [Mode/Type]. Scroll to the
appropriate subnet mask from the list given and press
[Enter]. A message tells you to power cycle the
instrument. Do not power cycle yet. Press [Clear].
7 Scroll to Reboot GC. Press [On/Yes] and [On/Yes] to power
cycle the instrument and apply the LAN setpoints.

Operation Manual 193

11 Options

Keyboard and Display

Press [Options] and scroll to Keyboard and Display. Press
[Mode/Type].
The following parameters are turned on and off by pressing
the [On/Yes] or [Off/No] keys.

Keyboard lock These keys and functions are operational

when the keyboard lock is On:
[Start], [Stop], and [Prep Run]
[Load][Method] and [Load][Seq]
[Seq]to edit existing sequences
[Seq Control]to start or stop sequences.
When Keyboard lock is On, other keys and functions are not
operational. Note that an Agilent data system can
independently lock the GC keyboard. To edit GC setpoints
using the GC keyboard, turn off both the GC keyboard
lock and the data system keyboard lock.

Hard configuration lock On prevents keyboard configuration

changes; Off removes lock.

Key click Click sound when keys are pressed.

Warning beep Allows you to hear warning beeps.

Warning beep mode There are 9 different warning sounds

that may be selected. This allows you to give multiple GCs
individual voices. We suggest you experiment.

Method modified beep Turn on for high pitched beep when

method setpoint is modified.
Press [Mode/Type] to change the pressure units and radix
type.

Pressure units psipounds per square inch, lb/in2

barabsolute cgs unit of pressure, dyne/cm2
kPamks unit of pressure, 103 N/m2

Language Select English or Chinese.

194 Operation Manual

 Options 11

Radix type Determines the numeric separator type1.00 or

1,00

Display saver If On, dims the display after a period of

inactivity. If Off, disabled.

Operation Manual 195

11 Options

196 Operation Manual