Agilent 7890A Operating Guide

Agilent 7890A
Gas Chromatograph

Operating Guide

Agilent Technologies

Notices

CAUTION

WARNING

© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2007-2010

No part of this manual may be reproduced
in any form or by any means (including
electronic storage and retrieval or transla­tion into a foreign language) without prior
agreement and written consent from Agi­lent Technologies, Inc. as governed by
United States and international copyright
laws.

Manual Part Number

G3430-90011

Edition

Third edition, June 2010
Second edition, September 2008
First edition, March 2007

Printed in USA or China

Agilent Technologies, Inc.
2850 Centerville Road
Wilmington, DE 19808-1610 USA

Agilent Technologies, Inc.
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Warranty

The material contained in this docu­ment is provided “as is,” and is sub­ject to being changed, without notice,
in future editions. Further, to the max­imum extent permitted by applicable
law, Agilent disclaims all warranties,
either express or implied, with regard
to this manual and any information
contained herein, including but not
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written agreement with warranty
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Safety Notices

A CAUTION notice denotes a hazard. It
calls attention to an operating
procedure, practice, or the like that, if
not correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in damage to the product
or loss of important data. Do not
proceed beyond a CAUTION notice
until the indicated conditions are fully
understood and met.

A WARNING notice denotes a hazard.
It calls attention to an operating
procedure, practice, or the like that, if
not correctly performed or adhered to,
could result in personal injury or
death. Do not proceed beyond a
WARNING notice until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and
met.

Contents

1 Introduction

Where to Find Information 8

Online User Documentation 8

Chromatography Using a GC 10

The Front View of the Agilent 7890A GC 11

The Back View of the Agilent 7890A GC 11

The Inlets 12

The GC Column and Oven 15

Capillary Flow Technology 16

Detectors 17

The Operating Panel 18

The display 18
Status lights 19
Beeping instrument 19
Blinking setpoint 20
The keypad 21

2 Operating Basics

Overview 24

Instrument Control 25

Correcting Problems 26

To Start Up the GC 27

To Shut Down the GC for Less Than a Week 28

To Shut Down the GC for More Than a Week 29

3 Running a Method or a Sequence from the Keypad

Loading, Storing, and Running Methods from the Keypad 32

To load a method 32
To store a method 32
To manually inject a sample with a syringe and start a run 32
To run a method to process a single ALS sample 32
To abort a method 33

Loading, Storing, and Running Sequences from the Keypad 34

To load a sequence 34
To store a sequence 34

Operating Guide 3

4 Keypad Operation

The Run Keys 38

The Service Mode Key 38

The GC Component Keys 39

The Status Key 40

The Info Key 41

The General Data Entry Keys 42

The Supporting Keys 43

Method Storage and Automation Keys 44

To start running a sequence 34
To pause a running sequence 35
To resume a paused sequence 35
To stop a running sequence 35
To resume a stopped sequence 35
Aborting a sequence 35
To resume an aborted sequence 36

Keypad Functionality When the GC Is Controlled by an Agilent Data

System 45

About GC Status 46

Status Board 46
Alert tones 46
Error conditions 47
Blinking setpoint 47

About Logs 48

Maintenance log 48

5 Operating the 7693A Automatic Sampler

Placing Vials in the 7693A ALS 50

Placing vials in the sample tray 51
Placing vials in the turret (no sample tray) 52
Placing vials for sandwich injections 52

To Park the Injector 54

To Install a Syringe on the 7693A ALS 55

To Remove the Syringe on the 7693A ALS 58

To Configure Solvent/Waste Vials 59

7693A ALS Prerun Checklist 60

4 Operating Guide

To Move the 7693A ALS to the Other GC Inlet 61

Check your work 62
Impact on your data system 62

To Adapt the 7693A ALS for the COC Inlet 63

6 Operating the 7683 Automatic Sampler

7683 ALS Turret Types 66

To Change the 7683 ALS Turret 67

To Move the 7683 ALS to the Other GC Inlet 69

To Park the Injector 71

To Install a Syringe on the 7683 ALS 72

To Remove the Syringe on the 7683 ALS 74

To Configure Solvent/Waste Vials 75

To Load Vials in the 7683 ALS Turret 77

To Load Vials in the 7683 ALS Sampler Tray 77

7683 ALS Prerun Checklist 78

To Adapt the 7683 ALS for the COC Inlet 79

To Install a 200-µm Column With the COC Inlet 80

To Manually Inject Onto a 200-µm Column With the COC Inlet 80

7 About Methods, Sequences, and Data Analysis

What Is a Method? 82

What Is Saved in a Method? 82

What Happens When You Load a Method? 83

What Is a Sequence? 83

Automating Data Analysis, Method Development, and Sequence

Development 83

Operating Guide 5

6 Operating Guide

Agilent 7890A Gas Chromatograph
Operating Guide

1
Introduction

Where to Find Information 8
Chromatography Using a GC 10
The Front View of the Agilent 7890A GC 11
The Back View of the Agilent 7890A GC 11
The Inlets 12
The GC Column and Oven 15
Capillary Flow Technology 16
Detectors 17
The Operating Panel 18

This document provides an overview of the individual
components that make up the Agilent 7890A Gas
Chromatograph (GC).

Agilent Technologies

7

1 Introduction

Where to Find Information

In addition to this document, Agilent provides several
learning products that document how to install, operate,
maintain, and troubleshoot the Agilent 7890A GC.

Before operating your GC, be sure to read the safety and
regulatory information included on the Agilent GC and
GC/MS Hardware User Information & Utilities DVD. The
most common safety hazards when working on the GC are:

• Burns caused by touching heated areas on or in the GC

• Release of pressurized gas containing hazardous chemical

compounds caused by opening inlets

• Glass cuts or puncture wounds caused by sharp capillary

column ends

• Use of hydrogen as a GC carrier gas

Online User Documentation

Now your Agilent instrument documentation is in one place,
at your fingertips.

The Agilent GC and GC/MS Hardware User Information &
Utilities DVD that ships with your instrument provides an
extensive collection of online help, videos, and books for
current Agilent gas chromatographs, mass selective detectors,
and GC samplers. Included are localized versions of the
information you need most, such as:

• Getting Familiar documentation

• Safety and Regulatory guide

• Site Preparation information

• Installation information

8 Operating Guide

• Operating guides

• Maintenance information

• Troubleshooting details

Introduction 1

Operating Guide 9

1 Introduction

Inlet

Oven

Detector

Operating panel

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

2 Separating the sample into individual components. (This

3 Detecting what compounds were in the sample. (This is

During this process, status messages from the Agilent 7890A
GC are displayed, and user changes to parameter settings
can be made through the operating panel.

inlet.)

takes place inside the column in the oven.)

done in the detector.)

Each part of this process is described in brief on the
following pages of this document. Refer to the Advanced

User Guide for more details.

10 Operating Guide

The Front View of the Agilent 7890A GC

Detector cover

Detectors

Inlets

Valves (not shown)

Display

Keypad

Power switch

Oven Latch

Introduction 1

The Back View of the Agilent 7890A GC

Oven exhaust vent

Inlet and detector vent

Gas supply connections

Electronic cable
connections

Oven cooling inlet

Power connection

Operating Guide 11

1 Introduction

The Inlets

Inlets are where samples are injected into the GC. The
Agilent 7890A GC can have a maximum of two inlets,
identified as Front Inlet and Back Inlet.

A complete selection of inlets—split/splitless [0–100 psi and
0–150 psi], multimode, purged packed, cool-on- column,
programmed temperature vaporization, and volatiles
interface—are available.

The type of inlet chosen is based on the type of analysis
being done, the type of sample being analyzed, and the
column being used.

Samples can be injected into the inlets by hand using a
syringe, or an automatic sampling device (such as an Agilent
Automatic Liquid Sampler or Agilent Headspace Sampler).

12 Operating Guide

Introduction 1

Autoinjector

Sample Tray

Tu rr e t

(Bar code reader / mixer /
heater not visible)

Automatic injectors

The optional Agilent 7693A automatic liquid sampler (ALS)
with a sample tray and bar code reader automates liquid
sample processing. The modular design allows the
autoinjector to be easily moved from one inlet to another or
from one GC to another. The modular design also permits
easy inlet maintenance.

The Agilent 7890A GC can accommodate up to two
autoinjectors, identified as Front Injector and Back Injector.

Operating Guide 13

Automatic gas sampling valves

The sampling valves are simple mechanical devices that
introduce a sample of fixed size into the carrier gas stream.
Valves are most frequently used to sample gases or liquids in
constantly flowing streams.

The Agilent 7890A GC can accommodate up to two gas
sampling valves, identified as Valv e # 1 and Valve #2.

1 Introduction

Gas Sampling Valve box

The valves are located inside the gas sampling valve box.

14 Operating Guide

The GC Column and Oven

Introduction 1

GC columns are located inside a temperature- controlled
oven. Generally, one end of the column is attached to the
inlet, while the other end is attached to the detector.

Columns vary in length, diameter, and internal coating. Each
column is designed for use with different compounds.

The purpose of the column and the oven is to separate the
injected sample into individual compounds as it travels
through the column. To aid this process, the GC oven can be
programmed to speed the sample flow through the column.

Operating Guide 15

1 Introduction

Capillary Flow Technology

Agilent capillary flow technology (CFT) devices are used for
splitting, heart cutting, and reliable zero dead volume
connections. The features of the capillary flow technology
make traditionally difficult connections simple, reliable, and
leak free.

The optional CFT switches, splitters, and QuickSwap
accessories are located on the inside of the oven wall. These
devices are primarily used when the analysis requires
multiple sample paths between the inlet and detectors. They
allow the chromatographer to design very efficient sample
paths using multiple columns or detectors. In addition,
analysis time can be reduced with the benefit of
backflushing.

16 Operating Guide

Detectors

Introduction 1

Detectors identify the presence of compounds as they exit
the column.

As each compound enters the detector, an electrical signal
proportional to the amount of compound detected is
generated. This signal is generally sent to a data analysis
system—such as Agilent ChemStation—where it shows up as a
peak on a chromatogram.

The Agilent 7890A GC can accommodate up to three
detectors, identified as Front Det, Back Det, and Aux Det.

A complete selection of detectors (FID, TCD, NPD, FPD,
µECD, MSD, Triple Quadrupole MS, and ICP- MS) is available.
The type of detector chosen is based on the type of analysis
required.

Operating Guide 17

1 Introduction

The Operating Panel

The display

The operating panel consists of the display, status lights, and
keypad. See “Keypad Operation” and the Advanced User

Guide, along with the complete suite of documentation

included on the Agilent GC and GC/MS Hardware User
Information & Utilities DVD that shipped with your
instrument for more detailed information.

The display shows details of what is currently happening in
the Agilent 7890A GC and allows you to make changes to
parameters as necessary.

Use the scroll keys 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.

Refer to “The keypad” and to “Keypad Operation” in this
document, or to the Advanced User Guide for more details
on how to interact with the displayed information.

18 Operating Guide

Status lights

Introduction 1

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

A lit LED on the status board indicates:

• The current progress of a run (Pre Run, Post Run, and

Run).

Beeping instrument

A series of warning beeps sound if the GC encounters a
problem. 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 [Clear] 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.

One beep sounds for other types of faults, warnings, and
shutdowns. 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.

• 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).

Operating Guide 19

1 Introduction

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.

20 Operating Guide

The keypad

Introduction 1

All of the parameters required to operate the Agilent 7890A
GC can be entered through the GC’s keypad. Normally,
however, most of these parameters are controlled using an
attached data system, such as the Agilent ChemStation.

When the Agilent ChemStation is controlling your Agilent
7890A GC, it is possible for the ChemStation to disable
editing of the GC’s current method from the keypad.

The Run Keys

GC Component
Keys

General Data
Entry Keys

Supporting Keys

Method Storage
and Automation
Keys

Operating Guide 21

1 Introduction

22 Operating Guide

Agilent 7890A Gas Chromatograph
Operating Guide

2
Operating Basics

Overview 24
Instrument Control 25
Correcting Problems 26
To Start Up the GC 27
To Shut Down the GC for Less Than a Week 28
To Shut Down the GC for More Than a Week 29

This section describes the tasks that an operator performs
when using the Agilent 7890A GC.

Agilent Technologies

23

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 “Operating the 7683 Automatic

Sampler”.

• 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 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”.

24 Operating Guide

Instrument Control

Operating Basics 2

The Agilent 7890A GC is typically controlled by an attached
data system such as Agilent ChemStation. 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, for details on loading methods and
sequences from the keypad see:

• “To load a method”

• “To load a 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”

Refer to the Advanced User Guide for details on how to
create methods and sequences using the GC keypad.

Operating Guide 25

2 Operating Basics

Correcting Problems

If the GC stops operation because of a fault, for example a
flow module shutdown after running out of carrier gas, do
the following:

1 Use the keyboard or data system to stop the alert tone.

Click [Clear] 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.

26 Operating Guide

To Start Up the GC

Operating Basics 2

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

Site Preparation Checklist.

1 Check gas source pressures. For required pressures, see

the Agilent GC, MSD, and ALS Site Preparation Checklist.

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 be

displayed.

5 If removed, install the column.

6 Check that the column fittings are leak free.

7 Load the analytical 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.

Detector type Stabilization time starting

from a reduced temperature
(hours)

FID 2 4

TCD 2 4

ECD 4 18 to 24

FPD 2 12

NPD 4 18 to 24

Stabilization time starting
from detector off
(hours)

Operating Guide 27

2 Operating Basics

WARNING

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.

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 cr yo

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.

Detector type Stabilization time starting

from a reduced temperature
(hours)

FID 2 4

TCD 2 4

ECD 4 18 to 24

FPD 2 12

NPD 4 18 to 24

Stabilization time starting
from detector off
(hours)

28 Operating Guide

To Shut Down the GC for More Than a Week

WARNING

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.

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.

Operating Basics 2

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.

Operating Guide 29

2 Operating Basics

30 Operating Guide

Agilent 7890A Gas Chromatograph
Operating Guide

3
Running a Method or a Sequence from
the Keypad

Loading, Storing, and Running Methods from the Keypad 32
Loading, Storing, and Running Sequences from the Keypad 34

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 the Advanced User Guide.

Agilent Technologies

31

3 Running a Method or a Sequence from the Keypad

Loading, Storing, and Running Methods from the Keypad

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 [Store].

3 Press [Method].

4 Enter the number of the method to store (1 through 9).

5 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.

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 into the inlet and puncture the

septum.

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.

32 Operating Guide

To abort a method

Running a Method or a Sequence from the Keypad 3

After the sample is loaded into the syringe, the sample is
automatically injected when the GC reaches the ready
state.

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 sequence".)

Operating Guide 33

3 Running a Method or a Sequence from the Keypad

Loading, Storing, and 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 load a sequence

1 Press [Load][Seq].

2 Enter the number of the sequence to be loaded.

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 store a sequence

1 Press [Store][Seq].

2 Enter the number of the sequence to be stored.

3 Press [On/Yes] to store the sequence or [Off/No] to cancel

the store.

To start running a sequence

1 Load the sequence. (See "To load a sequence".)

2 Press [Seq Control].

3 Verify the status of the sequence:

• Running—the sequence is running

• Ready/wait—the instrument is not ready (due to oven

temperature, equilibration times, etc.)

• Paused—the sequence is paused

• Stopped—proceed to step 4

• Aborted—the sequence stopped without waiting for the

run to finish (See "Aborting a sequence".)

• No sequence—the sequence is off or not defined

4 Scroll to the Start sequence line and press [Enter] to change

the status to Running.

34 Operating Guide

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.

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.

To resume a paused sequence

1 Press [Seq Control].

2 Scroll to Resume sequence and press [Enter].

Running a Method or a Sequence from the Keypad 3

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.

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.

Operating Guide 35

3 Running a Method or a Sequence from the Keypad

• A running sequence tries to load a method that doesn’t

exist.

• The sampler is turned off.

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.

36 Operating Guide

Agilent 7890A Gas Chromatograph
Operating Guide

4
Keypad Operation

The Run Keys 38
The Service Mode Key 38
The GC Component Keys 39
The Status Key 40
The Info Key 41
The General Data Entry Keys 42
The Supporting Keys 43
Method Storage and Automation Keys 44
Keypad Functionality When the GC Is Controlled by an Agilent Data

System 45
About GC Status 46
About Logs 48

This section describes the basic operation of the Agilent
7890A GC keypad. For additional information on keypad
functionality, see the Advanced User Guide.

Agilent Technologies

37

4 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 User

Guide 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. Refer to the Advanced User Guide
for information on how to restart the GC after
pressing [Stop].

The Service Mode Key

[Service Mode] Is used to access maintenance functions and

settings, service counters, and diagnostics for
the GC. See the Advanced User Guide for
details.

38 Operating Guide

The GC Component Keys

Keypad Operation 4

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]
[Col 2]

Controls column pressure, flow, or
velocity. Can set pressure or flow ramps.

[Aux Col #]

[Front Det]

Controls detector operating parameters.

[Back Det]
[Aux Det #]

[Analog Out 1]
[Analog Out 2]

Assigns a signal to the analog output. The
analog output is located on the back of
the GC.

[Front Injector]
[Back Injector]

Edits injector control parameters such as
injection volumes and sample and solvent
washes.

[Valve #] Allows for configuration or control of the

gas sampling valve (GSV) 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, an atomic emission detector
transfer line, or an “unknown” device. Can
be used for temperature programming.

[Aux EPC #] Provides auxiliary pneumatics to an inlet,

detector, or other device. Can be used for
pressure programming.

[Column Comp] Creates a column compensation profile.

Operating Guide 39

4 Keypad Operation

The Status Key

[Status] Toggles between setpoint/actual values for

most commonly reviewed parameters and
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.

40 Operating Guide

The Info Key

Keypad Operation 4

[Info] Provides help for the currently shown

parameter. For example, if Oven Te m p 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.

Operating Guide 41

4 Keypad Operation

The General Data Entry Keys

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

[Clear] Removes a misentered setpoint before pressing

[Enter] Accepts changes you enter or selects an

with a component’s 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.

[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.

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]
[Off/No]

[Front] [Back]Are mostly used during configuration

[Delete] Removes methods, sequences, run table entries,

Are used when you are setting up parameters,
such as the warning beep, method modification
beep, and key click or for turning on or off a
device like a detector.

operations. For example, when configuring a
column, use these keys to identify the inlet and
detector to which the column is attached.

and clock table entries. [Delete] also aborts the
adjust offset process for nitrogen-phosphorus
detectors (NPD) without interrupting other
detector parameters. See the Advanced User

Guide for more details.

42 Operating Guide

The Supporting Keys

Keypad Operation 4

[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 User Guide for details.

[Logs] Toggles between 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

option, such as keypad, and display, and
diagnostics. Scroll to the desired line and press
[Enter] to access the associated entries. See the

Advanced User Guide for details.

[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.

Operating Guide 43

4 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 ChemStation.

[Load]
[Method]
[Store]
[Seq]

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

Are used to load and store methods and
sequences on your GC.

To load a method, press [Load] [Method] and
select one from the list of methods stored in the
GC. See the Advanced User Guide for more
details on these operations.

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

Guide for details.

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

day, as opposed to during a specific run. This
could, for example, be used to start a shutdown
run at 5:00 p.m. every day. See the Advanced

User Guide for details on this function.

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

views the status of a sequence. See the

Advanced User Guide for details.

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

reader is enabled.

[Prog]
[User Key 1]
[User Key 2]

Allows you to program a series of keystrokes
commonly used for specific operations. See the

Advanced User Guide.

44 Operating Guide

Keypad Operation 4

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 under the Enable
DHCP setting, along with the number of hosts connected to
the GC.

Operating Guide 45

4 Keypad Operation

About GC Status

Status Board

When the GC is ready to begin a run, the display screen
shows STATUS Ready for Injection. Alternatively, 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.

Alert tones

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).

A series of warning beeps sounds before a shutdown occurs.
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 [Clear] to stop the beep.

46 Operating Guide

Keypad Operation 4

WARNING

A continuous tone sounds if a hydrogen flow is shut down
or a thermal shutdown occurs.

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

Blinking setpoint

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).

If the system shuts down a gas flow, multiposition valve, or
the oven, Off will blink on the appropriate line of the
component’s parameter listing.

If there is a detector pneumatics shutdown or failure in
another part of the detector, the detector On/Off line of the
detector’s parameter list blinks.

Operating Guide 47

4 Keypad Operation

About Logs

Run log

Maintenance log

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

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.

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
GC’s operation. Some of the events also appear in the run
log if they are in effect during a run.

48 Operating Guide

Agilent 7890A Gas Chromatograph
Operating Guide

5
Operating the 7693A Automatic
Sampler

Placing Vials in the 7693A ALS 50
To Park the Injector 54
To Install a Syringe on the 7693A ALS 55
To Remove the Syringe on the 7693A ALS 58
To Configure Solvent/Waste Vials 59
7693A ALS Prerun Checklist 60
To Move the 7693A ALS to the Other GC Inlet 61
To Adapt the 7693A ALS for the COC Inlet 63

This section describes the basic operation of the 7693A
automatic liquid sampler (ALS). For complete information,
refer to the Agilent 7693A Automatic Liquid Sampler

Installation, Operation, and Maintenance manual.

Agilent Technologies

49

5 Operating the 7693A Automatic Sampler

A

B

16

3

1

5

7

9

12

14

W

15

13

11

10

8

6

4

2

A

A2

A4

L3

L1

WB

WA

WA

B2

A6

A3

A5

B

B3

B4

WA

WB

L2

L3

L2

Transfer turret
(3 samples)

Standalone turret
(16 samples)

Top v i e ws .

Placing Vials in the 7693A ALS

Two turrets are provided with the G4513A injector
(Figure 1). The 16- sample standalone turret, and the
3- sample transfer turret.

Figure 1 Injector turrets

The labeled positions are defined in Table 1 and Table 2.

Tab le 1 Standalone turret labels

Position Label Bottle/Vial

1 through 14 1 through 14 Sample vials

15 15

L2

16 16

L3

17 W Waste bottle

18 B Solvent B bottle

19 A Solvent A bottle

50 Operating Guide

Sample vial
Layer 2 bottle

Sample vial
Layer 3 bottle

Operating the 7693A Automatic Sampler 5

Tab le 2 Transfer turret labels

Position Label Bottle/Vial

1 L1 Dedicated vial transfer position A

Layer 1 bottle

2 L2 Configurable vial transfer position

B
Layer 2 bottle

3 L3 Configurable vial transfer position

C
Layer 3 bottle

4 and 5 WB Waste B1 - B2 bottles

6 through 8 WA Waste A1 - A3 bottles

9 through 12 B - B4 Solvent B1 - B4 bottles

13 through 18 A - A6 Solvent A1 - A6 bottles

Placing vials in the sample tray

You must use the transfer turret.

1 Park the sample tray by pushing the [P] button on the

sample tray front panel.

The gantry will move to the far- left position (away from
the tray bracket), and gripper jaw will move to the
far- back position (away from the tray front panel). This
allows for clear access to the tray base.

Operating Guide 51

5 Operating the 7693A Automatic Sampler

150

141

1

10

21

110

101

100

91

605150

41

6

8

9

7

11

20

12

13

14

16

18

19

15

17

First vial in
position 6

Last vial in
position 21

2

Place up to 150 samples in the three vial racks, according
to the programmed sequence. Figure 2 shows tray loading
for a sequence that uses tray positions 6 through 21.

Figure 2 Loading tray positions

3 When finished loading the tray, press [P] on the tray front

panel to move the gantry from the Park position to the
Home position. (To use the sample tray, the gantry must
be out of the Park position.)

Placing vials in the turret (no sample tray)

You can place up to sixteen vials, a solvent A, a solvent B,
and a waste bottle in the standalone turret. If you use the
transfer turret, you can load three sample vials and the
solvent and waste bottle capacity increases to 15 (Figure 1).

Placing vials for sandwich injections

The ALS system has the ability to draw liquid from multiple
vials to create multilayered, or sandwich, injections. Each
layer of sample, internal standard, or solvent can be
separated by a layer of air (from 0% to 10% of the syringe
size). Figure 3 and Figure 4 show examples of 2- and 3- layer
sandwich injections.

52 Operating Guide

Operating the 7693A Automatic Sampler 5

Air gap 1 Air gap 2

Layer 1 (L1) Layer 2 (L2)

Air gap 1 Air gap 2

Layer 1 (L1) Layer 2 (L2)

Air gap 3

Layer 3 (L3)

Transfer turretStandalone turret

A

B

16

3

1

5

7

9

12

14

W

15

13

11

10

8

6

4

2

A

A2

A4

L3

L1

WB

WA

WA

B2

A6

A3

A5

B

B3

B4

WA

WB

L2

L3

L2

Figure 3 2-layer sandwich injection

Figure 4 3-layer sandwich injection

When loading vials for sandwich injections, layer 1 (L1) can
be placed in any turret position 1- 14 if using a standalone
turret, or in any tray position 1- 150 if using a transfer
turret with sample tray. The vials for layer 2 (L2) and layer
3 (L3) must be placed in turret positions L2 and L3
(Figure 5), respectively.

Figure 5 Turret vial locations for sandwich injections

Operating Guide 53

5 Operating the 7693A Automatic Sampler

To Par k t h e I nje c t o r

To park an injector (safely set it aside so it is not used),
simply place it on an installed parking post (G4513- 20562).

54 Operating Guide

To Install a Syringe on the 7693A ALS

Plunger carrier

Plunger screw

Flange guide

Syringe carrier

Syringe latch

Needle support foot

Slide

Plunger

Flange

Needle

Barrel

To install a syringe (Figure 6):

Operating the 7693A Automatic Sampler 5

Figure 6 Installing a syringe

1 Unplug the injector cable, and if desired, mount the

injector on a parking post, or lay the injector tower on a
work bench.

2 Open the injector door.

3 Slide the syringe carriage to the top position.

4 Open the syringe latch by swinging it in a

counterclockwise direction.

5 Lift the plunger carrier to the top position.

6 Carefully pass the syringe needle through the guide hole

in the needle support foot.

7 Align the syringe flange with the flange guide and press

the syringe into place, keeping the needle end in the
guide hole of the needle support foot.

8 Close the syringe latch by swinging it clockwise until it

snaps in place.

9 Loosen the plunger screw entirely by turning it

counterclockwise until the stop is reached.

Operating Guide 55

5 Operating the 7693A Automatic Sampler

CAUTION

Syringe latch (closed)

Needle support foot

10

11 Manually move the plunger carrier up and down. If the

Repeating this movement can damage the syringe.

12 Verify that the needle is inside the guide hole of the

Slide the plunger carrier down until it is completely over
the syringe plunger, and tighten the plunger thumb screw
until finger- tight.

syringe plunger does not move along with the carrier,
repeat the previous steps until installed correctly. Be sure
the plunger thumb screw is secure and tight. If the
carrier is not completely attached to the syringe plunger
it may become detached after a few injections.

needle support foot. The needle should be straight and
pass freely through the needle guide hole.

If the needle is bent or is outside the guide hole, remove
the syringe and reinstall. See Figure 7 for a properly
installed syringe.

Figure 7 Syringe carriage and needle support with syringe installed

56 Operating Guide

Operating the 7693A Automatic Sampler 5

Close the injector door.

13

14 Do the following only if the injector tower was removed

from the mounting post during installation:

a If necessary, plug in the injector cable.

b Install the injector on the mounting post.

c If you have a sample tray, calibrate the ALS system.

Operating Guide 57

5 Operating the 7693A Automatic Sampler

CAUTION

To Remove the Syringe on the 7693A ALS

To remove a syringe:

1 Unplug the injector cable, and if desired, mount the

injector on a parking post.

2 Open the injector door.

3 Slide the syringe carriage to the top position.

4 Completely loosen the plunger thumb screw until it

reaches the stop, and lift the plunger carrier off of the
syringe plunger.

5 Open the syringe latch by swinging it in a

counterclockwise direction.

Be careful not to bend the syringe needle. Only pull the syringe out
of the carriage until clear. The needle bends easily when still seated
in the needle support guide.

6 Carefully pull the top of the syringe out of the flange

guide, then lift the needle out of the needle support foot.

To install a syringe, see “To Install a Syringe on the 7693A

ALS” for details.

58 Operating Guide

To Configure Solvent/Waste Vials

CONFIGURE FRONT INJECTOR
Wash Mode Bottles 1 A, 1 B
Syringe Size 10.0

NOTE

Press [Config] [Front Injector] or [Config] [Back Injector] on the
GC keypad to display the front or back injector configuration
parameters.

Wash Mode Bottles — This is only displayed when the injector
has a transfer turret installed. The turret solvent bottle
positions are selected using the [Mode/Type] key:

Operating the 7693A Automatic Sampler 5

6-A and 4-B Washes — Uses all 6 solvent A bottles if injector

uses solvent A washes. Uses all 4 solvent B bottles if
injector uses solvent B washes. The injector alternates
between all bottles.

2-A and 2-B Washes — Uses 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 all bottles.

1-A and 1-B Washes — Uses solvent bottle A if injector uses
solvent A washes and solvent bottle B if injector uses
solvent B washes.

The injector always uses both WA waste bottles if a
solvent A wash is used and both WB waste bottles if a
solvent B wash is used.

Syringe size — Enter a syringe size between 0.5 and 500 µL.

The GC assumes the syringe volume represents full plunger stroke. If the
maximum volume marked on the syringe barrel is halfway up the barrel,
you will need to enter double that volume (the label in this case is half of
the full plunger stroke).

Operating Guide 59

5 Operating the 7693A Automatic Sampler

7693A ALS Prerun Checklist

Use this checklist before running analyses to make sure that
the sample vials and sampler are ready.

 Sample vials are at least half full.

 Vial cap is centered, with no wrinkles, and the septum is

 Sample vial positions match the run parameters.

 Each solvent bottle contains 4.5 mL of fresh solvent.

 Waste bottles are empty.

 Syringe door is closed.

 Sufficient solvent and waste capacity is available for

flat.

sample vials.

 Syringe is new or clean.

 Syringe design and size are correct.

 Plunger is secure in plunger carrier loop.

 Needle is aligned with septum retainer nut.

 Syringe is rinsed with solvent.

 GC inlet liner is clean and deactivated.

 GC inlet liner or insert is correct type for injection

technique.

 GC inlet septum type is correct.

 GC inlet septum has sufficient life remaining.

 Correct septum nut is installed in GC inlet.

60 Operating Guide

To Move the 7693A ALS to the Other GC Inlet

CAUTION

Front injector cable routed through
mounting bracket support

Back injector cableFront injector cable

1 When no runs are scheduled, lift the injector tower off

the mounting post.

2 If a tray is installed, disconnect the communications cable

from the injector tower.

3 Set the injector tower aside. (Place on a parking post or

lay it flat on its back.)

Use a flathead screwdriver that snugly fits the slot in the top of the
mounting post. An undersized blade can damage the post top and
prevent the injector from mounting properly.

4 Remove the mounting post from the inlet cover. Install it

at the other location. The post must be tightened
completely.

Operating the 7693A Automatic Sampler 5

5 If a sample tray is installed, route the front injector cable

through the mounting bracket support structure. If
installing a back injector, make sure the cable is available.

Figure 8 Front injector cable routed through mounting bracket support.

Operating Guide 61

5 Operating the 7693A Automatic Sampler

Injector cable
port

6

7 Position the injector on the desired mounting post and

Check your work

If the injector cable is disconnected, reconnect it to the
injector cable port.

inlet cover support foot.

The injector must be vertical and stable.

If the injector will not sit upright on the GC, check that the
plumbing and cabling under the inlet cover are properly
routed in their channels. If a tray is installed, also verify
that the front injector cable is routed correctly through the
GC mounting bracket support as shown in Figure 8.

If using a tray, you should calibrate the system. Refer to the

7693A ALS Installation, Operation, and Maintenance manual.

Impact on your data system

After moving the injector, an Agilent data system will detect
the configuration change and may prompt you to verify the
loaded method.

Verify the data system will use the new injection source for
any runs.

62 Operating Guide

To Adapt the 7693A ALS for the COC Inlet

The 7693A injectors can inject samples directly into 250- μm,

μm, and 530- μm columns in GCs with a cool- on- column

320­inlet.

When performing cool on- column injections, the injector:

• Slows the carriage speed so the overall injection time

increases to 500 milliseconds.

• Lowers the tip of the syringe needle an additional 19 mm

into the column.

To adapt the injector and GC for cool on-column use, follow
these steps:

1 If necessary, remove the current syringe from the injector.

See “To Remove the Syringe on the 7693A ALS” for more
information.

Operating the 7693A Automatic Sampler 5

2 If necessary, remove the injector from the mounting post

and unplug the injector cable. If desired, park it on a
parking post.

3 Select the on- column syringe needed for the column size.

See your Agilent catalog for consumables and supplies,
your GC operating documentation, and the Agilent web
site (www.agilent.com/chem) for a list of parts.

4 Replace the needle support foot with the supplied

on- column foot. See the Agilent 7693A Automatic Liquid

Sampler Installation, Operation, and Maintenance manual

for more information.

5 Install the on- column syringe. See “To Install a Syringe on

the 7693A ALS” for more information.

6 Prepare the GC inlet. See your GC operating

documentation for instructions.

• Check your needle to column size.

• Verify that the insert matches the needle size.

• If necessary, replace the septum.

For a list of other consumables needed to perform these
injections, see your GC operating documentation.

7 Plug in the injector cable.

8 Install the injector on the mounting post.

Operating Guide 63

5 Operating the 7693A Automatic Sampler

64 Operating Guide

Agilent 7890A Gas Chromatograph
Operating Guide

6
Operating the 7683 Automatic Sampler

7683 ALS Turret Types 66
To Change the 7683 ALS Turret 67
To Move the 7683 ALS to the Other GC Inlet 69
To Park the Injector 71
To Install a Syringe on the 7683 ALS 72
To Remove the Syringe on the 7683 ALS 74
To Configure Solvent/Waste Vials 75
To Load Vials in the 7683 ALS Turret 77
To Load Vials in the 7683 ALS Sampler Tray 77
7683 ALS Prerun Checklist 78
To Adapt the 7683 ALS for the COC Inlet 79
To Install a 200-µm Column With the COC Inlet 80
To Manually Inject Onto a 200-µm Column With the COC Inlet 80

This section describes the basic operation of the 7683
automatic liquid sampler (ALS). The procedures here expand
on the information provided in the Agilent 7683B Automatic

Liquid Sampler Installation, Operation, and Maintenance

manual.

Agilent Technologies

65

6 Operating the 7683 Automatic Sampler

Hi-density turret

(8-samples)

Transfer turret

(1-sample)

Top views. Labels are on sides.

7683 ALS Turret Types

The injector comes with two turrets, a standard 1- sample
transfer turret for use with or without a tray, and an
8-sample turret to be used without a tray.

The labeled positions are defined in Table 4 and Table 3.

Tab le 3 The 8-sample vial turret

Name Position Description

1 through 8 1 through 8 Sample vials

WA 9 Waste bottle

B10Solvent bottle B

A11Solvent bottle A

Tab le 4 The 1-sample vial transfer turret

Name Position Description

SAMPLE 1 Sample vial transfer position

WB 2 and 3 Waste bottle B

WA 4 and 5 Waste bottle A

B3 6 Solvent bottle B3

B2 7 Solvent bottle B2

B 8 Solvent bottle B

A3 9 Solvent bottle A3

A2 10 Solvent bottle A2

A 11 Solvent bottle A

66 Operating Guide

To Change the 7683 ALS Turret

Knurled nut

Turret

Motor hub

Stripper arm

Arrow
points to
rear

1 If the GC does not have a tray, proceed to step 2.

Otherwise, do the following:

• If changing from the 1- sample transfer turret to the

• If changing from the 8- sample turret to the 1- sample

2 Open the injector door. Unscrew and remove the knurled

nut from the top of the turret.

3 Rotate the turret so that the open section faces and the

arrow on top of the turret points to the back of the
injector. Push the stripper arm toward the back, then lift
the front of the turret so that it clears the center shaft.
Remove the turret.

Operating the 7683 Automatic Sampler 6

8- sample turret, press [Sample Tray] [Off/No].

turret for tray use, press [Sample Tray] [On/Yes].

4 Push the stripper arm to the back of the tower. Insert the

turret with the open section facing and the arrow
pointing to the back of the injector.

5 Seat the turret on the hub, rotating it gently until it drops

partially into position, then push it down. The top of the
threaded shaft will be almost level with the top of the
turret.

6 Replace the knurled nut and firmly finger- tighten.

Operating Guide 67

6 Operating the 7683 Automatic Sampler

7

Close the injector door. The injector will verify the turret
type if the injector is on. If the Fault light comes on, the
turret is not installed correctly.

68 Operating Guide

To Move the 7683 ALS to the Other GC Inlet

CAUTION

Back

Front

1 When no runs are scheduled, unplug the injector from the

back of the GC.

2 Lift the injector tower off the mounting post and set it

aside.

Use a flathead screwdriver that snugly fits the slot in the top of the
mounting post. An undersized blade can damage the post top and
prevent the injector from mounting properly.

3 Remove the mounting post from the inlet cover. Install it

at the other location. The post must be tightened
completely.

Operating the 7683 Automatic Sampler 6

4 Line up the hole in the base of the injector with the

mounting post. Lower the injector about 1 inch (2.5 cm)
onto the post.

Operating Guide 69

6 Operating the 7683 Automatic Sampler

Alignment pin

Alignment hole

Mounting post

Hole

Inlet cover

5

6 Lower the injector until the alignment pin in the base

Turn the injector so that the turret faces either:

• The front of the GC (for front location)

• The left side of the GC (for back location)

enters the alignment hole in the inlet cover.

7 If using a tray with the turret in the front location, route

the injector cable to the right through the channel in the
front of the tray and under the cable holder.

8 Verify the following for proper installation:

• The injector is vertical. (If the injector does not sit

upright on the GC, check that the plumbing and
cabling under the inlet cover are properly routed in
their channels.)

• The alignment pin is properly seated in the alignment

hole.

• The injector feet touch the inlet cover.

9 Plug the injector into the GC back panel. For the front

inlet injector location use the connector labeled sampler

1. For the back inlet injector location use the connector

labeled sampler 2.

70 Operating Guide

To Par k t h e I nje c t o r

Operating the 7683 Automatic Sampler 6

The parking post for the injector has been replaced by a new
design, which is compatible with former designs.

• Former parking post = 05890- 20795 (not compatible with

7890A)

• New parking post = G4513-20562 (compatible with 7890A

and previous GCs)

To park the injector, simply place it on an installed post.

Operating Guide 71

6 Operating the 7683 Automatic Sampler

To Install a Syringe on the 7683 ALS

1 Open the injector door.

2 Remove the syringe, if necessary. (See “To Remove the

Syringe on the 7683 ALS”.)

3 Slide the syringe carriage up (or down).

4 Pass the syringe needle through the hole in the needle

support foot.

5 Align the syringe barrel with the flange guide and syringe

clip and press the syringe into place, keeping the needle
in the hole of the needle support foot.

6 Close the syringe latch by swinging it clockwise.

Plunger carrier loop

Plunger screw

Flange guide

Syringe carrier

Syringe latch (open)

Syringe clip

Needle support foot

7 Loosen the plunger screw until the stop is reached.

8 Move the plunger carrier loop down and tighten the

Slide

Plunger

Flange

Barrel

Needle

plunger screw.

9 Move the plunger carrier loop up and down. If the syringe

plunger does not move along with the plunger carrier
loop, repeat steps 4 through 8. Be sure the plunger screw
is tight.

10 Check that the needle is aligned with the needle guide in

the needle support foot by moving the slide up and down.
The needle should slide smoothly in the needle guide.

72 Operating Guide

Syringe latch (closed)

CAUTION

Needle support

Operating the 7683 Automatic Sampler 6

Do not operate the injector without a syringe in place. The syringe
latch may interfere with the motor if the latch is allowed to swing
freely.

Pull down the syringe carriage until the needle support

11

guide tip is near the top of the inlet septum nut.

The needle support guide should be centered over the
hole in the septum retainer nut. Make sure that the
needle will hit the septum without rubbing on the nut.

12 From the GC keypad, configure the injector with the

installed syringe size.

a Press [Config] [Front Injector] or [Config] [Back Injector].

b Scroll to Syringe Size and enter the size of the installed

syringe.

Operating Guide 73

6 Operating the 7683 Automatic Sampler

Plunger carrier loop

Plunger screw

Flange guide

Syringe carrier

Syringe latch (open)

Syringe clip

Needle support foot

CAUTION

CAUTION

To Remove the Syringe on the 7683 ALS

1 Open the injector door.

2 Loosen the plunger screw and raise the plunger carrier

loop off the syringe plunger.

3 Open the syringe latch.

74 Operating Guide

Be careful not to bend the syringe needle. Only pull the syringe out
of the carriage until clear. The needle bends easily when still seated
in the needle support guide.

To limit potential needle puncture hazards, proper laboratory safety
and correct personal protective equipment (PPE) should be used.

4 Carefully lift the syringe flange out of the flange guide

until clear, then lift the syringe needle out of the needle
support guide.

To Configure Solvent/Waste Vials

CONFIGURE FRONT INJECTOR

Front Tower INJ1<
Wash Mode 2-A, 2-B
Syringe size 10.0

1 Press [Config] [Front Injector] or [Config] [Back Injector] to

display the parameters.

2 Scroll to the desired parameter detailed below.

Front Tower (or Back Tower)—Press [Mode/Type] to select

the correct injector connection. The example above shows
that the front injector tower is connected to the SAMPLER1
(INJ1) connector on the back of the GC.

Operating the 7683 Automatic Sampler 6

Wash Mode—Press [Mode/Type] to set the wash mode when

using a sampling tray. The wash modes allow you to use
extra solvent A and solvent B wash vials to extend the
number of samples you can run before refilling the vials. The
choices are:

3-A, 3-B—Use 3 wash A and 3 wash B solvent vials,

alternating between them.

1-A, 1-B—Use 1 wash A and 1 wash B solvent vial.

2-A, 2-B—Use 2 wash A and 2 wash B solvent vials,

alternating between them.

When running a sequence with wash mode 3- A, 3- B (for
example), the injector will use wash vial positions A and B

for the first sample, wash vial positions A2 and B2 for the
second sample, and wash vial positions A3 and B3 for the
third sample, For the fourth sample, the injector returns to
use wash vials A and B. See “7683 ALS Turret Types” for a
diagram that explains the wash vial positions in the turret.

If a solvent wash is not used for the current sample, it is
skipped. For example, if you use only solvent A washes for
the second sample, the solvent B2 wash vial is skipped.

Operating Guide 75

When running single samples, only solvent wash vials A
and B are used.

Syringe size—Enter a syringe size (at full plunger stroke)

between 1 and 100 µL.

6 Operating the 7683 Automatic Sampler

The G2913A injector always uses both WA waste bottles if a
solvent A wash is used and both WB waste bottles if a
solvent B wash is used.

Waste bottle mode—G2613A This is only displayed when the

G2613A injector has a 3- vial turret installed. The turret
waste bottle positions are controlled using the [Mode/Type]
key:

•

•

•

Use B2 wash—G2613A This is only displayed if you have the

3- vial turret installed in the G2613A injector. You can enable
this option to use two 4 mL vials of solvent B, increasing
the number of runs you can make before refilling solvent
vials. Press the [On] button to enable B2 wash.

Use both A and B alternates between the two waste

bottles

Use only A bottle uses waste bottle A only

Use only B bottle uses waste bottle B only

• Use the same solvent in position B and in position B2.

(This option does not enable you to use a third solvent.)

• When using solvent A and solvent B, both waste bottles

are required.

• Your maximum solvent capacity is 6 mL (2 mL each for

solvent vials A, B, and B2).

• Configure each injector separately.

Note that the number of solvent B washes for each injection
does not change. The injector simply alternates use between
the two solvent B vials.

This mode allows the number of solvent B washes to be
twice that of the solvent A washes.

76 Operating Guide

To Load Vials in the 7683 ALS Turret

Last vial in
position 21

First vial in
position 6

1 Load waste and solvent bottles in the appropriate

positions. Be sure that there is a waste bottle in each
position of the turret, regardless of which ones are
configured in the method.

2 Load the sample vial(s) in the appropriate locations

(Positions 1 through 8 for an 8- sample turret and Position
1 for a 1- sample turret when not using a tray).

To Load Vials in the 7683 ALS Sampler Tray

1 Install the 1- sample turret, if not already installed. (See

“To Change the 7683 ALS Turret”.)

2 Place up to 100 sample vials in the four tray quadrants

according to the programmed sequence. Do not place a
sample in the turret.

Operating the 7683 Automatic Sampler 6

Tray loading for a sequence that uses tray positions
6 through 21 is shown below.

3 Review the “7683 ALS Prerun Checklist” before starting a

run.

Operating Guide 77

6 Operating the 7683 Automatic Sampler

7683 ALS Prerun Checklist

Use this checklist before running analyses to make sure that
the sample vials and sampler are ready.

 Sample vials are at least half full.

 Vial cap is centered, with no wrinkles, and the septum is

 Sample vial positions match the run parameters.

 Each solvent bottle contains 4.5 mL of fresh solvent.

 Waste bottles are empty.

 Syringe door is closed.

 Sufficient solvent and waste capacity is available for

flat.

sample vials.

 Syringe is new or clean.

 Syringe design and size are correct.

 Plunger is secure in plunger carrier loop.

 Needle is aligned with septum retainer nut.

 Syringe is rinsed with solvent.

 GC inlet liner is clean and deactivated.

 GC inlet liner or insert is correct type for injection

technique.

 GC inlet septum type is correct.

 GC inlet septum has sufficient life remaining.

 Correct septum nut is installed in GC inlet.

78 Operating Guide

To Adapt the 7683 ALS for the COC Inlet

1 Select the on- column syringe needed for the column size.

(See “Consumables and Parts for the COC Inlet”.)

2 Check the needle- to- column size. (See To Check the

Needle- to- Column Size with the COC Inlet.)

3 Verify that the insert matches the needle size. (See To

Install an Insert on the COC Inlet.)

4 If necessary, replace the septum. (See To Change a

Septum on the COC Inlet.)

5 Verify that the correct needle support assembly is

installed in the injector. (See To Replace the Needle

Support Assembly in a 7683 Injector.)

Operating the 7683 Automatic Sampler 6

250 µm/320 µm
(G2913-60978)

6 Install the syringe. (See “To Install a Syringe on the 7683

530 µm
(standard, G2913-60977)

ALS”.)

7 Rotate the turret clockwise until it stops, then verify the

installation by manually sliding the syringe carriage down
until the needle enters the inlet.

Operating Guide 79

6 Operating the 7683 Automatic Sampler

NOTE

WARNING

CAUTION

To Install a 200-µm Column With the COC Inlet

Agilent recommends using a 530-µm retention gap for injections
directly onto 200-µm columns.

1 Prepare the inlet. (See To Prepare for Inlet Maintenance.)

Be careful! The oven and/or inlet may be hot enough to cause
burns. If either is hot, wear heat-resistant gloves to protect your
hands.

2 Install a short 530- µm retention gap (uncoated fused

silica tubing) into the inlet. (See To Install a Capillary

Column with the COC Inlet.)

3 Attach the retention gap to the 200- µm column using an

Agilent Ultimate Union Kit (part numbers G3182- 61580
and G3182- 61581).

To Manually Inject Onto a 200-µm Column With the COC Inlet

1 If needed, prepare the column. (See “To Install a 200- µm

Column With the COC Inlet”.)

These steps should be done smoothly, with minimal delay.

2 Immerse the syringe needle in the sample; pump the

syringe plunger to expel air from the barrel and needle.

3 Draw the sample into the syringe.

4 Remove the needle from the sample and draw about 1 μL

of air into the syringe.

5 Wipe the needle dry if it is wet.

6 Guide the needle straight into the septum nut, pierce the

septum, and insert the needle fully into the inlet until it
bottoms.

7 Press [Start] to start the run, depress the syringe plunger

as quickly as possible, and withdraw the needle from the
inlet.

80 Operating Guide

Agilent 7890A Gas Chromatograph
Operating Guide

7
About Methods, Sequences, and Data
Analysis

What Is a Method? 66
What Is Saved in a Method? 66
What Happens When You Load a Method? 67
What Is a Sequence? 67
Automating Data Analysis, Method Development, and Sequence

Development 67

Agilent Technologies

65

7 About Methods, Sequences, and Data Analysis

What Is a Method?

A method is the group of settings required to accurately
analyze a specific sample.

Since every type of sample reacts differently in the GC—some
samples require a higher oven temperature, others require a
lower gas pressure or a different detector—a 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 required

• The type of carrier gas required

• The type of detector to be used

• The type of inlet to be used

• The type of column to be used

• 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 ChemStation. These parameters describe how to
interpret the chromatogram generated by the sample and
what type of report to print.

See the Advanced User Guide for more details on what can
be included in a method.

66 Operating Guide

What Happens When You Load a Method?

There are two kinds of methods:

• The active method—This is sometimes referred to as the

current method. The settings defined in this method are
the settings the GC is currently maintaining.

• User- stored methods—Up to 20 methods can be stored in

the GC.

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.

About Methods, Sequences, and Data Analysis 7

Refer to “Running a Method or a Sequence from the Keypad”
for details on using the keypad to load, modify, and save
methods.

What Is a Sequence?

A sequence is a list of samples to be analyzed along with the
method to be used for each analysis. Once defined, the
sequence may run unattended, automatically processing the
samples defined in the sequence.

Refer to “Running a Method or a Sequence from the Keypad”
and the Advanced User Guide for details on how to create,
load, modify, and save sequences using the keypad.

Automating Data Analysis, Method Development, and Sequence Development

Data compiled from samples (the output of the detectors) is
digitized and can be sent to an automated data analysis
system (such as the Agilent ChemStation), where it is
analyzed and the results summarized in reports.

The Agilent ChemStation also can be used to create and
store methods and sequences that are sent to the GC
through a network.

Operating Guide 67

7 About Methods, Sequences, and Data Analysis

68 Operating Guide