Thermo Scientific Accela PDA Hardware Manual

Accela PDA Detector

(80 hertz data rate)

Hardware Manual

60257-97080 Revision A August 2009

© 2009 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved.

Xcalibur, ChromQuest, and Accela are registered trademarks of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. in the United
States.

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Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. provides this document to its customers with a product purchase to use in the
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document is strictly prohibited, except with the written authorization of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc.

The contents of this document are subject to change without notice. All technical information in this
document is for reference purposes only. System configurations and specifications in this document supersede
all previous information received by the purchaser.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. makes no representations that this document is complete, accurate or error­free and assumes no responsibility and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, damage or loss that might
result from any use of this document, even if the information in the document is followed properly.

This document is not part of any sales contract between Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. and a purchaser. This
document shall in no way govern or modify any Terms and Conditions of Sale, which Terms and Conditions of
Sale shall govern all conflicting information between the two documents.

Software versions: Xcalibur 2.1 and higher data system or ChromQuest 4.2 and higher data system
Hardware version: Accela PDA Detector (80 Hz version)
Revision history: Revision A, August 2009

For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Regulatory Compliance

Thermo Fisher Scientific performs complete testing and evaluation of its products to ensure full compliance with
applicable domestic and international regulations. When the system is delivered to you, it meets all pertinent
electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and safety standards as described in the next section or sections by product name.

Changes that you make to your system might void compliance with one or more of these EMC and safety standards.
Changes to your system include replacing a part or adding components, options, or peripherals not specifically
authorized and qualified by Thermo Fisher Scientific. To ensure continued compliance with EMC and safety standards,
replacement parts and additional components, options, and peripherals must be ordered from Thermo Fisher Scientific
or one of its authorized representatives.

Accela PDA Detector (80 Hz version)

EMC Directive 2004/108/EC

EMC compliance has been evaluated by TUV Rheinland of North America, Inc.

EN 61326-1 2006 EN 61000-4-3 2006

EN 55011 2007, A2: 2007 EN 61000-4-4 2004

EN 61000-3-2 2006 EN 61000-4-5 2005

EN 61000-3-3 1995, A1: 2001, A2: 2005 EN 61000-4-6 2007

EN 61000-4-2 1995, A1: 1999, A2: 2001 EN 61000-4-11 2001

FCC Class A, CFR 47 Part 15: 2007

Low Voltage Safety Compliance

Low Voltage Safety Compliance has been evaluated by TUV Rheinland of North America, Inc.

This device complies with Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC and harmonized standard EN 61010-1:2001,
IEC 61010-1:2002, UL 61010 A-1:2004, CAN/CSA 22.2 61010-1:2004.

FCC Compliance Statement

THIS DEVICE COMPLIES WITH PART 15 OF THE FCC RULES. OPERATION IS SUBJECT TO
THE FOLLOWING TWO CONDITIONS: (1) THIS DEVICE MAY NOT CAUSE HARMFUL
INTERFERENCE, AND (2) THIS DEVICE MUST ACCEPT ANY INTERFERENCE RECEIVED,
INCLUDING INTERFERENCE THAT MAY CAUSE UNDESIRED OPERATION.

CAUTION Read and understand the various precautionary notes, signs, and symbols contained inside
this manual pertaining to the safe use and operation of this product before using the device.

Notice on Lifting and Handling of

Thermo Scientific Instruments

For your safety, and in compliance with international regulations, the physical handling of this Thermo Fisher Scientific
instrument requires a team effort to lift and/or move the instrument. This instrument is too heavy and/or bulky for one
person alone to handle safely.

Notice on the Proper Use of

Thermo Scientific Instruments

In compliance with international regulations: Use of this instrument in a manner not specified by Thermo Fisher
Scientific could impair any protection provided by the instrument.

Notice on the Susceptibility

to Electromagnetic Transmissions

Your instrument is designed to work in a controlled electromagnetic environment. Do not use radio frequency
transmitters, such as mobile phones, in close proximity to the instrument.

For manufacturing location, see the label on the instrument.

WEEE Compliance

This product is required to comply with the European Union’s Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE)
Directive 2002/96/EC. It is marked with the following symbol:

Thermo Fisher Scientific has contracted with one or more recycling or disposal companies in each European Union
(EU) Member State, and these companies should dispose of or recycle this product. See www.thermo.com/

WEEERoHS for further information on Thermo Fisher Scientific’s compliance with these Directives and the

recyclers in your country.

WEEE Konformität

Dieses Produkt muss die EU Waste Electrical & Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Richtlinie 2002/96/EC erfüllen.
Das Produkt ist durch folgendes Symbol gekennzeichnet:

Thermo Fisher Scientific hat Vereinbarungen mit Verwertungs-/Entsorgungsfirmen in allen EU-Mitgliedsstaaten
getroffen, damit dieses Produkt durch diese Firmen wiederverwertet oder entsorgt werden kann. Mehr Information
über die Einhaltung dieser Anweisungen durch Thermo Fisher Scientific, über die Verwerter, und weitere Hinweise,
die nützlich sind, um die Produkte zu identifizieren, die unter diese RoHS Anweisung fallen, finden sie unter

www.thermo.com/WEEERoHS

.

Conformité DEEE

Ce produit doit être conforme à la directive européenne (2002/96/EC) des Déchets d'Equipements Electriques et
Electroniques (DEEE). Il est marqué par le symbole suivant:

Thermo Fisher Scientific s'est associé avec une ou plusieurs compagnies de recyclage dans chaque état membre de
l’union européenne et ce produit devrait être collecté ou recyclé par celles-ci. Davantage d'informations sur la
conformité de Thermo Fisher Scientific à ces directives, les recycleurs dans votre pays et les informations sur les
produits Thermo Fisher Scientific qui peuvent aider la détection des substances sujettes à la directive RoHS sont
disponibles sur www.thermo.com/WEEERoHS

.

CAUTION Symbol CAUTION VORSICHT ATTENTION PRECAUCION AVVERTENZA

Electric Shock: This instrument uses

high voltages that can cause personal
injury. Before servicing, shut down the
instrument and disconnect the instrument
from line power. Keep the top cover on
while operating the instrument. Do not
remove protective covers from PCBs.

Chemical: This instrument might contain
hazardous chemicals. Wear gloves when
handling toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic,
or corrosive or irritant chemicals. Use
approved containers and proper
procedures to dispose waste oil.

Heat: Before servicing the instrument,
allow any heated components to cool.

Fire: Use care when operating the system
in the presence of flammable gases.

Eye Hazard: Eye damage could occur
from splattered chemicals or flying
particles. Wear safety glasses when
handling chemicals or servicing the
instrument.

General Hazard: A hazard is present that
is not included in the above categories.
Also, this symbol appears on the
instrument to refer the user to instructions
in this manual.

When the safety of a procedure is
questionable, contact your local Technical
Support organization for Thermo Fisher
Scientific San Jose Products.

Elektroschock: In diesem Gerät werden
Hochspannungen verwendet, die
Verletzungen verursachen können. Vor
Wartungsarbeiten muß das Gerät
abgeschaltet und vom Netz getrennt
werden. Betreiben Sie Wartungsarbeiten
nicht mit abgenommenem Deckel. Nehmen
Sie die Schutzabdeckung von Leiterplatten
nicht ab.

Chemikalien: Dieses Gerät kann
gefährliche Chemikalien enthalten. Tragen
Sie Schutzhandschuhe beim Umgang mit
toxischen, karzinogenen, mutagenen oder
ätzenden/reizenden Chemikalien.
Entsorgen Sie verbrauchtes Öl
entsprechend den Vorschriften in den
vorgeschriebenen Behältern.

Hitze: Warten Sie erhitzte Komponenten
erst nachdem diese sich abgekühlt haben.

Feuer: Beachten Sie die einschlägigen
VorsichtsmaBnahmen, wenn Sie das
System in Gegenwart von entzündbaren
Gasen betreiben.

Verletzungsgefahr der Augen:
Verspritzte Chemikalien oder kleine
Partikel können Augenverletzungen
verursachen. Tragen Sie beim Umgang mit
Chemikalien oder bei der Wartung des
Gerätes eine Schutzbrille.

Allgemeine Gefahr: Es besteht eine
weitere Gefahr, die nicht in den
vorstehenden Kategorien beschrieben ist.
Dieses Symbol wird im Handbuch
auBerdem dazu verwendet, um den
Benutzer auf Anweisungen hinzuweisen.

Wenn Sie sich über die Sicherheit eines
Verfahrens im unklaren sind, setzen Sie
sich, bevor Sie fortfahren, mit Ihrer
lokalen technischen
Unterstützungsorganisation für Thermo
Fisher Scientific San Jose Produkte in
Verbindung.

Choc électrique: L’instrument utilise des
tensions capables d’infliger des blessures
corporelles. L’instrument doit être arrêté et
débranché de la source de courant avant
tout intervention. Ne pas utiliser
l’instrument sans son couvercle. Ne pas
enlever les étuis protecteurs des cartes de
circuits imprimés.

Chimique: Des produits chimiques
dangereux peuvent se trouver dans
l’instrument. Portez des gants pour
manipuler tous produits chimiques
toxiques, cancérigènes, mutagènes, ou
corrosifs/irritants. Utiliser des récipients
et des procédures homologuées pour se
débarrasser des déchets d’huile.

Haute Temperature: Permettre aux
composants chauffés de refroidir avant
tout intervention.

Incendie: Agir avec précaution lors de
l’utilisation du système en présence de
gaz inflammables.

Danger pour les yeux: Des projections
chimiques, liquides, ou solides peuvent
être dangereuses pour les yeux. Porter des
lunettes de protection lors de toute
manipulation de produit chimique ou pour
toute intervention sur l’instrument.

Danger général: Indique la présence
d’un risque n’appartenant pas aux
catégories citées plus haut. Ce symbole
figure également sur l’instrument pour
renvoyer l’utilisateur aux instructions du
présent manuel.

Si la sûreté d’une procédure est
incertaine, avant de continuer, contacter
le plus proche Service Clientèle pour les
produits de Thermo Fisher Scientific San
Jose.

Descarga eléctrica: Este instrumento
utiliza altas tensiones, capaces de
producir lesiones personales. Antes de
dar servicio de mantenimiento al
instrumento, éste debera apagarse y
desconectarse de la línea de alimentacion
eléctrica. No opere el instrumento sin sus
cubiertas exteriores quitadas. No remueva
las cubiertas protectoras de las tarjetas
de circuito impreso.

Química: El instrumento puede contener
productos quimicos peligrosos. Utilice
guantes al manejar productos quimicos
tóxicos, carcinogenos, mutagenos o
corrosivos/irritantes. Utilice recipientes y
procedimientos aprobados para
deshacerse del aceite usado.

Altas temperaturas: Permita que lop
componentes se enfríen, ante de efectuar
servicio de mantenimiento.

Fuego:

Tenga cuidado al operar el
sistema en presencia de gases
inflamables.

Peligro par los ojos: Las salicaduras de
productos químicos o particulas que
salten bruscamente pueden causar
lesiones en los ojos. Utilice anteojos
protectores al mnipular productos
químicos o al darle servicio de
mantenimiento al instrumento.

Peligro general: Significa que existe un
peligro no incluido en las categorias
anteriores. Este simbolo también se utiliza
en el instrumento par referir al usuario a
las instrucciones contenidas en este
manual.

Cuando la certidumbre acerca de un
procedimiento sea dudosa, antes de
proseguir, pongase en contacto con la
Oficina de Asistencia Tecnica local para
los productos de Thermo Fisher Scientific
San Jose.

Shock da folgorazione. L’apparecchio è
alimentato da corrente ad alta tensione
che puo provocare lesioni fisiche. Prima di
effettuare qualsiasi intervento di
manutenzione occorre spegnere ed isolare
l’apparecchio dalla linea elettrica. Non
attivare lo strumento senza lo schermo
superiore. Non togliere i coperchi a
protezione dalle schede di circuito
stampato (PCB).

Prodotti chimici. Possibile presenza di
sostanze chimiche pericolose
nell’apparecchio. Indossare dei guanti per
maneggiare prodotti chimici tossici,
cancerogeni, mutageni, o
corrosivi/irritanti. Utilizzare contenitori
aprovo e seguire la procedura indicata per
lo smaltimento dei residui di olio.

Calore. Attendere che i componenti
riscaldati si raffreddino prima di
effetturare l’intervento di manutenzione.

Incendio. Adottare le dovute precauzioni
quando si usa il sistema in presenza di gas
infiammabili.

Pericolo per la vista. Gli schizzi di
prodotti chimici o delle particelle presenti
nell’aria potrebbero causare danni alla
vista. Indossare occhiali protettivi quando
si maneggiano prodotti chimici o si
effettuano interventi di manutenzione
sull’apparecchio.

Pericolo generico. Pericolo non
compreso tra le precedenti categorie.
Questo simbolo è utilizzato inoltre
sull’apparecchio per segnalare all’utente
di consultare le istruzioni descritte nel
presente manuale.

Quando e in dubbio la misura di sicurezza
per una procedura, prima di continuare, si
prega di mettersi in contatto con il
Servizio di Assistenza Tecnica locale per i
prodotti di Thermo Fisher Scientific San
Jose.

CAUTION Symbol CAUTION

Electric Shock: This instrument uses

high voltages that can cause personal
injury. Before servicing, shut down the
instrument and disconnect the instrument
from line power. Keep the top cover on
while operating the instrument. Do not
remove protective covers from PCBs.

Chemical: This instrument might contain
hazardous chemicals. Wear gloves when
handling toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic,
or corrosive or irritant chemicals. Use
approved containers and proper
procedures to dispose waste oil.

Heat: Before servicing the instrument,
allow any heated components to cool.

Fire: Use care when operating the system
in the presence of flammable gases.

Eye Hazard: Eye damage could occur
from splattered chemicals or flying
particles. Wear safety glasses when
handling chemicals or servicing the
instrument.

General Hazard: A hazard is present that
is not included in the above categories.
Also, this symbol appears on the
instrument to refer the user to instructions
in this manual.

When the safety of a procedure is
questionable, contact your local Technical
Support organization for Thermo Fisher
Scientific San Jose Products.

C

Contents

Preface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xiii

Related Documentation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xiii

Safety and Special Notices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xiii

Special Precautions for the Accela PDA Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xiv

Good Laboratory Practices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xviii

Contacting Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xx

Chapter 1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Functional Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

LightPipe Flowcell. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Lamp Lifetime and Detector Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Controlling the Amount of Light that Reaches the Diode Array . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Selecting an Appropriate Diode Array Scan Rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Status LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Specifications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Chapter 2 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Installation Checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Unpacking and Inspecting the Instrument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Making Initial Instrument Preparations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Making the Back Panel Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Connecting the Ethernet Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Connecting the System Interconnect Cable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Connecting the Analog Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Setting the Analog Output Voltage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Setting the Unit ID . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Making Remote Communications Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Installing the LightPipe Flowcell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Connecting the Remote Outputs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Setting the Remote Output Polarities from the Xcalibur Data System. . . . . . 21

Changing the Remote Output Polarities from the ChromQuest Data

System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Turning On the Detector for the First Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Completing the Installation and Verifying Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Thermo Scientific Accela PDA Detector Hardware Manual ix

Contents

Chapter 3 Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27

Thermo Foundation Instrument Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

ChromQuest Data System Instrument Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Chapter 4 Xcalibur Diagnostics for the PDA Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33

Opening the Accela PDA Direct Control Dialog Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Controlling the Lamps from the Xcalibur Data System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Turning On the Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Resetting the Lamp Lifetime . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Setting the Startup Time for the Lamps. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

Monitoring Lamp Performance from the Xcalibur Data System . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Preparing the PDA Detector to Monitor Lamp Performance. . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Creating a Display Method to View Light Intensity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Viewing an Intensity Scan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Adjusting the Light Throughput with the Xcalibur Data System. . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Calibrating the PDA Detector from the Xcalibur Data System . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Performing a Dark Current Calibration from the Xcalibur Data System . . . . 44

Performing a Wavelength Calibration from the Xcalibur Data System . . . . . 49

Retrieving, Viewing, Printing, and Clearing the Event Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Checking the Firmware Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Chapter 5 ChromQuest Diagnostics for the PDA Detector. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .61

Accessing the Direct Controls for the Accela PDA Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Controlling the Lamps from the ChromQuest Data System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Monitoring Lamp Performance from the ChromQuest Data System . . . . . . . . 65

Viewing an Intensity Scan from the ChromQuest Data System. . . . . . . . . . . 65

Recording the Performance of the Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Adjusting the Light Throughput with the ChromQuest Data System . . . . . . . . 69

Setting Up the Spectral and Discrete Channel Displays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Adjusting the Attenuators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Calibrating the PDA Detector from the ChromQuest Data System . . . . . . . . . 73

Preparing the PDA Detector for Calibration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Performing an Array Calibration from the ChromQuest Data System. . . . . . 73

Performing a Wavelength Calibration from the ChromQuest Data

System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Displaying, Printing, and Clearing the Error Log . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Checking the Firmware Version . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Chapter 6 Routine Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83

Recommended Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Cleaning the External Surfaces of the Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Cleaning the LightPipe Flowcell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Removing the LightPipe Flowcell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Cleaning the LightPipe Flowcell with Organic Solvents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Cleaning the LightPipe Flowcell with Nitric Acid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88

x Accela PDA Detector Hardware Manual Thermo Scientific

Contents

Replacing the Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Replacing the Fuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Chapter 7 Troubleshooting. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .97

Detector-Related Problems . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Log Entries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Critical Failure Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Warning Messages. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Information Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Chapter 8 Accessories and Replaceable Parts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .103

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .105

Thermo Scientific Accela PDA Detector Hardware Manual xi

P

Preface

This Accela PDA Detector (80 Hz version) Hardware Manual describes how to set up and
maintain the Accela PDA Detector.

Related Documentation

In addition to this guide, Thermo Fisher Scientific provides the following documents as PDF
files for the Accela PDA Detector:

• Accela Preinstallation Requirements Guide

• Accela Getting Connected Guide

• Accela Getting Started with Xcalibur Guide

• ChromQuest User Guide for the Accela UHPLC

The Thermo Scientific data system that you use to control the PDA detector has a built-in
Help system.

Safety and Special Notices

Make sure you follow the precautionary statements presented in this guide. The safety and
other special notices appear in boxes.

Safety and special notices include the following:

CAUTION Highlights hazards to humans, property, or the environment. Each CAUTION
notice is accompanied by an appropriate CAUTION symbol.

CAUTION Highlights hot surface hazards.

Thermo Scientific Accela PDA Detector Hardware Manual xiii

Preface

CAUTION Highlights electrical shock hazards.

CAUTION Highlights UV radiation hazards.

CAUTION Highlights hazards that require the use of eye protection.

IMPORTANT Highlights information necessary to prevent damage to software, loss of

data, or invalid test results; or might contain information that is critical for optimal
performance of the system.

Note Highlights information of general interest.

Tip Highlights helpful information that can make a task easier.

Special Precautions for the Accela PDA Detector

To ensure optimal performance of the Accela PDA Detector or to avoid injury, follow these
precautions:

• Handle the LightPipe flowcell for the PDA detector with care.

• Ensure that the drainage system is properly connected between each module and to the
waste bottle.

• Read the safety labels inside the lamp compartment before you remove the lamp cover.

xiv Accela PDA Detector Hardware Manual Thermo Scientific

LightPipe Flowcell

Optical fibers

Outlet tubing from the
PDA detector

Autosampler drain manifold

Preface

The LightPipe flowcell contains optical fibers that are exposed at both ends of the cell. When
you handle the LightPipe flowcell, take care to avoid touching the exposed optical fibers. The
following photo contains a view of the exposed optical fibers at the inlet end of the LightPipe
flowcell.

Drainage Connections

Before you start the solvent flow from the pump, make sure that the solvent flow from the
outlet end of the LightPipe flowcell is connected to the drainage system.

Y To make the drainage connections

1. Insert the outlet tubing from the PDA detector into the autosampler drain manifold (see

Figure 1).

Figure 1. Tubing connections

Thermo Scientific Accela PDA Detector Hardware Manual xv

Preface

Power Communication Run Degas

ACCELA

Pump

Power Communication Run Temperature

ACCELA

Autosampler

Power Communication Run Lamps

ACCELA

PDA Detector

Wall outlet #1
115 or 230 V ac

Secondary
containment

Waste
bottle

2. Connect the autosampler drain manifold to a sealed waste bottle (Figure 2 on page xvi).

Figure 2. Drain connected to waste bottle

xvi Accela PDA Detector Hardware Manual Thermo Scientific

Hot Surface, UV Radiation, and High Voltage Hazards

Electric shock caution

UV radiation caution

Hot surface caution

Before you pull the PDA detector’s chassis partially out of the housing to replace the
deuterium or tungsten lamp assemblies, do the following in order:

1. Turn off the lamps.

2. Wait approximately 30 minutes for the lamp cover to cool to room temperature.

3. Turn off the PDA detector, and then unplug the power cord from line power.

After you pull the PDA detector’s chassis partially out of the housing, you can see the heat,
UV radiation, and electrical shock caution labels inside the lamp compartment.

Turning off the lamps and waiting approximately 30 minutes for the lamp cover to cool to
room temperature removes the hot surface hazard. Unplugging the PDA detector from line
power removes the UV radiation and hazards.

Before you attempt to pull the lamp cover out of the PDA detector, lightly touch the cover to
make sure that it is not hot.

Preface

Thermo Scientific Accela PDA Detector Hardware Manual xvii

Preface

Good Laboratory Practices

To obtain optimal performance from your LC system and to prevent personal injury or an
environment hazard, do the following:

• Keep good records.

• Read the manufacturers’ Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDSs) for the chemicals being
used in your laboratory.

• Remove particulate matter from your samples before you inject them into the liquid
chromatograph.

• Use HPLC-grade solvents.

• Connect the drainage tubes from the pump, autosampler, and detector to an appropriate
waste receptacle. Dispose of solvents as specified by local regulations.

Keep Good Records

To help identify and isolate problems with either your equipment or your methodology,
Thermo Fisher Scientific recommends that you keep good records of all system conditions, for
example,% RSDs on retention times and peak areas, peak shape, and resolution. At a
minimum, keep a chromatogram of a typical sample and standard mixture, well documented
with system conditions, for future reference. Careful comparison of retention times, peak
shapes, peak sensitivity, and baseline noise can provide valuable clues to identifying and
solving future problems.

Chemical Toxicity

Although the large volume of toxic and flammable solvents used and stored in laboratories can
be quite dangerous, do not ignore the potential hazards posed by your samples. Take special
care to read and follow all precautions that ensure proper ventilation, storage, handling, and
disposal of both solvents and samples. Become familiar with the toxicity data and potential
hazards associated with all chemicals by referring to the manufacturers’ Material Safety Data
Sheets.

Sample Preparation

Always consider the solubility of your sample in the solvent/mobile phase. Sample
precipitation can plug the column, tubing, or LightPipe flowcell causing flow restriction. This
obstruction can result in irreparable damage to the system. You can avoid particulate matter
by filtering the samples through 0.45 or 0.2 micron (or less) filters.

xviii Accela PDA Detector Hardware Manual Thermo Scientific

Preface

Solvent Requirements

Many chemical manufacturers provide a line of high-purity or HPLC-grade reagents that are
free of chemical impurities. Routine filtration of all solvents or eluents through a 0.45 or

0.2 micron (or less) fluorocarbon filter before placing them in the solvent reservoir
significantly prolongs the life and effectiveness of the inlet filters, check valves and seals,
injector, and column. Typically, HPLC-grade solvents do not require filtration.

Choose a mobile phase that is compatible with the sample and column that you have selected
for your separation. Remember that some solvents can corrode stainless steel.

Solvent Disposal

Make sure you have a solvent waste container or other kind of drain system available at or
below the benchtop level. Most solvents have special disposal requirements and should not be
disposed of directly down a drain. Follow all governmental regulations when disposing of any
chemical.

High-pressure Systems and Leaks

LC systems operate at high pressures. Because liquids are not highly compressible they do not
store much energy. Accordingly, there is little immediate danger from the high pressures in an
LC system. However, if a leak occurs, correct it as soon as possible. Always wear eye and skin
protection when operating or maintaining an LC system. Always shut down the system and
return it to atmospheric pressure before attempting any maintenance.

Thermo Scientific Accela PDA Detector Hardware Manual xix

Preface

Contacting Us

There are several ways to contact Thermo Fisher Scientific for the information you need.

Y To contact Technical Support

Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
E-mail [e-mail]
Knowledge base www.thermokb.com

Find software updates and utilities to download at mssupport.thermo.com.

Y To contact Customer Service for ordering information

Phone [phone]
Fax [phone]
E-mail [e-mail]
Web site www.thermo.com/ms

Y To copy manuals from the Internet

Go to mssupport.thermo.com and click Customer Manuals in the left margin of the
window.

Y To suggest changes to documentation or to Help

• To provide us with comments about this document, click the link below. Thank you
in advance for your help.

• Send an e-mail message to the Technical Publications Editor at

[e-mail].

xx Accela PDA Detector Hardware Manual Thermo Scientific

1

Introduction

The Accela PDA Detector is a member of the Accela family of ultra high-performance LC
instruments (see Figure 1).

Figure 1. Accela PDA Detector

Contents

• Functional Description

• LightPipe Flowcell

• Lamp Lifetime and Detector Noise

• Status LEDs

• Specifications

Thermo Scientific Accela PDA Detector Hardware Manual 1

1

Beam combiner

Focusing lens

Filter wheel

LightPipe flowcell

Beam shaper

Folding mirror

1 × 512
photo diode
array

Deuterium
lamp

Tungsten-halogen lamp

Attenuators

Fixed grating

Introduction

Functional Description

Functional Description

The detector is a full-featured, time-programmable, photodiode array (PDA) detector capable
of scanning the ultraviolet-visible wavelength range from 190 to 800 nm. You can acquire
data across the entire spectral range (with an effective resolution of 1.2 nm) at a rate of 0.5 to
80 Hz with 20-bit digital conversion.

The PDA detector is a benchtop unit for inclusion in the Accela liquid chromatography
system. You control the detector through an Ethernet link to a data system computer that has
the Xcalibur™ or ChromQuest™ data system installed. The detector consists of a dual-light
source, an optical bench, a photodiode array, a low voltage power supply, several printed
circuit boards (PCBs), and four status light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

Figure 2 shows the optical system used in the detector. The dual-light source includes a

deuterium lamp for detection in the ultraviolet wavelength range (190 to 360 nm) and a
tungsten-halogen lamp for detection in the visible wavelength range (360 to 800 nm). The
light output from the two lamps overlaps in the 300 to 500 nm range. You can increase or
decrease the light intensity reaching the photodiode array by manually adjusting the
attenuator for the deuterium lamp and the attenuator for the tungsten lamp.

The optical bench contains a beam combiner, focusing lens, filter wheel, LightPipe flowcell,
beam shaper, folding mirror, and grating. The beam combiner reflects the light coming from
the tungsten-halogen lamp so that it is parallel to and coincident with the light from the
deuterium lamp. A lens focuses the combined beam on the inlet window of the LightPipe
flowcell through the filter wheel. The standard filter wheel has two positions. For normal
operation, leave the filter wheel in Position 1 (Open). Position 2 contains a sealed quartz
cuvette filled with a holmium oxide/perchloric acid solution (traceable to NIST) used for
wavelength accuracy verification and calibration.

Figure 2. The PDA detector optical system

2 Accela PDA Detector Hardware Manual Thermo Scientific

1

Optical fibers

OutletInlet

Introduction

LightPipe Flowcell

The light focused on the inlet window of the LightPipe flowcell travels down the cell, is
partially absorbed by the sample flowing through the cell, and exits into the beam shaper. The
beam shaper is a fiber bundle. Its entrance aperture is circular to collect light from the
LightPipe flowcell. The other end of the bundle is arranged to produce a narrow “slit” of light
for the grating. The beam shaper transfers all the light to the grating for greater light
throughput than the mechanical slit used in conventional photodiode array detectors.

The folding mirror between the output of the beam shaper and the grating shortens the
optical bench, reducing the physical size of the detector. The grating disperses the light beam
onto the 512-element photodiode array (two of the diodes in this array are not used). Because
the spectrum of light falling on the array is 611 nm (190 to 800 nm, inclusive), the effective
spacing of the diodes is 611 nm / 510 = 1.2 nm. Firmware on the CPU PCB automatically
interpolates diode intervals to arrive at integer wavelengths.

The photodiode array is mounted on the Array Acquisition PCB, which also contains all the
analog detection circuitry. The PDA detector continuously scans the diode array at 20-, 40-,
or 80-Hz (user selectable), converts the light intensity at each diode into a 20-bit digital word,
and then stores these words in a dual-port Random Access Memory (RAM) on its CPU PCB.
The CPU reads the data, processes the data based on the user parameters, and sends the
processed data to the data system computer.

LightPipe Flowcell

The Accela PDA Detector ships with a 10 mm or 50 mm LightPipe flowcell.

The internal bore of the 10 mm LightPipe flowcell is 10 mm long and has a volume of 2 μL.
The internal bore of the 50 mm LightPipe flowcell is 50 mm long and has a volume of 10 μL.
A special, low refractive index coating of the internal bore ensures a high optical throughput
and minimizes short-term noise.

The mobile phase enters the 10 mm LightPipe flowcell through a port in the bottom
of the LightPipe flowcell and exits through a port in the front of the LightPipe flowcell
(see Figure 3). Directing the flow upward helps prevent air bubble entrapment.

Figure 3. Schematic of 10 mm LightPipe flowcell

Thermo Scientific Accela PDA Detector Hardware Manual 3

1

Optical fibers

Inlet port

10 mm LightPipe
flowcell

50 mm LightPipe
flowcell

Protective end caps
for storage

Introduction

LightPipe Flowcell

Sensitive optical fibers are exposed at both ends of the LightPipe flowcell (see Figure 4).
Thermo Fisher Scientific ships the LightPipe flowcell with end caps to protect these optical
fibers (see Figure 5). Do not remove the protective end caps until you install the LightPipe
flowcell. Replace the protective end caps for storage if you remove the LightPipe flowcell from
the detector.

CAUTION Do not touch the ends of the LightPipe flowcell. Touching the ends of the
flowcell can damage the exposed optical fibers. If you must grasp the ends of the LightPipe
flowcell, wear clean, talc-free gloves.

Figure 4. End of the LightPipe flowcell

Figure 5. LightPipe flowcell with protective end caps

4 Accela PDA Detector Hardware Manual Thermo Scientific

Lamp Lifetime and Detector Noise

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

0 500 1000 1500 2000

Life (Hours)

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Relative Intensity

The Accela PDA Detector has two lamps. The tungsten-halogen lamp emits light in the
visible region, and the deuterium lamp emits light in the ultraviolet region. With use, the
deuterium lamp emits less and less light before it fails to ignite (see Figure 6). In contrast, the
light output from the tungsten-halogen lamp remains relatively constant until the lamp fails.

Figure 6. Deuterium lamp intensity versus lamp usage hours

1

Introduction

Lamp Lifetime and Detector Noise

Detector noise is inversely proportional to the amount of light that reaches the diode array
and the sampling time for the photodiodes of the diode array. Decreasing the amount of light
that reaches the diode array and decreasing the sampling time both increase the detector noise
level.

These topics provide guidance on minimizing detector noise and maximizing the useful lamp
lifetime:

• Controlling the Amount of Light that Reaches the Diode Array

• Selecting an Appropriate Diode Array Scan Rate

Controlling the Amount of Light that Reaches the Diode Array

During a fixed sampling period, the amount of light reaching the diode array is proportional
to the light output from the lamp and the aperture of the manual attenuators (partially open
to completely open).

To compensate for the decreased light output caused by lamp aging, increase the aperture of
the PDA detector’s attenuators (see “Completing the Installation and Verifying Operation” on

page 25).

Thermo Scientific Accela PDA Detector Hardware Manual 5

Note At the 20 Hz diode array scan rate, you can compensate for the decreased light

output from the deuterium lamp by increasing the attenuator aperture throughout the
lamp’s lifetime of approximately 2000 hours.

1

Introduction

Lamp Lifetime and Detector Noise

Selecting an Appropriate Diode Array Scan Rate

When you configure the PDA detector, you have three options for the diode array scan rate:
20, 40, and 80 Hz. The diode array scan rate is the rate at which the PDA detector samples
the integrated intensity of the diodes.

IMPORTANT For validated HPLC methods, record the appropriate configuration setting
for the diode array scan rate. The diode array scan rate affects the detector noise level.

The option you select affects the detector noise level, the useful lifetime of the deuterium
lamp, and the available sampling rates in the data system method.

Note For information on creating methods to control the PDA detector, refer to the data
system Help.

As you increase the diode array scan rate, the sampling time per diode decreases. To achieve
the same integrated light intensity, you must increase the light throughput to the diode array
by opening the detector’s attenuators (“Completing the Installation and Verifying Operation”
on page 25). As the lamp ages, it emits less and less light (see Figure 6). So again, to achieve
the same light throughput to the diode array, you must increase the attenuator aperture.
Eventually, the attenuator aperture reaches a physical limit. When you can no longer increase
the attenuator aperture, the integrated light intensity begins to decrease, and detector noise
level begins to increase. The attenuator aperture reaches this physical limit sooner at the
higher diode array scan rates.

The useful lifetime of the lamp depends on the acceptable noise level for your application. At
the 20 Hz diode array scan rate, you can compensate for the decreased light output from the
deuterium lamp by increasing the attenuator aperture throughout the lamp’s lifetime of
approximately 2000 hours.

To maximize the useful lifetime of the deuterium lamp, select a diode array scan rate that is
appropriate for your application:

• For standard chromatography applications, select the 20 Hz diode array scan rate. With
this selection, you can acquire up to 20 data points per second per chromatogram and
optimize integration for chromatographic peaks with baseline widths as narrow as
1second.

• For most fast chromatography applications, use the default selection of 40 Hz. With this
selection, you can acquire up to 40 data points per second per chromatogram and
optimize integration for chromatographic peaks with baseline widths as narrow as

0.5 seconds.

• For fast chromatography applications that have chromatographic peaks with baseline
widths of less than 0.5 seconds, select the 80 Hz diode array scan rate.

6 Accela PDA Detector Hardware Manual Thermo Scientific

Status LEDs

Power Communication Run Lamps

1

Introduction

Status LEDs

Four status LEDs labeled Power, Communication, Run, and Lamps are located on the left
door of the detector (see Figure 7). Ta b le 1 lists the status LEDs and their meaning.

Figure 7. Accela PDA Detector status LEDs

Table 1. Status LEDs and meanings

LED State Meaning

Power Green The detector is turned and has downloaded the

operational file.

Amber The detector is turned on but has not yet downloaded the

operational file from the data system computer.

Comm Green Communication to the data system PC has been

established.

Amber There is no communication with the data system.

Run Green The detector is ready for a run.

Flashing green A run is in progress and the detector is sending data to the

data system computer.

Amber The PDA detector is not ready to start a run for one of

these reasons:

• A valid method has not been downloaded (following
power on).

• Both lamps are off, or one of the lamps is failing to
turn on.

• The lamp or wavelength calibration is not valid.

Flashing amber The PDA detector is in an error state while in the

Run mode.

Lamps Green One or both lamps are turned on.

Amber The lamps are off or the D2 lamp is starting. The

D2 lamp takes approximately 30 seconds to turn on.

Thermo Scientific Accela PDA Detector Hardware Manual 7

1

Introduction

Specifications

Specifications

The specifications for the Accela PDA Detector are as follows:

Wavelength range: 190 nm to 800 nm continuous

Wavelength accuracy: ±1 nm at 254 nm and 656 nm

Digital wavelength resolution: 1.2 nm

Absorbance range: 2.0 AU to +4.0 AU, 20-bit resolution

Short-term noise

*

Drift

: ≤ 1 mAU/hour after warm up at 254 nm at a stable temperature (±1°C)

Warmup time: 90 minutes to meet noise and drift specifications

Linearity: deviation ≤ 5% up to 2.0 AU at 256 nm

Scan rate: 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 5, 10,, 40, or 80 Hz (user selectable)

Diode array scan rate 20, 40, or 80 Hz (user selectable)

*

:

≤ 6 μAU/cm (at 254 nm with a 50 mm LightPipe, a 1 mL/min flow rate (MeOH),
20 Hz diode array scan rate, 5 Hz data rate, 5 nm bandwidth, and 2 second rise time)

Rise time: 0.0, 0.02, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 5, or 10 s (user selectable)

Cell dimensions: 10 mm LightPipe flowcell or 50 mm LightPipe flowcell

Cell pressure rating: 1000 psi

Diodes: 512

Diode spacing: 1.2 nm

Light source: Deuterium and tungsten-halogen lamps, pre-aligned

Filter wheels: Standard filter wheel: two-position wheel, one open position and one Holmium

oxide/perchloric acid-filled cuvette, NIST traceable. Optional linearity verification
wheel: five-position wheel, one with perchloric acid blank and four cuvettes with
different concentrations of potassium dichromate in perchloric acid, NIST traceable

Analog outputs (2): 20-bit digital/analog conversion, three outputs/channel scaled to 10 mV/AU,

100 mV/AU, or 1.0 V/AU

Remote controls: Start, Zero

Dimensions: 18 cm (7.1 in.) × 36 cm (14.2 in.) × 47 cm (18.5 in.) (h × w × d)

Weight: 19.5 kg (43 lbs)

Power requirements: 100/115 or 230 V ac; 50/60 Hz, 200 VA max

Operating temperature: +10 to +30 °C

Storage temperature: - 40 to +70 °C

Operating humidity: 5% to 95% non-condensing relative humidity

Product certification: CE, TUV-C/US, FCC (EMI)

*

According to ASTM E1657-98 “Standard Practice for Testing Variable-Wavelength Photometric Detectors Used in Liquid Chromatography”

8 Accela PDA Detector Hardware Manual Thermo Scientific

2

Installation

This chapter describes the initial installation of the PDA detector, including the connections
to other chromatographic instrumentation. The installation checklist, on the back of this
page, is an abbreviated version of this chapter that you can use as a quick reference for
conducting a successful installation. Make a copy of the checklist, fill it out when the
installation is complete, and include it in your maintenance records.

Contents

• Installation Checklist

• Unpacking and Inspecting the Instrument

• Making Initial Instrument Preparations

• Making the Back Panel Connections

• Installing the LightPipe Flowcell

• Connecting the Remote Outputs

• Turning On the Detector for the First Time

• Completing the Installation and Verifying Operation

Thermo Scientific Accela PDA Detector Hardware Manual 9

2

Installation

Installation Checklist

Installation Checklist

The following installation checklist is a brief summary of the steps you must complete in
sequence for the proper installation of the PDA detector.

U

Unpack and inspect your instrument. See page 11.

U

Read the safety notices in the preface. See page xiv.

U

Make the initial instrument preparations. See page 11.

U

Make the initial back panel connections. See page 12.

U

Connect and install the LightPipe flowcell. See page 17.

U

Power on the detector for the first time. See page 24.

U

Install software and connect remote
communication outputs, as required.

U

Configure the Accela PDA Detector for
control from your chromatography data
system.

See page 21.

See Chapter 3, “Configuration.”

U

Adjust the light throughput to the diode
array.

For the Xcalibur data system, see

“Adjusting the Light Throughput with
the Xcalibur Data System” on page 42.

For the ChromQuest data system, see

“Adjusting the Light Throughput with
the ChromQuest Data System” on
page 69.

U

Calibrate the Accela PDA Detector. For the Xcalibur data system, see

“Calibrating the PDA Detector from the
Xcalibur Data System” on page 44.

For the ChromQuest data system, see

“Calibrating the PDA Detector from the
ChromQuest Data System” on page 73.

This detector was installed by:

(Name) (Date)

10 Accela PDA Detector Hardware Manual Thermo Scientific