Thermo Scientific AI 3000, AS 3000, AS 3000 II Operating Manual

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Thermo Scientific

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AI 3000 / AS 3000 AI 3000 / AS 3000 II

3000 Series Automatic Sampling System

Operating Manual

P/N 31709392, Tenth Edition, March 2012

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rmo Fisher Scientific Inc., and its subsidiaries.

The

Published by Thermo Fisher Scientific S.p.A., Strada Rivoltana 20090 Rodano-Milan, Italy Tel: +39 02 95059303; Fax: +39 02 95059388

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. provides this document to its customers with a product purchase to use in the

uct operation. This document is copyright protected and any reproduction of the whole or any part of this

pro 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

cument is for reference purposes only. System configurations and specifications in this document supersede

do all previous information received by the purchaser.

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. makes no representations that this document is complete, accurate or error-

ee and assumes no responsibility and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, damage or loss that might

fr 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

cument shall in no way govern or modify any Terms and Conditions of Sale, which Terms and Conditions of

do Sale shall govern all conflicting information between the two documents.

Release history: First edition, January 2002; Second Edition, May 2003; Third Edition, September 2003

urth Edition, April 2004; Fifth Edition, September 2004; Sixth Edition, May 2007; Seventh Edition,

F December 2007 (see the Note (*); Eighth Edition, April 2009; Ninth Edition, May 2010; Tenth Edition, March 2012

(*) Note: The seventh edition of this manual considers the AI 3000/AS 3000 II automatic sampling system.

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

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AI 3000 / AS 3000 II Operating Manual, PN 31709392, Tenth Edition

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Page 5

Declaration

Manufacturer: Thermo Fisher Scientific

Thermo Fisher Scientific is the manufacturer of the instrument described in this manual and, as such, is responsible

r the instrument safety, reliability and performance only if:

•installation

•re-calibration

•changes and repairs

have been carried out by authorized personnel and if:

• the local installation complies with local law regulations

• the instrument is used according to the instructions provided and if its operation is only entrusted to qualified rsonnel

trained p

Thermo Fisher Scientific is not liable for any damages derived from the non-compliance with the aforementioned

ommendations.

rec

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 pert standards.

inent electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and safety

Safety

This device complies with EN 61010-1:2001, EN 61010-2:2002 according to Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC.

Electromagnetic Compatibility

This device complies with EN 61326-1:2006 according to directive 2004/108/EC.

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.

Page 6

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.

Page 7

WEEE/RoHs Compliance

This product is in compliance with the EU 2002/95/EC (RoHs) Directive on restriction of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. 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 information on Thermo Fisher Scientific’s compliance with these Directives and the recyclers in your country.

for further

WEEE/RoHs Konformität

Dieses Produkt ist in Befolgung mit der EU-2002/95/EG (RoHs) Richtlinie zur Beschränkung der Verwendung bestimmter gefährlicher Stoffe in Elektro- und Elektronikgeräten. 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/RoHs

Ce produit est conformement à la directive européenne 2002/95/CE (RoHs) relative à la limitation de l’utilisation de certaines substances dangereuses dans les équipements électriques et électroniques. 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

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Conformità RAEE/RoHs

Questo prodotto è conforme alla direttiva europea 2002/95/CE (RoHS) sulla restrizione dell’uso di determinate sostanze pericolose nelle apparecchiature elettriche ed elettroniche. Questo prodotto è marcato con il seguente simbolo in conformità alla direttiva europea 2002/96/CE (RAEE) sui rifiuti di apparecchiature elettriche ed elettroniche:

Thermo Fisher Scientific si è accordata con una o più società di riciclaggio in ciascun Stato Membro della Unione Europea (EU), e queste società dovranno smaltire o riciclare questo prodotto. Per maggiori informazioni vedere il sito www.thermo.com/

WEEERoHS.

IMPORTANTE Gli utenti italiani devono riferirsi alla dichiarazione di Conformità alle Direttive RAEE allegata allo strumento.

Conformidad RAEE/RoHs

Este producto es in conformidad a la Directiva 2002/95/CE de la Unión Europea sobre restricciones a la utilización de determinadas substancias peligrosas en aparatos eléctricos y electrónicos. Este producto es marcado con el siguiente símbolo en conformidad a la Directiva 2002/96/CE de la Unión Europea sobre los residuos de aparatos eléctricos y electrónicos:

Thermo Fisher Scientific ha contratado una o más empresas de reciclo para tratar residuos en cada Estado Miembro de la Unión Europea, y estas empresas deberían reciclar o eliminar este producto. Referirse a www.thermo.com/WEEERoHS una mayor información sobre la conformidad de Thermo Fisher Scientific con estas Directivas y para las empresas de reciclaje en su país.

IMPORTANT

The symbol indicates that the product must not be disposed o of this product prevents any potentially negative impact on the environmental and human health that could arise from any inappropriate handling of the product itself.

WEEE and RoHS rules, while laid down at European level, are put into national law at national level. When exporting to Europe, it is essential to comply with national law in each relevant country. The EU law simply serves

as a temp

Each EU Member State has own regulations regarding the application of these directives. Please refer to the regulations in force in your country.

ate for national laws, which may differ considerably.

f with the normal household wastes. Correct disposal

para

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Contents

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

About Your System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xiv

Environmental Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xiv

Rating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xv

Contacting Us . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xv

Safety Alerts and Important Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xv

Safety Symbols and Signal Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xvi

Instrument Markings and Symbols . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvii

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

The AI 3000/AS 3000 II Sampling System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Sampling Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Configurations of the 3000 Series Automatic Sampling System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

AI 3000 Auto-injector Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

AS 3000 Auto-sampler Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Gemini Configuration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Chapter 2 Sampling Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9

Base. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Turret . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Injection Assembly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Vial Capture Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Syringe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Turret Movements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Washing and Waste Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Rear of the Sampling Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Sample Trays. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

8-Position Sample Tray . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

105-Position Sample Tray Assemble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Vials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Centering Plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Centering Plate for TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Centering Plate for TRACE GC Ultra and FOCUS GC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Status LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual ix

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Contents

Chapter 3 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21

Who Performs the Installation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Electrical Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

How to Lift and Carry the Sampling Unit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Sampling System Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Sampling System Support for TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Sampling System Support for TRACE GC Ultra. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Sampling System Support for FOCUS GC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

References for the Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Installing the Sampling System Support on the TRACE 1300/TRACE

1310 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Assembling of the Sampling System Support on the Front Injector

Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Assembling of the Sampling System Support on the Back Injector

Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Assembling of the Sampling System Support for the Gemini

Configuration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Assembling of the Sampling System Support When a TSQ Quantum

is Coupled with the GC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Installing the Sampling System Support on the TRACE GC Ultra . . . . . . . . . . 43

Installing the Spacer Inside the GC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Assembling of the Sampling System Support on the GC Right Side . . . . . . . 44

Assembling of the Sampling System Support on the GC Left Side. . . . . . . . . 44

Installing the Sampling System Support on the FOCUS GC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Assembling of the Sampling System Support on the GC right side . . . . . . . . 46

Assembling of the Sampling System Support on FOCUS GC MS

Version. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

Space Saving Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Installation of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II on the GC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Installation of the Sampling Unit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Installation of the Syringe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Electrical Connections. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Instrument Start-up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Chapter 4 AI 3000/AS 3000 II Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55

Control from PC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

User Interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Sampling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Injection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Washes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Info Line . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Status Line. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Messages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

x AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

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Contents

Control Through the TRACE GC Ultra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

Configuring the AI 3000/AS 3000 II. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62

AI 3000/AS 3000 II Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Extended Control Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

When No Vial Abort Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Control Through the FOCUS GC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Configuring the AI 3000/AS 3000 II. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

AI 3000/AS 3000 II Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Sequence of Samples with the AS 3000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Guidelines for Programming with Different Injectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

SSL Inlet (TRACE GC Ultra/FOCUS GC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70

Nano-Volumes Injections in S/SL Inlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Packing a SSL Liner. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

S/SL Inlet with a Merlin Microseal™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

PTV Inlet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

PTV Inlet with a Merlin Microseal™ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

PKD and PPKD Inlets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

Chapter 5 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75

Current Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Emptying of the Waste Container . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Cleaning of the Sample Tray Accessory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Cleaning the Instrument Externally. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Replacing the Syringe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Cleaning the Syringe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Automated Cleaning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Manual Cleaning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78

Preparing a New Syringe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Moving Away the Sampling Unit from the Injector Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

Abbreviations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81

Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .87

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual xi

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Contents

xii AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

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Preface

This manual contains descriptions of the features and components of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II sampling systems. Inside, you will find all of the information necessary for routine operation of your sampling system. This includes operating procedures, sample injection techniques, and diagrams and descriptions of the major components.

This manual is organized as follows:

• Chapter 1, “Introduction,” provides a basic overview of the features and options of the ailable instrument configurations.

AI 3000/AS 3000 II System. It also describes the

• Chapter 2, “Sampling Unit,” provides a description of the components of the sampling

unit of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II System.

• Chapter 3, “Installation,” contains the instructions for the installation of the

AI 3000/AS 3000 II on the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310, TRACE GC Ultra and

US GC gas chromatographs, the syringe and the electrical connections with the

FOC different units of the gas chromatographic system.

• Chapter 4, “AI 3000/AS 3000 II Control,” provides the information to control the

AI 3000/AS 3000 II from the computer or the GC. The chapter contains also the

ing procedures with different injectors.

• Chapter 5, “Maintenance,” provides guidelines for the maintenance of the AI 3000/AS

3000 II.

• Abbreviations contains definitions of terms used in this manual. This also includes

abbreviations, acronyms, metric prefixes, and symbols.

• Index contains an alphabetical list of key terms and topics in this guide, including cross

references and the corresponding page numbers.

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual xiii

Page 14

Preface

About Your System

WARNING Thermo Fisher Scientific systems operate safely and reliably under carefully

controlled environmental conditions. If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protections provided by the equipment may be impaired. If you maintain a system outside the specifications listed in this guide, failures of many types, including personal injury or death, may occur. The repair of instrument failures caused by operation in a manner not specified by the manufacturer is specifically excluded from the Standard Warranty and service contract coverage.

WARNING When, for technical reasons, it is necessary to work on instrument parts which may involve an hazard (moving parts, components under voltage, etc.) the authorized Technical Service must be contacted. This type of situations can be identified because access to these parts is possible only by using a tool. The removable protective covers bear a warning symbol suggesting to refer to the documentation accompanying the instrument. Should an operator perform a maintenance operation, he/she must have received proper training to carry out that specific action.

WARNING Before using dangerous substances (toxic, harmful, etc.), please read the hazard indications and information reported in the Safety Sheet supplied by the manufacturer referring to the relevant CAS (Chemical Abstract Service) number. The AI 3000/AS 3000 II sampling system requires the use of several chemical products, which are present in vials and syringes, having different hazard characteristics. Before using these substances or replacing the syringe, please read the hazard indications and information reported in the Safety Sheet supplied by the manufacturer referring to the relevant CAS (Chemical Abstract Service) number.

Environmental Conditions

•Internal use

• Up to 2000 meters altitude

• Temperature 18 to 30 °C

• Maximum relative humidity between 30% and 85%

• Voltage variations must not exceed the nominal voltage by ± 10%

• Transient overloads in compliance wi

th installation categories II

• Pollution degree according to IEC 664 (3.7.3) 2

• Protection degree IP00

xiv AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 15

Rating

Contacting Us

Preface

Rating

AI 3000/AS 3000 II Automatic Sampling System

• 24 Vdc through a portable external power supply

− input 90-264 Vac; 47/63 Hz — output 24 Vdc; 70 W

Thermo Fisher Scientific provides comprehensive technical assistance worldwide and is dedicated to the quality of our customer relationships and services.

Use http://www.thermoscientific.com address for products information.address for products information.

Use http://www.gc-gcms-customersupport.com/WebPage/Share/Default.aspx address to contact your local Thermo Fisher Scientific office or affiliate GC-GC/MS Customer Support.

Safety Alerts and Important Information

Make sure you follow the precautionary notices presented in this guide. Safety and other special notices appear in boxes and include the following:

WARNING This is the general warning safety symbol and safety alert word to prevent actions that could cause personal injury. It highlights hazards to humans or the environment. Each WARNING safety alert is preceded with this safety symbol and another appropriate safety symbol (see “Safety Alerts and Important Information” on page xv) Then it is followed with an appropriate safety precautionary message. When you see a safety alert on your instrument or in the publications, please carefully follow the safety instructions before proceeding.

CAUTION This is the safety alert word to prevent actions that may cause personal injury or instrument damage. We use it to highlight information necessary to prevent personal injury or damage to software, loss of data, or invalid test results; or might contain information that is critical for optimal system performance. A CAUTION safety alert is always preceded with an appropriate safety symbol (see “Safety Alerts and Important

Information” on page xv) Then it is followed with an appropriate safety precautionary

message. When you see a safety alert on your instrument or in the publications, please carefully follow the safety instructions before proceeding.

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.

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual xv

Page 16

Preface

Safety Alerts and Important Information

Note Emphasizes important information about a task.

Tip Helpful information that can make a task easier.

Safety Symbols and Signal Words

All safety symbols are followed by WARNING or CAUTION, which indicates the degree of risk for personal injury and/or instrument damage. Cautions and warnings are following by a descriptor, such as BURN HAZARD. A WARNING is intended to prevent improper actions that could cause personal injury. Whereas, a CAUTION in intended to prevent improper actions that may cause personal injury and/or instrument damage. The following safety symbols may be found on your instrument and/or in this guide:

BIOHAZARD. This symbol indicates that a biohazard will, could, or may occur.

BOOTS REQUIRED. This symbol indicates that you must wear boots when

performing a task or else physical injury could or may occur.

BURN HAZARD. This symbol indicates a hot surface could, or may incur burn injuries.

CLOTHING REQUIRED. This symbol indicates that you should wear a work clothing when performing a task or else physical injury could or may occur.

ELECTRICAL SHOCK HAZARD. This symbol indicates that an electrical shock hazard could, or may occur.

EXPLOSION HAZARD. This symbol indicates an explosion hazard. This symbol indicates this risk could or may cause physical injury.

FIRE HAZARD. This symbol indicates a risk of fire or flammability, or that fire/flammability damage will, could, or may occur.

FLAMMABLE GAS HAZARD. This symbol alerts you to gases that are compressed, liquefied or dissolved under pressure and can ignite on contact with an ignition source. This symbol indicates this risk could or may cause physical injury.

GLOVES REQUIRED. This symbol indicates that you must wear gloves when performing a task or else physical injury could or may occur.

HAND AND CHEMICAL HAZARD. This symbol indicates that chemical damage or physical injury will, could, or may occur.

HARMFUL. This symbol indicates that the presence of harmful material will, could, or may occur.

INSTRUMENT DAMAGE. This symbol indicates that damage to the instrument or module may occur. This damage may not be covered under the standard warranty.

xvi AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 17

Preface

Instrument Markings and Symbols

LIFTING HAZARD. This symbol indicates two or more people are required to lift the object to prevent a physical injury, which could or may occur.

MATERIAL AND EYE HAZARD. This symbol indicates that eye damage will, could, or may occur. Eye protection must be worn.

RADIOACTIVE HAZARD. This symbol indicates that the presence of radioactive material could, or may occur.

READ MANUAL. This symbol alerts you to carefully read your instrument’s operational instructions before usage to ensure your safety and the instrument’s operational ability. Failing to carefully read the instructions could or may put you at risk for a physical injury.

TOXIC SUBSTANCES HAZARD. This symbol indicates that exposure to a toxic substance will, could, or may cause personal injury or death.

This is the general warning symbol that the ISO 3864-2 standard refers to as the general warning signal to prevent personal injury. It is a triangle with an exclamation mark that precedes the WARNING safety alert word. In the vocabulary of ANSI Z535 signage, this symbol indicates a possible personal injury hazard exists if the instrument is improperly used or if unsafe actions occur. We use this symbol and another appropriate safety symbol to alert to an imminent or potential hazard that could cause personal injury.

Instrument Markings and Symbols

Tab le 1 explains the symbols used on Thermo Fisher Scientific instruments. Only a few of

them are used on the AI 3000/AS 3000 II. See the asterisk.

Table 1. Instrument Marking and Symbols (Sheet 1 of 2)

Symbol Description

Direct Current

* Alternating Current

Both direct and alternating current

Three-phase alternating current

Earth (ground) terminal

Protective conductor terminal

Frame or chassis terminal

Equipotentiality

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Preface

Instrument Markings and Symbols

Table 1. Instrument Marking and Symbols (Sheet 2 of 2)

Symbol Description

* On (Supply)

* Off (Supply)

Equipment protected throughout by DOUBLE INSULATION or REINFORCED INSULATION (Equivalent to Class II of IEC 536)

* Instruction manual symbol affixed to product. Indicates that the user must

refer to the manual for specific WARNING or CAUTION information to avoid personal injury or damage to the product.

Caution, risk of electric shock

* Caution, hot surface

* Caution, biohazard

In-position of a bistable push control

Out-position of a bistable push control

* Jack socket

* Symbol in compliance to the Directive 2002/96/EC on Waste Electrical

and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) placed on the european market after August, 13, 2005.

xviii AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 19

Introduction

This chapter provides a basic overview of the features and options of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II. It also describes the available instrument configurations.

Contents

• The AI 3000/AS 3000 II Sampling System

• Configurations of the 3000 Series Automatic Sampling System

• Technical Specifications

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 1

Page 20

Turret

Safety Door

Injection Unit

Washing and Waste Tray

8-position Sample Tray

Introduction

The AI 3000/AS 3000 II Sampling System

The 3000 Series Automatic Sampling System, available as AI 3000 or AS 3000, consists of the following parts, as respectively shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2.

Figure 1. AI

3000 Auto-injector

2 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 21

Figure 2. AS 3000 Auto-sampler

Turret

Safety Door

Injection Unit

Centering Plate

Washing and Waste Tray

Base

105-position Sample Tray

Introduction

The AI 3000/AS 3000 II Sampling System

Sampling Unit

The sampling unit consists of the following major components:

Base

This is the structure bearing the sampling unit components.

Turret

It consists of a vertical moving structure that accommodates the injection unit and accomplishes the necessary movements to carry out the three main operating steps: sample drawing, injection, syringe washing. The turret is provided with a safety door allowing access to the syringe.

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 3

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Introduction

The AI 3000/AS 3000 II Sampling System

Injection Assembly

Housed inside the rotating turret, it consists of a moving support (sliding plate) on which the syringe is installed.

Washing and Waste Tray

It allows to accomodate up to four 4 mL vials of solvents to wash the syringe, and a 50 mL plastic container to collect the washing solvents after their use.

Centering Plate

It consists of a plate provided with circular guides to center the sampling unit on the injector nut.

Sample Tray

It contains the seats for the sample vials. Each position is numbered to make the sample identification easy. The following options are available:

• AI 3000 Auto-injector — sample tr

• AS 3000 Auto-sampler

mobile tray mounted on a dedicated support plate.

— ample holding assembly consisting of a 105-position turnable

ay consisting of an 8-position fixed support.

Sampler Support

It constitutes the supporting base allowing to install the autoinjector/sampler on the gas chromatograph.

User Interface

The functions of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II can be controlled through:

• a data processing system for PC with dedicated software.

• the keypad of the TRACE GC Ultra.

For further information, please refer to:

• “Configurations of the 3000 Series Automatic Sampling System” on pag

• Chapter 2, “Sampling Unit.” on page 9

• Chapter 4, “AI 3000/AS 3000 II Control,” on page 55

e 5

4 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 23

Configurations of the 3000 Series Automatic Sampling System

8-position Sample Tray

Configurations of the 3000 Series Automatic Sampling System

The AI 3000/AS 3000 II can be installed on the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310, TRACE GC Ultra, or FOCUS GC gas chromatographs for sample introduction into the following injectors:

• TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310: S/SL, PTV, PTVBKF

• TRACE GC Ultra: S/SL, PTV, PKD, PPKD

• FOCUS GC: S/SL

The autoinjector/sampler is available in the following options:

• AI 3000 Auto-injector Configuration

• AS 3000 Auto-sampler Configuration

• Gemini Configuration

Introduction

AI 3000 Auto-injector Configuration

In this configuration the 8-position sample tray is used. See Figure 3.

Figure 3. AI 300

0 Auto-injector Configuration

As a function of the configuration of installation, right or left, the support will be introduced into the relevant side housing on the base of the sampling unit. On the opposite side housing, the centering plate will be positioned.

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 5

Page 24

105-position Sample Tray

Introduction

Configurations of the 3000 Series Automatic Sampling System

AS 3000 Auto-sampler Configuration

In this configuration the 105-position sample tray is used, mounted on the hub provided on the dedicated support plate.

Figure 4. AS 3

The support plates of the tray and the sampler are electrically connected to each other by means of

the proper connecting cable.

000 Auto-sampler Configuration

As a function of the configuration of installation, right or left, the support will be introduced into the relevant housing on the base of the sampling unit.

Gemini Configuration

Consists of the installation of two AI 3000/AS 3000 II on the same GC.

Note Gemini configuration is not possible with the FOCUS GC.

• With the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310 — the samplers are installed on the right side, one

the front injector module and the other on the back injector module.

• With the TRACE GC Ultra — one sampler is installed on the left side of the GC, and

her is installed on the right side.

the ot

Each autosampler operates simultaneously on its own relevant injector. In this configuration, both autosampler are ready to inject the sample simultaneously, according to the programmed method that is the same for both.

6 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 25

Installation

Right configuration

Introduction

Configurations of the 3000 Series Automatic Sampling System

The AI 3000/AS 3000 II can be installed on the right or left side of the GC according to the following indications:

The right configuration, see Figure 5, is the default configuration for all the GC units.

Note The right configuration is the only one possible on the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310 and FOCUS GC.

Left Configuration

Figure 5. Righ

The left configuration, see Figure 6, is only possible with the TRACE GC Ultra. The installation of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II requires a dedicated metal support on the base of the sampler support.

Figure 6. Le

t Configuration

WARNING If an existing AI 3000 auto-injector will be upgraded to AS 3000 auto-sampler, it is very important to switch off the AI 3000 before to install the 105 sample tray and plug-in its electrical cable. This recommendation will prevent a possible driver failure on AI 3000’s pcb.

Gemini Configuration

Two AI 3000/AS 3000 II are installed on the same TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310 or TRACE GC Ultra by using their own dedicated supports. Refer to “Sampling System Support” on

page 23.

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 7

Page 26

Introduction

Technical Specifications

Technical specification of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II are listed in Tabl e 1.

Table 1. Technical Specifications

Sample tray capacity • 8 vials in the AI 3000 configuration

Vials capacity 0.3 and 2 mL (standard) with both 8- and 105-position

Flushing solvents 4 vials of 4 mL

Waste container capacity 50 mL

Types of syringes • 10 μL syringe (standard)10 μL syringe for Merlin

• 105 vials in the AS 3000 configuration

trays

Microseal Valve (optional)

•5 μL syringe (optional)

•0.5 μL syringe for Nano-volumes injections (optional)

Volumes programming (μl) • 0 to 5 μL (10 μL syringe) with increments of 0.1 μL

• 0 to 2.5 μL (5 μL syringe) with increments of 0.1 μL

• 0 to 0.5 μL (0.5 μL syringe) with increments of 0.01 μL

Programmability Remote

External interface Serial line RS 232

Power supply rating 24 Vdc through a portable external power supply

Electrical characteristics of the supply

• input 90-264 Vac; 47/63 Hz

• output 24 Vdc; 70 W

Dimensions (height x width x length)

Mass About 6 kg

Sampling unit:

• AI Configuration: approx. 437 x 230 x 250 mm

• AS Configuration: approx. 437 x 400 x 250 mm

8 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 27

Sampling Unit

This chapter provides a description of the components of the sampling unit of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II.

Contents

• Base

• Turret

• Injection Assembly

• Washin g an d Wast e Tray

• Rear of the Sampling Unit

• Sample Trays

• Centering Plate

• Status LED

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 9

Page 28

Front Section

Right Side Section

Left Side Section

Rear Section

Sampling Unit

Base

It is the supporting structure of the instrument on which the sampling unit components and accessories are positioned (sample tray, centering plate). It consists of four sections. See

Figure 7.

Figure 7. Th

Sections of the Base

• Front Section — It includes the housings for solvents vials and waste container.

On the lower front part there is a LED indicating the instrument status. For details, refer to “Status LED” on pag

• Right and Left Side Sections —

e 20.

It can accommodate the, 8-position sample tray or

105-position sample tray and the centering plate for the injector.

The position of the above described accessories depends on the configuration of the

njector/auto-sampler installation.

auto-i

See “Configurations of the 3000 Series Automatic Sampling System” on

10 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

page 5.

Page 29

Turret

Sampling Unit

Rear Section — It includes the connections of the instrument to the mains, the gas chromatograph, the data system and the sample tray (only for AS 3000), and for the Gemini configuration.

The turret consists of a moving structure pivoted on a hub. The rotating movements are accomplished by a motor located on the base. An optical sensor determines the turret travel ends.

The front side is provided with a safety door allowing access to the injection assembly. The door opening immediately cuts off the power supply to the sampling system.

he T

Figure 8. T

urret

Turret

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 11

Page 30

Safety Door

Injection Device

Sliding Plate

Syringe Plunger Control

Syringe

Vial Capture Device

Sampling Unit

Injection Assembly

It consists of a sliding plate which supports and guides the vertical movements of the injection device constituted by the syringe plunger control, the vial capture device and the syringe. See Figure 9.

Figure 9. In

ction Assembly

The vertical movements of the injection device are controlled by motors housed in the turret. The travel ends of the movable parts is defined by a series of sensors.

Inside the turret two electronic boards are also present, one for the motors control and one for the instrument functions control, respectively.

12 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 31

Vial Capture Device

The lower part of the injection device consists of the vial capture device. See Figure 10.

The function of this device are:

Figure 10. Vial Capture Device

• to guide the syringe needle

• to acknowledge the vial presence

• to acknowledge the injector presence

Sampling Unit

Injection Assembly

Syringe

The standard syringe has 10 μL capacity with 50 mm needle length.

Note 5 and 0.5 μL syringes are optionally available.

A thorough washing of the syringe can be done thanks to the possibility of using up to four solvents. See Wash ing a nd Wa ste Tra y .

To install or replace the syringe, please refer to the Chapter 3, “Installation,” and to the

Chapter 5, “Maintenance.”

Figure 11 shows the syringe housing.

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 13

Page 32

Syringe Housing

Syringe

Sampling Unit

Injection Assembly

Figure 11. Syringe Housing

Turret Movements

The sequence of the turret movements allows the autoinjector/sampler to perform the following functions:

• Sample drawing

tray, to allow the syringe to draw the sample it contains.

• Sample injection —

injection.

• Syringe washing —

washing. The solvent is automatically withdrawn and discharged into the waste container.

14 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

— the turret positions itself on the selected vial, housed in the sample

the turret positions itself on the injector to perform the sample

the turret positions itself on the solvents vials for the syringe

Page 33

Washing and Waste Tray

Waste Container

Vials for Solvent A and B

Vials for Solvent C and D

24 Vdc

TRAY

TWIN SYNC

RS 232 GC

The washing and waste tray can contain up to four 4 mL vials and a 50 mL plastic container. See Figure 12.

Sampling Unit

Washing and Waste Tray

Figure 12. Wa

shing and Waste Tray

The vials contain the solvent (solvents) necessary for the syringe washing, which can take place

both before and after the injection. The washing solvent is then collected in the waste

container.

The four vials containing solvents for the syringe washing are introduced into the appropriate seats A, B and C, D, on the left and on the right of the waste container respectively, marked WA ST E.

Rear of the Sampling Unit

The rear side of the sampling unit includes the following components. See Figure 13:

Figure 13. Rear

•Jack marked 24 Vdc for the instrument power supply through the external portable

feeder.

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 15

of the Sampling Unit

Page 34

Sampling Unit

Sample Trays

• 15-pin female connector (double density) marked TRAY for the communication between

the sampling unit and the motor actuating the hub positioned on the supporting plate of the 105-position sample tray.

Sample Trays

• 9-pin female connector marked RS232 fo

autoinjector/sampler and the GC (connector marked AUTOSAMP L ER) through a proper cable.

• 6-pin female connector marked GC fo

(connector marked SAMPLER SIGNAL) through the proper cable.

• 4-pin male connector marked TWIN S

AI 3000/AS 3000 II installed in Gemini configuration through the proper cable.

The AI 3000/AS 3000 II can accept two types of sample trays which are accommodated in one of the two side housings on the base.

The type of sample tray accessory installed on the instrument (8 or 105 positions) is automatically acknowledged by the autoinjector/sampler when switched on, and it determines the instrument configuration.

I 3000 uses the 8-position sample tray.

• A

• AS 3000

uses the 105-position sample tray.

r the communication between the

r connecting the autoinjector/sampler to the GC

YNC for the synchronism between two

8-Position Sample Tray

The 8-position tray, see Figure 14, consists of a fixed arc-shaped support and can contain up to 8 vials numbered 1 to 8. The slot present on the tray determines the position 1 to inspect the level of the liquid contained in the vial.

Figure 14. 8-

position Sample Tray

105-Position Sample Tray Assemble

The assemble, see Figure 15, consists of a dedicated supporting plate provided with a hub and a 105-position removable sample tray.

and allows

16 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 35

Supporting Plate

Hub

105-position Sample Tray

Sampling Unit

Sample Trays

The rotation of the tray is accomplished by a motor, located under the supporting plate, which actuates the hub thanks to suitable commands coming from the sampling unit via an interfacing cable.

An optical sensor defines the rotation travel end and the vial position.

ppo

Figure 15. Su

rting Plate and 105-Position Sample Tray

Vials

The tray can contain up to 10

•Vials 01 to 40 are pl

•Vials 41 to 80 are pl

•Vials 81 to 105 are place

5 vials numbered 01 to 105 arranged on three circular rows.

aced into the external row.

aced into the middle row.

d into the internal row.

Vials of 0.3 and 2 mL capacity can be used.

The 0.3 mL vial is exactly the same as the 2 mL vial, provided inside with a 0.3 mL calibrated insert.

CAUTION Vials must be accurately closed using appropriate septa and ring nuts. Septa must be those recommended by Thermo Fisher Scientific. The use of septa with different characteristics might damage or bend the syringe needle. During the vials preparation, it is recommended to comply with applicable safety regulations, specially as far as the conditions of the workplace ventilation are concerned.

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 17

Page 36

CORRECT

WRONG

Sampling Unit

Centering Plate

The centering plate consists of a plate provided with circular guides to center the sampling unit on the injector nut.

Centering Plate for TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310

The centering plate is provided with two circular guides to center the sampling unit on the PTV and SSL injector nuts.

• To center the sampling unit on the SSL injector nut, use the circular guide for SSL only.

See B of Figure 16.

• To center the sampling unit on the PTV injector nut, use the circular guide for PTV only.

See A of Figure 17.

Figure 16. Circular Guides for SSL

CAUTION The circular guide for SSL placed in the centering plate must be aligned as

shown below:

18 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 37

Figure 17. Circular Guides for PTV

Circular Guide

Sampling Unit

Centering Plate

Centering Plate for TRACE GC Ultra and FOCUS GC

Two types of centering plates are available with the GC according to the injector mounted.

• A standard centering plate to center the sampling unit on the SSL, PKD and PPKD

inj

ector nut. This centering plate is used also with the FOCUS GC.

• A centering plate to center the sampling unit on the PTV injec

a circular slot present on the circular guide. This centering plate is not used with the FOCUS GC.

Figure 18. Centering Plate for TRACE GC Ultra and FOCUS GC

tor nut. It is recognized by

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Page 38

Status LED

Sampling Unit

Status LED

The status LED, located on the front side of the sampling unit, see Figure 19, provides the operator with indications on the instrument operating conditions showing a continuous or intermittent light. See Tab le 2 for details.

Figure 19. The St

Table 2. Status LED Conditions

Condition LED

St-by Lit with continuous green light

Position zeroing, sample preparation, washing, injection

Run (waiting GC Ready) Intermittent green-orange lights; 0.5 seconds green, 0.5 seconds

Firmware upload Intermittent orange light; 0.5 seconds ON, 0.5 seconds OFF

atus LED

Intermittent green light; 0.5 seconds ON, 0.5 seconds OFF

orange

Error Lit with continuous orange light

Buzzer

Two beep monotone; 0.5 seconds ON, 0.5 seconds OFF, 0.5 seconds ON indicates that the start signal is received.

Five consecutive beep, 1 second with interval of 0.5 seconds OFF in case of error condition.

20 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 39

Installation

This chapter contains the instructions for the installation of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II on the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310, TRACE GC Ultra, and FOCUS GC gas chromatographs, the syringe, and the electrical connections with the different units of the gas chromatographic system.

Contents

• Who Performs the Installation

• Electrical Requirements

• How to Lift and Carry the Sampling Unit

• Sampling System Support

• Installing the Sampling System Support on the TRACE 1300/TRACE

1310

• Installing the Sampling System Support on the TRACE GC Ultra

• Installing the Sampling System Support on the FOCUS GC

• Installation of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II on the GC

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 21

Page 40

Installation

Who Performs the Installation

The AI 3000/AS 3000 II is installed by authorized Thermo Fisher Scientific field service engineers (FSE), who will check its correct operation. For more details, please contact Thermo Fisher Scientific local representatives. Should the instrument not be installed by Thermo Fisher Scientific personnel, please strictly adhere to the following instructions.

Electrical Requirements

The instrument must be electrically supplied as indicated in the “Technical Specifications” on

page 8.

CAUTION The power line and the connections between the instruments must maintain good electrical grounding. Poor grounding represents a danger for the operator and may seriously affect the instrument performance. Do not connect the AI 3000/AS 3000 II to lines feeding devices of a heavy duty nature, such as motors, UV lamps, refrigerators and other devices that can generate disturbances. Pay attention not to leave any cable connecting the sampling unit and the chromatographic system or the power cord close to the GC hot air vents.

How to Lift and Carry the Sampling Unit

The AI 3000/AS 3000 II must be lifted and carried by hand. See Figure 20.

Figure 20. How

to lift and carry the Sampling Unit

22 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 41

Sampling System Support

The AI 3000/AS 3000 II is installed on the GC using the appropriate support provided.

According to your GC, please refer to:

• Sampling System Support for TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310

• Sampling System Support for TRACE GC Ultra

• Sampling System Support for FOCUS GC

Note The FOCUS GC MS Version, may accept the AI 3000/AS 3000 II also on the left side. Please refer to “Assembling of the Sampling System Support on FOCUS GC MS

Ver si on” on page 46.

To reduce the FOCUS GC working area, the AS 3000 may be installed as described in

“Space Saving Installation” on page 47.

Installation

Sampling System Support

Sampling System Support for TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310

The AI 3000/AS 3000 II can be installed only on the right side of the GC on the front or back injector module or on both when in Gemini configuration by using the proper sampling

system support.

The sampling unit support consists of a bottom and a top plates.

1. The bottom plate can be L- Gemini installation). The plate is provided with a series of holes for the corresponding fixing screws and must be fixed on the GC.

2. The movable top plate is mounted over the bottom plate and it is provided with a guide

or the accommodation and centering of the sampling unit. The movable top plate

pivot f can slides over the bottom plate through a sliding slot and a retainer.

This allows moving away the injection device of the sampling unit from the injector

le when the latter will require maintenance.

modu

Note After the installation of the sampling unit on the proper sampling system support, it is possible locking its plates if desired.

To use the proper sampling system support on the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310 please refer to:

ape (see both front/back installation) or double (see

• Support for the Installation on the Front/Back Injector Module

• Support for the Installation in Gemini Configuration

• Support for the Installation When a TSQ Quantu

the GC

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 23

m Mass Spectrometer is Coupled with

Page 42

Guide Pivot

Retainer

Sliding Slot

L-shape Bottom Plate (Oriented on Front)

Plates Locking Screw

Top Plate

Guide Pivot

Retainer

Sliding Slot

Top Plate

Plates Locking Screw

L-shape Bottom Plate (Oriented on Back)

Installation

Sampling System Support

Support for the Installation on the Front/Back Injector Module

The same sampling unit support is used. The L-shape bottom plate must be oriented accordingly before fixing it on the GC. See Figure 21 and Figure 22.

Figure 21. Su

pport Oriented for the Installation on the Front Injector Module

Figure 22. Support Oriented for the Installation on the Back Injector Module

24 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 43

Double Bottom Plate

Retainer

Sliding Slot

Guide Pivot

Top Plate

Double Bottom Plate

Retainer

Sliding Slot

Guide Pivot

Top Plate

Installation

Sampling System Support

Support for the Installation in Gemini Configuration

This configuration uses a dedicated double bottom plate and two top plates. See Figure 23.

Figure 23. Suppo

rt for the Installation in Gemini Configuration

Support for the Installation When a TSQ Quantum Mass Spectrometer is Coupled with the GC

This configuration uses a dedicated double bottom plate and two top plates. See Figure 24.

Figure 24. Suppo

rt for the Installation When a TSQ Quantum is Coupled with the GC

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 25

Page 44

1 = Semi-circular Plate 2 = Guide Pivot 3 = Spacers 4 = Slots 5 = Fixing Screws

Installation

Sampling System Support

Sampling System Support for TRACE GC Ultra

The support for the installation of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II on right or left side of the TRACE GC Ultra consists of a semi-circular plate resting on three spacers non adjustable in height, see Figure 25. The top surface of the plate is provided with two slots for corresponding fixing screws. In the middle the guide pivot allows the accommodation and centering of the sampling unit.

rt for the Installation of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II on the TRACE GC Ultra

Figure 25. Su

ppo

The AI 3000/AS 3000 II is installed on the rig

ht or left side of the TRACE GC Ultra.

Installation on the Right Side

When installing the AI 3000/AS 3000 II on the TRACE GC Ultra right side, the support is directly mounted on the GC top panel previous installation of the spacer inside the GC. See

Figure 25.

Note For details about the installation of the spacer, please refer to “Installing the Spacer

Inside the GC” on page 43 for details.

Installation on the Left Side

When installing the AI 3000/AS 3000 II on the TRACE GC Ultra left side, before to mount the sampling system support, the support bracket must be placed and fixed on the GC top cover. See Figure 26.

26 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 45

Figure 26. Bracket for the Installation of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II Support

1 = Support Bracket 2 = Holes on the TRACE GC Ultra Top Cover 3 = Fixing Screws 4 = Sampling Unit Support

Installation

Sampling System Support

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 27

Page 46

1 = Upper Semi-circular Plate 2 = Lower Semi-circular Plate 3 = Guide Pivot 4 = Slots 5 = Fixing Screws

Installation

Sampling System Support

Sampling System Support for FOCUS GC

The support for the installation of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II on the right side of the FOCUS GC, consists of two semi-circular plates. See Figure 27. The top surface of the upper plate is provided with two slots for corresponding fixing screws. In the middle the guide pivot allows the accommodation and centering of the sampling unit.

ppo

Figure 27. Su

rt for the Installation of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II on the FOCUS GC

Note The FOCUS GC MS Version, may accept the AI 3000/AS 3000 II also on the left side. Please refer to “Assembling of the Sampling System Support on FOCUS GC MS

Ver si on” on page 46.

To reduce the FOCUS GC working area, the AS 3000 may be installed as described in

“Space Saving Installation” on page 47.

28 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 47

References for the Installation

For the installation of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II, please refer to:

• “Installing the Sampling System Support on the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310” on

page 30

Installation

Sampling System Support

• “Installing the Sampling System Support on the TRACE GC Ultra” on pag

• “Installing the Sampling System Support on the FOCUS GC” on page 46

• “I

nstallation of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II on the GC” on pag

e 49

e 43

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 29

Page 48

Installation Holes for the AI 3000/AS 3000 II on the Front Injector Module.

See Assembling of the Sampling System

Support on the Back Injector Module

Installation Holes for the AI 3000/AS 3000 II on the Back Injector Module.

See Assembling of the Sampling System

Support on the Front Injector Module

Installation Holes for Two AI 3000/AS 3000 in Gemini Configuration.

See Assembling of the Sampling System

Support for the Gemini Configuration

Installation Holes for One or Two AI 3000/AS 3000 II when a TSQ Quantum Mass Spectrometer is Coupled with the GC

See Assembling of the Sampling System

Support When a TSQ Quantum is Coupled with the GC

Installation

Installing the Sampling System Support on the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310

To install the sampling system support on the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310, please refer to the instructions reported below. Figure 28 shows the installation holes on the top of the GC.

Figure 28. Sa

TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310

mpler Unit Support Installation Holes

30 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 49

Installing the Sampling System Support on the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310

Assembling of the Sampling System Support on the Front Injector Module

The following is the description of how to mount the sampling system support on the front injector module of the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310. See Figure 29 and Figure 30.

L-shape Bottom Plate

Installation

Figure 29. As

sembling on the Front Injector Module (1)

1. Remove from the GC top cover the three plastic caps covering the corresponding fixing holes. S

ee A, B, and C.

Note In comparison with the installation on the back injector module, the installation on the front injector module requires to upturn the L-shape bottom plate before fixing it on the GC.

2. Orient the L-shape bottom plate to align the three installation holes to the corresponding fixing holes located on the GC top.

3. Insert the provided fixing screws into the holes present on the L-shape bottom plate.

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 31

Page 50

Retainer

Top Plate

L-shape Bottom Plate

B’

Guide Pivot

A’

C’

Installation

Installing the Sampling System Support on the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310

Figure 30. Assembling on the Front Injector Module (2)

4. Place the L-shape bottom plate on the GC top and guide the three fixing screws into the

5. Tighten the three fixing screws.

6. If not already done, mount and fix the guide pivot on the top plate by using the proper

7. Place the top plate over the L-shape bottom plate.

8. Guide the retainer and its fixing screw into the sliding slot present on the top plate.

9. Align the retainer fixing screw into the corresponding fixing hole located on the L-shape

0. Tighten the retaining fixing screw.

11. Clamp the two plates by using the plates locking screw.

rresponding fixing holes. See A’, B’, and C’.

ng screw.

fixi

bottom plate.

32 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 51

Installation

Installing the Sampling System Support on the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310

Note Removing the plates locking screw, the top plate is free to move outwards. See the figure below.

This allows the sampling unit, when installed, to be moved away from the injector module. See “Moving Away the Sampling Unit from the Injector Module” on page 80.

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 33

Page 52

L-shape Bottom Plate

Installation

Installing the Sampling System Support on the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310

Assembling of the Sampling System Support on the Back Injector Module

The following is the description of how to mount the sampling system support on the back injector module of the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310. See Figure 31 and Figure 32.

Figure 31. As

sembling on the Back Injector Module (1)

1. Remove from the GC top cover the three plastic caps covering the corresponding fixing holes. See A, B, and C.

Note In comparison with the installation on the front injector module, the installation on the back injector module requires to upturn the L-shape bottom plate before fixing it on the GC.

2. Orient the L-shape bottom plate to align the three installation holes to the corresponding fixing holes located on the GC top.

3. Insert the provided fixing screws into the holes present on the L-shape bottom plate.

34 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 53

Installing the Sampling System Support on the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310

Retainer

Top Plate

L-shape Bottom Plate

A’

B’

C’

Guide Pivot

Figure 32. Assembling on the Back Injector Module (2)

Installation

4. Place the L-shape bottom plate on the GC top and guide the three fixing screws into the co

rresponding fixing holes. See A’, B’, and C’.

5. Tighten the three fixing screws.

6. If not already done, mount and fix the guide pivot on the top plate by using the proper

ng screw.

fixi

7. Place the top plate over the L-shape bottom plate.

8. Guide the retainer and its fixing screw into the sliding slot present on the top plate.

9. Align the retainer fixing screw into the corresponding fixing hole located on the L-shape bottom plate.

0. Tighten the retaining fixing screw.

11. Clamp the two plates by using the plates locking screw.

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 35

Page 54

Installation

Installing the Sampling System Support on the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310

Note Removing the plates locking screw, the top plate is free to move outwards. See the figure below.

This allows the sampling unit, when installed, to be moved away from the injector module. See “Moving Away the Sampling Unit from the Injector Module” on page 80.

36 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 55

Installing the Sampling System Support on the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310

Assembling of the Sampling System Support for the Gemini Configuration

The following is the description of how to mount the sampling system support on the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310 for the installation of two AI 3000/AS 3000 II sampling systems in Gemini configuration. See Figure 33 and Figure 34.

Installation

Figure 33. A

sembling In Gemini Configuration (1)

Double Bottom Plate

1. Remove from the GC top cover the five plastic caps covering the corresponding fixing holes. See A, B, and C.

2. Insert the provided fixing screws into the three holes present on the double bottom plate.

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 37

Page 56

A’

B’

C’

Top Plate Back

Double Bottom Plate

Retainer

Guide Pivot

Top Plate Front

Retainer

Installation

Installing the Sampling System Support on the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310

Figure 34. Assembling In Gemini Configuration (2)

3. Guide the three fixing screws into the corresponding fixing holes located on the GC top. See A’, B’, and C’.

4. Tighten the three fixing screws.

5. If not already done, mount and fix the guide pi

vot on each top plate by using the proper

fixing screw.

6. Place the two top plates over the double bottom plate.

7. Guide each retainer and its fixing screw into the sliding slot present on each top plate.

8. Align each retainer fixing screw into the corresponding fixing hole located on the double bottom plate.

Tighten each retainer fixing screw to block the corresponding upper plate to the double

9. bottom plate.

38 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 57

Installation

Installing the Sampling System Support on the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310

Note Loosening the screw that secure each retainer, the corresponding top plate are free to move outwards. See the figure below.

This allows the sampling unit, when installed, to be moved away from the injector module. See “Moving Away the Sampling Unit from the Injector Module” on page 80.

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 39

Page 58

Double Bottom Plate

Installation

Installing the Sampling System Support on the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310

Assembling of the Sampling System Support When a TSQ Quantum is Coupled with the GC

The following is the description of how to mount the sampling system support on the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310 for the installation of one or two AI 3000/AS 3000 II sampling systems when a TSQ Quantum mass spectrometer is coupled with the GC. See Figure 33 and

Figure 35.

Figure 35. A

sembling (1)

1. Remove from the GC top cover the five plastic caps covering the corresponding fixing holes. See A, B, and C.

2. Insert the provided fixing screws into the three holes present on the double bottom plate.

40 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 59

Figure 36. Assembling (2)

A’

B’

C’

Top Plate Back

Double Bottom Plate

Retainer

Guide Pivot

Top Plate Front

Retainer

Installation

Installing the Sampling System Support on the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310

3. Guide the three fixing screws into the corresponding fixing holes located on the GC top.

4. Tighten the three fixing screws.

5. If not already done, mount and fix the guide pi

6. Place the two top plates over the double bottom plate.

7. Guide each retainer and its fixing screw into the sliding slot present on each top plate.

8. Align each retainer fixing screw into the corresponding fixing hole located on the double

See A’, B’, and C’.

vot on each top plate by using the proper

fixing screw.

bottom plate.

Tighten each retainer fixing screw to block the corresponding upper plate to the double bottom plate.

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 41

Page 60

Installation

Installing the Sampling System Support on the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310

Note Loosening the screw that secure each retainer, the corresponding top plate are free to move outwards. See the figure below.

This allows the sampling unit, when installed, to be moved away from the injector module. See “Moving Away the Sampling Unit from the Injector Module” on page 82.

42 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 61

Installing the Sampling System Support on the TRACE GC Ultra

To install the support on the TRACE GC Ultra, please refer to the instructions reported below. Before installing the sampling system support, the spacer should be installed inside the GC, then assemble the sampling system support on the GC according to the required configuration.

•See Installing the Spacer Inside the GC

•See Assembling of the Sampling System Support on the GC Right Side

•See Assembling of the Sampling System Support on the GC Left Side

Installing the Spacer Inside the GC

To installing the spacer should be installed inside the GC proceed as described below. See

Figure 37.

Installation

Figure 37. Inst

allation of the Spacer Inside the GC

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 43

Page 62

Installation

Installing the Sampling System Support on the TRACE GC Ultra

1. Remove the cover and the collar of the injector and detector compartment.

2. Open the column oven door. Loosen the two knobs located in the upper parts.

3. Push the cover backwards and remove it.

4. Screw the spacer on the threaded pin.

5. Put the GC cover back in the original position.

6. Tighten the two knobs. Close the column oven door.

7. Mount the spacer fixing Allen screw.

8. Reinstall the cover and the collar of the injector and detector compartment.

Assemble the sampling system support on the GC ac

cording to the required configuration.

Assembling of the Sampling System Support on the GC Right Side

The following is the description of how to mount the sampling system support in the default configuration, i.e. on the right side of the TRACE GC Ultra.

1. Remove from the GC top cover the two plasti holes.

2. Insert into each slot present on the support the provided fixing screw.

3. Insert each screw into the relevant spacer paying attention to keep its largest surface

towards the support base.

turned

4. Holding the spacers in position with your hands, rest the support on the GC top cover, with thei

5. Guide the two fixing screws located on the external spacers into the corresponding fixing holes.

Loosely tighten the screws.

r flat side towards the inside.

c caps covering the corresponding fixing

Assembling of the Sampling System Support on the GC Left Side

The following is the description of how to mount the sampling system support on the left side of the TRACE GC Ultra.

1. Remove from the GC top cover the four plastic caps covering the corresponding fixing holes.

Mount the support bracket on the TRACE GC Ultra and fix by using fixing screws

ided.

prov

3. Insert into each slot present on the support the provided fixing screw.

44 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 63

Installation

Installing the Sampling System Support on the TRACE GC Ultra

4. Insert each screw into the relevant spacer paying attention to keep its largest surface turned towards the support base.

5. Holding the spacers in position with your hands, rest the support on the bracket, with

lat side towards the inside.

their f

6. Guide the two fixing screws located on the external spacers into the corresponding fixing

ocated on the bracket.

holes l

7. Loosely tighten the screws.

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 45

Page 64

A = Conventional Installation B = Left Side Installation 1 = Right Side Fixing Hole 2 = Support Positioning 3 = Left Side Fixing Holes 4 = Support Positioning

Installation

Installing the Sampling System Support on the FOCUS GC

To install the support on the FOCUS GC, please refer to the instructions reported below.

•See Assembling of the Sampling System Support on the GC right side

•See Assembling of the Sampling System Support on FOCUS GC MS Version

•See Space Saving Installation

Assembling of the Sampling System Support on the GC right side

The following is the description of how to mount the sampling system support in the default configuration, i.e. on the right side of the FOCUS GC.

1. Remove from the GC upper cover the two plastic caps covering the corresponding fixing holes.

Insert into each slot present on the support the provided fixing screw.

3. Guide the two fixing screws into the corresponding fixing holes located on the GC upper panel.

Loosely tighten the screws.

Assembling of the Sampling System Support on FOCUS GC MS Version

The installation on the GC left side, instead the conventional installation on the GC right side, may be carried out to reduce the working area of your FOCUS GC MS Version. Refer to the Figure 38.

mpl

Figure 38. Sa

ing System Support on the FOCUS GC MS Version (1)

46 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Proceed as follows:

Page 65

1 = Internal Plastic Caps

1 = Fixing Screws

Installation

Installing the Sampling System Support on the FOCUS GC

1. Remove from the GC upper cover the two internal plastic caps covering the corresponding fixing holes. See Figure 39.

Figure 39. Sampling System Support on the FOCUS GC MS Version (2)

2. Insert the provided fixing screw into each slot present on the support.

3. Guide the two fixing screws into the corresponding fixing holes located on the GC upper panel. S

ee Figure 40.

Figure 40. Sampling System Support on the FOCUS GC MS Version (3)

4. Loosely tighten the screws.

Space Saving Installation

This type of installation is suggested to reduce the working area of your FOCUS GC equipped with the AS 3000. This is applicable for example when two or more FOCUS GC units are to be placed on the same workbench. See Figure 41.

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 47

Page 66

A = Conventional Installation B Space Saving Installation 1 = Fixing Screws 2 = Sampling System Support 3 = AS 3000 4 = Second FOCUS GC

Installation

Installing the Sampling System Support on the FOCUS GC

Figure 41. Two or More FOCUS Placed on the Same Workbench

48 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Proceed as follows:

1. Remove from the GC upper cover the two plastic caps covering the corresponding fixing holes.

Insert into each slot present on the support the provided fixing screw.

3. Guide the two fixing screws into the corresponding fixing holes located on the GC upper panel.

Loosely tighten the screws.

Page 67

Installation of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II on the GC

Sampling Unit

Guide Pivot

Centering Plate for TRACE GC Ultra

Centering Plate for TRACE 1300/1310

PTV

SSL

To install the AI 3000/AS 3000 II on the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310, TRACE GC Ultra, and FOCUS GC gas chromatographs, please refer to the instructions reported below:

The procedure includes the following steps:

• Installation of the Sampling Unit

• Installation of the Syringe

• Electrical Connections

• Instrument Start-up

Installation of the Sampling Unit

Proceed as follows:

1. Lift the sampling unit, see Figure 20 on page 22, and insert it into the guide pivot located on the sampling system support. See Figure 42.

Installation

Installation of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II on the GC

Figure 42. Inst

allation of the Sampling Unit

2. Insert the proper centering plate for TRACE GC Ultra or TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310, see Figure 43, into its seat of the sampling unit base paying attention that the guide hole, present on the arm of the centering plate, correctly fits the injector nut.

Figure 43. Ce

ering Plates

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 49

Page 68

8-position Sample Tray

Support Plate

105-position Sample Tray

Hub

Installation

Installation of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II on the GC

3. Check the correct alignment of the sampling system support, then fix it by tightening the proper fixing screws.

4. Insert the sample tray into the sampling unit base.

• AI 3000 —

insert the 8-position sample tray into the appropriate housing of the

sampling unit base. See Figure 44.

Figure 44. 8-

position Sample Tray

• AS 3000 — insert the dedicated support plate into its appropriate housing of the sampling unit base. Place the 105-position sample tray on the hub located on the support. The system will automatically recognize the sample tray at the instrument power on. See

05-

Figure 45. 1

position Sample Tray

50 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 69

Installation of the Syringe

1 = Syringe Needle 2 = Syringe Body 3 = Flange 4 = Plunger 5 = Plunger Head 6 = Vial Capture Device 7 = Syringe Body Seat 8 = Flange Guide 9 = Plunger Head Guide

To install the syringe follow the instructions reported below.

The installation of the syringe is a simple operation. However, it must be performed with caution to avoid damages to the syringe needle and ensure an optimal performance of the injection device.

The standard syringe has 10 μL capacity with 50 mm needle length. 5 and 0.5 μL optional syringes are optionally available.

1. Open the safety door of the turret.

2. Insert the syringe needle into the vial capture device. See Figure 46.

Figure 46. Sy

nge Installation (1)

Installation

Installation of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II on the GC

3. Accommodate the syringe body into its seat paying attention to insert simultaneously the fla

nge and head of the syringe plunger into their relevant guides.

4. Lock the syringe by turning clockwise the lock knob by approximately 180°. See

Figure 47.

5. Close the safety door of the rotating turret.

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 51

Page 70

Installation

Installation of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II on the GC

Figure 47. Syringe Installation (2)

Electrical Connections

The instrument must be powered as indicated in “Technical Specifications” on page 8.

Before performing electrical connections, ensure that the requirements reported in paragraph

“Electrical Requirements” on page 22 have been fulfilled.

This section provides the instruction to connect the AI 3000/AS 3000 II, in standard o Gemini configuration, to a TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310, TRACE GC Ultra, or FOCUS GC.

Refer to:

• Standard Configuration

• Gemini Configuration

Standard Configuration

Proceed as follows:

1. By using the cable provided, connect the 6-pin female connector marked GC loca the sampling unit back side and the connector, located on the rear panel of the GC, marked:

• AUTOSAMPLER HANDSHAKE in the

ted on

case of TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310.

• SAMPLER SIGNAL i

52 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

n case of TRACE GC Ultra and FOCUS GC.

Page 71

24 Vdc

TRAY

TWIN SYNC

RS 232 GC

24 Vdc

TRAY

TWIN SYNC

RS 232 GC

SAMPLER SIGNAL

COM 1

AI/AS 3000 (a)

AI/AS 3000 (b)

Installation

Installation of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II on the GC

2. By using the cable provided, connect the 9-pin female connector marked RS232 located on the sampling unit back side to 9-pin connector marked AUTOSAMPLER located on the GC rear panel.

Gemini Configuration

3. In case of AS 3000, conne

ct the 15-pin female connector of the cable coming from the

support plate of the 105-position sample tray to the connector marked TRAY located on the sampling unit back side.

Figure 48 shows how to connect two AI 3000/AS 3000 II in Gemini Configuration.

Figure 48. Co

nnections in Gemini Configuration

Proceed as follows:

1. By using the cable provided, connect the 4-pin male connector marked TWIN on the rear of the sampling unit of the sampler “a”, to the 4-pin male connector marked TWIN SYNC on the rear of the sampling unit of the sampler “b”.

2. By using the Y shape cable provided, connect:

a. the 6-pin female connector marked GC l

ocated on the sampling unit back side and

the connector, located on the rear panel of the GC, marked:

– AUTOSAMPLER HANDSHAKE in the

– SAMPLER SIGNAL i

n case of TRACE GC Ultra and FOCUS GC.

b. the first branch of the cable, labelled AI/

case of TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310.

AS 1 to the 6-pin female connector marked

GC on the rear of the sampling unit of the sampler “a”.

c. the second branch of the cable, labelled AI/A

S 2 to the 6-pin female connector

marked GC on the rear of the sampling unit of the sampler “b”.

3. By using the Y shape cable provided, connect:

a. the 9-pin main connector to a PC serial port (e.g. COM 1) or to an USB port,

terposing a proper adapter not provided.

SYNC,

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 53

Page 72

Installation

Installation of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II on the GC

b. the first branch of the cable, labelled Primary AI/AS to the 9-pin female connector

marked RS232 on the rear of the sampling unit of the sampler “a”.

Instrument Start-up

Proceed as follows:

c. the second branch of the cable, labelled Sec

ondary AI/AS to the 6-pin female

connector marked RS232 on the rear of the sampling unit of the sampler “b”.

1. Plug in the Vdc power cable of the external portable power supply into the jack marked

24 V

dc located on the sampling unit back side.

2. Connect the power cord of the external power su

pply to the mains outlet. The AI 3000/AS 3000 II will automatically run the self-testing routine during which the following automatic checks and settings are carried out:

• alignment between AI 3000/AS 3000 II and the GC injector

• acknowledgement of the installed sample tray

• calculation of the syringe zero

Note The self-test routine is automatically carried out every time that the safety door of the turret is closed.

54 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 73

AI 3000/AS 3000 II Control

This chapter provides the information to control the AI 3000/AS 3000 II from the computer or the GC. The chapter contains also the working procedures with different injectors.

Contents

• Control from PC

• Control Through the TRACE GC Ultra

• Control Through the FOCUS GC

• Guidelines for Programming with Different Injectors

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 55

Page 74

AI 3000/AS 3000 II Control

Control from PC

User Interface

The AI 3000/AS 3000 II is controlled through a Thermo Fisher Scientific data system for gas chromatography installed in the PC and interfaced with the instrument via serial line RS 232. This paragraph describes how to program the instrument operating parameters.

IMPORTANT Before creating an autosampler method you must configure the correct syringe capacity in the AI 3000/AS 3000 II Configuration page of the Data System in use (refer to your Data System Operating Manual – Configuration for details).

The user interface, see Figure 49, is the same for is the same for AI 3000/AS 3000 II and Gemini configurations. In this page the sampler parameters can be set, whereas the sequence of samples to be analyzed and acquired is managed by the data system as a function of the type of sample tray installed.

300

Figure 49. AI

Note The page is visualized previous the selection in the configuration page of the data

system in use referring to the relevant manual.

When in Gemini configuration, the user interface controls both the samplers. The parameters set here will be send to both the samplers as they were a single ones. The hardware must be the same for both the samplers such as type of sampler, tray and samples numbering.

0/AS 3000 II Autosampler Page

IMPORTANT In the Sampler Configuration page of the data system in use, select the function Vial error handling >> Stop on vial missing.

56 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Page 75

Sampling

This page includes the following fields, menus and messages:

• Sampling

• Injection

• Washe s

• Info Line

• Status Line

• Menus

• Messages

Set up the sampling parameters in this field. See Ta b l e 3. for details.

Table 3. Sampling Parameters

AI 3000/AS 3000 II Control

Control from PC

Injection

Parameter Description

Sample Volume Enter a value for the injection volume. The range depends on the

size of syringe selected in the Instrument Configuration. For a 5 μl syringe the range is 0.0-2.5 μl and for a 10 μl syringe, 0.0-5.0 μl.

Plunger Strokes Select the number of strokes of the plunger used to eliminate air

bubbles. The range is 1-15.

Viscous Sample Select the check box to indicate that the sample is viscous. Clearing

the check box implements a fast aspiration speed while a selected check box leads to a slow one.

Sampling Depth Choose the position of the needle in the vial from which the

aliquot is drawn. The options are Bottom or Center.

These parameters control the behavior of the syringe when the needle is inserted into the inlet. See Ta bl e 4 for details.

Table 4. Injection Parameters (Sheet 1 of 2)

Parameter Description

Injection Depth Choose an injection depth. The options are Standard or

Minimum. If the pre and post -injection dwell times are set to

zero, the autosampler defaults to the Minimum setting.

Pre-injection Dwell Time

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 57

This is the time that the needle is held in the inlet prior to injection. Enter a value in the range 0-63 s.

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AI 3000/AS 3000 II Control

Control from PC

Table 4. Injection Parameters (Sheet 2 of 2)

Parameter Description

Washes

Pre-Injection

Post-injection Dwell Time

This is the time that the needle is held in the inlet after the injection. Enter a value in the range 0-63 s.

This field contains parameters controlling syringe washing with solvents and the sample.

These parameters are applied to pre-injection washing with a solvent chosen from the vials in the Washing and Waste tray. See Ta b le 5 for details.

Table 5. Washer Parameters

Parameter Description

Pre-Injection These parameters are applied to pre-injection washing with a

solvent chosen from the vials in the Washing and Waste tray. See

Tab le 6 for details.

Sample This is the number of times that the syringe is rinsed with the

sample prior to injection. Select a value in the range 1-15.

Sample

Post-Injection

Table 6. Pre-injection parameters

Item Description

Solvent Choose a solvent from the drop-down list. The options are: A, B,

C, D, A+B and C+D. These settings correspond to the vials in the

Washi n g an d Was te t r ay.

Cycles Select the number of times the solvent is cycled through the

syringe. The range is 1-15.

This is the number of times that the syringe is rinsed with the sample prior to injection. Select a value in the range 1-15.

These parameters are applied to post-injection washing with a solvent chosen from the vials in the Washing and Waste tray. See Ta b le 7 for details.

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Info Line

Status Line

AI 3000/AS 3000 II Control

Table 7. Post-injection parameters

Item Description

Solvent Choose a solvent from the drop-down list. The options are: A, B,

C, D, A+B and C+D. These settings correspond to the vials in the

Washing and Waste tray.

Cycles Select the number of times the solvent is cycled through the

syringe. The range is 1-15.

It displays the range of the selected parameter.

It displays the instrument status messages and error messages that may occur during operation. See “Messages” on page 60.

Control from PC

Menus

File Menu

The menus of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II are the follows: File, Edit, Command, and Help.

This menu contains the following items:

New — This function creates a new method for the AI 3000/AS 3000 II starting from the data currently in memory or from default parameters previously stored with the function Save

As Default.

Open — This function uploads a pre-existing analytical method for the AI 3000/AS 3000 II

from disk to the computer memory.

Open Recent... — It allows to retrieve the last 5 saved analytical methods.

Note To activate a loaded or modified method, use the command Send Method to Sampler.

Save (Save as...) — This function allows to save an analytical method on the hard disk. With the command Save as... the method can be saved with a new name.

Load From Default — This function allows to upload a default analytical method.

Save As Default — This function allows to save the current analytical method as a default

method for the AI 3000/AS 3000 II ( parameters of this method can be retrieved when selecting the function

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 59

....\tmp.\AI/AS1300 Default method.asm). The

New.

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AI 3000/AS 3000 II Control

Control from PC

Edit Menu

Get Method from Sampler — It allows to transfer the AI 3000/AS 3000 II current method to the GC.

Send Method to Sampler — It transfers the method from the computer to the a AI 3000/AS 3000 II and makes the method active.

Print — This function allows to print the method.

Close — This function allows to close the method. If modifications have been done, the

system will ask where to save them in the method.

This menu gives access to the following functions:

View Audit Trail — It displays the log file of the method. Each change to the method parameters is recorded on the log file with the operator’s name as well as the date and time of the modification. Using the function contents into Windows and then transfer information to other programs if required.

Copy it is possible to copy part or all the log file

Command Menu

Help Menu

Messages

Note Audit trail method log is available only if a protection policy is active in the data

system.

This menu gives access to the following functions:

Start Clean Cycle — It allows to start a washing cycle.

Inject Single Sample — It allows to start the injection of a single sample.

Force Autoinjector to Stand-by — It interrupts any current operation and forces the AI

3000/AS 3000 II to stand-by.

It allows to have access to the on-line guide.

This paragraph lists the status and error messages that the computer may display according to the status of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II.

Status Messages

The status messages are listed below:

• Opening Connection

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Error Messages

AI 3000/AS 3000 II Control

• No connection (Check the serial line connections)

• The AI 3000/AS 3000 II is in stand-by

• AI 3000/AS 3000 II is checking positions

• AI 3000/AS 3000 II ready to inject sample in vial n but waiting GC Ready

• AI 3000/AS 3000 II is preparing the sample in vial n.

• AI 3000/AS 3000 II has injected the sample in vial n.

• The AI 3000/AS 3000 II front door is open (all operations are paused)

The error messages are listed below:

• AI 3000/AS 3000 II error, solvent not found

• AI 3000/AS 3000 II position error, cannot find the initial zero positions

Control from PC

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AI 3000/AS 3000 II Control

Control Through the TRACE GC Ultra

This paragraph describes how to program and control the AI 3000/AS 3000 II through the TRACE GC Ultra keypad.

Note It is not possible to control the 0.5 μL syringe through the GC keypad but only through the data system.

Groups of samples can be automatically analyzed under different analytical conditions by programming a sequence of samples. The sequence includes a set of information for a group of samples and their position on the sample tray. The sequence also specifies the method to be used to run each group of samples.

Note In an analytical method all the AI 3000/AS 3000 II functions can be programmed. To develop an analytical method and activate a sample sequence, please refer to the TRACE GC Ultra Operating Manual.

Configuring the AI 3000/AS 3000 II

When the GC is switched on, the presence of the autoinjector/sampler and its configuration is automatically acknowledged.

The type of configuration is displayed by pressing CONFIG and selecting

The following non editable message is displayed according to the AI 3000/AS 3000 II installed:

Sample tray 105

for the AS 3000.

Sample tray

for the AI 3000.

AUTOSAMPLER.

CONFIG AUTOSAMPLER

Note Should the AI 3000/AS 3000 II not be installed or correctly connected, the TRACE GC Ultra will display the message NO AUTOSAMPLER INSTALLED.

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AI 3000/AS 3000 II Menu

To set the parameters of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II method, press Autosampler key to open the relevant menu described in Tabl e 8 .

Table 8. Control Through the TRACE GC Ultra: Autosampler Menu

Menu Range Comment

AUTOSAMPLER This line displays the menu title.

AI 3000/AS 3000 II Control

Control Through the TRACE GC Ultra

Sample volume 0–5 μL

with increments of

This parameter allows to set the sample quantity to be injected.

0.1 μL

Sample rinses 0–15 This parameter allows to set the number of

syringe pre-washings with the sample.

Plunger strokes 0–15 This parameter allows to set the number of

plunger strokes to eliminate air bubbles forming during the sample withdrawal.

Pre wash solvent A, B, C, D

A+B C+D

This parameter allows to select the vial, or combination of two vials, containing the washing solvent.

Press Mode/Type to select the solvent vial to be used.

Pre wash cycles 0–15 This parameter allows to set the number of

syringe pre-washings with the selected solvent.

Post wash solvent A, B, C, D

A+B C+D

This parameter allows to select the vial, or combination of two vials, with the washing solvent.

Press Mode/Type to select the vial with the solvent to be used.

Post wash cycles 0–15 This parameter specifies the number of

syringe post-washings with the solvent selected.

Extended control See “Extended

Control Menu” on

This parameter allows to set optional injection parameters.

page 64

Press Mode/Type to enter the submenu.

When no vial abort See “When No Vial

This line shows the menu title.

Abort Menu” on page 65

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AI 3000/AS 3000 II Control

Control Through the TRACE GC Ultra

Extended Control Menu

In this menu it is possible to set how long the syringe needle must remain inside the injector without injecting. This allows to avoid discriminations caused by evaporation of the sample contained in the syringe needle. In this way the sample is completely drawn into the syringe and the needle left inside the injector and heated for a few seconds before injecting. See

Tab le 9 for details.

Table 9. Control Through the TRACE GC Ultra: Extended Control Menu

Menu Range Comments

EXTENDED

This line shows the menu title.

CONTROL

Viscous sample Yes, No This parameter defines the speed at which the

sample is drawn from the vial as a function of the sample viscosity. Select No (default value) if the sample has low viscosity. Select Yes if the sample has high viscosity.

Sampl. depth Bottom,

Center

This parameter determines the penetration

depth of the syringe needle into the vial. selectable in the submenu

Press Mode/Type or Enter to enter the

submenu.

•Selecting Bottom (default value) the needle goes down to the vial bottom.

•Selecting Center the needle goes down to half vial.

Inj. Depth Standard,

Minimum

This parameter determines the penetration

depth of the syringe needle into the injector. selectable in the submenu

Press Mode/Type or Enter to enter the

submenu.

•Selecting Standard (default value) the needle goes down to the maximum depth allowed.

•Selecting Minimum the needle enters the injector and stops immediately beyond the septum (Cold Needle Technique).

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When No Vial Abort Menu

See Table 10 for details.

Table 10. Control Through the TRACE GC Ultra: When No Vial Abort Menu

Menu Comments

ON MISSING AS VIAL This line shows the menu title.

Skip to next If this function is selected, the AI 3000/AS 3000 II skips a

Abort sequence If this function is selected, the sequence is aborted after a

AI 3000/AS 3000 II Control

Control Through the TRACE GC Ultra

missing vial and goes to the next one. The sample sequence and the sample table are not affected.

missing vial.

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AI 3000/AS 3000 II Control

Control Through the FOCUS GC

This paragraph describes how to program and control the AI 3000/AS 3000 II through the FOCUS GC keypad.

The AS 3000 can automatically analyze groups of samples under different analytical conditions when a sequence of samples is programmed.

The sequence includes a set of information for the group of samples and their position on the sample tray. The sequence also specifies the method to be used to process each group of samples. Refer to paragraph Sequence of Samples with the AS 3000 on page 68.

Configuring the AI 3000/AS 3000 II

When the GC is switched on, the presence and type of sampling system installed is automatically acknowledged.

To configure the AI 3000/AS 3000 II:

1. In Main Menu move the cursor until Othe

2. Scroll to select Conf

3. Scroll to Aut

The following message will be displayed according to the AI 3000/AS 3000 II installed:

Syringe Volume Sample tray

for the AS 3000.

Syringe Volume Sample tray

for the AI 3000.

The parameter Syringe v parameter Sample tray is not editable.

osampler, then press Enter.

iguration, then press Enter.

CONFIG AUTOSAMPLER

olume can be modified according to the syringe volume, whereas the

rs is displayed, then press Enter.

105

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AI 3000/AS 3000 II Menu

To set the parameters of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II method, In Main Menu move the cursor until Autosampler is displayed, then press Enter to open the menu. See Ta bl e 11 for details.

Table 11. Control Through the FOCUS GC: Autosampler Menu (Sheet 1 of 2)

Menu Range Comment

AUTOSAMPLER This line displays the menu title.

AI 3000/AS 3000 II Control

Control Through the FOCUS GC

Sample volume 0–5 μL, 0-2.5 μL

with increments of

This parameter allows to set the sample quantity to be injected.

0.1 μL

Sample rinses 0–15 This parameter allows to set the number of

syringe pre-washings with the sample.

Plunger strokes 0–15 This parameter allows to set the number of

plunger strokes to eliminate air bubbles forming during the sample withdrawal.

Pre wash solvent A, B, C, D,

A+B, C+D

This parameter allows to select the vial, or combination of two vials, containing the washing solvent.

Pre wash cycles 0–15 This parameter allows to set the number of

syringe pre-washings with the selected solvent.

Post wash solvent A, B, C, D

A+B C+D

This parameter allows to select the vial, or combination of two vials, with the washing solvent.

Post wash cycles 0–15 This parameter specifies the number of

syringe post-washings with the solvent selected.

Viscous sample Yes, No This parameter sets the sample drawing

speed from the vial as a function of the sample viscosity.

• Select No (default value) if the sample has low viscosity.

• Select Yes when the sample has high viscosity.

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AI 3000/AS 3000 II Control

Control Through the FOCUS GC

Table 11. Control Through the FOCUS GC: Autosampler Menu (Sheet 2 of 2)

Menu Range Comment

Sample depth Bottom, Center,

selectable in the

This parameters sets the penetration depth of the syringe needle into the vial.

submenu

Bottom (defualt value) is selected, the

If needle goes down to the vial bottom.

Center is selected, the needle goes

If down to half vial.

Inj. depth Standard, Minimum,

selectable in the

This parameter defines the penetration depth of the syringe needle into the injector.

submenu

Standard (defualt value) is selected, the

If needle goes down to the maximum allowed depth.

Minimum is selected, the needle enters

If the injector and stops immediately beyond the septum (Cold Needle Technique).

Pre dwell time 0–63 sec This parameter specifies how long the

syringe needle must remain in the injector before injection (Hot Needle Technique).

Post dwell time 0–63 sec This parameter specifies how long the

syringe needle must remain inside the injector after injection.

Sequence of Samples with the AS 3000

To set the parameters to run a sequence of samples with the AS 3000, in Main Menu move the cursor until Sequence is displayed, then press Enter to open the menu. See Tab le 1 2 for details

Table 12. Control Through the FOCUS GC: Sequence Menu with AS 3000 (Sheet 1 of 2)

Menu Range Comments

SEQUENCE This line shows the menu title.

First sample 1 to 105 Indicates the first sample of the

sequence.

Last sample 1 to 105 Indicates the last sample of the

sequence.

Injection/vial 1 to 99 Indicates how many times the same

sample has to be run.

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AI 3000/AS 3000 II Control

Control Through the FOCUS GC

Table 12. Control Through the FOCUS GC: Sequence Menu with AS 3000 (Sheet 2 of 2)

Menu Range Comments

When no vial See Table 13.

Start sequence Indicates the sequence start.

Stop Sequence Indicates the sequence end.

Table 13. Control Through the TRACE GC Ultra: When No Vial Abort Menu

Menu Comments

ON MISSING AS VIAL This line shows the menu title.

Skip to next If this function is selected, the AI 3000/AS 3000 II skips a

missing vial and goes to the next one. The sample sequence and the sample table are not affected.

Abort sequence If this function is selected, the sequence is aborted after a

missing vial.

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AI 3000/AS 3000 II Control

Guidelines for Programming with Different Injectors

To get the best results from your AI 3000/AS 3000 II, follow these guidelines when programming the autosampler method according to the injector in use. Refer to:

• SSL Inlet (TRACE GC Ultra/FOCUS GC)

• Nano-Volumes Injections in S/SL Inlets

• Packing a SSL Liner

• S/SL Inlet with a Merlin Microseal™

• PTV Inlet

• PTV Inlet with a Merlin Microseal™

• PKD and PPKD Inlets

SSL Inlet (TRACE GC Ultra/FOCUS GC)

The AI 3000/AS 3000 II can inject in a hot SSL inlet using two distinct needle insertion modes: “Standard” and “Minimum”. In the first mode the needle penetrates for almost its whole length and a dwell time is programmed to provide needle heating. In the latter the needle penetrates for a minimum depth and for the minimum time allowing to minimize contact of the needle with the hot inlet.

These two needle insertion modes are conceived to optimize respectively the “Hot Needle” and the “Cold Needle” injection techniques.

old needle technique — (M

• C

and lets the sample to enter the injector nearly entirely in liquid phase. This injection technique requires the use of packed liner to stop the liquid run (see “S/SL Inlet with a

Merlin Microseal™” on

• Hot needle technique — (

heat the needle (usually 3-5 seconds) to achieve a complete expulsion of the sample from the needle in form of a spray. This technique permits the use of empty liners.

Tab le 14 r

tec

hniques. For your reference the type of liner and the column insertion inside the inlet are

also reported.

eports a summary of injection parameters and conditions for the two SSL

inimum depth mode) prevents boil-out from the needle

pag

e 73).

Standard depth mode) requires a minimum pre-dwell time to

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Table 14. Summary of Injection Parameters and Conditions

AI 3000/AS 3000 II Control

Guidelines for Programming with Different Injectors

Mode Technique

Split Hot Needle 40 mm Tubular Liner

Column Insertion

Liner Type Packing of Liner

Not required Standard Injection Depth

(3 or 5 mm ID)

Cold Needle 40 mm Packing material

at half height

Splitless Hot Needle 64 mm Tapered Liner

Not Required Standard Injection Depth

(3 or 5 mm ID)

Cold Needle 50 mm Packing material

at bottom

S/SL Nano-Volumes

Only with 0.5μL syringe. For details, refer to the Nano-Volumes Kit for S/SL Inlet System User Guide.

Cold Needle 40 mm Double Tapered

Liner

No Minimum Injection Depth

AI 3000/AS 3000 II Injection Parameters

3-5 sec. Pre-Dwell Time 0 sec. Post-Dwell Time

Minimum Injection Depth Dwell Time are automatically inhibited

3-5 sec. Pre-Dwell Time 0 sec. Post-Dwell Time

Minimum Injection Depth Dwell Time are automatically inhibited

Dwell Time are automatically inhibited

Nano-Volumes Injections in S/SL Inlets

Injections of sample volumes below 0.1-0.2 μL in GC SSL inlets is very attractive when the dilution with a solvent is not desired and/or the main component easily overloads the capillary column even at high split ratios. Examples of such applications are analyses of essential oils or petroleum fractions.

The reduction of the injection volume to the sub microliter range using a standard autosampler, like the AI 3000/AS 3000 II unit, is achievable by exploiting the low capacity syringe (0.5 μL) and the tapered liner provided in the Nano-Volumes Kit for S/SL Inlet System. High accuracy and repeatability injecting nano-volumes are achievable by exploiting the “Cold Needle” injection mode.

For injection volumes higher than 0.2-0.3 μL use a 5 (or 10) μL syringe and a standard split or splitless liner (possibly packed with glass wool whenever you inject in “Cold Needle” mode). In summary, use the following guideline to choose the best syringe capacity for your injections with the AI 3000/AS 3000 II autosampler. See Table 15 for details

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Tubular Liner

Tapered Liner

GLASS WOOL

AI 3000/AS 3000 II Control

Guidelines for Programming with Different Injectors

Table 15. Syringe Guideline for AI 3000/AS 3000 II Autosampler

Injection Volume Range Suggested Syringe

0.5 – 5.0 μL10 μL Standard – general purpose

0.2 – 1.0 μL5 μL---

0.01 – 0.3 μL0.5 μL Plunger-in-needle

Packing a SSL Liner

Proceed as follows:

1. On your TRACE GC Ultra or FOCUS GC keypad, enter the ove

2. Enter the injector menu and

3. Enter carrier M

4. Remove the centering plate of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II (if installed).

5. Wait till the injector has reached room temperature and by means of the outfit tool

See your GC Spare Part Catalog for items part number.

AI 3000/AS 3000 II Injection Parameters

n menu and switch off

the oven temperature. This will avoid heating of the analytical column when carrier is off.

switch off the inlet temperature.

enu and switch off the carrier supply.

unscr

ew the septum cap, then remove it together with the septum holder and its plate.

6. Unscrew the liner holder and remove it. Use twee

zers to gently extract the liner from the

injector.

7. Insert a little plug of packing material (i.e. deact

ivated glass wool) filling the liner cavity

about 5 mm in length. Push the plug till it reaches the position. See Figure 50.

Figure 50. Packing a SSL Liner

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8. Insert the liner in its location, then correctly close the injector and restore the GC parameters.

S/SL Inlet with a Merlin Microseal™

This septum-less device offers an effective solution to get rid of traditional rubber septa side effects (impurities released by excessive warming of septa). Since the temperature around the microseal is lower than the rest of the injector, the most suitable injections technique is the cold needle injection. That means no dwell time to warm up the needle. The adaptor for Merlin Microseal™ also behaves as a spacer between the needle entrance and the liner, so standard injection depth must be used to fulfill correctly the injection.

Note In order to guarantee long-life performance of the Merlin Microseal™ it is recommended to use syringes with 0.63 mm needle diameter and truncated cone shape on tip. Please refer to the GC Spare Part Catalog for part number.

AI 3000/AS 3000 II Control

Guidelines for Programming with Different Injectors

Mode Technique

Split Cold Needle 40 mm Tubular Liner

Splitless 50 mm Packing material

Column Insertion

Liner Type Packing of Liner

Packing material

(3 or 5 mm ID)

at half height

at bottom

See “Packing a SSL Liner” on page 72 for instruction.

PTV Inlet

Since PTV is cold during sample introduction the syringe needle will not be heated whenever standard or minimum depth is selected or dwell times are set. However standard injection mode is advisable since the sample evaporation is faster in the deeper part of the liner. Optional 1-2 seconds of dwell times will guarantee stable flow condition after the needle introduction. See Table 16.

Table 16.

Injector Column Insertion

PTV Inlet

AI 3000/AS 3000 II Injection Parameters

Standard Injection Depth 0 sec. Pre-Dwell Time 0 sec. Post-Dwell Time

AI 3000/AS 3000 II Injection Parameters

Programmed Temperature Vapor iz i ng I n je c to r (P T V)

30 mm Standard Injection Depth

1-2 sec. Pre-Dwell Time 1-2 sec. Post-Dwell Time

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AI 3000/AS 3000 II Control

Guidelines for Programming with Different Injectors

PTV Inlet with a Merlin Microseal™

The above PTV conditions apply also when the Merlin Microseal™ is used.

PKD and PPKD Inlets

For injection into packed column the standard insertion depth with 3-5 seconds of Pre-dwell time is suggested. See

Table 17. PKD and PPKD Inlets

Injector AI 3000/AS 3000 II Injection Parameters

Packed Injector (PKD)

Purged Packed Injector (PPKD)

Standard Injection Depth

3-5 sec. Pre-Dwell Time 0 sec. Post-Dwell Time

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Maintenance

This chapter provides guidelines for the maintenance of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II.

Contents

• Current Maintenance

• Emptying of the Waste Container

• Cleaning of the Sample Tray Accessory

• Cleaning the Instrument Externally

• Replacing the Syringe

• Cleaning the Syringe

• Preparing a New Syringe

• Moving Away the Sampling Unit from the Injector Module

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Maintenance

Current Maintenance

The AI 3000/AS 3000 II does not generally require maintenance, except emptying of the waste container when full, cleaning of the sample tray and replacement of the syringe. For any other operation, contact Thermo Fisher Scientific Technical Service.

Emptying of the Waste Container

1. If necessary, move the turret to have free access to the washing and waste tray.

2. Take out the container.

3. Remove the cap and empty the container.

4. Put on the cap again and reposition the container into its seat.

Cleaning of the Sample Tray Accessory

The sample tray must be periodically cleaned.

Use a water and soap solution or a household non abrasive product. Dry using a clean cloth.

Cleaning the Instrument Externally

Normal usage of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II can cause the exterior to get dirty.

WARNING It is your responsibility to avoid that dangerous liquids and/or materials seeping inside the AI 3000/AS 3000 II during operation and maintenance.

Solvent should not be used. Do not spray on electrical parts.

To clean the instrument externally:

1. Power off the AI 3000/AS 3000 II.

2. Externally clean the instrument with a soap and water non-abrasive product.

• Pay special attention when cleaning the back but clean using a cloth imbued with the same substance.

solution, or with a household

side of the instrument. Do not spray,

• Carefully avoid seeping of the products used inside the instrument, particularly when

ng the grid of the rear panel.

cleani

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• If you just suspect that a substance used for cleaning or a product submitted to analysis has penetrated inside the instrument, immediately shut down the instrument and call an authorized customer support engineer for proper actions. The service engineer must be fully informed on the nature of the concerned substance. In the event that a hazardous material is spilled on or in the instrument, clean the spill according to the procedures reported in the Material Data Sheet for that substance.

3. Dry with a clean cloth.

4. Power on the AI 3000/AS 3000 II.

Replacing the Syringe

The replacement of the syringe is a simple operation. However, it must be performed with caution to avoid damages to the syringe needle and ensure an optimal performance of the injection device. The standard syringe has 10 μL capacity with 50 mm needle length.

Note 5 and 0.5 μL syringes are optionally available.

Maintenance

Replacing the Syringe

5 and 0.5 μL syringes are optionally available.

This operation is possible with the instrument either on or off.

1. Open the safety door of the turret.

Note If the instrument is on, power supply is immediately cut off.

2. Turn the syringe locking knob by 180° counterclockwise.

3. Gently take out the syringe plunger head and flange from their relevant guides, then re

move the syringe body from its seat.

4. Completely take out the syringe, paying attention while removing the needle from the

l capture device.

via

5. Take a new syringe.

6. Insert the syringe needle into the vial capture device.

7. Accommodate the syringe body into its seat, paying attention to s introduce the syringe plunger flange and head into their relevant guides.

8. Lock the syringe by turning the lock wheel by 180° clockwise.

9. Close the safety door of the rotating turret.

imultaneously

Note If the instrument is on, when the door is closed the instrument automatically runs the syringe zero routine. If the instrument is off, the operation is performed when it is switched on during the self-test routine.

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Maintenance

Cleaning the Syringe

To get the best performance from the syringe installed in the autosampler and increase the syringe lifetime here are some useful tips in order or cleaning impact:

1. If the sample is not viscous, program in the a

2. Program in the autosampler method one or more post-injection wash cycle with solvent.

3. If the sample is viscous, program in the autosample

4. Perform an automated maintenance cycle every 100 injections (see “Automated Cleaning”

Automated Cleaning

The syringe maintenance cycle is always advisable after the injection of pure samples, of undiluted mixes, of liquids containing solids in suspension or, at any rate, after long sequence of analyses.

To perform an automated cleaning cycle proceed as follows:

utosampler method one or more rinse with

sample to maintain the lubrication of the plunger.

r method wash cycles of extra solvents (e.g. A+B, where A is used to clean and B to rinse). The first solvent should have a higher cleaning power than the second solvent. The latter should be chemically similar to the sample scheduled for injection.

ge 78).

on pa

. Perform a manual maintenance routine every 1000 injections (see “Manual Cleaning” on

pag

e 78).

Manual Cleaning

1. Fill a 4 mL vial with fresh solvent with high cleaning power (acetone is recommended) pl

ace it in the D position of the washing tray of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II.

and

2. From your PC, enter the Data System and then access the AI 3000/AS 3000 II method

ge. Select the following parameters:

• Pre-injection Solvent: D

• Pre-injection Cycles: 15

3. Enter the Fil

4. Enter the Comma

5. If necessary, repeat the step 4 of this sequence.

CAUTION This operating sequence is not applicable to the 0.5 μL syringe. For details, refer to the Nano-Volumes Kit for S/SL Inlet System User Guide.

e menu and click on Send Method to Sampler.

nd menu and click on Start Clean Cycle.

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Maintenance

Preparing a New Syringe

To perform a manual cleaning cycle proceed as follows:

1. Remove the syringe as described in the operating sequence “Replacing the Syringe” on

pag

e 77.

2. Completely take out the syringe plunger and clean it gently using a soft cloth or a paper

ue wetted with high cleaning power solvent (acetone is recommended).

tiss

3. Reintroduce the syringe plunger and gently mov

drawing an organic solvent (e.g. hexane).

4. Reinstall the syringe as described in the operating sequence “Replacing the Syringe” on

e 77.

pag

Preparing a New Syringe

This operating procedure is always advisable before using a new syringe with low capacity (like a 5 or 0.5 μL) or a new 10 μL syringe with Teflon tip plunger. The following procedure will allow to obtain the proper lubrication of the plunger.

To prepare a new syringe proceed as follows:

1. Fill a 4 mL vial with fresh solvent (hexane is recommended) and place it in the D position

the washing tray of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II.

2. From your PC, enter the Data System and then access the AI 3000/AS 3000 II method

ge. Select the following parameters:

• Pre-injection Solvent: D

• Pre-injection Cycles: 15

e it repeatedly along its whole travel

3. Enter the Fil

4. Enter the Comm

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 79

e menu and click on Send Method to Sampler.

and menu and click on Start Clean Cycle.

Page 98

Maintenance

Moving Away the Sampling Unit from the Injector Module

When the maintenance of the injector module is required, it is necessary to move away the sampling system from the injector module.

Front/Back Configuration

1. Power off the AI 3000/AS 3000 II.

2. Remove the centering plate from the injector nut and the sample tray from the sampling

unit

base.

Note It is not necessary to remove the sampling unit from the pivot guide.

3. Remove the plates locking screw. The top plate is now free to move outwards allowing the

pling unit to be moved away from the injector module.

4. Carefully push the sampling unit outwards up to reach the end run of the top plate.

5. When the maintenance of the injector module has been performed, restore the position of

the sampling unit on the injector module.

6. Block the two plates by using the plates locking screw.

7. Reinsert the centering plate into its seat of the sampling unit base paying attention that

the guide ho

le, present on the arm of the centering plate, correctly fits the injector nut.

Gemini Configuration

1. Power off the AI 3000/AS 3000 II.

2. Remove the centering plate from the injector nut and from its seat on the sampling unit

base

3. Remove the sample tray from the sampling unit base.

Note It is not necessary to remove the sampling unit from the pivot guide.

4. Undo that screw that secure the retainer. The top plate is now free to move outwards

wing the sampling unit to be moved away from the injector module.

allo

5. Carefully push the sampling unit outwards up to reach the end run of the top plate.

6. When the maintenance of the injector module has been performed, restore the position of

the sampling unit on the injector module.

7. Tighten the screw that secure the retainer.

8. Reinsert the centering plate into its seat of the sampling unit base paying attention that

the guide ho

9. Reinsert the sample tray into its seat of the sampling unit base.

80 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

le, present on the arm of the centering plate, correctly fits the injector nut.

Page 99

Abbreviations

This section lists and defines terms used in this guide. It also includes acronyms, metric prefixes, symbols and abbreviations

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T V V W X Y Z

A ampere

ac alternating current

ADC analog-to-digital converter

b bit

B byte (8 b)

baud rate data transmission speed in events per second

C Carbon

°C Celsius

CIP Carriage and Insurance Paid To

cm centimeter

CPU central processing unit (of a computer)

<Ctrl>

Thermo Scientific AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual 81

control key of the keyboard

Page 100

d depth

DAC digital-to-analog converter

dc direct current

DS data system

EMC electromagnetic compatibility

ESD electrostatic discharge

ºF Fahrenheit

FOB Free on board

FSE Field Service Engineer

ft foot

g gram

GC gas chromatography- gas chromatograph

GND electrical ground

h height

h hour

harmonic distortion A high-frequency disturbance that appe

fundamental sine wave

HV high voltage

ars as distortion of the

Hz hertz (cycles per second)

82 AI 3000/AS 3000 Sampling System - Operating Manual Thermo Scientific

Thermo Scientific AI 3000, AS 3000, AS 3000 II Operating Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Preface

About Your System

Environmental Conditions

Rating

Contacting Us

Safety Alerts and Important Information

Safety Symbols and Signal Words

Instrument Markings and Symbols

Introduction

The AI 3000/AS 3000 II Sampling System

Sampling Unit

Configurations of the 3000 Series Automatic Sampling System

AI 3000 Auto-injector Configuration

AS 3000 Auto-sampler Configuration

Gemini Configuration

Installation

Technical Specifications

Sampling Unit

Base

Turret

Injection Assembly

Vial Capture Device

Syringe

Turret Movements

Washing and Waste Tray

Rear of the Sampling Unit

Sample Trays

8-Position Sample Tray

105-Position Sample Tray Assemble

Vials

Centering Plate

Centering Plate for TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310

Centering Plate for TRACE GC Ultra and FOCUS GC

Status LED

Installation

Who Performs the Installation

Electrical Requirements

How to Lift and Carry the Sampling Unit

Sampling System Support

Sampling System Support for TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310

Sampling System Support for TRACE GC Ultra

Sampling System Support for FOCUS GC

References for the Installation

Installing the Sampling System Support on the TRACE 1300/TRACE 1310

Assembling of the Sampling System Support on the Front Injector Module

Assembling of the Sampling System Support on the Back Injector Module

Assembling of the Sampling System Support for the Gemini Configuration

Assembling of the Sampling System Support When a TSQ Quantum is Coupled with the GC

Installing the Sampling System Support on the TRACE GC Ultra

Installing the Spacer Inside the GC

Assembling of the Sampling System Support on the GC Right Side

Assembling of the Sampling System Support on the GC Left Side

Installing the Sampling System Support on the FOCUS GC

Assembling of the Sampling System Support on the GC right side

Assembling of the Sampling System Support on FOCUS GC MS Version

Space Saving Installation

Installation of the Sampling Unit

Installation of the AI 3000/AS 3000 II on the GC

Installation of the Syringe

Electrical Connections

Instrument Start-up

AI 3000/AS 3000 II Control

Control from PC

User Interface

Sampling

Injection

Washes

Info Line

Status Line

Menus

Messages

Control Through the TRACE GC Ultra

Configuring the AI 3000/AS 3000 II

AI 3000/AS 3000 II Menu

Extended Control Menu

When No Vial Abort Menu