Empower GC Getting Started Guide AOEX 55000 640 71500044403ra

User Manual: AOEX-55000-640

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Empower Gas Chromatography Getting Started Guide
Table of Contents
List of Figures
List of Tables
Preface
Chapter 1 Empower GC Basics
- 1.1 GC Instrument Control
- 1.2 General Steps
Chapter 2 Connecting and Configuring GC Hardware
Chapter 3 Developing Methods Using Wizards
Chapter 4 Troubleshooting the GC System
- 4.1 Gas System Troubleshooting
- 4.2 GC-Specific Troubleshooting
Index
- Numerics
- A
- B
- C
- D
- E
- F
- G
- H
- I
- J
- M
- N
- O
- P
- R
- S
- T
- V
- W

Empower Gas

Chromatography

Getting Started Guide

34 Maple Street

Milford, MA 01757

71500044403, Revision A

NOTICE

The information in this document is subject to change without notice and should not be

construed as a commitment by Waters Corporation. Waters Corporation assumes no

responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document. This document is believed

to be complete and accurate at the time of publication. In no event shall Waters

Corporation be liable for incidental or consequential damages in connection with, or

arising from, the use of this document.

REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE

PUBLISHER.

PowerStation, and Waters are registered trademarks, and Empower, LAC/E, and SAT/IN

are trademarks of Waters Corporation.

Microsoft, Windows, and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.

All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the sole property of their respective

owners.

Table of Contents 3

Preface ......................................................................................... 7

Chapter 1

Empower GC Basics ........................................................................ 12

1.1 GC Instrument Control.......................................................... 12

1.2 General Steps ....................................................................... 13

Chapter 2

Connecting and Configuring GC Hardware ..................................... 15

2.1 Digital Output Configuration.................................................. 15

2.1.1 5890 GC, 7673 Controller, and busLAC/E Card ........ 15

2.1.2 5890 GC, 7673 Controller, and 8-Port Serial

Card........................................................................... 16

2.1.3 6890 GC, G1512A Controller, and 8-Port Serial

Card........................................................................... 19

2.1.4 6890 Plus GC or 6890N GC and 8-Port Serial

Card........................................................................... 19

2.1.5 Additional 6890 Configuration.................................... 20

2.2 Analog Output Configuration................................................. 21

2.3 Alternative Setup for a 5890 GC ........................................... 23

Chapter 3

Developing Methods Using Wizards ................................................ 24

3.1 Creating an Instrument Method ............................................ 24

3.1.1 Setting Instrument Properties.................................... 27

3.1.2 Saving the Instrument Method................................... 35

Table of Contents

Table of Contents 4

3.1.3 Injection Volume in Run Samples .............................. 38

3.1.4 Stop Flow Button (5890 and 6890 GCs).................... 40

3.1.5 Vial Capacity and Open Access (6890 GC)............... 40

3.2 Running the GC in Dual Tower Mode.................................... 40

3.2.1 Using Dual Tower Mode............................................. 40

3.2.2 Creating a Dual Tower Sample Set Method

(5890 GC).................................................................. 41

3.2.3 Creating Dual Tower Sample Set Methods for

Simultaneous Sample Injections

(5890 and 6890 GCs)................................................ 41

3.3 Making Manual Injections ..................................................... 41

Chapter 4

Troubleshooting the GC System ...................................................... 43

4.1 Gas System Troubleshooting ................................................ 44

4.2 GC-Specific Troubleshooting................................................. 45

Index ....................................................................................... 49

List of Figures 5

1-1 Setting Up Your GC System........................................................... 14

2-1 Connecting a 5890 GC and 7673 Controller to a busLAC/E

Card............................................................................................... 16

2-2 Connecting a 5890 GC and 7673 Controller to the Serial

Card............................................................................................... 17

2-3 Connecting a 6890 GC and G1512A Controller to the Serial

Card............................................................................................... 19

2-4 Connecting a 6890 Plus GC or 6890N GC to the Serial Card....... 20

2-5 Connecting a 5890 GC, 7673 Controller, and busSAT/IN to a

busLAC/E Card.............................................................................. 22

2-6 Connecting a 5890 GC and G1512A Controller ............................ 23

3-1 Run Samples, Single Tab, Run Only Mode.................................... 25

3-2 New Method Set : Select Instrument Method Page....................... 25

3-3 Instrument Method Editor, 6890, General Tab............................... 26

3-4 Instrument Method Editor, 6890, Oven Tab ................................... 28

3-5 Instrument Method Editor, 6890, Front Injector Tab....................... 29

3-6 Instrument Method Editor, 6890, Column 1 Tab ............................ 30

3-7 Instrument Method Editor, 6890, Front Inlet Tab............................ 31

3-8 Instrument Method Editor, 6890, Front Detector Tab..................... 33

3-9 Instrument Method Editor, 6890, Channel 1 Tab ........................... 34

3-10 Save Current Instrument Method Dialog Box ................................ 35

3-11 New Method Set : Select Instrument Method Page....................... 36

3-12 New Method Set Wizard, Select Default Methods Page................ 36

3-13 New Method Set Wizard, Name Method Set Page........................ 37

3-14 Method Set Editor.......................................................................... 38

3-15 GC Syringe Size Parameters Window........................................... 39

List of Figures

List of Tables 6

2-1 Analog Data Output Connections ............................................ 23

4-1 GC Troubleshooting ...................................................................... 45

List of Tables

Preface

The Empower Gas Chromatography Getting Started Guide describes the basics of how to

set up GC instruments with your Empower™ system, how to develop a GC instrument

method, and how to use custom fields to enhance your GC data. This guide also covers

basic information for troubleshooting your GC systems.

Organization

This guide contains the following:

Chapter 1 briefly describes the GC instruments you control using Empower software.

It also contains a suggested reading path, with relevant sections for GC users.

Chapter 2 describes how to connect GC hardware to the Empower system.

Chapter 3 describes how to create a GC instrument method and how to make manual

injections.

Chapter 4 contains information to help you troubleshoot your GC system.

Related Documentation

Waters Licenses, Warranties, and Support: Provides software license and

warranty information, describes training and extended support, and tells how Waters

handles shipments, damages, claims, and returns.

Online Documentation

Empower Help: Describes all Empower windows, menus, menu selections, and

dialog boxes for the base software and software options. Also includes reference

information and procedures for performing all tasks required to use Empower software.

Included as part of the Empower software.

Empower Read Me File: Describes product features and enhancements, helpful tips,

installation and/or configuration considerations, and changes since the previous

version.

Empower LIMS Help: Describes how to use the Empower LIMS Interface to export

results and import worklists.

Empower Toolkit Professional Help: Describes how to use the common-object-

model, message-based protocol to communicate with the Empower software from a

third-party application.

Printed Documentation for Base Product

Empower Software Getting Started Guide: Provides an introduction to the Empower

software. Describes the basics of how to use Empower software to acquire data,

develop a processing method, review results, and print a report. Also covers basic

information for managing projects and configuring systems.

Empower Software Data Acquisition and Processing Theory Guide: Provides

theories pertaining to data acquisition, peak detection and integration, and quantitation

of sample components.

Empower System Installation and Configuration Guide: Describes Empower

software installation, including the stand-alone Personal workstation, Workgroup

configuration, and the Enterprise client/server system. Discusses how to configure the

computer and chromatographic instruments as part of the Empower System. Also

covers the installation, configuration, and use of acquisition servers such as the

LAC/E32 module, the busLAC/E™ card, and interface cards used to communicate with

serial instruments.

Empower System Upgrade and Configuration Guide: Describes how to add

hardware and upgrade the Empower software using an import-and-export upgrade

method.

Empower Software System Administrator’s Guide: Describes how to administer

the Empower Enterprise client/server system and Workgroup configuration.

Empower Software Release Notes: Contains last-minute information about the

product. Also provides supplementary information about specific Empower software

releases.

Printed Documentation for Software Options

Empower System Suitability Quick Reference Guide: Describes the basics of

the Empower System Suitability option and describes the equations used by the

System Suitability software.

Empower PDA Software Getting Started Guide: Describes the basics of how to

use the Empower PDA option to develop a PDA processing method and to review PDA

results.

Empower GPC Software Getting Started Guide: Describes how to use the

Empower GPC option to develop a GPC processing method and to review GPC results.

Empower GPCV Software Getting Started Guide: Describes how to use the

Empower GPCV option to develop a GPCV processing method and to review GPCV

results.

Empower Light Scattering Software Getting Started Guide: Describes how to

use the Empower Light Scattering option to develop a light scattering processing

method and to review light scattering results.

Empower ZQ Mass Detector Software Getting Started Guide: Describes

installation, configuration, calibration, and tuning methods, as well as how to operate

the ZQ Mass Detector with Empower software.

Empower Chromatographic Pattern Matching Software Getting Started

Guide: Describes how to use the Chromatographic Pattern Matching option to develop

a pattern matching processing method and to review pattern matching results.

Empower Dissolution System Software Quick Start Guide: Describes how to

operate the Alliance® Dissolution System using Empower software.

Empower Toolkit Programmer’s Reference Guide: Describes how to use the

common-object-model, message-based protocol to communicate with Empower

software from a third-party application.

Waters Integrity System Getting Started Guide: Describes features of the Waters

Integrity® System and provides step-by-step tutorials that guide a user through the use

of the Empower Mass Spectrometry (MS) option.

Empower AutoArchive Software Installation and Configuration Guide:

Describes how to install and configure the Empower AutoArchive option.

Documentation on the Web

Related product information and documentation can be found on the World Wide Web.

Our address is http://www.waters.com.

Related Adobe Acrobat Reader Documentation

For detailed information about using Adobe® Acrobat® Reader, see the Adobe Acrobat

Reader Online Guide. This guide covers procedures such as viewing, navigating, and

printing electronic documentation from Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Printing This Electronic Document

Adobe Acrobat Reader lets you easily print pages, page ranges, or the entire document by

selecting File > Print. For optimum print quantity, Waters recommends that you specify a

PostScript® printer driver for your printer. Ideally, use a printer that supports 600 dpi print

resolution.

Documentation Conventions

The following conventions can be used in this guide:

Notes

Notes call out information that is helpful to the operator. For example:

Note: Record your result before you proceed to the next step.

Convention Usage

Purple Purple text indicates user action such as keys to press, menu selec-

tions, and commands. For example, “Click Next to go to the next

page.”

Italic Italic indicates information that you supply such as variables. It also

indicates emphasis and document titles. For example, “Replace

file_name with the actual name of your file.”

Courier Courier indicates examples of source code and system output. For

example, “The SVRMGR> prompt appears.”

Courier Bold Courier bold indicates characters that you type or keys you press in

examples of source code. For example, “At the LSNRCTL> prompt,

enter set password oracle to access Oracle.”

Underlined Blue Indicates hypertext cross-references to a specific chapter, section,

subsection, or sidehead. Clicking this topic using the hand symbol

brings you to this topic within the document. Right-clicking and

selecting Go Back from the shortcut menu returns you to the origi-

nating topic. For example, “Empower software communicates with

the GC through an RS-232 card in the GC as described in

Section 2.1, Digital Output Configuration.”

Keys The word key refers to a computer key on the keypad or keyboard.

Screen keys refer to the keys on the instrument located immedi-

ately below the screen. For example, “The A/B screen key on the

2414 Detector displays the selected channel.”

…Three periods indicate that more of the same type of item can

optionally follow. For example, “You can store filename1,

filename2, … in each folder.”

>A right arrow between menu options indicates you should choose

each option in sequence. For example, “Select File > Exit” means

you should select File from the menu bar, then select Exit from the

File menu.

Attentions

Attentions provide information about preventing damage to the system or equipment. For

example:

Cautions

Cautions provide information essential to the safety of the operator. For example:

STOP

Attention: To avoid damaging the detector flow cell, do not touch the flow cell

window.

Caution: To avoid burns, turn off the lamp at least 30 minutes before removing it for

replacement or adjustment.

Caution: To avoid electrical shock and injury, turn off the detector and unplug the

power cord before performing maintenance procedures.

Caution: To avoid chemical or electrical hazards, observe safe laboratory practices

when operating the system.

GC Instrument Control 12

Chapter 1

Empower GC Basics

The Empower™ system is a single- or multisystem computer, linked to a set of

chromatographic instruments, that performs acquisition, processing, and management of

chromatographic information.

This guide explains how to start using the Empower gas chromatography (GC) option,

which works with the Empower system and your GC hardware.

You should be familiar with your GC hardware and the basics of Empower software before

you begin to use the system. The documentation set you received with the software

contains extensive information about the system.

1.1 GC Instrument Control

You can control the following GC instruments with Empower software using the serial

interface:

•Agilent 5890 GC

•Agilent 6890 GC with G1512A Controller

•Agilent 6890 Plus GC

•Agilent 6890N GC

•Agilent 7673 GC Controller or G1512A Controller

These instruments constitute a GC system when connected to Empower software through

one of the following devices:

•8-port serial control card

•I/O distribution box (busLAC/E control; 5890/7673 only)

•busSAT/IN Module (no control; data collection only)

Note: For specific communications information, see the operator’s guides for the GC

instruments.

5890 GC Control

You can control the 5890 GC with Empower software. However, in some cases, the 5890

GC is shipped with a serial card that is not compatible with Empower software.

Empower GC Basics 13

The 5890 GC contains one of these serial cards:

•HP 3365 ChemStation Interface HP-IB/RS232, part number 19257A

•Serial RS-232-C interface board, part number 19254A

Only 5890 GCs with part number 19254A are compatible with Empower software. If your

5890 GC contains part number 19257A, there are two options:

•Purchase a new 19254A board (part number 19242-60030) and RS-232 cable (part

number 19242-60500) from Agilent.

•Connect the 5890 GC to Empower using only SAT/IN modules.

6890N GC Control

You can control the 6890N GC with Empower software. The GC itself and the injector(s)

are controllable from within Empower. Empower control of the instrument requires Agilent

firmware version N04.08.

Using a Headspace Analyzer as an Injector

Although headspace analyzers are not directly controlled by Empower, you can use a

headspace analyzer as a stand-alone instrument in a Empower system, or you can use a

headspace analyzer controlled by its own software running with Empower. In either

configuration, the headspace analyzer should run its own method and trigger the start of

the run when the sample is introduced.

1.2 General Steps

Figure 1-1 shows the general steps for setting up your GC system, installing Empower,

software and making a run. It also shows where you can find detailed information for each

step of the process.

General Steps 14

Figure 1-1 Setting Up Your GC System

Load Empower on Your Computer

See Empower Installation and Configuration Guide

Connect GC Instruments to the Empower Data System

See Chapter 2 in this guide

Start

Set Up Your GC Hardware

See the Documentation for Your GC Hardware

Create a Empower Instrument Method

See Chapter 3 in this guide and Empower Help

Start a Run

See Empower Help

Acquire Data

See Empower Data Acquisition and Theory Guide

Process Data

See Empower Getting Started Guide and Empower Help

Archive and Backup Data

See Empower Getting Started Guide and Empower Help

Digital Output Configuration 15

Chapter 2

Connecting and Configuring

GC Hardware

This chapter describes how to connect gas chromatography hardware for use with

Empower software. For information about connecting other hardware components, see the

Empower System Installation and Configuration Guide.

The gas chromatograph (GC) generates both digital and analog data. When controlled

through Empower software, the digital data is collected (see Section 2.1, Digital Output

Configuration). You can also collect the analog data using a SAT/IN module with control of

the GC through Empower software (see Section 2.2, Analog Output Configuration).

2.1 Digital Output Configuration

Empower software communicates with the GC through an RS-232 card in the GC. One

communication port (busLAC/E card for the 5890/7673 or 8-port serial card for all

supported GCs) both sends control information to the GC and receives data back from the

GC.

The following sections describe these digital output configurations:

•5890 GC, 7673 Controller, and busLAC/E card

•5890 GC, 7673 Controller, and 8-port serial card

•5890 GC, G1512A Controller, and 8-port serial card

•6890 GC, G1512A Controller, and 8-port serial card

•6890 Plus GC or 6890N GC and 8-port serial card

2.1.1 5890 GC, 7673 Controller, and busLAC/E Card

You can connect a GC system consisting of a 5890 GC and 7673 Controller. Each GC

system uses two serial ports on the I/O distribution box (one for each device) to

communicate with the busLAC/E card.

To connect the 5890 GC and 7673 Controller to the Empower system:

1. Using RS-232 cables, connect each GC device (5890 and 7673) to separate serial

ports in the I/O distribution box (Figure 2-1). In this configuration, two 5890/7673

Connecting and Configuring GC Hardware 16

systems can be supported because each GC and each controller occupies its own

I/O distribution box port.

Figure 2-1 Connecting a 5890 GC and 7673 Controller to a busLAC/E Card

2. Follow the instructions in “Configuring the 5890 GC” on page 18 to configure the

5890 GC.

2.1.2 5890 GC, 7673 Controller, and 8-Port Serial Card

You can also connect a GC system consisting of a 5890 GC and 7673 Controller through

an 8-port serial interface card. To connect the 5890 GC and 7673 Controller to the

Empower system:

1. Using RS-232 cables, connect each GC device (5890 and 7673) to separate serial

ports on the cables extending from the 8-port serial card (Figure 2-2). Each serial

card cable is labeled with the corresponding port (1 – 8).

To busLAC/ E Ca rd

Remote

Sig 2

Sig1

I/O Distribution Box

7673

Autosampler

Controller

Note: Do not allow these leads to

directly contact each other.

COMM

Remote Cable (WAT200431)

Adapter (WAT011845)

25-Pin MMJ Adapter (WAT011845)

RS-232 Cable (Agilent

19242-60500)

Cables (WAT011964)

RS-232

Interface

Board

(Agilent

19242-

60030)

5890 GC

Motherboard

(Requires a Jumper

on P15)

RS-232 Board

(Agilent 18594-60080)

Digital Output Configuration 17

2. When the 5890 and 7673 are controlled through the 8-port serial card, they are

referred to as 5890S and 7673S, respectively. Install the 8-port serial card starting at

COM address 3 on the computer, so physical port 1 on the serial card gives a

Empower instrument address of 3, port 2 gives 4, and so on.

Figure 2-2 Connecting a 5890 GC and 7673 Controller to the Serial Card

3. Follow the instructions in “Configuring the 5890 GC” to configure the 5890 GC.

Remote

Sig 2

Sig1

7673

Autosampler

Controller

Note: Do not allow these leads to

directly contact each other.

COMM

Remote Cable (WAT200431)

25-Pin RJ45 Adapter (668000141)

RS-232

Cable

(Agilent

19242-

60500)

RJ45 Cables

(WAT280130)

RS-232

Interface

Board

(Agilent

19242-

60030)

5890 GC

Motherboard

(Requires a Jumper

on P15)

RS-232 Board

(Agilent 18594-60080)

8-Port Serial Card

Empower Personal

Workstation

LAC/E32

Acquisition

Server

25-Pin RJ45 Adapter

(668000141)

Connecting and Configuring GC Hardware 18

Configuring the 5890 GC

When you have conneceted the 5890 GC to your Empower system, you must configure

the instrument.

1. Power down the 5890 GC and unplug the power cord from the power source.

2. Locate the 5890 motherboard.

3. Enable the emulation mode by placing a jumper (part number WAT072940 or

equilvalent) on the P15 pins on the 5890 motherboard.

Note: If the INET board was previously used, you must provide a jumper to place on

the P15 pins.

4. Power on the 5890 GC and ensure the “Emulation Mode OK” message appears on

the front panel.

5. Set the 5890 GC to Local mode by pressing the following on the 5890 keypad:

a. Press Clear.

b. Press the . key.

c. Press 3.

d. Press Enter and record the address setting (9, 17 or 9, 31) that appears on the

front panel.

e. Press Off. The display should change from Global to Local.

f. Press Clear.

6. If the address recorded in the previous step was X, 17 (where X is any integer) the

5890 GC is properly configured. Otherwise, set the address using this key sequence

on the 5890 GC keypad:

a. Press Clear.

b. Press the . key.

c. Press 3.

d. Press Enter.

e. Press 1.

f. Press 7.

g. Press Enter.

h. Press Clear.

Attention: To avoid possible electric shock, ensure that the 5890 is

powered down and the power cord is disconnected from the power source

before proceeding.

Digital Output Configuration 19

7. Repeat the above sequence to ensure that the changes were accepted. When you

press Enter, Local Address 9, 17 should appear on the display.

2.1.3 6890 GC, G1512A Controller, and 8-Port Serial Card

The Empower system can communicate with a 6890 GC and a G1512A Controller through

the 8-port serial card (Figure 2-3). Each GC system uses one serial port to both send and

receive control data.

To connect the 6890 GC to the Empower system, use the RJ45 cable from the 8-port

serial card in the LAC/E32 Acquisition Server or the Empower Personal workstation to

connect to the modem port (9-pin) at the back of the 6890 GC. Follow the instructions in

“Configuring the 6890 GC” on page 20 to configure the 6890 GC.

Figure 2-3 Connecting a 6890 GC and G1512A Controller to the Serial Card

2.1.4 6890 Plus GC or 6890N GC and 8-Port Serial Card

The Empower system can communicate with a 6890 Plus GC or a 6890N GC through an

8-port serial card. Each GC system uses one serial port to both send and receive control

data.

G1512A

Autosampler

Controller

RJ45 Cable

(WAT280130)

6890 GC

8-Port Serial Card

Empower Personal

Workstation

LAC/E32

Acquisition

Server

DIP Switches

11000000 _ 00001010

RJ45 9-Pin

Adapter

(WAT280128)

Modem

Connecting and Configuring GC Hardware 20

To connect the 6890 Plus GC or the 6890N GC to the Empower system, use the RJ45

cable from the 8-port serial card in the LAC/E32 Acquisition Server or the Empower

Personal workstation to connect to the modem port (9-pin) at the back of the 6890 GC

(Figure 2-4). Follow the instructions in “Configuring the 6890 GC” to configure the 6890

GC.

Figure 2-4 Connecting a 6890 Plus GC or 6890N GC to the Serial Card

Configuring the 6890 GC

To complete the 6890 setup, ensure the parameters in the 6890 Communications menu

are set as follows:

2.1.5 Additional 6890 Configuration

When you have connected the 6890 GC to your Empower system, you must configure the

instrument.

Parameter Setting

HPIB 0

Baud Rate 19200

Parity None

Handshake None

Data Bits 8

Stop Bits 1

End of Command Carriage return (Enter)

RJ45 Cable

(WAT280130)

6890 Plus or 6890N GC 8-Port Serial Card

Empower Personal

Workstation

LAC/E32

Acquisition

Server

RJ45 9-Pin

Adapter

(WAT280128)

Modem

Analog Output Configuration 21

Configuring a GC Column

For a 6890 GC with more than one inlet or detector, a GC column can be installed by

connecting it to either the front or back inlet and the front or back detector. After installing a

GC column, specify the location of the inlet and detector to which the column is

connected. Using the front panel of the 6890 GC, enter this key sequence for column 1:

1. On the 6890 front panel, press Config.

2. Press the arrow key until the Column 1 selection is highlighted, then press Enter.

3. Press the arrow key until the Detector selection is highlighted, then press Enter.

4. Ensure that the detector settings are correct. If not, press Front or Back to specify

the appropriate location.

5. Press Enter.

Follow the same procedure to configure column 2.

Enabling Auto Prep Run

Auto Prep Run must be enabled for the 6890 GC to run under software control. To enable

the Auto Prep Run feature:

1. On the 6890 front panel, press Config.

2. Press the arrow key until the Instrument selection is highlighted, then press Enter.

The panel displays the instrument serial number on line 1 and the Auto Prep Run

parameter on line 2.

3. Ensure that the Auto Prep Run parameter is on. If not, press On.

4. Press Enter.

2.2 Analog Output Configuration

You can use the busSAT/IN Module to convert analog output from the GC detector to

digital data for processing by the Empower system. The busSAT/IN Module can reside on

the busLAC/E or an 8-port serial card. Figure 2-5 shows a busLAC/E 5890 set up for

control through Empower software (digital data) as well as collection of the GC analog

data.

The busSAT/IN Module, when used, occupies an additional (third) port on the I/O

distribution box. In this configuration, each Empower Personal workstation can support

one GC system. As an example, this section describes the 5890/7673 with a SAT/IN

through a busLAC/E.

Note: A SAT/IN can also be used to collect analog data from a 5890 GC or a 6890 GC

configured on an 8-port serial card.

Connecting and Configuring GC Hardware 22

Figure 2-5 shows the cable connections for a 5890 GC and a 7673 Controller with analog

data acquisition through a busSAT/IN Module.

Figure 2-5 Connecting a 5890 GC, 7673 Controller, and busSAT/IN to a busLAC/E Card

Connect inject start trigger cables and analog output cables as follows:

•Connect the inject start trigger cables as indicated in Table 2-1. Both the GC and the

busSAT/IN Module require an inject start signal. The controller provides the inject

start trigger signal over the remote cable. The GC trigger cable connects to the

injector input terminals on the busSAT/IN Module.

HP 5890 GC

HP 7673 Autosampler Controller

Remote

Sig 2

Sig 1

busSAT/IN Module

I/O Distribution Box

to busLAC/E Card

AUX COMM

Analog Cables

(WAT200432)

Remote Cable (WAT200431)

BCD Board (Agilent 18594-60040)

Adapter

(WAT011845)

25-Pin MMJ Adapter (WAT011845)

RS-232 Cable (Agilent

19242-60500)

Cable (WAT011964)

RS-232

Interface

Board

(Agilent

19242-

60030)

5890 GC

Motherboard

(Requires a Jumper

on P15)

busLAC/E

Remote Cable (WAT200431)

RS-232 Board

(Agilent 18594-60080)

Alternative Setup for a 5890 GC 23

•If you are using the analog data output of the GC, connect the analog cables between

the GC and the busSAT/IN Module as specified in Table 2-1.

Note: The jumper wires shown on the busSAT/IN Module events connector block are

required to allow data collection on both analog channels using one trigger input (see

Figure 2-5). Connect the black wire on the trigger cable to the positive (+) terminal on the

busSAT/IN Module, and connect the red wire to the negative (–) terminal on the busSAT/IN

Module.

2.3 Alternative Setup for a 5890 GC

To interface a 5890 GC and a G1512A Controller to the Empower system, connect the

cables as shown in Figure 2-6. This configuration allows the G1512A Controller to emulate

a 7673 Controller.

Note: This configuration requires the use of an 8-port serial card.

Figure 2-6 Connecting a 5890 GC and G1512A Controller

Table 2-1 Analog Data Output Connections

busSAT/IN Module

Connection 5890 GC 7673 Controller

CHAN 1 and COM (–)Signal 1 N/A

CHAN 2 and COM (–)Signal 2 (if optional board is

installed) N/A

EVENTS CH 1 IN (trigger

signal) REMOTE Y-cable from REMOTE TTL

board

5890 GC

Host Comm RS-232 (9-Pin)

Connect with Adapter

(WAT280128) to 8-Port Serial Card

APG Remote Port Remote Cable

(Agilent G1512-60530)

DIP Switches in 7673 Mode

00111101 _ 11111111

G1512A Controller

Creating an Instrument Method 24

Chapter 3

Developing Methods Using

Wizards

This chapter guides you through acquiring and processing data from a single injection

using the Run Samples and wizard features of Empower software.

Before creating a GC instrument method, you must:

•Set up your GC hardware.

•Load Empower on your computer.

•Connect your GC instruments to the Empower data system.

•Create a Empower chromatographic system that includes your GC instruments.

Note: You should be in Run Samples before you begin the tutorial in this chapter. If you

are not, see Section 3.2, Accessing Run Samples, in the Empower Software Getting

Started Guide for additional instructions.

3.1 Creating an Instrument Method

The instrument method instructs Empower software on how to control your

chromatographic instrumentation. This method contains parameters such as flow rate,

solvent composition, and detector type.

Note: This section is intended to provide an overview of the Instrument Method Editor and

tips for creating a GC instrument method. It does not include specific instructions for each

parameter displayed in the Instrument Method Editor. For specific instructions and field

descriptions, see the Empower Help.

Developing Methods Using Wizards 25

To create an instrument method:

1. In Run Samples with the Single tab displayed, click Develop Methods (Figure 3-1).

Figure 3-1 Run Samples, Single Tab, Run Only Mode

This activates the New Method Set wizard. The New Method Set : Select Instrument

Method page appears (Figure 3-2).

Figure 3-2 New Method Set : Select Instrument Method Page

Creating an Instrument Method 26

2. Click Create New to create an instrument method. The Instrument Method Editor

window appears. Click the General tab, if it is not already displayed (Figure 3-3,

shown for the 6890 GC).

Figure 3-3 Instrument Method Editor, 6890, General Tab

The Instrument Method Editor is one of the few windows that contains property tabs

(as opposed to window tabs). These tabs reflect parameter settings for the

instrument you select in the Instruments and Active Channels tree pane and differ

depending upon the instrument.

Note: The following procedures assume that the chromatographic system you are

using for this tutorial includes a 6890 GC. If not, the property tabs that appear will

differ from those shown here. Enter the parameter values appropriate to your

instrumentation.

3. Go to Section 3.1.1, Setting Instrument Properties to set the instrument properties.

Developing Methods Using Wizards 27

3.1.1 Setting Instrument Properties

1. The Instrument Method Editor lists the instruments in your selected Empower

chromatographic system (Figure 3-3). Click the icon for GC (the 6890 in Figure 3-3),

then click the General tab. The General tab appears.

Note these considerations in the General tab:

•The inlets and detectors displayed are scanned from your GC and are

informational; do not change them.

•When creating an instrument method for dual tower operation, you must enable

both injectors/inlets (enable injectors A and B in the HP 7673S property tabs),

columns, detectors, and channels.

•Enable the front and/or back detector before you specify detector parameters in

the corresponding detector tab. If you specify detector parameters in the detector

tab without first enabling the detector, the parameter settings do not take effect.

•You can simultaneously transmit digital data (RS-232 port on the 5890 GC or

6890 GC) and analog data (Signal 1 and Signal 2 terminals on the 5890 GC or

6890 GC) to an Empower Personal workstation. You need not enable the analog

outputs; they are always active. Analog outputs must be converted to digital

signals by an A/D converter [typically a busSAT/IN Module or busSAT/IN Module

(SAT/IN 2)] before they are transmitted to the Empower Personal workstation.

See Chapter 2 for information on connecting your 6890 GC to an Empower

Personal workstation through a busSAT/IN Module or busSAT/IN Module (SAT/IN

2).

•Set the sampling rate for GC data collected through the analog channels in the

busSAT/IN Module or the busSAT/IN Module (SAT/IN 2) property tabs, depending

on which module is connected to the GC.

Creating an Instrument Method 28

2. Click the Oven tab (Figure 3-4). The Oven tab appears (Figure 3-4).

Figure 3-4 Instrument Method Editor, 6890, Oven Tab

3. Enter the oven settings appropriate for your selected system. The run time is

derived from the oven time values. No data is acquired after the oven time expires.

Note: The Temperature Ramp Enable check box must be selected to enter ramp

values in the table.

4. Click the Front Injector tab. The Front Injector tab appears (Figure 3-5).

Note: The Back Injector tab is similar. Only the Front Injector properties are

discussed here.

Developing Methods Using Wizards 29

Figure 3-5 Instrument Method Editor, 6890, Front Injector Tab

Note these considerations in the Injector tabs:

•The Skim Enable option is available only for the 6890 Plus GC and the 6890N

GC. It is not available for the 6890 GC.

•If your system includes a 6890 GC with these capabilities, you must control them

directly from the instrument:

Waste bottle location

Slow plunger

Pre- and post-dwell time

•If you are using a 7673-style injector tower with a 6890 series controller box, you

might not be able to use all of the advanced injector functions on this tab, such as

pre-washes or skim depth.

•If your 6890 Plus GC or 6890N GC has an installed on-column inlet, all injections

are made on-column.

Creating an Instrument Method 30

•If your 6890 GC does not have an installed on-column inlet, clear the On-column

check box to avoid damaging the column by excessive lowering of the needle.

5. Click the Column 1 tab. The Column 1 tab appears (Figure 3-6).

Note: The Column 2 tab is similar. Only the Column 1 properties are discussed

here.

Figure 3-6 Instrument Method Editor, 6890, Column 1 Tab

The Column 1 tab specifies the column mode in which the carrier gas is to be

applied during a run. Select one column mode and complete the ramp parameters if

necessary.

Note: In the Ramp table, if a flow or pressure program ends before the analytical

run ends, the flow or pressure remains at the final value.

Note these considerations in the Column tabs:

•You must define the column dimensions.

•Configure the correct inlet with the correct detector.

Developing Methods Using Wizards 31

•If you are using a capillary column, ensure the make-up gas is on.

•Ensure that the inlets and detectors to be used are present in the instrument and

enabled in Empower software.

•If you are using packed columns, the column parameters should be undefined. To

do this, enter 0 for the column length or column diameter.

•Ensure the column configurations specify separate inlets. If you are only using

one column, the unused column must be configured for a different inlet, even if it

is undefined. Failure to do this can produce unusual flow calculations.

•It is possible, and sometimes appropriate, to configure both installed columns to

the same inlet.

6. Click the Front Inlet tab. The Front Inlet tab appears (Figure 3-7).

Note: The Back Inlet tab is similar. Only the Front Inlet properties are discussed

here.

Figure 3-7 Instrument Method Editor, 6890, Front Inlet Tab

Creating an Instrument Method 32

7. The inlet type is automatically detected and should not be changed. Choose the

appropriate mode for the inlet.

Note: If the Split option is selected in the Inlet Type field, you can enter a value for

either the Split Ratio or the Split Flow, but not both. Empower software automatically

calculates the value not entered.

If the Splitless option is selected, the purge valve options become available. You can

enter values for the purge on time (how long after the injection was made) and the

flow desired.

The Gas Saver option reduces the flow of carrier gas into the inlet and out of the

split vent after an injection. The Gas Saver option does not alter column head

pressure or flow through the column.

Note these considerations in the Inlet tabs:

•To avoid an unstable inlet temperature, set the inlet Initial Temp parameter at least

6°C higher or lower than the Oven Initial Temperature.

•If an inlet temperature program ends before an oven temperature program ends, the

inlet temperature remains at the Final value until the oven program and run end.

•Configure your column before setting the Purge Flow parameter or the Split Ratio or

Split Flow parameter.

•If you are using the Gas Saver option, ensure the Gas Saver On Time value is greater

than the Purge On Time value.

•Set Gas Saver Flow at least 15 mL/min greater than the maximum column flow.

•Split Ratio and Split Flow parameters relate to each other and the column flow. Split

Ratio = Split Flow/Column Flow. When one parameter is specified, Empower

automatically calculates the second parameter.

Note: If you are using a split inlet and have selected Constant Pressure mode on

the Column tab, you cannot specify a Split Flow value. You can specify only the Split

Ratio value.

Developing Methods Using Wizards 33

8. Click the Front Detector tab. The Front Detector tab appears (Figure 3-8).

Note: The Back Detector tab is similar. Only the Front Detector properties are

discussed here.

Figure 3-8 Instrument Method Editor, 6890, Front Detector Tab

9. The detector type is automatically detected and should not be changed. Select the

appropriate parameters for the detector.

Creating an Instrument Method 34

10. Click the Channel 1 tab. The Channel 1 tab appears (Figure 3-9).

Note: Only the Channel 1 properties are discussed here. The Channel 2 tab is

similar.

Figure 3-9 Instrument Method Editor, 6890, Channel 1 Tab

Note these considerations in the Channel 1 tab:

•If you are transmitting analog data through a busSAT/IN Module or busSAT/IN

Module (SAT/IN 2), you must define all Channel 2 tab parameters. If you enabled

the Ch 2 Enable parameter to transmit digital data through the RS-232 port, you

must define the Units and Source parameters.

You set the sampling rate for GC data collected through the analog channels in

the busSAT/IN Module or the busSAT/IN Module (SAT/IN 2) property tabs,

depending on which module is connected to the GC.

Developing Methods Using Wizards 35

•If your system is configured for dual tower operation, you must specify Front

Detector as the Source for Channel 1 (the front detector must be connected to

the front injector), and Back Detector as the Source for Channel 2 (the back

detector must be connected to the back injector).

•Select a Sampling Rate of 200 points per second for single-channel acquisition

only.

•To minimize error, set Range to the lowest possible value, making sure that the

peaks of interest do not exceed 1 V. For the analog output of the 6890 GC there

is an internal Range setting within the 6890 GC, but it does not affect the signal

collected by Empower.

•When choosing a data sensitivity level, remember that higher data sensitivity

provides better definition of small features in the chromatogram, but limits the

size of large features.

•Go to section Section 3.1.2, Saving the Instrument Method to save the

instrument method.

3.1.2 Saving the Instrument Method

1. Click the Save tool. The Save current Instrument Method dialog box appears

(Figure 3-10).

Figure 3-10 Save Current Instrument Method Dialog Box

2. Enter an instrument method name, then click Save. The Instrument Method Editor

reappears.

Creating an Instrument Method 36

3. Close the Instrument Method Editor. The New Method Set : Select Instrument

Method page appears (Figure 3-11).

Figure 3-11 New Method Set : Select Instrument Method Page

4. Select the instrument method you created from the Instrument Method list, then

click Next. The Select Default Methods page appears (Figure 3-12).

Figure 3-12 New Method Set Wizard, Select Default Methods Page

Developing Methods Using Wizards 37

5. Accept the default settings (no methods), then click Next. The Name Method Set

page appears (Figure 3-13).

Figure 3-13 New Method Set Wizard, Name Method Set Page

6. Enter a name for the method set, add any comments describing the method set,

then click Finish to exit.

Note: The Method Name field cannot be blank, and the name cannot be the same

as an existing method set.

Creating an Instrument Method 38

The Method Set Editor displays the method set entries (Figure 3-14).

Figure 3-14 Method Set Editor

7. Click the Close button. Run Samples reappears with the Single window tab

displayed (Figure 3-1).

3.1.3 Injection Volume in Run Samples

The injection volume displayed in Run Samples can be expressed as an actual volume or

as the number of plunger steps injected by the GC.

You can specify the syringe size and presence of the nanoliter adapter for the front and

back injectors. When you set these parameters, Empower software calculates the actual

injection volume. Otherwise, the injection volume shown in the Run Samples window is

expressed as a raw value of the number of plunger steps injected.

The actual injection volume for a given number of plunger steps can vary significantly

based on your injector configuration. We recommend specifying the injector parameters

for your system so that the actual injection volume is displayed in Run Samples. You can

set these parameters as defaults or as independant values for samples or single

injections.

Developing Methods Using Wizards 39

Figure 3-15 GC Syringe Size Parameters Window

To set default syringe size parameters:

1. In Run Samples, select Customize > Defaults. The Run Samples Defaults window

appears.

2. Click GC Syringe Info Define. The GC Syringe Size Parameters window appears

(Figure 3-15).

3. Select Use parameters to check injection volume. The syringe fields are

activated.

4. For each syringe (front and back injector):

•Select the syringe size from the Size list.

•If the injector is equipped with a nanoliter adapter, select the Nanoliter Adapter

check box.

5. Click OK to close the GC Syringe Size Parameters window.

6. Click OK to close the Run Samples Defaults window.

You can also set syringe size parameters for a sample set or for a single injection. The

sample set and single injection syringe parameters are independant.

To set the syringe size parameters for a sample set or single injection:

1. In Run Samples, click the appropriate tab (Single or Samples).

2. Select Edit > GC Sample Set Info. The GC Syringe Size Parameters window

appears (Figure 3-15).

3. Select Use parameters to check injection volume. The syringe fields are

activated.

4. For each syringe (front and back injector):

Running the GC in Dual Tower Mode 40

•Select the syringe size from the Size list.

•If the injector is equipped with a nanoliter adapter, select the Nanoliter Adapter

check box.

5. Click OK.

3.1.4 Stop Flow Button (5890 and 6890 GCs)

The Stop Flow button in the Run Samples window does not stop the gas flow in the 5890

or 6890 GC. For details on stopping gas flow, see the applicable Agilent documentation.

3.1.5 Vial Capacity and Open Access (6890 GC)

Open Access automatically detects the maximum vial capacity number of the autosampler

for an Agilent 6890 GC (100) and uses this value to determine when Open Access must

restart the Starting Vial number at 1, as different users submit more samples than the

autosampler can handle. Management of the open well position is critical. You must

determine when samples have run and either remove them from the carousel or free up

well positions.

3.2 Running the GC in Dual Tower Mode

3.2.1 Using Dual Tower Mode

If your Empower system is connected to a 5890/7673 or 6890 GC in a dual tower

configuration, each row in the vial column specifies both the carousel vial number and the

tower location (front or back) from which the injection is to be made. For example, an

injection from vial number 2 on the front tower appears as F:2 in the vial column row; an

injection from vial number 6 on the back tower appears as B:6 in the vial column row.

6890 GC

When sample sets are acquired using a dual tower sample set method, the Empower

database stores two channel, two injection, and two vial records for each GC injection.

One channel, injection, and vial are stored for the front tower; a second channel, injection,

and vial are stored for the back tower.

5890 GC

For dual tower operation, the 5890 GC must be connected to an Empower Personal

workstation by a serial card, and must be configured as a 5890S GC. Dual tower operation

is not supported if the 5890 GC is connected to an Empower Personal workstation by a

busLAC/E interface card.

Developing Methods Using Wizards 41

3.2.2 Creating a Dual Tower Sample Set Method (5890 GC)

To run control samples (which require that Inject Controls functions be added to your

sample set method), manually add the desired Inject Controls functions after you finish the

Sample Set Method wizard.

3.2.3 Creating Dual Tower Sample Set Methods for Simultaneous

Sample Injections (5890 and 6890 GCs)

When creating a dual tower sample set method for a 6890 GC or a 5890/7673, all of the

following criteria must be met to simultaneously inject samples from a pair of rows in the

sample set method (one row specified from the front tower, and a second row specified

from the back tower).

For two rows in the Samples table to be simultaneously injected, they must specify:

•The same method set

•Different vial numbers

•An F: vial designator (for the front tower) and a B: vial designator (for the back tower)

•The same # of Injections (for the two rows only; you do not need to specify the same

total number of front and back injections for the sample set method)

•The same Run Time

•The same Data Start time

•The same Next Inject Delay time

3.3 Making Manual Injections

You can use the Empower system to make manual injections with your 6890 GC or 5890

GC.

1. When injecting manually, leave the vial field in Run Samples set to its default value.

2. If you are making a manual injection on a 5890 GC, disconnect the remote cable

from its port on the GC.

3. To monitor the baseline and equilibrate, click Monitor in the instrument control pane

to activate baseline monitoring and equilibrate the system.

Note: If you are making a manual injection using a 5890 GC, you must click Start

after you click Monitor.

The steps for making manual injections are identical for 6890, 6890 Plus, and 6890N GC

systems.

1. Remove the autoinjector tower.

Making Manual Injections 42

2. If the Not Ready light on the 6890 front panel is lit, adjust the gas flow and

temperature to put the instrument in a ready state. If the light remains lit, press the

Status key for further information on the system status.

3. In Empower software, close the Run Samples window.

4. Access Configuration Manager and take the system offline.

5. In the Acquisition Server Properties window, click the Instruments tab and click

Scan for Instruments.

Note: Complete this step even if there is no busLAC/E installed in the acquisition

server. Scanning the acquisition server captures the configuration of attached

instruments.

If your connection to the 6890 GC and configuration of the Equinox serial board are

correct, YES appears in the OK? field for instrument type 6890 when you click Scan

for Instruments in Acquisition Server Properties.

6. In the Acquisition Server Properties window, scroll to the right to see the instrument

firmware revision and other configurations such as inlets, oven, tray, and detectors.

Do not proceed until the OK? field for the 6890 says YES and the configuration

reported in the Details field matches the actual 6890 configuration. The system is

now ready to accept a manual injection.

7. Click OK to close the Acquisition Server Properties window.

8. Bring the system online.

9. Open the Run Samples window and enter your sample information in the Single

Injection window.

10. In Run Samples, click Inject. The 6890 front panel displays the “Ready for Injection”

message, then the “Waiting for Injection” message.

11. When the 6890 front panel displays the “Waiting for Injection” message, make the

injection at the 6890 system and press Start on the 6890 front panel.

Chapter 4

Troubleshooting the GC

System

This chapter provides basic troubleshooting information for your GC system. It focuses on

problems between Empower and your GC instruments. See the appropriate operator’s

guides for information about error messages, diagnostics, and troubleshooting other

instruments in your GC system.

Before You Begin

If you work in a validated environment, consult your standard operating procedures before

troubleshooting the system.

Rely on your instrument service provider to make internal adjustments to your GC

instruments.

Contacting Waters

Most problems are relatively easy to correct. If you are unable to correct a problem or a

failed condition, call Waters Technical Service at 800 252-4752, U.S. and Canadian

customers only. Other customers, call your local Waters subsidiary or your local Waters

Technical Service Representative, or call Waters corporate headquarters in Milford,

Massachusetts (U.S.).

To expedite your request for service or technical support, have the following information

available when you call Waters Technical Service:

•System configuration (front inlet, back inlet, front detector, back detector, injectors)

•Detector type

•Problem symptom(s)

STOP

Attention: To avoid problems caused by power surges, line spikes, and/or transient

energy fluctuations, use a power supply that is properly grounded and free from power

supply variations.

Caution: Use caution when touching the GC instruments. They could contain hot

surfaces.

Troubleshooting the GC System 44

•Method parameters

•Column type

•Operating pressure

•Carrier gas

You might also be asked to provide the firmware versions of your GC instruments.

To check the firmware version on the 5890, 6890, 6890 Plus or the 6890N GC, power on

the instrument. The firmware version is displayed on the LCD.

To check the firmware version on the injector towers and controllers:

1. On the instrument keypad, press Options.

2. Scroll down to Instrument Status and press Enter.

3. Scroll down. The instruments are shown as follows:

•Smplr:model&firmware

•F inj:model&firmware

•B inj:model&firmware

4.1 Gas System Troubleshooting

A poorly functioning gas system can cause problems in your Empower GC system. Before

proceeding to Section 4.2, check these gas system components.

Regulators

To check the regulators, set the instrument for a constant pressure of 8 psi. Then use the

manifold pressure (on the regulator, not the tank) to adjust the pressure to a constant flow

at 8 psi.

Tanks

Ensure there is adequate pressure in the tanks. The lower the pressure in the tank, the

more erratic the pressure and flow readings. As a rule, the tank should be replaced when

its pressure falls below 100 psi. Follow your standard operating procedure for replacing the

tank.

If you are using a split/splitless inlet, consider using the 6890 Gas Saver option, which

reduces carrier gas consumption and allows you to reach pressures that may otherwise be

difficult to achieve.

GC-Specific Troubleshooting 45

Clogs

Visually inspect the inlet liner and septum and the column for clogs. If necessary, have the

person responsible for instrument maintenance remove and reinstall the column. Capillary

columns occasionally become clogged with broken pieces. If this is the case, cut off the

clogged portion of the column and reinstall it.

Fittings

Check the entire copper assembly to ensure all connections are tight. Do not overtighten

the copper connections. If you have to adjust the fittings, tighten them no more than a

quarter turn past tight.

Determine the age and condition of the gas scrubbers and the Teflon® tape inside the

fittings. If there is no Teflon tape inside the fittings, remake all connections using Teflon

tape.

4.2 GC-Specific Troubleshooting

Ta b l e 4 - 1 contains troubleshooting information for Empower controlled GC systems.

Table 4-1 GC Troubleshooting

Symptom Possible Cause Corrective Action

Instrument status – “No”System rescanned before

it was taken offline. Reboot the instrument and the

Empower system computer. Take the

system offline, then rescan.

Columns or instruments

reconfigured without

reconfiguring the

Empower system.

Take the system offline, then rescan.

Instrument fail – Inlet not

enabled Two colums configured for

same inlet. Ensure the column configurations

specify separate inlets. For single

column configurations, the unused

column must be configured for an inlet

different than that of the used column.

Instrument fail – Bad

Method Instrument method/GC

configuration mismatch Check your Empower instrument

method and the instrument configura-

tion to ensure they match.

Troubleshooting the GC System 46

Channel collects wrong

data. Cross-configured systems

Note: You can only collect

two channels of data from

one injection if your

system is configured for a

single tower or for a single

injection using dual

towers.

Ensure channel 1 is configured with

inlet 1 and channel 2 is configured with

inlet 2.

Communication failure. Incorrect adapter address. Ensure the Equinox card adapter is

configured so that its first port is COM

Note: Close Run Samples and take

the system offline before you rescan

the busLAC/E or reconfigure the ports

used for the system.

Instrument status –

Always “No”Incorrect communications

parameters. Reset communication parameters.

Incorrect 5890 network

configuration parameters. Reset network configuration

parameters.

Incorrect firmware/driver

versions. Check firmware and driver versions

and reload if necessary.

Note: Reloading firmware clears the

instrument memory. You must reenter

the instrument communication

parameters after loading the firmware.

Instrument status –

Always “No” (continued)Incorrect connectors used

to connect the Equinox

card to the GC.

Ensure the correct connectors (RJ45 -

DB9) are used. See the connection

diagrams in Chapter 2 for connector

uses and part numbers.

Instrument fail – Injector Injector errors. Check the injector needle.

Check the fault lights.

Reboot the instrument and the

Empower system computer.

Data buffer overflow Serial communication

limitation. Ensure that no more than four GCs are

connected to one computer and that

data is not sampled at more than 200

points per second for any one

instrument.

Table 4-1 GC Troubleshooting (Continued)

Symptom Possible Cause Corrective Action

GC-Specific Troubleshooting 47

Instrument failure when

setting up the 6890 Plus Incorrect column

dimensions. Ensure the correct column dimensions

are entered in the system.

Oven temperature not at

specified set point. Ensure the oven temperature has

reached the set point. If the error

persists, test the conditions on the

instrument before running from

Empower.

Inlet or detector not at

specified temperature. Ensure the inlets and detectors have

reached the set temperature. If the

error persists, test the conditions on

the instrument before running from

Empower.

Incorrect instrument

method configuration. Check the instrument method. If you

are using a dual tower method, ensure

both injectors are configured properly.

If you are using a single tower method,

uncheck the unused inlet and injector.

Unused detector enabled. If you are using only one detector,

ensure the unused detector is not

enabled.

Instrument failure when

setting up the 6890 Plus

(continued)

Equinox card configured

incorrectly. Check the Devices applet in Control

Panel. The Equinox card should be

listed as Started, and the startup

option should be set to Automatic.

If the card is not listed, the driver was

not loaded.

If the card is listed but fails to start,

start it manually by clicking Start, then

set the startup parameter to

Automatic.

Incorrect cable connec-

tion (6890 with a G1512A

injector controller).

Check the cables that connect the

controller to the respective front and

back injectors to ensure they are

connected correctly.

6890 Plus does not start

until the Prep Run button

is pressed.

The Auto Prep Run feature

is disabled (off). See the instructions on the front panel

and the HP configuration manuals on

how to enable the Auto Prep Run

feature. This starts the 6890 without

pressing the Prep Run button.

Table 4-1 GC Troubleshooting (Continued)

Symptom Possible Cause Corrective Action

Troubleshooting the GC System 48

6890 does not start. Remote cable connected

to 6890 (other than from

the G1512).

Disconnect the remote cable to the

6890 GC (other than from the G1512).

Specified parameters

cannot be reached by the

instrument.

Enter parameters in the instrument

front panel to verify that they work.

Table 4-1 GC Troubleshooting (Continued)

Symptom Possible Cause Corrective Action

Index 49

Numerics

5890 GC

connecting 15, 16

control 12

firmware 44

RS-232 board 12

5890 GC instrument 12, 15, 16, 22, 23

5890S GC instrument 17

6890 GC

connecting 19

control 13

firmware 44

6890 GC instrument 12, 19

6890 Plus GC

connecting 19

instrument failures 47

7673 Controller 12, 15, 16, 22

7673S Controller 17

8-port serial card 12, 16, 19, 20, 21, 23

Acquisition 42

Agilent firmware 13

Analog output

configuration 21

connections 23

Auto Prep Run button 47

busLAC/E

card 15

scanning 42

busSAT/IN Module 12, 22

analog output 21

Cables

GC instrument 19, 20

RJ45 19, 20

RS-232 15, 16

Capillary columns 31, 45

Cards

8-port serial 12, 16, 19, 20, 21

busLAC/E 15

RS-232 10, 15

Channel properties, setting 34

Checking firmware version 44

Clogs, troubleshooting 45

Column properties, setting 30

Communication failures 46

Communication parameters 20

Configurations

analog output 21

digital output 15

Connecting hardware 15

Connections

gas system 45

GC instruments 19, 20

hardware 15

Contact closure signal 22

Contacting Waters 43

Controller firmware 44

Conventions, documentation 10

Data

overview 15

simultaneous transmission of analog and

digital 27

Default methods, selecting 36

Detector parameter settings 28

Detector properties, setting 33

Index

Index 50

Digital output configuration 15

Dip switch settings 19, 23

Documentation

conventions 10

related 7

Dual tower operation

Channel tab considerations 35

General tab considerations 27

overview 40

Dual tower sample set method 41

Empower

documentation 12

GC instrument control 12, 15

instrument method 24, 35

Firmware version 13, 44, 46

Fittings, troubleshooting 45

Flow, stopping 40

G1512A Controller 12, 19, 23

Gas flow, stopping 40

Gas pressure 44

Gas Saver option 32, 44

Gas system troubleshooting 44

GC data overview 15

GC instrument

connections 19, 20

control 12, 15

General properties, setting 27

General tab 26

Hardware connections 15

Headspace analyzer 13

I/O distribution box 12, 15

Inject start signal 22

Injections

manual 41

simultaneous 41

Injector properties, setting 28

Injector tower firmware 44

Injector, headspace analyzer as 13

Inlet properties, setting 31

Instrument control 12, 15

Instrument method

creating 25

saving 35

Instrument Method Editor

Channel 1 tab 31

Degas tab 28

detector settings 28

General tab 27

Instruments and Active Channels tree

pane 26

overview 26

parameter settings 35

Jumper wires 23

Jumper, on 5890 motherboard 16, 17

Index 51

Manual injections 41

Methods

instrument 25

name 37

selecting default 36

New Method Set wizard 25

On-column parameter 30

Open Access 40

Output configurations

analog 21

digital 15

Oven properties, setting 28

Overview

of dual tower operation 40

of GC data 15

of Instrument Method Editor 26

Packed columns 31

Post-dwell time, 6890 29

Power supply 43

Pre-dwell time, 6890 29

Pressure ramp 30

Pressure, gas 44

Properties

channel 34

column 30

detector 33

general 27

injector 28

inlet 31

oven 28

Ramp table

Column tab 30

Inlet tab 32

Oven tab 28

Range, setting 35

Regulators, troubleshooting 44

Empower GC Getting Started Guide AOEX 55000 640 71500044403ra

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