Waters ACQUITY UPLC Operator's, Overview And Maintenance Manual
Waters ACQUITY UPLC is a device designed to provide precise and reproducible separations in liquid chromatography applications. It achieves this by controlling the temperature of the column compartment, which can impact peak retention times and shapes. The device can heat the column compartment to temperatures between 20°C and 90°C, ensuring optimal conditions for various separations. Additionally, an active preheater heats the incoming solvent before it enters the column, minimizing dispersion and improving peak shapes.
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ACQUITY UPLC
Column Compartments Operator’s Overview and Maintenance Information
Revision C
Copyright © Waters Corporation 2010
2011
All rights reserved
ii
Copyright notice
© 2010 2011 WATERS CORPORATION. PRINTED IN THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA AND IN IRELAND. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS
DOCUMENT OR PARTS THEREOF MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN ANY
FORM WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER.
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, its use.
Considerations specific to the column compartments
Warning: Do not use the column heater with solvents that have auto ignition temperatures below 150 C.
Warning: When dealing with hazardous solvents, run the system in a hooded environment that provides a sufficient air exchange rate.
Warning: To prevent injury, always observe Good Laboratory Practices when you handle solvents, change tubing, or operate the column heater.
Consult the Material Safety Data Sheets and the Solvent
Considerations section of the ACQUITY UPLC System Guide regarding the solvents you use.
Table of Contents
Considerations specific to the column compartments ................................. ii
Preparing the column compartments ........................................................... 14
Installation recommendations for fittings........................................................ 14
Installing one CM-Aux module, in a single-stack configuration..................... 48
Installing two CM-Aux modules in a multiple-stack configuration................ 54
Installing the ACQUITY 30-cm column heater/cooler..................................... 82
Using the column compartments ................................................................... 98
Resolving column compartment leak sensor errors ......................................... 99
Maintaining the column compartments ..................................................... 110
Configuring maintenance warnings ............................................................... 113
Replacing the column heater’s leak sensor .................................................... 114
Replacing the 30-cm column heater’s leak sensor ......................................... 119
Replacing the column manager’s leak sensor................................................. 119
Replacing the column manager switching-valve cartridge............................ 122
Replacing the active preheater assembly ....................................................... 127
Replacing the column stabilizer assembly (CH-A only)................................. 133
Table of Contents iii
Replacing the column heater/cooler fuse (ACQUITY UPLC 30-cm CHC).... 139
Cleaning the instrument’s exterior (all models) ............................................ 140
iv Table of Contents
Overview
Column temperature variations can shift peak retention times and alter peak shapes, increasing the difficulty of achieving precise results. The ACQUITY
UPLC ® column compartments help to ensure precise, reproducible separations by controlling the column temperature.
Note: If you are using an ACQUITY UPLC system with two dimensional applications, refer to the ACQUITY UPLC Systems with 2D Technology
Capabilities Guide .
Column compartment types
The following column compartments are available for use with ACQUITY
UPLC systems:
• Column heater (CH-A)
• 30-cm column heater (CH-30A)
• Column manager (CM-A)
• Auxiliary column manager (CM-Aux)
• 30-cm column heater/cooler (ACQUITY UPLC 30-cm CHC)
Each of these column compartments is also available in a bio-compatible version.
Column heater (CH-A)
A standard component of the basic ACQUITY UPLC system, the column heater heats the column compartment to any temperature, from 20 ºC to
90 ºC, that is at least 5 ºC above the ambient temperature. A standard, active preheater heats the incoming solvent before it enters the column.
Additionally, you can install a supplementary column stabilizer.
The column heater can accommodate UPLC ® columns with dimensions of as much as 4.6 mm, internal diameter (ID), and 150-mm long.
To reduce dispersion associated with dead volume, and minimize the length of tubing between system instruments, the column compartment is directly above the sample manager and connected to the optical detector (on top of the column heater). For MS applications, you can mount the column compartment, on a bracket to the right-hand side of the system stack, reducing the distance to the mass spectrometer’s inlet probe.
Overview 1
2
A receptacle on the column heater’s right-hand side receives the column's eCord™ chip. The eCord column chip stores column manufacturing and usage data, which you can access from the ACQUITY UPLC Console.
The column heater does not have its own power supply; it draws power from the sample manager. Thus the column heater is automatically powered-on when you power on the sample manager.
Restriction: The ACQUITY column heater (CH-A) cannot be used in conjunction with the optional 30-cm column heater (CH-30A).
Active preheater
The standard, active preheater uses an electric heating element to directly heat the column inlet tubing. The rapid heating, low volume design reduces gradient delay and extra-column bandspreading. It ensures that high flow rate separations occur at the column temperature, not at the temperature of the incoming solvent. By controlling the temperature of the mobile phase at the point of use—the column inlet—temperature differences introduced by variations in the system configuration are eliminated.
Active preheater:
If you use the active preheater when running an HPLC or UPLC method originally developed for use with a column stabilizer, adjusting the column temperature can be necessary.
The following diagram shows the location of the column heater in the
ACQUITY UPLC system.
TP03240
Bottle tray
Detector
Column heater (CH-A)
Sample manager - flow through needle /
Sample manager - fixed loop
Solvent manager
Overview 3
Column heater, major components:
The following diagram shows the column heater’s major components.
Column compartment tray
Location of column
Active preheater assembly
4
Fitting Active preheater retainer
Column heater components:
Component Description
Column compartment
Contains the column, column heater, in-line filter, and active preheater or column stabilizer assembly. The column compartment insulates the column from changes in ambient temperature. For MS applications, the assembly can be mounted on an external bracket on the right-hand side of the chassis, reducing the distance to the inlet probe of a mass spectrometer.
In-line filter
Active preheater assembly
Active preheater key
Active preheater retainer
Protects the analytical column against contamination by trapping impurities before they reach the column.
Heats the incoming solvent to the specified column temperature before the solvent enters the column.
In the 30-cm column heater, installed in the control port not occupied by the active preheater.
Secures the active preheater in the column compartment.
eCord receptacle Receives the column eCord™ chip, which stores column manufacturing and usage data.
Column heater components: (Continued)
Component
Column stabilizer
(optional)
Drip tray
Description
Passively heats the incoming solvent before the solvent enters the column.
Captures any leakage from the column or column connections and routes it into the drip management system.
30-cm Column heater (CH-30A)
The optional 30-cm column heater heats the column compartment to any temperature, from 20 ºC to 90 ºC, that is at least 5 ºC above ambient. The
30-cm column heater mounts on the side of the system stack.
An active preheater heats the incoming solvent before it enters the column.
The active preheater can be located at the top or bottom of the column compartment, to accommodate UPLC or HPLC columns. You can disable the active preheater when solvent pre-heating is unnecessary.
Overview 5
6
The column heater can accommodate UPLC ® columns of 4.6 mm, or less, ID and 150 mm, or less, length and HPLC columns of 4.6 mm, or less, ID and
300 mm, or less, length. For columns that exceed 4.6 mm ID, use the
ACQUITY UPLC 30-cm column heater/cooler with the appropriate compatibility kit.
A receptacle atop the column heater receives the column’s eCord™ chip. The chip stores column manufacturing and usage data, which you can access from the ACQUITY UPLC Console.
The column heater does not have its own power supply; it draws power from the sample manager. Thus the column heater is automatically powered-on when you power on the sample manager. Do not use the 30-cm column heater
(CH-30A) in conjunction with the standard ACQUITY column heater (CH-A).
30-cm column heater components:
Location of active preheater or active preheater key
Location of column
Column compartment tray
Location of active preheater or active preheater key
Drip tray with leak sensor
Column manager (CM-A) and auxiliary column manager (CM-Aux)
The column manager can regulate the temperature of as many as four columns between 4 and 90 °C. The temperature of each column trough can be independently set in 0.1 °C increments. The column manager can be used for column switching applications as well as two dimensional applications. For two dimensional applications, see the ACQUITY UPLC Systems with 2D
Technology Capabilities Guide .
Overview 7
8
Note: The minimum achievable column compartment temperature set point cannot be greater than 25 °C below ambient temperature.
A supplementary pre-heating device (active preheater) can also be installed, to heat the incoming solvent before it enters the column.
The column manager also offers a bypass channel and automated, programmable switching between columns for methods development.
ACQUITY UPLC™ columns are equipped with eCord Information
Management Technology, which captures the history of each column to assist in tracking column usage. Reusable high-pressure fittings ease replacement of the columns, when needed.
The column manager can accommodate columns with inside diameters of up to 4.6 mm. It can accommodate two 100- or 150-mm columns or four 50-mm columns.
Receptacles on the column manager’s front panel receive the column eCord™ chips. The eCord column chip stores column manufacturing and usage data, which you can access from the ACQUITY UPLC Console.
Column manager major components
The following diagram shows the column manager’s major components.
eCord receptacles
Column switching-valves
Column compartment tray
Active preheater retainer
Location of active preheater assembly
Drip tray with leak sensor
Column manager and auxiliary column manager components:
Component
Column compartment
In-line filter
Active preheater assembly
Active preheater retainer
Column switching-valves
(CM-A only)
Drip tray
Description
Contains the column, column heater, in-line filter, and active preheater assemblies. The column compartment insulates the column from changes in ambient temperature.
Protects the analytical column against contamination by trapping impurities before they reach the column.
Heats the incoming solvent to the specified column temperature prior to entry to the column.
Secures the active preheater in the column compartment.
The inlet and outlet column switching-valves allow for programmable switching access to any column installed in the column manager as well as to column bypass mode and to waste.
Captures any leakage from the column or column connections and routes it into the drip management system.
Auxiliary column manager
In addition to the column manager, the system can include one or two auxiliary column manager modules. The column manager acts as a master to the optional auxiliary column manager modules. Although the auxiliary column manager modules have their own power supply, the column manager controls their power state.
Auxiliary column manager modules are not fitted with switching valves. All plumbing connections are made to the switching valves in the column manager.
The auxiliary column manager can accommodate two 100- or 150-mm columns with inside diameters of up to 4.6 mm.
Each auxiliary column manager module consists of two independently heated and cooled column troughs. Like the column manager, the temperature range of the auxiliary column manager module is 4 to 90 °C. Each trough can accommodate one column of 50 to 150-mm, and an active preheater.
Overview 9
10
Auxiliary column manager:
Column manager configurations
You can configure the column manager for use with two columns (in any combination of 50-, 100-, or 150-mm columns), or with as many as four, 50-mm columns. To accommodate additional 100- or 150-mm columns, the ACQUITY
UPLC system can include one or two auxiliary column manager (CM-Aux) modules (a maximum of six columns per system).
These configurations are available for an ACQUITY UPLC system including a
CM-Aux:
• Column manager configured for two columns and, in addition, one auxiliary column manager (as many as four, 100- or 150-mm columns, total)
• Column manager configured for two columns and, in addition, two auxiliary column managers as many (as six, 100- or 150-mm columns, total)
To reduce dead volume, and ensure optimal performance, you must plumb all column manager configurations using preconfigured tubing lengths.
Therefore, the modules must occupy specific positions in the system stack.
One auxiliary column manager can rest atop the column manager, and the column manager can rest atop a second auxiliary column manager.
Note: See the appropriate system guide for supported system configurations.
Examples of column manager configurations:
Single stack
TUV
CM-Aux
CM-A
Sample
Manager
Solvent
Manager
Sample
Manager
Solvent
Manager
CM-Aux
CM-A
PDA
Dual stack
Sample
Manager
Solvent
Manager
ELS
PDA
CM-Aux
CM-A
CM-Aux
Sample
Manager
Solvent
Manager
PDA
CM-Aux
CM-A
CM-Aux
TUV
SQD
CM-Aux
CM-A
Sample
Manager
Solvent
Manager
ELS
TUV
SQD
CM-Aux
CM-A
Sample
Manager
Solvent
Manager
Triple stack
Sample
Manager
Solvent
Manager
CM-Aux
CM-A
CM-Aux
ELS
PDA
SQD
Sample
Manager
Solvent
Manager
CM-Aux
CM-A
CM-Aux
ELS
PDA
Sample
Manager
Solvent
Manager
PDA
CM-Aux
CM-A
CM-Aux
ELS
SQD
Overview 11
For each column in a two- or four-column configuration, you can use an active preheater. In the two-column configuration, the column manager supports guard columns or filters. When the column manager is configured for four
50-mm columns, you cannot use guard columns or filters (see
).
ACQUITY UPLC 30-cm column heater/cooler (ACQUITY UPLC 30-cm
CHC)
The ACQUITY 30-cm column heater/cooler is a combination forced-air-convection heater and cooler with a temperature range of 20 to
65 °C.
30-cm column heater/cooler:
12
The ACQUITY UPLC 30-cm column heater/cooler offers these features for ease of use:
• Adjustable column clips that slide, for easy column mounting.
• Extended column compartment that allows for the use of two 300-mm columns, with column guards; four 150-mm columns, without column guards; or six 50-mm columns, without column guards.
• Grommet in the column mounting plate, for attaching a calibrated probe
(thermistor) for validation.
• Single-piece column compartment door and hinge assembly that allows tubing to enter or exit the column compartment from all four sides.
• Columns with dimensions of up to 7.8 mm diameter.
Convection grid
Column clip
Temperature port
Column clip rails
Compartment door clasp
Door gasket
Compartment door
Tubing guide
Drip tray
When you specify the temperature via the operating software, thermoelectric devices achieve the desired column temperature. The column heater/cooler’s internal power supply provides the additional power required to operate the thermoelectric heater/cooler engine circuit.
Overview 13
Preparing the column compartments
Installation recommendations for fittings
Warning: To avoid the harmful effects of personal contact with fittings contaminated with biologically hazardous or toxic materials, always wear clean, chemical-resistant, powder-free gloves when reinstalling the fittings.
The system uses gold-plated compression screws and two-piece ferrules. See the diagram below for assembly orientation.
Ferrule with locking ring Compression screw Tubing
Recommendations:
• To prevent bandspreading, ensure the tubing bottoms in its fitting hole before tightening the compression screw.
• For easier accessibility, use long compression screws to attach tubes to the injector and vent valve.
• Whenever you loosen fittings during maintenance, examine them for cracks, stripped threads, and deformations.
• Do not reuse stainless steel fittings more than six times.
• When installing or removing a column or optional in-line filter, always hold the active preheater’s reusable compression fitting in place and rotate the column or in-line filter onto the fitting.
14
When tightening system fittings, consult the following table.
Installation recommendations for ACQUITY UPLC column compartment fittings:
Fitting
Reusable finger-tight
Recommended tightening
Finger-tight, plus 1/6-turn
1/6-turn
TP02728
Reusable finger-tight
Collet removal tool
Finger-tight, plus up to
1/6-turn; if leaking, tighten another 1/8-turn
Additional 1/8-turn
1/6-turn
Stainless steel (gold-plated) fitting with long flats and 2-piece stainless steel ferrule
Finger-tight, plus 3/4-turn using wrench
3/4-turn
Long flats
TP03378
2-piece ferrule
Preparing the column compartments 15
16
Installation recommendations for ACQUITY UPLC column compartment fittings: (Continued)
Fitting
Stainless steel (gold-plated) fitting with long flats and 2-piece stainless steel ferrule
Recommended tightening
Finger-tight, plus up to
1/6-turn using wrench
1/6-turn
TP02713
Long flats 2-piece ferrule
Dual-threaded finger-tight fitting with stainless steel cap nut
TP03360A
Stainless steel cap Gold fitting
Ferrule
1. Loosen the stainless steel cap nut from the gold fitting.
2. Finger tighten the gold fitting, with the ferrule, into the column.
Requirement: If you are reinstalling the fitting, replace the PEEK TM ferrule.
3. Rotate the column, and tighten the column onto the gold fitting.
4. If you are installing the column in a system with pressures exceeding
103,421 kPa (1034 bar,
15,000 psi), tighten the column an additional
1/2-turn.
5. Tighten the stainless steel cap nut onto the gold fitting.
Installing the standard column heater
If your system includes the standard column heater, follow the procedures below to install it.
Installing the optional MS extension bracket
If your system includes a mass spectrometer, use the optional MS-bracket to position the column heater to the right of the ACQUITY UPLC system stack.
Doing so reduces the length of the tubing that extends to the mass spectrometer inlet.
Consult the ACQUITY Configuration Guide to determine whether your system requires the MS-bracket kit.
Installing the MS-bracket kit entails these actions:
• Removing the column heater from the device chassis
• Installing the MS-bracket on the column heater chassis
• Attaching the column heater housing onto the MS-bracket
• Adjusting the height of the column heater bracket, if necessary
• Attaching the column heater and connecting accessories, such as the MS drip tray, leak sensor, and drain tubing
• Connecting inlet and outlet tubing
Follow the instructions below to install the MS-bracket kit.
Required materials
• Column heater MS-bracket kit
– MS-bracket
– Column heater housing
– MS drip tray
– Height adjustment bracket
– Hinge assembly
– Cable clamp
– TORX ® screws
Preparing the column compartments 17
18
– Phillips ® screws
– Cable clamp nut
• Drain tubing
• Gloves: clean, powder-free, chemical-resistant
Required tools
• 1/4-inch open-end wrench
• 4-mm open-end wrench
• 3-mm hex wrench
• Phillips screwdriver
• Small flat screwdriver
• T20 TORX driver
MS-bracket kit major components:
Column heater housing
TP03252
MS-bracket
MS drip tray
Height adjustment bracket
Hinge
Warning: To prevent burn injuries, set the column temperature to Off, and then allow the column compartment and its components to cool for
60 minutes before touching them. Monitor the column compartment internal temperature to ensure all components are cool.
Caution: To prevent contaminating system components, wear clean, chemical-resistant, powder-free gloves when preparing the column heater for use with a mass spectrometer.
To install the MS-bracket:
1. Stop any currently running mobile phase.
2. Power-off the sample manager.
3. Using the 1/4-inch open-end wrench, disconnect the column inlet, active preheater, or column stabilizer tubing from injector port 6 of the sample manager.
Column, active preheater, or column-stabilizer-inlet tubing
4. Disconnect the column-outlet PEEK ® tubing from the detector inlet.
5. Open the column heater door, and remove the column.
Preparing the column compartments 19
20
6. Remove the column stabilizer assembly, if fitted.
a. Using the Phillips screwdriver, loosen the two screws that fasten the column stabilizer assembly to the column compartment tray.
Thermal gasket
TP03425
Location of Phillips screws b. Remove the column stabilizer assembly from the thermal gasket.
c.
Remove the thermal gasket from the column tray.
7. Remove the active preheater assembly, if fitted.
a. Remove the active preheater assembly from the retainer in the column compartment.
Active preheater assembly
b. Using a small screwdriver, gently pry out the active preheater retainer, and remove it from the column compartment.
Gently compress retainer here
8. Remove any solvent lines routed behind the column heater door.
9. Detach the leak sensor connector from the front of the sample manager, if fitted.
10. Remove the TORX screw from the right-hand side of the column heater, just behind the eCord receptacle.
TORX screw eCord receptacle
Preparing the column compartments 21
11. Gently pull the right-hand side of the column heater toward you, and then slide it to the right, to unseat the tab on the left-hand side of the column heater from the device’s chassis.
1
22
2
12. Remove the 25-pin cable from the receptacle on the back of the column heater.
13. Set the column heater aside.
14. Ensure that the front left-hand foot of the column heater’s rear enclosure locks into the retainer bracket on the sample manager below it.
Alternative: If the retainer bracket is not installed on the sample manager chassis, perform these tasks:
Warning: To avoid injuries arising from solvent spills, remove the solvent bottles from the solvent tray before removing the solvent tray.
Caution: To avoid spilling solvent when disassembling the system, remove the solvent bottles first. Then remove the solvent tray, and finally the modules, one at a time. Ask an assistant to help lift the components off the system stack.
a. Remove the solvent tray and any system modules stacked atop the column heater’s rear enclosure.
b. Remove the Phillips screw that secures the column heater’s rear enclosure to the sample manager chassis.
c.
Remove the column heater’s rear enclosure from the sample manager chassis.
d. Secure the retainer bracket, supplied in the column heater startup kit, onto the sample manager chassis using the TORX screw provided in the kit.
Retainer bracket e. Install the column heater’s rear enclosure sliding its front, left-hand foot into the retainer bracket on the sample manager’s chassis.
Preparing the column compartments 23
f.
Install the Phillips screw that secures the column heater’s rear enclosure to the sample manager chassis.
24 g. Replace any other instruments and the solvent tray above the column heater’s rear enclosure.
15. Install the MS-bracket on the sample manager’s chassis: a. Insert the tab on the left-hand side of the MS-bracket into the slot on the left-hand side of the sample manager chassis.
Tab
Slot
b. Route the 25-pin cable behind the MS-bracket and through the slot on the right-hand side of the bracket.
Route the 25-pin cable through this slot c.
Install the TORX screw in the tab, and tighten it slightly.
d. Hold the left-hand side of the bracket into the slot, and guide the
MS-bracket tab on the right-hand side into the cutout in the sample manager’s chassis.
Requirement: Ensure that the 25-pin cable remains in the slot as you guide the tab into the cutout. If the cable slips out of the slot, it can prevent the bracket from seating fully into the chassis.
Cutout
Tab e. Tighten the TORX screw in the tab.
f.
Tighten the 3-mm Allen screw on the left-hand side of the
MS-bracket.
Preparing the column compartments 25
26
16. Attach the column heater housing onto the MS-bracket using the hinge: a. Attach the short side of the hinge to the MS-bracket using two
TORX screws.
b. Attach the long side of the hinge to the column heater housing using two TORX screws.
MS-bracket
Column heater housing
17. Swing the column heater housing, to align it with the front of the mass spectrometer, and ensure that the column heater is at the correct height for the mass spectrometer inlet.
18. If the column heater housing height is not correct for the mass spectrometer inlet, perform these tasks: a. Remove the two TORX screws that secure the hinge to the
MS-bracket.
Remove these TORX screws
b. Using two TORX screws, attach the height adjustment bracket to the MS-bracket.
TORX screws
Height adjustment bracket
MS-bracket c.
Using two TORX screws, attach the hinge assembly on the column heater housing to the height adjustment bracket.
d. Swing the column heater housing, aligning it with the front of the mass spectrometer, and ensure that the column heater is at the correct height for the mass spectrometer inlet.
e. If the column heater housing is not at the correct height, adjust the height by removing the hinge from the height adjustment bracket and then reattaching it using different holes.
19. Attach the MS drip tray to the column heater housing using the Phillips screws.
Leak sensor cable slot
Drip tray
Locations of Phillips screws
Tip: Installing the leak sensor is optional.
Preparing the column compartments 27
28
20. Install the leak sensor: a. Align the leak sensor’s T-bar with the slot in the left-hand side of the MS-bracket drip tray, and slide the leak sensor into place.
Leak sensor
T-bar
TP02892
Slot b. Route the leak sensor cable through the slot in the column heater housing.
21. Secure the 25-pin cable: a. Insert the 25-pin cable into the cable clamp.
b. Install the cable clamp on the threaded stud inside the column heater housing, and then thread the 4-mm nut onto the stud.
c.
Tighten the cable clamp nut with the 4-mm wrench.
25-pin cable routed through slot
4-mm cable clamp nut on stud
Cable clamp
22. Install the column heater in its housing: a. Insert the tab on the left-hand side of the column heater into the slot on the left-hand side of the housing.
b. Hold the left-hand side of the column heater into the slot, and guide the eCord tab, on the right-hand side, into the cutout in the column heater housing.
Tab
Cutout c.
Install the TORX screw in the tab and tighten it.
Preparing the column compartments 29
30
23. Push the 25-pin cable into the socket on the back of the column heater, and then tighten the thumbscrews to secure the cable to the socket.
Thumbscrews
24. If you installed the optional leak sensor, plug the connector into the receptacle located behind the column heater.
Location of leak sensor receptacle
25. Swing the column heater into the operating position.
26. Push the drain tubing onto the barbed drain fitting on the left-hand side of the MS-bracket drip tray, and route it to a suitable waste container.
27. Open the column heater door.
28. Slide the column compartment tray to the right.
Column compartment tray
29. If desired, install the active preheater assembly: a. Gently compress the active preheater assembly retainer between your thumb and forefinger, and push it into the left-hand side of the column compartment until it snaps into place.
b. Install the active preheater assembly in the retainer.
30. Install the column in the column tray: a. Snap the column support clips onto the body of the column (one between the reusable fitting and column). Rotate the clips so that the openings face forward.
Column support clip b. Attach the mass spectrometer inlet tubing included with the system to the column outlet.
c.
Set the column into the column compartment.
Requirement: Ensure that the stainless steel tubing from the sample manager is routed through the front notch on the lower, left-hand side of the column compartment and that the PEEK
Preparing the column compartments 31
32 tubing to the mass spectrometer inlet is routed through the groove on the right-hand side of the column compartment.
d. If you installed the active preheater, connect the column inlet to the active preheater by holding the active preheater’s reusable compression fitting in place, rotating the column onto the fitting until it is snug, and then tightening an additional 1/6 turn.
e. Connect the column inlet or active preheater tubing to injector port
6 of the sample manager.
Tip: To ensure that the sample manager door closes properly, and does not damage the tubing, route the tubing as shown in the drawing below.
Column inlet or active preheater inlet tubing f.
Attach the column-outlet tubing to the mass spectrometer’s inlet.
Tip: Consult the sample manager’s documentation for more information about connecting to the inlet.
g. Attach the eCord fob to the receptacle on the side of the column heater.
Receptacle eCord fob h. Close the column heater door.
Installing the optional column stabilizer assembly
The column heater’s optional column stabilizer reduces sensitivity to ambient temperature swings by transferring heat (via conduction) from the column heater’s film element through the thermal gasket to the column inlet tubing.
The looped tubing path reduces dispersion while ensuring maximum surface area contact between the tubing and the column tray, maximizing heat transfer to the mobile phase.
The passive column stabilizer provides thermal equilibration by heating the incoming mobile phase and injected sample to the specified column temperature before they enter the column.
Note: You cannot use the active preheater and the passive column stabilizer simultaneously; choose the preheater type that best suits your application.
Preparing the column compartments 33
Typical column stabilizer:
34
The column stabilizer’s passive design lends itself to lower flow rate and higher volume applications. If you are running an HPLC or UPLC method that was originally developed for use with a column stabilizer, you must continue to use the column stabilizer when you run that method on the
ACQUITY UPLC system.
Warning: To prevent burn injuries, set the column temperature to Off, and then allow the column compartment and its components to cool for
60 minutes before touching them. Monitor the column compartment internal temperature to ensure all components are cool.
Caution: To prevent contaminating system components, wear clean, chemical-resistant, powder-free gloves when installing the optional column stabilizer assembly.
Requirement: You must remove the active preheater assembly before installing the column stabilizer assembly.
For instructions on how to replace the column stabilizer assembly, see
Required materials
• Gloves: clean, powder-free, chemical-resistant
• 50/100-mm or 150-mm column stabilizer kit:
– Collet and compression screw multi-tool (collet separator)
– Column stabilizer assembly
– PEEK tubing for connecting the column to the detector’s flow cell
– 3 Phillips screws (1 is a spare)
– 3 thermal gaskets (2 are spares)
Required tools
• Needle-nose pliers
• Phillips screwdriver
To install the optional column stabilizer assembly:
1. Stop any currently running mobile phase before replacing the column stabilizer assembly.
2. Disconnect the inlet tubing from injector port 6 of the sample manager.
Location of column- stabilizer-inlet tubing
3. Open the column heater door.
Preparing the column compartments 35
4. Remove the active preheater assembly from the retainer in the column compartment.
Active preheater assembly
36
5. Using a needle-nose pliers, gently compress the top and bottom of the active preheater retainer, and pull it out of the column compartment.
Gently compress retainer here
6. Remove the clear, protective backing from the thermal gasket, and with the thermal gasket oriented vertically, center it between the two threaded holes.
Threaded holes
Location of thermal gasket
7. Press the thermal gasket into the column compartment tray, ensuring the gasket is centered and formed into the bottom of the tray, with equal lengths on both sides.
8. Firmly press the column stabilizer assembly into the thermal gasket, ensuring the thermal gasket uniformly envelops the sides of the column stabilizer and does not bunch beneath it.
Thermal gasket visible along both sides of stabilizer
Column-stabilizerinlet tubing
TP03425
Threaded holes for
Phillips screws
Column stabilizer assembly (two styles):
For 150-mm column For 50-mm or 100-mm column
Reusable fittings
TP03123
Inlet tubing to injector
Preparing the column compartments 37
38
9. Carefully route the column-stabilizer-inlet tubing through the groove on the side of the tray.
Caution: To avoid stripping the threads, do not overtighten screws.
10. Insert the Phillips screws into the threaded holes, and tighten them gently using the Phillips screwdriver.
11. Route the column-stabilizer-inlet tubing through the cutout in the top of the sample manager door to the injector.
Requirement: Do not route the tubing behind the sample manager door hinge.
12. Remove the O-ring retainer from the inlet end of the column-stabilizer inlet-tubing, and then connect the inlet tubing to injector port 6 of the sample manager injector.
Note: Do not route the tubing between the sample manager door and hinge, here.
Column-stabilizer-inlet tubing
Installing the 30-cm column heater
If your system includes a 30-cm column heater, follow the procedure below to install it.
Caution: To avoid damaging the electronic components of column heaters fitted with a rear DSUB cable, unplug the cable from the sample manager before performing this procedure.
Required materials
• Gloves: clean, powder-free, chemical-resistant
• Screws: M4 × 50-mm, stainless steel (2), startup kit
• Side mount shaft (2), startup kit
• Side mount collar (2), startup kit
Required tools
• 1/4-inch bit driver
• 2.5-mm hex driver
• 7-mm adjustable wrench
• T20 TORX screwdriver
To install the 30-cm column heater:
1. Assemble the side-mount collars onto the side-mount shafts, and position the collars so that they are located at the base of the shafts' threads.
Caution: To avoid damaging electrical components, do not disconnect an electrical assembly from an instrument or device that remains connected to a building’s electrical supply. To completely interrupt power, set the unit’s power switch to Off.
Then disconnect the power cord from the unit’s rear panel or from the wall outlet. After discontinuing power, wait 10 seconds before attempting to disconnect an assembly.
2. Power-off the sample manager.
Preparing the column compartments 39
40
3. Using the T20 TORX screwdriver, remove the top screw from the right-hand side of the sample manager; remove the bottom screw from the right-hand side of the solvent manager.
Right-hand side of system stack:
Remove screws
Detector
Sample manager
Solvent manager
4. Insert the two M4 × 50-mm long screws into the side-mount shafts, from the side with the knurled, side-mount collars.
Insert M4 × 50-mm long screws here
5. Screw the side-mount shafts into the top, right-hand side of the sample manager and the bottom, right-hand side of the solvent manager.
Install side-mount shafts here
Detector
Sample manager
Solvent manager
Preparing the column compartments 41
6. Mount the CH-30A by sliding the large key-hole slots onto the side mount shafts.
Key-hole slots
7. Turn the knurled, side-mount collars counter-clockwise, to pinch the
CH-30A sheet metal chassis within the mount for a secure fit.
Knurled side mount collar
42
8. Connect one end of the pin cable to the socket on the 30-cm column heater’s rear panel.
9. Connect the other end of the pin cable to the socket on the sample manager’s rear panel.
Connect the pin cable between these sockets
Sample manager - FTN
30-cm column heater
10. Connect the drain tubing to the barbed fitting on the bottom front of the column heater.
Drain fitting
11. Route the other end of the drain tubing to a suitable waste container.
Preparing the column compartments 43
44
Moving the preheater key
When the CH-30A is shipped, the preheater key is installed in the upper, active preheater control port, thus readying the active preheater for use with a 30-cm column heater and 300-mm (30-cm) column. If you intend to use the active preheater with shorter tubing and a shorter column, you must move the preheater key to the lower control port.
Requirements:
• Always install the preheater key in the control port not already occupied by the active preheater.
• Do not insert two active preheater assemblies in the CH-30A simultaneously. The preheater key must always occupy one of the active preheater control ports for the instrument to function.
The following procedure describes how to move the preheater key.
Required materials
• Gloves: clean, powder-free, chemical-resistant
• Preheater key assembly (startup kit)
Required tools
Needle-nose pliers
To move the preheater key:
1. Remove the active preheater assembly from the retainer in the column compartment.
2. Using a needle-nose pliers, gently compress the top and bottom of the active preheater retainer, and withdraw it from the column compartment.
3. Gently press the preheater key assembly into the upper or lower-control port in the column compartment.
Insert this end into control port
4. Using a needle-nose pliers, install the active preheater retainer, in the control port where the active preheater will be installed.
5. Insert the active preheater intended for use.
Installing the column manager
If your system includes a column manager, follow the procedure below to install it.
Warning: To avoid back injuries, two or more people must lift the column manager.
Warning: To avoid crushing your fingers beneath or between modules, use extreme care when installing the column manager in the system stack.
Warning: To avoid overheating the column manager, do not block the air vent on its side.
Plumbing the column manager
Ensure you have the correct tubing kit for your column compartment configuration (column manager and optional auxiliary column manager modules).
Connect the column manager tubing, as shown in the diagram below.
When making plumbing connections, follow the guidelines on page 14 .
Preparing the column compartments 45
46
Two-column configuration, with inlet switching-valve on the right-hand side:
To detector
3
B
4
2
1
O
Pin
Plug
6
5
W
Outlet switching valve
Column manager
3
4
Inlet switching valve
3
B
4
2
5
I
Column position 1
1
6
W
Column position 2
Sample manager
Injector
6
Note: See the appropriate site preparation guide for information regarding which tubing and valve kit to use.
Two-column configuration plumbing connection details:
From
CM-A inlet valve, port B
CM-A inlet valve, port W a
To
CM-A outlet valve, port B
Solvent manager front drip tray waste port
Length
(inches)
N/A
N/A
Part number
H-Class
430002725, bypass tubing,
.005-inch ID)
430002727, waste tubing,
.010-inch ID
I-Class
430002725, bypass tubing,
.004-inch ID)
430002727, waste tubing,
.004-inch ID
Two-column configuration plumbing connection details: (Continued)
CM-A inlet valve, port 3
CM-A inlet valve, port 4
Column 1 inlet
Column 2 inlet
Column 1 outlet CM-A outlet valve, port 3
12.5
12.5
19
Column 2 outlet CM-A outlet valve, port 4
Sample manager injector valve, port 6
CM-A inlet valve, center port
Detector inlet CM-A outlet valve, center port
Length
(inches)
Part number
From To
19
14.5
14.5
H-Class
205000730,
APH
205000730,
APH
430002683, SST tubing,
.004-inch ID
(reorder part number
700005478)
430002683, SST tubing,
.004-inch ID
(reorder part number
700005478)
430002582, SST tubing,
.004-inch ID
(reorder part number
700005476)
430002681, SST tubing,
.004-inch ID
(reorder part number
700005477)
I-Class a. Be sure to connect the 430002727 waste tubing to port W (at the 3 o’clock position) of the inlet valve. Do not connect to the center port.
205000894,
APH
205000894,
APH
430003151, SST tubing,
.003-inch ID
(reorder part number
700008868)
430003151, SST tubing,
.003-inch ID
(reorder part number
700008868)
430003154, SST tubing,
.003-inch ID
(reorder part number
700008869)
430003158, SST tubing,
.003-inch ID
(reorder part number
700008870)
Preparing the column compartments 47
Notes:
• The two-column configuration for the ACQUITY UPLC I-Class system uses low-volume tubing with high-pressure fittings.
• When installing the active preheater on the column inlet, use a wrench to tighten the gold fitting onto the column an additional 1/4-turn.
• The dual-threaded finger-tight fitting secures the tubing to the column outlet in ACQUITY UPLC I-Class systems.
Installing one CM-Aux module, in a single-stack configuration
The single-stack configuration supports up to four columns (in any combination of 50-, 100- or 150-mm columns). The inlet valve is located on the right-hand side of the column manager.
Required materials
• Gloves: clean, powder-free, chemical-resistant
• 4-column tubing set, for installing the upper auxiliary column manager
(CM-Aux)
Required tools
• 1/4-inch open-end wrench
• 1/2-inch open-end wrench
• 2-mm Hex wrench
• 5/16-inch open-end wrench
• 7/16-inch open-end wrench
• T10 TORX driver
• T20 TORX driver
• Right-angle nut extender tool, for low-pressure fittings
• Stainless steel tubing cutter, for cutting waste tubing to length
Repositioning instruments in the system stack
To reposition the instruments in the system stack:
1. Power-off the column manager (CM-A) and detector.
48
2. Disconnect the power and Ethernet cables from the rear panel of the
CM-A and detector.
Warning: To avoid injuries arising from personal contact with spilled solvent, remove the solvent bottles from the solvent tray before removing the solvent tray.
3. Remove all solvent bottles from the bottle tray.
4. Remove the solvent tray from the system stack.
5. Disconnect the detector’s waste tubing and the inlet tubing from the
CM-A outlet.
6. Remove the detector from the system stack.
7. Place the CM-Aux on the CM-A.
8. Place the detector on the CM-Aux.
9. Place the solvent tray on the detector.
Preparing the column compartments 49
50
10. Place the solvent bottles in the solvent tray.
Front view of repositioned instruments:
Bottle tray
Detector
CM-Aux
CM-A
Sample manager
Solvent manager
11. Connect the power cables to the CM-Aux, CM-A, and detector.
12. Connect the external control cable between the CM-A’s upper auxiliary connector and the CM-Aux.
13. Connect the Ethernet cables to the rear panel of the CM-A and detector.
Rear view of repositioned instruments:
External control cable
Bottle tray
Detector
CM-Aux
CM-A
Sample manager
Solvent manager
Setting up waste management
To set up the waste management components:
1. Route a waste line from the barbed fitting on the rear of the solvent tray to a suitable waste container.
2. Route the waste tube from the detector to the solvent manager drip tray
(using the backpressure regulator) or to another in-line detector.
Preparing the column compartments 51
52
3. Install the 4.125-inch, convoluted drip tube (part number 430002826) from the drip tray of the CM-Aux to the front waste port of the CM-A’s drip block.
Tip: To avoid leaks, ensure that the convoluted drip tube is fully inserted into the front waste port of the CM-A’s drip block.
CM-Aux
Convoluted drip tube
CM-A drip block
Plumbing the CM-A and CM-Aux
Tip: To avoid damaging the tubing and column compartment cover latches, ensure the tubing is routed through the grooves in the sides, top, and bottom of the column compartment.
Location of grooves in sides, top, and bottom of column compartment:
Grooves(3) on right side and top of column compartment
Location of grooves (3) on left side and bottom of column compartment
To plumb and configure the CM-A and CM-Aux, consult these pages:
• For tubing connection and fittings information, see page 68 , page 76 , and page 77 .
• For information about configuring the new column configuration in the software, see page 78 .
• For column installation information, see page 81 .
Preparing the column compartments 53
Installing two CM-Aux modules in a multiple-stack configuration
These configurations can support either four or six columns (in any combination of 50-, 100-, or 150-mm columns). The inlet valve is located on the left-hand side of the column manager.
Required materials
• Gloves: clean, powder-free, chemical-resistant
• 4-column tubing set, for installing the upper auxiliary column manager
(CM-Aux)
• 6-column tubing set, for installing the lower CM-Aux
Note: When installing the lower auxiliary column manager in a multiple stack configuration, you need the following parts from the startup kit:
– Extended feet and four screws
– Swivel drain kit and Tygon ® tubing
Required tools
• 1/4-inch open-end wrench
• 1/2-inch open-end wrench
• 2-mm Hex wrench
• 5/16-inch open-end wrench
• 7/16-inch open-end wrench
• Right-angle nut extender tool, for low-pressure fittings
• Stainless steel tubing cutter, for cutting waste tubing to length
• T8 TORX driver
• T10 TORX driver
• T20 TORX driver
To establish a multiple-stack configuration, follow these general steps, in order:
1. Remove all fittings from the CM-A valves.
2. Select a new system module configuration.
3. Install extended feet, as needed (see page 57 ).
54
4. Reposition the instruments for the new configuration.
5. Set up waste management, as needed.
6. Exchange the valve cartridges.
7. Install new magnetic diagrams (see page 68 ).
8. Install the tubing.
9. Configure all columns in the software.
Removing the fittings from the inlet and outlet valves
To remove the fittings from the inlet and outlet valves:
1. Power-off the column manager (CM-A) and detector.
2. Disconnect the power and Ethernet cables from the rear panel of the
CM-A and detector.
Warning: To avoid injuries arising from personal contact with spilled solvent, remove the solvent bottles from the solvent tray before removing the solvent tray.
3. Remove all solvent bottles from the bottle tray.
4. Remove the solvent tray from the system stack.
5. Push the latches atop the CM-A’s column compartment cover inward, to disengage them from the latch pins.
Preparing the column compartments 55
56
6. Tilt the column compartment cover forward, just enough to clear the valve drip tray.
Latch pins
Valve drip tray
Latches Column compartment cover
7. Pull the column compartment cover up and away from the CM-A.
8. For each fitting installed on the inlet and outlet valves of the CM-A, mark the fitting with the number of the port to which it is connected.
9. Disconnect all fittings from the inlet and outlet valves.
10. Remove the columns and the active preheaters from the column troughs.
Selecting a system module configuration
To select a system module configuration:
1. Identify each instrument module in your system.
2. Referring to the diagram on page 11 , select a system module
configuration that includes your new column compartment(s).
Installing the extended feet on the bottommost column module
The extended feet allow room for installation of the swivel drain. Verify that the extended feet are installed on the bottommost column module, the CM-A or the CM-Aux, in the system module configuration you choose.
To install the extended feet on a CM-A or a CM-Aux:
1. Turn the CM-A or CM-Aux so that it is resting on it’s side.
2. Using the T20 TORX driver, remove the screws that secure the four feet to the bottom of the CM-A or CM-Aux.
Screws (4)
3. Using the T20 TORX driver and M4 25-mm screws, fasten the short and long rubber feet onto the bottom of the CM-A or CM-Aux.
Short rubber foot (4)
Long rubber foot (4)
M4
25-mm screw (4)
T20 TORX driver
4. Place the CM-A or CM-Aux (now the “lower” CM-Aux) on the bench, to the right of the solvent manager, ensuring at least 3 inches space remains between the modules, for ventilation.
Preparing the column compartments 57
58
Repositioning instruments in the system stack
Requirement: When repositioning the instruments, ensure the bottommost column module, the CM-A or the CM-Aux, is fitted with the drip tray equipped with a leak detector (see page 59 ).
To reposition the instruments in the system stack:
1. Power-off the column manager (CM-A) and detector.
2. Disconnect the power and Ethernet cables from the rear panel of the
CM-A and detector.
Warning: To avoid injuries arising from contact with spilled solvent, remove the solvent bottles from the solvent tray before removing the solvent tray.
3. Remove all solvent bottles from the bottle tray.
4. Remove the solvent tray from the system stack.
5. Disconnect the waste tubing from the detector and the inlet tubing from the CM-A outlet.
6. Remove the detector from the system stack.
7. Remove the CM-A waste tubing from the solvent manager drip tray.
8. Remove the sample manager outlet tubing from port 6 of the injector.
9. Arrange the instrument modules in the new configuration.
10. Place the solvent tray in the appropriate location in the system stack.
11. Place the solvent bottles in the solvent tray.
12. Connect the power cables to the upper CM-Aux, CM-A, lower CM-Aux (if present), and detector.
13. Connect the external control cables to the rear of the CM-A as follows:
• Upper auxiliary port to upper CM-Aux
• Lower auxiliary port to lower CM-Aux (if present)
14. Connect the Ethernet cables at the rear panels of the CM-A and detector.
Setting up waste management
To set up the waste management for a lower CM-Aux:
1. Route the detector waste tube to the solvent manager drip tray.
2. Route the outlet of the detector flow cell to waste (using the backpressure regulator) or to another in-line detector.
3. Using the T20 TORX driver, loosen the upper and middle screws that secure the CM-A drip block to the module.
Upper screw
Middle screw
Preparing the column compartments 59
60
4. Using the T20 TORX driver, remove the lower screw, which secures the
CM-A’s drip tray to the module.
Lower screw
5. Remove the drip block assembly from the CM-A, separate the drip tray from the drip block, and then set the drip tray and block aside.
Drip block
Drip Tray
6. Repeat step 3 through step 5 , to remove and separate the drip tray and drip block for the lower CM-Aux module.
7. Insert the CM-Aux drip tray into the CM-A drip block, and then insert the CM-A drip tray into the CM-Aux drip block.
CM-Aux drip block
CM-A drip block
CM-A drip tray
CM-Aux drip tray
8. Reinstall the CM-A drip block assembly (drip block and CM-Aux drip tray) onto the CM-A module, and then secure it in place using the three
T20 TORX screws.
Requirement: Tighten the upper and middle screws, and replace the drip tray screw.
9. Install the 4.125-inch convoluted drip tube (part number 430002826) from the upper CM-Aux drip tray to the front waste port of the CM-A drip block.
Preparing the column compartments 61
62
Tip: To avoid leaks, ensure that the convoluted drip tube is fully inserted into the front, waste port of the CM-A drip block.
Upper CM-Aux
Convoluted drip tube (4.125-inch)
CM-A drip block
10. Install the 2.0-inch convoluted drip tube (part number 430002827) onto the CM-A drip tray.
CM-A
CM-A drip tray
Convoluted drip tube (2.0-inch)
Lower CM-Aux
11. Insert the open end of the convoluted tube into the front waste port of the lower CM-Aux’s drip block, and carefully reinstall the drip block assembly onto the lower CM-A, as shown in the figure below.
CM-A drip tray
Lower CM-Aux drip block
Tips:
• Use your left hand to support the drip tray.
• You can loosen or tighten the two, T20 TORX, securing screws slightly, so that the screw heads can fit into the slots in the drip block.
• If the internal drip tube extends into the drip block, use needle-nose pliers to extend the tube outward approximately 0.25 inches.
Extending the tube approximately 0.25 inches
Preparing the column compartments 63
64
Installing the swivel drain and waste tubing
To install the swivel drain and waste tubing:
1. Push the latches atop the CM-A’s column compartment cover inward, to disengage them from the latch pins.
2. Tilt the column compartment cover forward, just enough to clear the valve drip tray.
Latch pins
Valve drip tray
Latches Column compartment cover
3. Pull the column compartment cover up and away from the CM-A.
4. Remove the mounting screw and washer from the swivel drain cup.
Mounting screw
Washer
Caution: To avoid leaks, ensure the O-ring is properly seated in the swivel drain cup.
5. Install the swivel drain cup on the bottom of the drip tray, and thread the mounting screw through the hole in the top of the drip tray.
Mounting screw and washer
Hole in top of drip tray
CM-A drip tray
O-ring
Swivel drain cup
6. Use a T8 TORX driver to minimally tighten the mounting screw.
Requirement: Do not overtighten the screw.
Preparing the column compartments 65
Tips:
• If you cannot swivel the drain cup, the mounting screw is too tight.
Loosen the mounting screw until the drain cup swivels freely.
• In a multiple-stack configuration, the swivel drain is installed in the bottommost column module.
7. Slide the Tygon waste tubing over the drain fitting and route the tubing to a suitable waste container.
66
Drain fitting
Exchange the CM-A inlet and outlet switching-valve cartridges
In a multiple stack configuration, you can place the CM-A module to the right of the primary stack. In such a configuration, you must locate the inlet switching-valve, on the left-hand side of the module.
Tip: Exchanging the switching-valve cartridges is optional. Nevertheless, doing so ensures that all the fittings originally installed on a valve are reinstalled on the same valve in the new configuration. If you elect not to exchange the switching-valve cartridges, proceed to “Installing the magnetic diagram” on page 68 .
To exchange the CM-A inlet and outlet switching-valve cartridges:
1. In the ACQUITY UPLC Console software, select Column Manager from the system tree.
2. In the column manager information window, click Interactive Display.
3. In the Column Manager Interactive Display dialog box, click Control.
4. Ensure the inlet switching-valve is set to Waste.
Tip: To change the setting to Waste, click System and select Waste.
Switching-valve cartridge:
2-mm hex screw
Lock ring
Lock ring stop
Stator ID
5. Use the 2-mm hex wrench to remove the hex screw at the 10 o’clock position on the switching-valve cartridge.
6. Remove the switching-valve cartridge from the switching-valve assembly by pulling it straight outward.
7. Label the inlet switching-valve cartridge.
8. Repeat step 1 through step 7 for the outlet switching-valve cartridge.
9. For both inlet- and outlet switching-valve cartridges, ensure that the groove in the cartridge housing aligns with the groove on the drive clamp.
Requirement: If the grooves fail to align, turn the drive clamp until they do so, taking care to avoid scratching the drive clamp or housing.
Switching-valve cartridge housing
Aligned grooves
Drive clamp
Preparing the column compartments 67
68
10. Insert the inlet switching-valve cartridge into the switching-valve cartridge chamber on the left-hand side of the column manager.
Requirement: Ensure the new cartridge assumes the same orientation as the old. It must slide fully into the switching-valve assembly. If it does not, contact Waters ® Technical Service.
11. Insert the 2-mm hex screw at the 10 o’clock position on the switching-valve cartridge, and tighten the screw using the 2-mm hex wrench.
12. Insert the outlet switching-valve cartridge into the switching-valve cartridge chamber on the right-hand side of the column manager.
Requirement: Ensure the new cartridge assumes the same orientation as the old. It must slide fully into the switching-valve assembly. If it does not, contact Waters Technical Service.
13. Insert the 2-mm hex screw at the 10 o’clock position on the switching-valve cartridge, and tighten the screw using the 2-mm hex wrench.
Installing the magnetic diagram
To install the magnetic diagram:
Install the appropriate column compartment diagrams, provided in the tubing kit, in the front doors of the upper and lower CM-Aux modules.
Installing the tubing
To install the tubing:
1. Refer to the following figures and tables for plumbing details on your configuration.
2. Install the waste (port W located at the 3 o’clock position on the valve) and bypass (port B) tubing before making any other tubing connections.
3. For valve connections, pull the column manager’s switching-valve forward, 1/2 to 3/4 inches, and rotate the lock ring clockwise until it rests against the stopper.
4. Use the 1/4-inch wrench to reattach existing valve fittings and tighten them 1/6-turn beyond finger-tight. For new fittings see page 76 .
Tip: Use a pen to coil any excess tubing on any of the connections.
5. When all valve connections are made, rotate the valve’s lock ring counterclockwise, to the 12 o’clock position.
6. Push the switching-valve assembly inward until it stops.
7. Plug all unused ports on the inlet and outlet switching valves using pin plugs.
Four-column configuration, with inlet switching-valve on the right-hand side:
To detector
Tubing
Router
Column Manager-Aux
3
B
4
2
O
1
6
W
Outlet switching valve
5
Column Manager
Column position 1
Column position 2
APH
APH
Drip tray
Drip tube
3
4
Inlet switching valve
3
B
4
2
5
I
Column position 3
1
6
W
APH
Column position 4
APH
Sample Manager Drip tray with leak detector
Injector
6
Preparing the column compartments 69
70
Four-column configuration, with inlet switching-valve on the left-hand side:
To detector
From inject valve
APH
APH
Column position 1
Column position 2
Column Manager-Aux
Drip tray
Drip tube
3
B
4
2
I
5
APH
APH
1
6
W
Inlet switching valve
3
4
Outlet switching valve
3
B
4
2
O
5
1
6
W
Column position 3
Column Manager
Column position 4
Tubing
Router
Extended feet Drip tray with leak detector
LC detector Tubing
Router
Six-column configuration, with inlet switching-valve on the left-hand side:
To detector
From inject valve
To pump waste
Tubing
Router
APH
APH
Column position 1
Column position 2
Column Manager-Aux
Drip tray
Drip tube
3
B
4
2
I
5
1
6
W
APH
APH
Inlet switching valve
3
Outlet switching valve
4
3
B
4
2
O
1
6
W
5
Column position 3
Column Manager
Column position 4
Drip tray
Drip tube
APH
APH
Column position 5
Column Manager-Aux
Column position 6
Tubing
Router
Extended feet
Drip tray with leak detector
Preparing the column compartments 71
72
Four-column configuration in a single CM-Aux (50-mm columns), with inlet switching-valve on the right-hand side:
Outlet switching valve
Inlet switching valve
APH
APH
Column position 1
Column manager
Column position 3
Column position 2
Column position 4
APH
APH
Sample manager Drip tray with leak detector
Injector valve
Four and six column configuration plumbing connection details:
Part number
From To
Length
(inches)
Stainless steel
CM-A inlet valve, port B
CM-A inlet valve, port W
CM-A inlet valve, port 1 a
CM-A outlet valve, port B
Solvent manager front drip tray waste port
Column 1 inlet
N/A
N/A
12.5
430002725
(bypass tubing,
.005-inch ID)
430002727
(waste tubing,
.010-inch ID)
279002002, APH
(reorder part number
205000730)
MP35N
(H-Class Bio)
430002779
430002727
279002003
(reorder part number
205000756)
Four and six column configuration plumbing connection details: (Continued)
From
CM-A inlet valve, port 2
CM-A inlet valve, port 3
CM-A inlet valve, port 4
CM-A inlet valve, port 5
CM-A inlet valve, port 6
Column 1 outlet
Column 2 outlet
To
Column 2 inlet
Column 3 inlet
Column 4 inlet
Column 5 inlet
Column 6 inlet
CM-A outlet valve, port 1
CM-A outlet valve, port 2
Length
(inches)
12.5
12.5
12.5
18.5
18.5
19
19
Part number
Stainless steel
279002002, APH
(reorder part number
205000730)
279002002, APH
(reorder part number
205000730)
279002002, APH
(reorder part number
205000730)
279002140, APH
(reorder part number
205000774)
279002140, APH
(reorder part number
205000774)
430002683, tubing,
.004-inch ID
(reorder part number
700005478)
430002683, tubing,
.004-inch ID
(reorder part number
700005478)
430002684
(reorder part number
700005483)
MP35N
(H-Class Bio)
279002003
(reorder part number
205000756)
279002003
(reorder part number
205000756)
279002003
(reorder part number
205000756)
279002199
(reorder part number
205000775)
279002199
(reorder part number
205000775)
430002684
(reorder part number
700005483)
Preparing the column compartments 73
74
Four and six column configuration plumbing connection details: (Continued)
Part number
From To
Length
(inches)
Stainless steel
Column 3 outlet
Column 4 outlet
Column 5 outlet
Column 6 outlet
Sample manager injector valve, port 6
CM-A outlet valve, port 3
CM-A outlet valve, port 4
CM-A outlet valve, port 5
CM-A outlet valve, port 6
CM-A inlet valve, center port
19
19
22.5
22.5
14.5
430002683, tubing,
.004-inch ID
(reorder part number
700005478)
430002683, tubing,
.004-inch ID
(reorder part number
700005478)
430002657, tubing,
.004-inch ID
(reorder part number
700005480)
430002657, tubing,
.004-inch ID
(reorder part number
700005480)
430002582, tubing,
.004-inch ID
(reorder part number
700005476)
MP35N
(H-Class Bio)
430002684
(reorder part number
700005483)
430002684
(reorder part number
700005483)
430002688
(reorder part number
700005485)
430002688
(reorder part number
700005485)
430002600
(reorder part number
700005481)
Four and six column configuration plumbing connection details: (Continued)
Part number
From
Sample manager injector valve, port 6
CM-A outlet valve, center port
CM-A outlet valve, center port
CM-A outlet valve, center port
To
CM-A inlet valve, center port (I)
Length
(inches)
19 b
Detector inlet 14.5
Detector inlet 19
Detector inlet 22.5
b
Stainless steel
430002599, tube assembly,
.004-inch ID ×
19.0-inch long
(reorder part number
700005479)
430002681, tubing,
.004-inch ID
(reorder part number
700005477)
430002683, tubing,
.004-inch ID
(reorder part number
700005478)
430002657, tubing,
.004-inch ID
(reorder part number
700005480)
MP35N
(H-Class Bio)
430002641
(reorder part number
700005484)
430002682
(reorder part number
700005482)
430002684
(reorder part number
700005483)
430002658
(reorder part number
700005485) a. Be sure to connect the 430002727 waste tubing to port W (at the 3 o’clock position) of the inlet valve. Do not connect to the center port.
b. Depending on your configuration, it may be necessary to order extra lengths of this tubing.
Preparing the column compartments 75
76
Identifying switching valves and active preheaters
The following table lists the features that identify standard and bio system switching valves and active preheaters.
Note: Tubing contained in the SST or MP35N column tubing kits does not have an identification sleeve.
Switching valve and active preheater identification features:
Component
9-position switching valve
Active preheater
H-Class system identification features
Stainless steel valve cartridge, stator ID = 11
White sleeve, labeled 316SST
H-Class Bio system identification features
Titanium valve cartridge, stator
ID = 12
Blue sleeve, labeled MP35N
I-Class system identification features
Stainless steel valve cartridge, stator ID = 22
White sleeve, labeled .003
Assembling the new fittings
For fitting assemblies with ferrules not previously assembled or set to tubing, you must mark the compression screw and fitting body, and ensure the two marks line up when you tighten them.
To assemble the new fittings:
1. Insert the end of a tube into the hexagonal end of the compression screw.
2. Insert the tube into the larger end of the ferrule.
3. Insert the tube into the fitting body.
4. Rotate the compression screw, clockwise, into the fitting body until the screw is finger-tight.
5. Using a permanent marker, mark the compression screw at the 12 o’clock position.
6. Mark the fitting body at the 9 o’clock position.
7. Ensure the tubing makes contact with the bottom of the fitting body, and use the 1/4-inch open-end wrench to rotate the compression screw clockwise 3/4-turn until the two marks line up.
Installing dual-threaded fittings
To install the dual-threaded fittings:
1. Loosen the stainless steel cap nut from the dual-threaded, finger-tight fitting.
APH dual-threaded fitting with stainless steel cap nut:
Stainless steel cap nut
TP03360A
Gold fitting
Ferrule
Stainless steel tubing
2. Ensure the stainless steel tubing protrudes beyond the PEEK ferrule.
3. Apply the axial load towards the column hardware and insert the stainless-steel tubing with the ferrule into the detail of the column hardware.
4. Seat the ferrule by finger tightening the gold fitting into place.
Requirement: Do not rotate the stainless-steel silver cap nut when seating the ferrule.
Tip: When making a new connection to a replacement column, replace the PEEK ferrule.
5. While holding the gold fitting, tighten the connection by rotating the column hardware back onto the gold fitting.
6. If you are installing the column in a system with pressures exceeding
103,421 kPa (1034 bar, 15,000 psi), tighten the column an additional
1/2-turn.
7. Complete the connection by finger tightening the stainless-steel silver cap nut onto the fitting.
Preparing the column compartments 77
78
Configuring the instruments
To configure the instruments:
1. Power-on the CM-A and detector.
2. From the ACQUITY UPLC Console system tree, select TUV detector >
Control > Reset TUV.
3. From the ACQUITY UPLC Console system tree, select Column Manager
> Configure > Instrument.
Four-column configuration:
Six-column configuration:
Note: When using Empower 1154 or Empower 2 on a system containing
CM-A and CM-Aux modules, you cannot select positions 5 and 6 from the column selection field of the sample queue. Instead, create an instrument method for a specific column position (5 or 6, for example) and save it with a unique name. From within the sample queue, select the appropriate method set (that included the instrument method you created) to specify the column position.
Preparing the column compartments 79
Four-column configuration using 50 mm columns:
80
4. Enable the upper and lower CM-Aux, as necessary, and then click OK.
Tip: When you enable the upper CM-Aux, the default CM-A column numbers change to 3 and 4.
5. In the Configuration Confirmation window, click OK, reboot the CM-A, and then click OK to restart the ACQUITY UPLC Console.
6. From the ACQUITY UPLC Console, click Configure > Arrange
Instrument Modules, and then click and drag the instrument modules to appropriate locations, if necessary.
Advanced mode
When using the advanced mode of operation, you can directly control two internal, 6-port, 2-position valves in the CM-A through the Advanced Mode features in the inlet method editor.
Notes:
• Advanced Mode features are not compatible with older column managers (CM).
• You can use as many as three of the following external valves with the
CM-A:
CM-A external valves:
External valve
10-port, 2-position, Titanium
7-port, 6-position, PEEK
11-port, 10-position, stainless steel
Part number
417000138
417000139
417000150
Monitoring the CM-A and CM-Aux LEDs
Light emitting diodes on the CM-A and each CM-Aux indicate the instrument’s state of functioning.
Power LED
The CM-A’s power LED, on the left-hand side of the front panel, is steady green to indicate that the instrument is powered on. The CM-Aux’s power
LED, also on the left-hand side of the front panel, is steady green after the
CM-Aux is configured (in the ACQUITY UPLC Console) and the CM-A is rebooted. The power LED is unlit after the CM-Aux is removed from the instrument configuration and the CM-A is rebooted.
Run LED
The run LED, on the right-hand side of the power LED on the CM-A’s and
CM-Aux’s front panel, is steady green when the instrument with the program-selected column (either the CM-A or CM-Aux) is running a method.
The run LED is unlit when the instrument is idle and functioning normally.
Installing the columns
To install the columns:
1. Refer to the ACQUITY UPLC Console, locate column position 1, and install the column in position 1. When installing the column, be sure to install the column clip.
Preparing the column compartments 81
2. Connect the column inlet and outlet of the column in position 1.
3. Connect the eCord to the port on the right side of the upper CM-Aux.
4. Run flow through the column with backpressure to ensure that there are no leaks.
5. Install the columns in the other positions as desired and test for leaks.
Installing the ACQUITY 30-cm column heater/cooler
If your system includes an ACQUITY 30-cm column heater/cooler, follow the procedure below to install it.
Caution: If your system includes a column heater with a rear DSUB cable, to avoid damaging the device’s electronics, unplug the cable from the sample manager before performing this procedure.
Required materials
• Bracket kit
• Gloves: clean, powder-free, chemical-resistant
Required tools
• 1/4-inch bit driver
• 7-mm adjustable wrench
• T20 TORX screwdriver
To install the ACQUITY 30-cm column heater/cooler:
Caution: To avoid damaging electrical components, do not disconnect an electrical assembly from an instrument or device that remains connected to a building’s electrical supply. To completely interrupt power, set the unit’s power switch to Off.
Then disconnect the power cord from the unit’s rear panel or from the wall outlet. After discontinuing power, wait 10 seconds before attempting to disconnect an assembly.
1. Power-off the sample manager.
82
2. Using the T20 TORX screwdriver, remove the top screw from the right-hand side of the sample manager, and the bottom screw from the right-hand side of the solvent manager.
Right-hand side of system stack:
Remove screws
Detector
Sample manager - FTN
Solvent manager
Preparing the column compartments 83
84
3. Mount the rear tab of the adaptor bracket onto the ground stud at the rear of the sample manager.
Bracket
Ground stud
4. Insert two M4 × 16 screws into the slots on the bracket’s left-hand panel, leaving the first screw loose until both screws are inserted. Then tighten both screws.
M4 side panel spacers with cover screws
Ground stud
M4 × 16 screws
5. Add an M4 Keps ® nut to the ground stud at the rear of the sample manager, and tighten with a 7-mm adjustable wrench.
M4 Keps nut:
Preparing the column compartments 85
6. Insert the three, M4, blue, cover screws through the three side-panel spacers, and then screw them into the three threaded holes in the bracket’s center panel.
Spacer
TP02939
Cover screw
7. Mount the column heater/cooler onto the bracket, fitting the column heater/cooler mounting holes over the M4 cover screws.
Mounting holes
86
8. Using a 1/4-inch bit driver, attach the black, tubing clips to the front of the bracket.
9. Load the clip into the bit driver in the orientation desired, and then snap into the bracket.
Tubing clip
1/4-inch bit driver
TP02945
Installing the optional column in-line filter
Warning: To prevent burn injuries, set the column temperature to Off, and then allow the column compartment and its components to cool for
60 minutes before touching them. Monitor the column compartment internal temperature to ensure all components are cool.
Caution: To prevent contaminating system components, wear clean, chemical-resistant, powder-free gloves when installing the optional column in-line filter.
You can install a 0.2 m in-line filter to protect the analytical column and other system components from a build-up of particulate matter, improving column lifetime and minimizing system downtime.
Preparing the column compartments 87
88
Required materials
• Column in-line filter
• Gloves: clean, powder-free, chemical-resistant
• Reusable fitting
Required tools
5/16-inch open-end wrench
For instruction on how to replace the filter in the column heater’s in-line filter unit, see
.
Caution: To prevent contaminating system components, wear powder-free, non-latex gloves when connecting tubing and tightening fittings.
To install the column in-line filter:
1. Remove the O-ring retainer from the outlet end of the active preheater or column stabilizer tubing.
Tip: Before connecting, make sure that the ferrule is approximately
3 mm from the end of the outlet tubing and that the collet is touching the back of the ferrule.
TP02846
Reusable fitting
Ferrule
Outlet tubing
3 mm
Collet
Older, reusable fittings do not have holes in their sides.
2. Remove the column in-line filter unit from its packaging, and then push the outlet end of the active preheater or column stabilizer tubing assembly into the in-line filter inlet until it stops.
Installing the in-line filter:
Flow
Column In-line filter unit From column stabilizer tubing assembly
Inlet
TP02873
Reusable fitting
3. Holding the reusable fitting in place, rotate the in-line filter unit onto the fitting until it is snug.
Caution: To avoid damaging the tubing, use only your fingers to tighten the tubing fittings.
4. Finger tighten the fitting until it is snug, and then tighten it up to an additional 1/6-turn.
Installing the column
Warning: To prevent burn injuries, set the column temperature to Off, and then allow the column compartment and its components to cool for
60 minutes before touching them. Monitor the column compartment internal temperature to ensure all components are cool.
Caution: To prevent contaminating system components, wear clean, chemical-resistant, powder-free gloves when installing the column.
The procedure for installing the column varies depending on the column heater model.
Preparing the column compartments 89
90
Installing the column (CH-A, CM-A, CM-Aux, and CH-30A)
Note: Waters ships the CH-30A with a tubing kit that includes several column inlet and exit tube options. ACQUITY instrument stack configurations can vary, so you must configure the shortest possible column exit tube to the detector. Whenever possible, use reusable fittings, like the one-piece plastic ones included in the start-up kit. When you use a guard column and a 300-mm column on the same system, you must minimize path length. To do so, use the metal fitting sets with the short, gold-coated compression screws, such as those found on the 60-cm tube. You can also use short fittings with the active preheater-to-column tube. Otherwise, use the active preheater-to-column tube with reusable fittings. The kit also includes a 120-cm length of PEEK plastic tubing, for custom configurations.
Required materials
• Column support clips
• Gloves: clean, powder-free, chemical-resistant
• High-temperature outlet fitting
• High-temperature outlet fitting wrench
• Reusable fitting
Required tool
5/16-inch open-end wrench
For instruction on how to replace the column in the column heater, see
Caution: To avoid damaging the active preheater assembly,
• turn the column, not the fitting, when installing or removing the column to prevent the active preheater tubing from turning with the fitting.
• do not grasp and turn the assembly.
• do not suspend or hang the active preheater tubing.
To connect the column in-line filter unit and the column inlet:
1. Remove the O-ring from the outlet end of the column in-line filter unit.
2. Remove the plug from the column inlet.
3. Push the outlet end of the column in-line filter unit into the column inlet until it stops.
Caution: To avoid damaging the tubing, use only your fingers to tighten the fittings.
4. Holding the finger-tight reusable fitting in place, rotate the column onto the fitting until it is snug, and then tighten it up to an additional
1/6-turn.
To install the PEEK tubing in the column outlet:
Caution: To avoid bandspreading, ensure that the tubing is fully bottomed in the fitting hole before tightening it.
1. Insert the PEEK tubing into the high-temperature outlet fitting until it stops.
Caution: To avoid damaging the outlet fitting, do not overtighten it with the outlet fitting wrench.
2. Holding the PEEK tubing, thread the high-temperature outlet fitting into the column outlet until it is finger-tight.
3. Using a 5/16-inch wrench to hold the column steady, use the high-temperature outlet fitting wrench to give the outlet fitting 1/4-turn.
4. Carefully route the PEEK tubing through the column compartment.
Preparing the column compartments 91
92
To connect the PEEK tubing to the detector:
1. Remove the protective cover from the PEEK tubing from the flow cell inlet in the detector.
2. Ensure the label on the flow cell inlet tubing matches the type of detector and flow cell in your system.
3. Attach the 0.004-inch or .0025-inch ID inlet tubing (included with the flow cell or the stabilizer kit) to the column outlet.
Outlet
Detector inlet tubing
(PEEK) from column
Inlet TP02952
4. Snap the column support clips onto the body of the column (one between the reusable fitting and column, and rotate the clips so that their openings face forward.
Column support clip
5. Place the column in the column compartment.
6. Attach the eCord fob to the receptacle:
• Column heater – the receptacle is located on the right-hand side.
Heater compartment receptacle eCord fob
• 30-cm column heater – the receptacle is located on the top of the device’s chassis.
Receptacle
Preparing the column compartments 93
• Column manager – the receptacle is located inside the front panel.
Consult the figure below to determine the correct placement.
4 column configuration:
Top left column
2 column configuration: Top column
4 column configuration: Top right column eCord fob
94
4 column configuration:
Bottom left column
2 column configuration: Bottom column
4 column configuration: Bottom right column
• Auxiliary column manager – the receptacle is located on the right-hand side of the device’s chassis. Consult the figure below to determine the correct placement.
Top column trough
Bottom column trough
7. Close the column compartment:
• Column heater and 30-cm column heater – close the door, and then inspect the seal around the front panel, to ensure it aligns correctly.
Note: Proper alignment of the seal is critical for a stable thermal environment.
• Column manager and auxiliary column manager – align the tabs in the column compartment cover with the slots, push the cover closed, and then push the latches outward until they snap onto the latch pins. When the column compartment cover is in place, close the door.
Tip: To avoid inconsistent results due to temperature fluctuations, ensure the column heater's or column manager's door latch is completely closed.
Column compartment door in closed position:
Warning: To avoid electric shock, power-off the sample manager before you connect or disconnect the external communication cable
(between the sample manager and the column heater).
Caution:
• To avoid damage to the components, power-off the sample manager before you connect or disconnect the external communication cable (between the sample manager and the column heater).
• To avoid damaging electrical components, do not disconnect an electrical assembly from an instrument or device that remains connected to a building’s electrical supply. To completely interrupt power, set the unit’s power switch to Off. Then disconnect the power cord from the unit’s rear panel or from the wall outlet. After discontinuing power, wait 10 seconds before attempting to disconnect an assembly.
Installing the columns (ACQUITY UPLC 30-cm CHC)
You can install multiple chromatographic columns within the compartment of the column heater or column heater/cooler. The table below shows the possible column configurations. Columns are not provided with the column heater/cooler.
Preparing the column compartments 95
96
ACQUITY UPLC 30-cm CHC
column configurations:
Quantity Description
1
2
4
6
300-mm length column: 7.8-mm ID, or less, with a column guard of 20-mm, or less
300-mm length column: 7.8-mm ID, or less, with column guards of 20-mm, or less
150-mm length column: 7.8-mm ID, or less, without column guards
50-mm length column: 7.8-mm ID, or less, without column guards
Secure columns within the heater/cooler compartment using adjustable column clamps attached to the column rail. You can add multiple clamps to the rail that are held in place when the column is inserted. The column clamps are designed to hold onto the compression screw threads, to accommodate the columns of various manufacturers. They do not damage the screw threads.
Column guard
Column clamp
Column rail
Column
Column clamp
Tubing retainers provided along the left-hand side, bottom, and top of the column compartment hold tubing in place. Use these retainers to organize tubing and keep it orderly.
Tubing retainers:
The heater or heater/cooler column compartment functions only when you can properly close the door. The door’s gasket and hinge assembly allow tubing to pass through undamaged.
Caution: To avoid causing the compartment door’s gasket to fail or the door to spontaneously spring open, do not route tubing out the bottom of the door.
To activate auxiliary column manager units:
1. Click the Enabled check box corresponding to the auxiliary column manager units you want to activate.
Restriction: When the icon of an auxiliary column manager is unavailable for selection, the software does not detect the device.
2. Click OK.
Preparing the column compartments 97
Using the column compartments
Warning: To avoid explosion, do not use the column heater with solvents whose autoignition temperatures are below 150 C.
Warning: To avoid breathing harmful fumes or vapors, when using hazardous solvents, run the system in a hooded environment that provides a sufficient air exchange rate.
Warning: To prevent burn injuries, allow sufficient time for the column manager to cool before opening the device’s door. The heater compartment, columns, column trough, preheater assembly, tubing, fittings, and door liner can be extremely hot.
Warning: To avoid the harmful effects of personal contact with solvents, including inhalation, observe Good Laboratory Practice when you handle them. See the Material Safety Data Sheets for the solvents you use.
Control panels
Column manager control panel
Where Empower software controls the system, the column manager’s control panel appears at the bottom of the Run Samples window. Where MassLynx software controls the system, the column manager's control panel appears on the Additional Status tab of the Inlet Editor window.
Column manager control panel:
98
The column manager control panel displays the current column temperature and set point. You can edit the set point when the system is idle by clicking on
the underlined value. You cannot edit any underlined values (temperature set point and column selection) while the system is running samples.
Resolving column compartment leak sensor errors
After approximately 1.5 mL of liquid accumulates in the leak sensor reservoir, an alarm sounds, indicating that the leak sensor detected a leak.
Warning: To avoid personal contamination from contact with biologically hazardous or toxic materials, always wear clean, chemical-resistant, powder-free gloves when performing this procedure.
Caution: To avoid scratching or damaging the leak sensor
• do not allow buffered solvents to accumulate and dry on it;
• do not submerge it in a cleaning bath.
Tip: Small column leaks can be undetectable because they can evaporate before reaching the leak sensor reservoir.
Required materials
• Cotton swabs
• Gloves: clean, powder-free, chemical-resistant
• Nonabrasive, lint-free wipes
To resolve a column heater leak sensor error (door in closed position):
1. In the ACQUITY UPLC Console’s Leak Sensors dialog box, determine which of the sample manager’s two leak sensors detected a leak.
2. If the message reads “Leak Detected (Column)”, open the column heater’s door. Otherwise, see the “Resolving leak sensor errors” section in the Sample Manager Operator’s Overview and Maintenance
Information document.
3. Locate the source of the leak, and make the repairs necessary to stop it.
Tip: Liquid from a detector leak can accumulate in the reservoir of the column heater’s leak sensor, causing an alarm to sound. Always inspect the detector when attempting to locate the source of a leak.
Using the column compartments 99
100
4. Disconnect the column inlet, active preheater, or column stabilizer tubing from injector port 6 of the sample manager.
Location of column, active preheater, or column-stabilizer-inlet tubing
5. Disconnect the column-outlet PEEK tubing from the detector inlet.
6. Remove any solvent tubing routed behind the column heater door.
7. Power-off the sample manager, and detach the leak sensor connector from the front of the column heater.
8. Remove the TORX screw from the right-hand side of the column heater, just behind the eCord receptacle.
TORX screw eCord receptacle
9. Gently pull the right-hand side of the column heater toward you, and then slide it rightward, to unseat the tab on the left-hand side of the column heater from the instrument chassis.
Caution: To avoid damaging the leak sensor, do not grasp it by the ribbon cable.
10. Remove the leak sensor from its reservoir, grasping it by its serrations, and pull upward on it, tilting it to the left-hand side.
Serrations
Tip: If you cannot easily manipulate the leak sensor after removing it from its reservoir, power-off the sample manager, and then detach the connector from the front of the column heater (see page 115 ).
Using the column compartments 101
102
11. Use a nonabrasive, lint-free wipe to dry the leak sensor prism.
Prism
Lint-free wipe
TP02891
12. Roll up a nonabrasive, lint-free wipe, and use it to absorb the liquid from the leak sensor reservoir and its surrounding area.
Leak sensor reservoir
Rolled up lint-free wipe
13. With a cotton swab, absorb any remaining liquid from the corners of the leak sensor reservoir and its surrounding area.
Leak sensor reservoir
Cotton swab
Using the column compartments 103
14. Align the leak sensor’s T-bar with the slot in the side of the leak sensor reservoir, and slide the leak sensor into place.
Slot in leak sensor reservoir
104
T-bar
Leak sensor installed in reservoir
TP02892
15. If you detached the connector from the front of the instrument, reattach it, and power-on the sample manager.
16. In the ACQUITY UPLC Console, select Sample Manager FTN from the system tree.
17. In the sample manager information window, click Control > Reset SM, to reset the sample manager.
To resolve a 30-cm column heater leak sensor error:
1. In the ACQUITY UPLC Console’s Leak Sensors dialog box, determine which of the sample manager’s two leak sensors detected a leak.
2. If the message reads “Leak Detected (Column)”, open the 30-cm column heater’s door.
3. Locate the source of the leak, and make the repairs necessary to stop it.
Caution: To avoid damaging the leak sensor, do not grasp it by the ribbon cable.
4. Remove the leak sensor from its reservoir, grasping it by its serrations, and pull upward on it.
Serrations
5. Use a nonabrasive, lint-free wipe to dry the leak sensor prism.
TP02891
Prism
Lint-free wipe
Using the column compartments 105
106
6. Roll up a nonabrasive, lint-free wipe, and use it to absorb the liquid from the leak sensor reservoir and its surrounding area.
Rolled up lint-free wipe
Leak sensor reservoir
7. With a cotton swab, absorb any remaining liquid from the corners of the leak sensor reservoir and its surrounding area.
Cotton swab
Leak sensor reservoir
8. Align the leak sensor’s T-bar with the slot in the side of the leak sensor reservoir, and slide the leak sensor into place.
Slot in leak sensor reservoir
T-bar
Leak sensor installed in reservoir
TP02892
9. In the ACQUITY UPLC Console, select Sample Manager FTN from the system tree.
10. In the sample manager information window, click Control > Reset SM, to reset the sample manager.
To resolve a column manager leak sensor error:
1. Power-off the column manager.
2. Open the column manager door.
3. Locate the source of the leak, and make the repairs necessary to stop it.
Tip: Liquid from a detector leak can accumulate in the column manager leak sensor reservoir and cause the column manager leak sensor alarm to sound. Always inspect the detector when attempting to locate the source of a leak.
Using the column compartments 107
4. Detach the leak sensor connector from the front of the column manager by pressing down on the tab and pulling it out of the receptacle.
Press down on tab to release connector
Leak sensor connector
108
Caution: To avoid damaging the leak sensor, do not grasp it by the ribbon cable.
5. Remove the leak sensor from its reservoir, grasping it by its serrations, and pulling upward.
6. Use a nonabrasive, lint-free wipe to dry the leak sensor prism.
Prism
Lint-free wipe
TP02891
7. Roll up a nonabrasive, lint-free wipe, and use it to absorb the liquid from the leak sensor reservoir and its surrounding area.
8. With a cotton swab, absorb any remaining liquid from the corners of the leak sensor reservoir and its surrounding area.
9. Align the leak sensor’s T-bar with the slot in the side of the leak sensor reservoir, and slide the leak sensor into place.
T-bar
TP02892
Slot in leak sensor reservoir
Leak sensor installed in reservoir
10. Reattach the connector to the receptacle on the front of the instrument, and power-on the column manager.
Leak sensor connector receptacle
Using the column compartments 109
11. In the ACQUITY UPLC Console, select Column Manager from the system tree.
12. In the column manager information window, click Control > Reset CM, to reset the column manager.
Maintaining the column compartments
Under normal operating conditions, the column compartments do not require any routine maintenance. If residue from solvent leaks accumulates in the column compartment, remove the column and wipe the compartment clean with a soft cloth.
Contacting Waters technical service
If you are located in the USA or Canada, report malfunctions or other problems to Waters Technical Service (800 252-4752). From elsewhere, phone the Waters corporate headquarters in Milford, Massachusetts (USA), or contact your local Waters subsidiary. Waters’ Web site includes phone numbers and e-mail addresses for Waters locations worldwide. Visit www.waters.com.
When you contact Waters, be prepared to provide this information:
• Error message (if any)
• Nature of the symptom
• Instrument serial numbers (see
)
• Flow rate
• Operating pressure
• Solvent(s)
• Detector settings (sensitivity and wavelength)
• Type and serial number of column(s)
• Sample type
• Data application version and serial number
• ACQUITY UPLC system workstation model and operating system version
For complete information on reporting shipping damages and submitting claims, see the document Waters Licenses, Warranties, and Support Services .
110
Locating system serial numbers
Each system instrument’s unique serial number facilitates service and support. Serial numbers also provide a way to create single log entries for each instrument so that you can review the usage history of only that instrument.
Be prepared to provide the serial numbers of the instruments in your system when you contact Waters customer support.
To view instrument information:
1. In the ACQUITY UPLC Console, select an instrument from the system tree.
2. Click Configure > View module information. The Module Information dialog box displays this information:
• Serial Number
• Firmware Version
• Firmware Checksum
• Component Software Version
Note: ACQUITY UPLC 30-cm CHC information cannot be displayed via the
ACQUITY UPLC Console.
Alternatives:
• From the main window, place the pointer over the visual representation of the system instrument you want information for.
• Obtain the serial number from the printed labels on the rear panels of instruments or inside their front doors.
To view column information:
1. In the ACQUITY UPLC Console, select Column from the system tree.
2. View the column part and serial numbers on the Column screen.
Alternative: View column part and serial numbers on the column.
Maintaining the column compartments 111
Maintenance schedule
Waters recommends that you perform the following routine maintenance on the column compartments to ensure reliable operation and accurate results.
When using the system throughout the day (and on nights and weekends), or when using aggressive solvents such as buffers, perform these maintenance tasks more frequently.
Recommended routine maintenance schedule:
Maintenance procedure
Replace the leak sensors on the system instruments
Replace the column manager switching valve cartridge
Replace the column
Replace the active preheater assembly
Replace the column stabilizer assembly (CH-A only)
During scheduled preventive maintenance or as needed
As needed
During scheduled preventive maintenance or as needed
As needed Replace the column in-line filter frit
Replace the column in-line filter unit
Replace the fuse (ACQUITY
UPLC 30-cm CHC only)
Clean the instrument with a soft, lint-free cloth, or paper dampened with water
Frequency
As needed
As needed
After you have used the six filters that accompanied the unit
As needed
As needed
For information...
and
112
Maintenance considerations
Safety and handling
Observe these warning and caution advisories when you perform maintenance operations on your system.
Warning: To avoid the harmful effects of personal contact with solvents, including inhalation, observe Good Laboratory Practice when you handle them. See the Material Safety Data Sheets for the solvents you use.
Warning: To prevent burn injuries, allow sufficient time for the column manager to cool before opening the instrument. The heater compartment, columns, column trough, preheater assembly, tubing, fittings, and door liner can be extremely hot.
Warning: To avoid electric shock, do not remove the instrument’s protective panels. The components within are not user-serviceable.
Caution: To avoid damaging electrical components, do not disconnect an electrical assembly from an instrument or device that remains connected to a building’s electrical supply. To completely interrupt power, set the unit’s power switch to Off. Then disconnect the power cord from the unit’s rear panel or from the wall outlet. After discontinuing power, wait 10 seconds before attempting to disconnect an assembly.
Proper operating procedures
To ensure your system runs efficiently, follow the procedures on page 14 .
Configuring maintenance warnings
Maintenance counters provide real-time usage status information that can help you determine when to schedule routine maintenance for specific components. You can set usage thresholds and maintenance warnings that alert you when a component reaches the designated threshold limit. By setting threshold limits and monitoring these usage counters regularly, you can minimize unexpected failures and unscheduled downtime during
Maintaining the column compartments 113
important work. For information on setting maintenance warnings, consult the ACQUITY UPLC Console online Help.
Replacing the column heater’s leak sensor
Perform this procedure if you must replace the leak sensor.
Warning: To avoid personal contamination from contact with biologically hazardous or toxic materials, always wear clean, chemical-resistant, powder-free gloves when performing this procedure.
Required materials
• Gloves: clean, powder-free, chemical-resistant
• New leak sensor
Required tools
• Phillips screwdriver
• T20 TORX driver
To replace the column heater’s leak sensor:
1. Power-off the sample manager.
2. Disconnect the column inlet, active preheater, or column stabilizer tubing from injector port 6 of the sample manager.
Location of column, active preheater, or column-stabilizer- inlet tubing
114
3. Open the sample manager door, gently pulling its right-hand edge toward you.
4. Press down on the tab to detach the leak sensor connector from the front of the instrument.
Press down on tab to release connector
Leak sensor connector
5. Disconnect the column-outlet PEEK tubing from the detector inlet.
6. Remove any solvent lines routed behind the column heater door.
7. Remove the TORX screw from the right-hand side of the column heater, just behind the eCord receptacle.
TORX screw eCord receptacle
Maintaining the column compartments 115
8. Gently pull the right-hand side of the column heater toward you, and then slide it to the right, to unseat the tab on the left-hand side of the column heater from the instrument chassis.
116
Caution: To avoid damaging the leak sensor, do not grasp it by the ribbon cable.
9. Remove the leak sensor from its reservoir, grasping it by its serrations, and pull upward on it, tilting it to the left.
Serrations
10. Unpack the new leak sensor.
11. Align the leak sensor’s T-bar with the slot in the side of the leak sensor reservoir, and slide the leak sensor into place.
T-bar
TP02892
TP02909
Slot in leak sensor reservoir
Leak sensor installed in reservoir
12. Plug the leak sensor connector into the front of the instrument.
Maintaining the column compartments 117
118
13. Insert the tab on the left-hand side of the column heater into the slot on the left-hand side of the instrument chassis.
Tab
Slot
14. Hold the left-hand side of the column heater into the slot, and guide the eCord receptacle tab on the right-hand side into the cutout in the instrument chassis.
Tab
Cutout
15. Install and tighten the TORX screw located behind the eCord receptacle.
16. Connect the column inlet, active preheater, or column stabilizer tubing to injector port 6 of the sample manager.
Location of column-stabilizer-inlet tubing
17. Connect the column-outlet PEEK tubing to the detector inlet.
18. Power-on the sample manager.
19. In the ACQUITY UPLC Console, select Sample Manager FTN from the system tree.
20. In the sample manager information window, click Control > Reset SM, to reset the sample manager.
Replacing the 30-cm column heater’s leak sensor
Only a Waters technical service representative should replace the 30-cm column heater’s leak sensor. Contact Waters Technical Service department for more information.
Replacing the column manager’s leak sensor
Perform this procedure if you must replace the leak sensor in the column manager or the auxiliary column manager.
If your system contains only a column manager or both a column manager and one auxiliary column manager, the leak sensor is located on the column manager. If your system contains a column manager and two auxiliary column managers, the leak sensor is located on the lower auxiliary column manager.
The leak sensor is located in the column manager or auxiliary column manager module, which is itself located at the lowest position in the system stack.
Maintaining the column compartments 119
Warning: To avoid personal contamination from contact with biologically hazardous or toxic materials, always wear clean, chemical-resistant, powder-free gloves when performing this procedure.
Required materials
• Gloves: clean, powder-free, chemical-resistant
• New leak sensor
To replace the column manager’s or auxiliary column manager’s leak sensor:
1. Power-off the column manager.
2. Open the column manager door.
3. Press down on the tab, to detach the leak sensor connector from the front of the instrument.
Press down on tab to release connector
Leak sensor connector
120
Caution: To avoid damaging the leak sensor, do not grasp it by the ribbon cable.
4. Remove the leak sensor from its reservoir, grasping it by its serrations, and pulling upward on it.
5. Unpack the new leak sensor.
6. Align the leak sensor’s T-bar with the slot in the side of the leak sensor reservoir, and slide the leak sensor into place.
T-bar
TP02892
Slot in leak sensor reservoir
Leak sensor installed in reservoir
Maintaining the column compartments 121
7. Plug the leak sensor connector into the receptacle on the front of the instrument.
Front of instrument
Leak sensor connector receptacle
8. Power-on the column manager.
9. In the ACQUITY UPLC Console, select Column Manager from the system tree.
10. In the column manager information window, click Control > Reset CM, to reset the column manager.
Replacing the column manager switching-valve cartridge
Before replacing the switching-valve cartridge, ensure you have the correct part for your system type (ACQUITY regular or Bio).
Warning: To avoid the harmful effects of personal contact with solvents, including inhalation, observe Good Laboratory Practice when you handle them. See the Material Safety Data Sheets for the solvents you use.
Caution: To prevent contaminating system components, wear clean, chemical-resistant, powder-free gloves when replacing the column manager switching-valve cartridge.
122
Required materials
• Gloves: clean, powder-free, chemical-resistant
• Switching-valve cartridge
Required tools
• 1/4-inch open-end wrench
• 2-mm Allen wrench (startup kit)
To replace the column manager switching-valve cartridge:
1. In the ACQUITY UPLC Console, select Column Manager from the system tree.
2. In the column manager information window, click Interactive Display.
3. In the column manager interactive display dialog box, click Control.
4. Ensure the switching-valve is set to Waste.
Tip: To change the setting to Waste, click System and select Waste.
5. Label the tubing connected to the switching-valve.
6. Pull the valve forward, 1/2 to 3/4 inches, and rotate the lock ring clockwise until it rests against the lock ring stop.
7. Use the 1/4-inch wrench to remove the fittings attached to the switching-valve cartridge.
Switching-valve cartridge:
2-mm hex screw
Lock ring
Lock ring stop
Stator ID
Maintaining the column compartments 123
8. Use the 2-mm Allen wrench to remove the hex screw at the 10 o’clock position on the switching-valve cartridge.
9. Remove the switching-valve cartridge from the switching-valve assembly by pulling straight forward.
10. Unpack the replacement switching-valve cartridge.
11. Ensure that the groove in the cartridge housing aligns with the groove on the drive clamp.
Requirement: If the grooves fail to align, turn the drive clamp until they do so, taking care to avoid scratching the drive clamp or housing.
Switching-valve cartridge housing
Aligned grooves
Drive clamp
124
12. Insert the new switching-valve cartridge into the switching-valve cartridge chamber.
Requirement: Ensure the new cartridge assumes the same orientation as the old. It must slide fully into the switching-valve assembly. If it does not, contact Waters Technical Service.
13. Insert the 2-mm hex screw at the 10 o’clock position on the switching-valve cartridge, and tighten the screw using the 2-mm Allen wrench.
14. Pull the valve forward, 1/2 to 3/4 inches, and rotate the lock ring clockwise until it rests against the stopper.
15. Use the 1/4-inch wrench to reattach all fittings and tighten them
1/4-turn beyond finger-tight for existing fittings, or 3/4-turn beyond finger-tight for new fittings.
16. Rotate the lock ring counterclockwise to the 12 o’clock position.
17. Push the switching-valve assembly in until it stops.
Replacing the column
Warning: To prevent burn injuries, set the column temperature to Off, and then allow the column compartment and its components to cool for
60 minutes before touching them. Monitor the column compartment internal temperature to ensure all components are cool.
Caution: To prevent contaminating system components, wear clean, chemical-resistant, powder-free gloves when replacing the column.
Required materials
• Gloves: clean, powder-free, chemical-resistant
• Replacement column
To remove the column:
1. Stop any running mobile phase.
2. After allowing sufficient time for cooling, open the column heater, column manager, or auxiliary column manager door.
3. Do these things on the column manager or auxiliary column manager: a. Push the latches on top of the column compartment cover inward, to disengage them from the latch pins.
Maintaining the column compartments 125
b. Tilt the column compartment cover forward just enough to clear the valve drip tray.
Latch pins
Valve drip tray
Latches Column compartment cover c.
Pull the column compartment cover up and away from the column manager or auxiliary column manager.
4. Do these things if the column compartment has an active preheater: a. Remove the active preheater assembly from the retainer.
Retainer
Active preheater assembly
126 b. While holding the column, disconnect the column outlet tubing.
c.
While holding the gold active preheater fitting, rotate the column off the fitting.
Requirement: If you are installing the active preheater in a system with pressures exceeding 103,421 kPa (1034 bar, 15,000 psi), use the 1/4-inch and 5/16-inch open-end wrenches to disconnect the compression fitting that attaches the active preheater assembly to the optional in-line filter or to the column.
5. Do these things if the column compartment has a column stabilizer: a. Disconnect the outlet of the column stabilizer tubing from the column or in-line filter.
b. Place the forked end of the collet separator over the collet on the column stabilizer tubing, and gently move it back and forth to pry the reusable fitting loose from the collet.
Ferrule Reusable fitting
Tubing from column stabilizer or injector
Collet Collet separator
TP02914
Older, reusable fittings do not have holes in their sides.
c.
Replace the ferrule.
6. Continue with the instructions on page 89 .
Replacing the active preheater assembly
Before replacing the active preheater, ensure you obtained the correct replacement part for your system type (ACQUITY regular or Bio) and column compartment type. Note that the length of the active preheater inlet tubing varies.
If you use the active preheater when running an HPLC or UPLC method originally developed for use with a column stabilizer, a column temperature adjustment can be necessary.
Maintaining the column compartments 127
128
Warning: To prevent burn injuries, set the column temperature to Off, and then allow the column compartment and its components to cool for
60 minutes before touching them. Monitor the column compartment’s internal temperature to ensure all components are cool.
Caution: To prevent contaminating system components, wear clean, chemical-resistant, powder-free gloves when replacing the active preheater assembly.
Caution: To avoid damaging the active preheater assembly,
• turn the column, not the fitting, when installing or removing the column to prevent the active preheater tubing from turning with the fitting.
• do not grasp and turn the assembly.
• do not suspend or hang the active preheater tubing.
Required materials
• Gloves: clean, powder-free, chemical-resistant
• Replacement active preheater assembly
Required tools
• 1/4-inch open-end wrench
• 5/16-inch open-end wrench
To remove the active preheater assembly:
1. Stop any running mobile phase before replacing the active preheater assembly.
2. After allowing sufficient time for the instrument to cool, open the column heater, column manager, or auxiliary column manager door.
3. Disconnect the inlet tubing:
• Column heater – disconnect the tubing from injector port 6 of the sample manager.
• 30-cm column heater – disconnect the tubing from injector port 6 of the sample manager.
• Column manager – disconnect the tubing from the appropriate injector port of the switching-valve. The port varies depending on which active preheater you are replacing. See the figures on
• Auxiliary column manager – disconnect the tubing from the appropriate injector port of the switching-valve, located in the
column manager. See the figures on page 46 ,
, and
.
4. Follow these steps for a column manager or auxiliary column manager: a. Push the latches on top of the column compartment cover inward, to disengage them from the latch pins.
b. Tilt the column compartment cover forward just enough to clear the valve drip tray.
Latch pins
Valve drip tray
Latches Column compartment cover c.
Pull the column compartment cover up and away from the column manager or auxiliary column manager.
Maintaining the column compartments 129
5. Remove the active preheater assembly from the retainer.
Retainer
Active preheater assembly
130
6. While holding the column, disconnect the column outlet tubing.
7. While holding the gold active preheater fitting, rotate the column off the fitting.
Requirement: If you are installing the active preheater in a system with pressures exceeding 103,421 kPa (1034 bar, 15,000 psi), use the 1/4-inch and 5/16-inch open-end wrenches to disconnect the compression fitting that attaches the active preheater assembly to the optional in-line filter or to the column.
To install the new active preheater assembly:
1. Loosen the stainless steel cap nut from the gold fitting.
2. Finger tighten the gold fitting, with the ferrule, into the column.
3. Holding the active preheater’s dual-threaded fitting in place, rotate the column or optional in-line filter onto the fitting until it is snug, and then tighten an additional 3/8-turn.
Tip: For information on installing system fittings, see the table on
Warning: Never connect active preheaters in the upper and lower positions at the same time. Doing so can damage the 30-cm column heater.
4. Install the new active preheater assembly in the retainer.
If you are replacing the active preheater in a 30-cm column heater:
• Install the active preheater in the correct position for your application.
– UPLC column – install the active preheater in the upper retainer
– HPLC column – install the active preheater in the lower retainer
• Install the retainer cover in the unused active preheater position.
5. Carefully route the active preheater assembly inlet tubing to the valve:
• Column heater – route the tubing through the groove on the side of the column compartment, and then through the cutout in the top of the sample manager door to the injector. Do not route the tubing behind the sample manager door hinge.
Note: Do not route the tubing between the sample manager door and hinge, here.
Active preheater inlet tubing
• 30-cm column heater – route the tubing through the column heater door.
Maintaining the column compartments 131
132
• Column manager – route the tubing between the column compartment and the side of the sample manager’s chassis, upward, to the switching valve.
• Auxiliary column manager – route the tubing between the column compartment and the side of the instrument chassis to the switching valve.
6. Remove the O-ring retainer from the inlet end of the active preheater assembly tubing, and then connect the inlet tubing to the valve:
• Column heater – connect the tubing to injector port 6 of the sample manager.
• 30-cm column heater – connect the tubing to injector port 6 of the sample manager.
• Column manager – connect the tubing to the appropriate injector port of the switching-valve. The port varies depending on which
active preheater you are replacing. See the figures on page 46
,
• Auxiliary column manager – connect the tubing to the appropriate injector port of the switching valve, located in the column manager.
The port varies depending on which active preheater you are
replacing. See the figures on page 46 ,
.
Replacing the column stabilizer assembly (CH-A only)
Warning: To prevent burn injuries, set the column temperature to Off, and then allow the column compartment and its components to cool for
60 minutes before touching them. Monitor the column compartment internal temperature to ensure all components are cool.
Warning: To prevent electric shock, ensure all waste line tubing is properly connected, and the drip tray is fitted and undamaged. Properly installing the tubing and drip tray keeps waste or solvent from contacting the power cord or cables.
Caution: To prevent contaminating system components, wear clean, chemical-resistant, powder-free gloves when replacing the column stabilizer assembly.
Use the column stabilizer only with the column heater (CH-A). Do not use it with the column manager or auxiliary column manager.
Required materials
• Gloves: clean, powder-free, chemical-resistant
• Replacement column stabilizer assembly
Required tools
• 1/4-inch open-end wrench
• 5/16-inch open-end wrench
• Phillips screwdriver
To replace the column stabilizer assembly:
1. Stop any currently running mobile phase before replacing the column stabilizer assembly.
Maintaining the column compartments 133
2. Disconnect the inlet tubing from injector port 6 of the sample manager.
134
Location of column-stabilizer-inlet tubing
3. Open the column heater door.
4. Using the Phillips screwdriver, loosen the two screws that fasten the column stabilizer assembly to the column compartment tray.
5. Remove the column stabilizer assembly from the thermal gasket.
6. Using the 1/4-inch and 5/16-inch open-end wrenches, disconnect the compression fitting that attaches the column stabilizer assembly to the optional in-line filter or to the column, and then remove the column stabilizer assembly.
7. Firmly press the replacement column stabilizer assembly into the thermal gasket. Ensure that the thermal gasket uniformly envelops the sides of the column stabilizer and does not bunch beneath it.
Thermal gasket visible along both sides of stabilizer
Threaded holes for
Phillips screws
TP03425
Column-stabilizerinlet tubing
Column stabilizer assembly (two styles):
For 150-mm column For 50-mm or 100-mm column
Reusable fittings
Inlet tubing to injector
TP03123
8. Carefully route the column-stabilizer-inlet tubing through the groove on the side of the column compartment.
Caution: To avoid stripping threads, do not overtighten screws.
9. Insert the Phillips screws into the threaded holes, and tighten them gently using the Phillips screwdriver.
10. Route the column-stabilizer-inlet tubing through the cutout in the top of the sample manager door to the injector.
Requirement: Do not route the tubing behind the sample manager door hinge.
Maintaining the column compartments 135
11. Remove the O-ring retainer from the inlet end of the column stabilizer tubing, and then connect the inlet tubing to injector port 6 of the sample manager.
Note: Do not route the tubing between the sample manager door and hinge, here.
Column-stabilizer-inlet tubing
12. Using the 1/4-inch and 5/16-inch open-end wrenches, connect the compression fitting that attaches the column stabilizer assembly to the optional in-line filter or to the column.
Replacing the frit in the in-line filter unit
If your system is fitted with the optional in-line filter frit, follow the instructions below to replace the frit.
Warning: To prevent burn injuries, set the column temperature to Off, and then allow the column compartment and its components to cool for
60 minutes before touching them. Monitor the column compartment internal temperature to ensure all components are cool.
Caution: To prevent contaminating system components, wear clean, chemical-resistant, powder-free gloves when replacing the frit in the column in-line filter unit.
Recommendation: Because of wear on the non replaceable compression fittings, replace the in-line filter unit after you use the six frits that accompany the unit.
136
Requirement: Stop any currently running mobile phase before replacing the frit in the in-line filter unit.
Required materials
• Gloves: clean, powder-free, chemical-resistant
• Replacement frit
Required tools
5/16-inch open-end wrench (2)
To replace the frit in the in-line filter unit:
1. After allowing sufficient time for cooling, open the column heater, column manager, or auxiliary column manager door.
2. Remove the column components (column, in-line filter unit, and active preheater or stabilizer tubing assembly).
Column components:
Flow
Column In-line filter unit Active preheater or column stabilizer tubing assembly
Inlet
TP02873
Reusable fitting
3. Detach the active preheater or column stabilizer tubing assembly from the column in-line filter unit.
Requirement: Do not detach the in-line filter unit from the column inlet.
Maintaining the column compartments 137
138
4. Open the in-line filter unit by placing two 5/16-inch open-end wrenches onto the flats as shown.
Flow
Outlet assembly Frit Inlet nut
TP02543
Place wrenches on flats and rotate to assemble and disassemble.
5. Remove the in-line filter unit inlet nut, which contains the used frit.
Tips:
• Discard the frit; it cannot be reused.
• Over time, the frit can expand inside the in-line filter inlet nut. If you cannot remove the frit from the inlet nut, discard the inlet nut, and replace both the inlet nut and frit.
6. Insert a new frit, and then reassemble the in-line filter unit using the wrenches.
7. Reattach the active preheater or column stabilizer tubing assembly to the in-line filter unit.
8. Start the mobile phase, examine the assembled components for leaks, and tighten fittings as needed.
9. Return the assembled components to the column compartment.
Replacing the column heater/cooler fuse (ACQUITY UPLC 30-cm
CHC)
Caution: To avoid damaging electrical components, replace fuses with those of the same type and rating.
Column heater/cooler fuse ratings require:
• Two fuses
• 3.15 A, 250 V Fast-Blo, 5 × 20 mm (IEC)
To install or replace the power supply fuse in the column heater/cooler:
1. Ensure that the power switch is in the Off (0) position, and then remove the power cord from the device’s rear panel.
2. Locate the power entry module on the device’s rear panel.
3. Insert your fingers into the fuse holder slots on the device’s rear panel, and exerting a minimum pressure, pull on the spring-loaded fuse holder, removing it from the rear panel.
4. Remove and discard the old fuse.
5. Make sure that the replacement fuse is properly rated for the column heater/cooler.
6. Insert the new fuse into the fuse holder.
Maintaining the column compartments 139
7. Insert the fuse holder into the receptacle, and gently push until it locks into position.
Tip: A clicking sound indicates the fuse holder is locked into position.
8. Connect the power cord to the rear panel power entry module.
Cleaning the instrument’s exterior (all models)
Warning: To prevent burn injuries, adjust the temperature set-point of the column manager to a safe temperature (10 to 30 °C) and allow the unit to attain this set-point temperature before handling components within the column compartment. When the column manager is set at a high temperature, all interior surfaces and components are hot.
Clean surfaces of the column heater, column manager, auxiliary column manager, or column heater/cooler with only a soft, lint-free paper or cloth dampened with water.
Observe these requirements when cleaning device surfaces:
• Always ensure the electrical power to the device is interrupted.
• Always use eye and hand protection during the cleaning process.
• Apply the water to a clean cloth only, and then wipe the device.
• Never spray or apply the water directly onto any device surface.
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Key features
Precise temperature control for reproducible separations
Temperature range from 20°C to 90°C
Active preheater for minimizing dispersion
Optional column stabilizer for further temperature stability
Compatibility with UPLC columns up to 4.6 mm ID and 150 mm length
Bio-compatible versions available for compatibility with biological samples
Frequently asked questions
The temperature range is from 20°C to 90°C, at least 5°C above ambient temperature.
The active preheater heats the incoming solvent before it enters the column to minimize dispersion and improve peak shapes.
UPLC columns with dimensions of up to 4.6 mm internal diameter (ID) and 150 mm length can be used.
Yes, bio-compatible versions are available for compatibility with biological samples.
