Agilent 1100 autosampler

[Consumer Products Guy]

Does anyone know if the screw rods in the Agilent 1100 autosampler which move the transport need greasing or lubrication? I couldn't find anything in the Reference Manual about this. Thanks.

[bisnettrj2]

I have a suspicion that they might. I think it could not hurt to use a little lithium grease on the z- and x-axis rods at the back of the transport assembly. I have done this myself without complication on the z-axis rod. I belive this might avoid some of the 'transport motor overheat' errors that can happen, which usually result in Agilent recommending you replace a $1900 transport assembly.

[adeputy]

I was told by an Agilent Service engineer that these rods should not be greased since this will lead to a build up of dust on the rods which will cause errors. He recomended cleaning the rods with a swab soaked in IPA every few months. We have been doing this for several years and have had no problems.

[bisnettrj2]

"He recomended cleaning the rods with a swab soaked in IPA every few months. We have been doing this for several years and have had no problems."

That has to be a pretty annoying task. Do you have to pull the transport assembly out of the autosampler to do this? I can't imagine how you would get to the screw rods any other way.

[mbicking]

I have also heard the warning about lubrication, but don't have any further details. If you have a dusty lab I would worry about things sticking.

I have used the IPA approach to help with a corrosion problem (just soaked a soft cloth with IPA and wiped the rods as well as I could without removing the assembly). Seems to work fine now.

A wipe with a silicone spray lubricant might be a better compromise.