Moving a Chromatographic System from One Node to Another

[zpowers]

Hello,

One of the Waters HPLC's broke in my lab. I removed it and brought in a working one from a different lab. I can't see the new HPLC system on the node and I don't know how to change it. The computer in my lab can't access other nodes.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!

[DR]

Assuming that they're all on the same network...
Bring the node from the other lab in as well, hook up the HPLC you moved as it was, plug the other lab's node into the LAN and start everything. At that point, you will be able to see the node (if you ever could see it).

If this does not work, you need to consult with your sys admin or Waters after you put everything back exactly as it was.

[zpowers]

Hi DR, thanks for the response! Is the Node a physcial thing?

Right now the HPLC's are all linked together through IEEE-488 and connected to the computer. The computer is connected to the LAN through an ethernet cable.

If I brought a brand new HPLC system, how would I set it up in my lab?

Thanks again!

[DR]

A node is a PC that one or more HPLCs are attached to. It should look like a PC, probably with no keyboard, monitor nor mouse.
If you have enough licenses and any needed drivers (ICOPs), you should be able to hook up a new system, provided you do not already have your "node" maxed out (typically, a node can handle up to 4 HPLCs with simple UV or other 1 or 2 channel detectors. If you have PDAs of MSDs, you're looking at a limitation of 2 systems per node (usually).

I'm afraid you're going to have to consult with someone who may know the particulars of your setup, or bring in a Waters consultation if nobody who knows Empower and your setup remains in your employ - which is somewhat likely as IEEE systems and setups are, to put not too fine a point on it, old.

See who the users are on your Empower installation and reach out (email?) them to see if any will own up to being an admin. or at least know what they're doing well enough to figure out whether you can add a system or how to move an existing system either with its node, or to another node.

[zpowers]

Thanks for the reply!

Unfortunately we don't have anyone who knows the particulars of the setup, were a pretty low budget operation.

I got the node to find the added hardware and created a new system using the hardware. I deleted the old system from the node.

Now all systems on the node are listed under "OK?" and "No"

Interestingly one system on the node runs samples just fine, but is also listed as "No" under "OK ?". This system doesn't have a PDA.

The two with PDA's, including the new system just added, throw the instrument failure. But they both pump and hold pressure even after the instrument failure.

[DR]

Give Waters a call, or have the field service person help you out a little whenever they happen to be in doing a PM or repair.

To a point, Waters is usually willing to help... if it gets too involved, they will start to push for a software service contract or something, but a little basic setup assistance should be "doable" in a matter of 10 minutes or less over the phone.

When you call, have the serial number of at least a part of a system that has been moved handy, or click on the circled "i" on your login dialog box so you can tell them what version of Empower you have, anything looking like a serial number of license ID... stuff like that. The less they have to wait for that, the more helpful they can afford to be.

[harsel]

The person may be contemplating the logistical challenges and technical considerations involved in relocating a chromatographic system from one node to another. They may be assessing factors such as equipment compatibility, transportation logistics, system recalibration, and ensuring uninterrupted workflow during the transition. fm whatsapp

[DR]

While some industries require that these things are considered prior to moving a HPLC, there was no indication of that in the OP which states that the move had already taken place...

There are many things unsaid in the OP. I safely assumed that we were talking about Empower based only on my experience and use of the words "Waters" and "node".

To the OP (and anyone else not yet familiar with "Rod's Rule), remember: "The more you do not tell us, the more we cannot help you."

PS - A system without a detector is not going to help you much, look into the PDA's issues unless you have a 2487 or 2489 to use also. Waters PDAs can be a pain to get started. Make sure you've flushed the flow cell with lots of MeOH, then try restarting the PDA if it is still red lighting. They can fail to initialize because of air, dirt, bubbles - anything unusual in the flow cell, they can also have issues with their internal calibration due to sticking filter/shutter, dead/dying lamp etc. etc.
Waters PDA manuals are easy enough to download...