Installing an ECD...

[chemwipe]

Hello all-

Is it possible to install an ECD in this HP5890 Series II?



I ask because it has an FID and PID hooked up to it - I've never installed an ECD into a completely different GC before.

Thanks,
John

[AICMM]

chemwipe,

You can remove the PID and use the flow controller from that for the ECD. I would cut the lines to the PID/ELCD about 1/2 way on the top plate and then use one of them for the make-up gas for the ECD. If you are using the purged anode, the other line and flow controller could be used for that otherwise cap it. Obviously, you also need to swap the cards as well but the PID should be using a standard FID card so the ECD card should be straight forward swap. If you need more info, please re-post but based on what I have see you do so far I should think it is within your ability. Remember to vent to a hood since the ECD in non-destructive.

Out of curiousity, what are you planning to use the ECD for? I am interested in ECD applications since I am working on my own version of one (non-radioactive.)

Best regards.

[chemwipe]

chemwipe,

You can remove the PID and use the flow controller from that for the ECD. I would cut the lines to the PID/ELCD about 1/2 way on the top plate and then use one of them for the make-up gas for the ECD. If you are using the purged anode, the other line and flow controller could be used for that otherwise cap it. Obviously, you also need to swap the cards as well but the PID should be using a standard FID card so the ECD card should be straight forward swap. If you need more info, please re-post but based on what I have see you do so far I should think it is within your ability. Remember to vent to a hood since the ECD in non-destructive.

Out of curiousity, what are you planning to use the ECD for? I am interested in ECD applications since I am working on my own version of one (non-radioactive.)

Best regards.

AICMM-

I'm going to use the ECD for PCB screens. I need another working GC.

I have an HP 5890 with an ECD and EPC - pressure problems made this instrument inoperable. Trust me, I've tried everything.

Changed main board
Changed EPC board
Changed proportional control valve
Cleaned line going into solenoid valve with solvent
Changed line after it broke during cleaning
Replaced solenoid valve after the prongs fell off
Replaced septa purge regulator
Leak checked all connections

The 5890 with the FID/PID is a spare instrument in our "graveyard" - thought I'd give it a try by installing an ECD in it.

but based on what I have see you do so far I should think it is within your ability.

By the way, thanks! I still consider myself a rookie at this. Where I used to work, anything more than trimming columns and cleaning injection ports meant we had to call a tech service company.

I'll keep you posted.

John

[skunked_once]

Be sure to discuss the implications of switching the radioactive source from one instrument to another with your radiation safety officer or equivalent. There may be no issues but you want to be sure!

[chemwipe]

AICMM-

Here's the GC/FID-PID (no EPC) that I want to put the ECD in:




...and here's the GC (with EPC) that currently has the ECD in it (this instrument is inoperable):



The other side with the electrical boards doesn't worry me, as I've completely replaced main boards and EPC boards...but this side looks like a handful.

It's not as easy as hooking up the lines marked "Carrier" and "Hydrogen" is it?

You can remove the PID and use the flow controller from that for the ECD. I would cut the lines to the PID/ELCD about 1/2 way on the top plate and then use one of them for the make-up gas for the ECD. If you are using the purged anode, the other line and flow controller could be used for that otherwise cap it. Obviously, you also need to swap the cards as well but the PID should be using a standard FID card so the ECD card should be straight forward swap. If you need more info, please re-post but based on what I have see you do so far I should think it is within your ability. Remember to vent to a hood since the ECD in non-destructive.

Questions:

Flow controller - do you mean the flow control manifold (with the gauges)?
Which top plate are you talking about?

Thanks in advance for your help. I really do appreciate it!

John

[AICMM]

Chemwipe,

First, does one of the gas lines from the PID/ELCD flow block stick into the GC oven? If so, you want to use that for the ECD make-up gas. Second, top plate is the top of the oven, where the injectors and detectors sit. There are probably gas lines running left to right to the detectors and you want to cut into the ones for the PID, especially if you have an anode purge ECD. Third, do yourself a favor and replace all the copper tubing with clean, new tubing. Fourth, don't hook up anything to the FID gas block since you are not using that. Also, you need nitrogen or P10 for the ECD so that will have it's own line coming in from the bottle. The nitrogen (say) will connect to the PID/ELCD flow block (above the column regulators) on the make-up port. Only nitrogen or helium will go to the column flow controllers down below. Finally, it looks to me like you are missing the splitless/split valve for your injector so unless you are looking to do packed or megabore pesticide/PCB analysis, you will need to install and wire one of those in as well.

Best regards.

[chemwipe]

Chemwipe,

First, does one of the gas lines from the PID/ELCD flow block stick into the GC oven? If so, you want to use that for the ECD make-up gas. Second, top plate is the top of the oven, where the injectors and detectors sit. There are probably gas lines running left to right to the detectors and you want to cut into the ones for the PID, especially if you have an anode purge ECD. Third, do yourself a favor and replace all the copper tubing with clean, new tubing. Fourth, don't hook up anything to the FID gas block since you are not using that. Also, you need nitrogen or P10 for the ECD so that will have it's own line coming in from the bottle. The nitrogen (say) will connect to the PID/ELCD flow block (above the column regulators) on the make-up port. Only nitrogen or helium will go to the column flow controllers down below. Finally, it looks to me like you are missing the splitless/split valve for your injector so unless you are looking to do packed or megabore pesticide/PCB analysis, you will need to install and wire one of those in as well.

Best regards.

Thanks AI -

I haven't had time to check everything out on this instrument yet, but I'll let you know what I find.

I'll probably start this project next week. Thanks for the tips!

John