Need help with identification of GC parts...

[cchardwick]

We just purchased a new (used) 5890 Series II GC with dual FIDs and we are in the process of setting it up. We still need to hook up gasses / electric w/UPS, etc. but after setting it up on the lab bench I noticed two items that I've never seen before. On top of the GC are three 'boxes' labelled 1, 2, and 4 (see pic below). Anyone know what these are for? Perhaps it's something to do with the electronic pressure control? They look like they have quick release pins on them?

Also, there is a cord coming out of the back of the instrument right next to the power cord. It has six prongs on the end of it. The guy I bought the GC from said he had never used this cord and it worked fine without it, but I'm assuming it's for something, maybe something very useful. Anyone have an idea? (see pic below)

Thanks!

[bisnettrj2]

I don't know about the plug, but this might help with the other issue. They look like they might be "valve actuator assemblies", whatever that is. The GC guys here should know more.

http://www.chem.agilent.com/Library/Sup ... a03193.pdf

http://www.chem.agilent.com/Library/use ... 030076.pdf

[Consumer Products Guy]

The three "boxes" on top are electronically-actuated valve boxes, the bottom part of those should be visible on the top of the GC oven, inside. There's electronic valves on the right side of the GC if the right cover is taken off (if memory holds, it's the right side). These use compressed air to turn the valves. The O-rings need to be replaced periodically. These valve boxes are also heated by Aux1, etc.

I don't know about the cable.

[aldehyde]

Yeah, they're valves. No clue on the cable.

[GasMan]

The cable could be for one of two purposes.

1. The heated zones in the valve box are controlled by an external heater box, the 19265A from HP/Agilent

or

2. The air solenoid valves that control the air to the valve actuators are controlled by an external box, the 19405A from HP/Agilent.

I suggest that you trace where the cable with the 6 pin connector goes to inside the 5890, then you can decide what you want to do with it.

Gasman

[cchardwick]

I looked in the 5890 service manual and, although it's very confusing, there's a valve listed in there that controls the flow to the columns and lets you isolate flow to just one column. Perhaps that is what these valves control, the flow of gasses to the columns and FIDs? It's set up in a dual column dual FID configuration, perhaps these valves allow you to turn off one column at a time or run them both at once? I still don't have power or gasses to the unit, that's coming soon.

[GasMan]

There are many configrations that the valves can be used in. This GC originally had four valves on it, so it is quite possible that the previous owner has modified this GC.

For what purpose did you buy this 5890? Are you planning to use valves on this GC? I would also suggest that you remove the top cover and check if there are still valves installed in the GC. The fact that you have valve actuators on this old GC is no guarantee that you have valves.

Gasman