Attaching a Multi-Port Valve (MPV) to a GC

[thepsa]

Hello everyone,

For some weeks I have been bringing an old GC HP6890 into operation. I have been reading some very useful posts here during this time. I have some issue now and I think this is the right place to find some people who can help me better.

I am using my HP6890 for analyzing gas mixtures coming out of a lab plant. The GC is equiped with a 0.25ml-loop neumatic valve and a column selector. The software is a vey old version of ChemStation (A.10.02)

Now I need to adapt my GC system for doing some fast screening which means that I need to take many gas samples in a short time and analyze them afterwards. Buying a multi-port valve (MPV) from Valco/Vici seems to be a good way to achieve that, since it would allow me to take up to 16 gas samples. However, I have called some consultants from Agilent and they are very skeptical about the compatibility of such a valve with my GC system. But since the GC already has two neumatic valves attached, I hope there is a similar way to install a MPV (maybe substituting the 1-loop valve with the MPV).

I would like to know if someone here has had any experience with an MPV attached to a GC who can help me choosing the best configuration and installing the valve.

Many thanks in advance!

Best regards,
PSA

[GasMan]

PSA,

It should not be a problem to install a MPV onto your 6890. The 6890 is designed to take one MPV valve, and the version of your ChemStation should handle it. The first question is, what model of 6890 do you have, as the rear socket that handles the MPV valve changed from the 6890A to the 6890N. When you order a MPV from Valco, you should ask for the MPV valve to be 'controlled by BCD'. There is then a direct cable connection between the valve and the GC. You will also need to decide which type of MPV that you wish to use.

Gasman

[GasMan]

PSA,

Check this YouTube video out from Valco. I believe it shows you how to accomplish what you are trying todo.

http://www.vici.com/support/app/st_youtube.php

Gasman

[thepsa]

Hello GasMan:

Many thanks for your very helpful reply and for the video!

The MPV is in fact compatible with both HP 6890 models. To connect the MPV to the GC you need two cables: one from Valco / VICI (EMPMCR-HP6890 or EMPMCR-HP6890N depending on the GC model) and one from Agilent (external events cable G1530-60590). Agilent said the MPV was hardly/not compatible with the old GC and could not give me any advice in this matter, but contacting VICI directly was really helpful.

Thanks,
PSA