"Front syringe error"

[Seb@.]

Hi.

I use at my work HP5890 series2 GC with HP7673 injector and controller and HP autosempler. Randomly I'v got this "front syringe error" witch occurs always after injection, red led show on both injector and controller. When I press abort whole process is running without problem but I need collect vial from injector manualy. So the problem is I'm usualy runing my samples overnight [nobody in lab at this time].
I'v tried to replace injector to HP6890 but I didn't replace controller and error still occur and in addition I had some "front turret error" wich switch off equipment so I exchange it back to HP7673.

Any ideas how can I solve this problem

[Bruce Hamilton]

The syringe error may be caused by some alignment issue. As it injects it may be lifting the turret slightly, so the syringe error appears - but the error cause disappears when the turret settles down again.

I'd check the alignment and seating to ensure the turret is sitting firmly, and that the needle is going directly into the septum, not sliding down the septum nut. Another possibility is that some of the guide rods have become dirty on the lower ends, so ensure the syringe carrier slides freely all the way down.

Check that the syringe needle horizontal guide arm has a freely floading central donut where the needle passes through, and the spring-loaded follower arm has a smooth, bounce-free motion when the vial carousel is spun. If necessary, clean the carousel surfaces that the follower touches with a little ethanol.

I don't have a 5890 reference handy, but it should list the possible error causes, and you should watch what happens very closely. You could try to replicate the cause of the error deliberately by slightly moving the injector during injection.

Good luck,

Bruce Hamilton

[EnvironLab]

I've had this problem before. You may want to try replacing your flexible ribbon cable inside the injector tower. Over time, the thin stranded wire inside of the ribbon cable breaks causing an intermittent connection.
I'm not sure, but it sounded like you put the 7673 on a 6890GC. I didn't think that was possible. I believe 6890's must use the newer 7683 autosampler but I could be wrong. I also think there are other autosampler brands that may be compatible with the Agilent 6890GC (Shimadzu?).

[Bruce Hamilton]

I've had this problem before. You may want to try replacing your flexible ribbon cable inside the injector tower. Over time, the thin stranded wire inside of the ribbon cable breaks causing an intermittent connection.

That's an excellent suggestion, and explains the bemusing symptoms!

Bruce Hamilton

[EnvironLab]

Thanks Bruce from "Windy Wellington." I've also seen a case where nicked insulation on another wire shorted on part of the tower which resulted in constantly blown fuses.

[Consumer Products Guy]

I currently have two 6890s that have 7673 autosampler towers and trays, and were this way new (1996). I recently "retired" a 5890A with a 7671A autosampler, and have a 5890 with a Shimadzu autosampler in addition to my normally configured units.

[Seb@.]

Hi!

Thank you for fast response! I followed Bruce advices but it didn't helped. After that was even worse, every injection was ended with an error. So I'v try to figure out what is happening wrong during and after injection. I found that the turret is moving quite much. I'v tried to hold it in position but it still made errors. Finally I'v change injetions speed to slow from fast, and it did help!!! It was running almost two days without any error. On the end of the batch of samples after ~40 samples it starts to show errors again. I had only 4 samples more so I finished batch.
I'v found damaged septa and needle so I think it could be a problem with turret (not in right possition).

To EnvironLab: I use all the time 5890GC with 7673 injector and controller but I have also in lab 6890 injector without controller. I'v tried to use 5890GC+6890injector+7673controller once but it wasn't working properly at all so now I'm on 5890GC+7673injector+7673controller. Sorry it wasn't clear what I wrote in that matter in my first post.

I guese next batch I would have on the end of this week so I'm looking for new advices and how I can check this flexible ribbon cable if it's working correctly or not.

Thank you all once again!!

Sebastian

[Consumer Products Guy]

Make sure the turret is pressed ALL the way down. It only fits on one way. We've had issues when it's been bumped a little out of place.

[EnvironLab]

Thanks for the compatibility tips! If you are having turret problems, I agree that you should check to see if the turret is pushed down all the way. Make sure nothing else is inside of the wells. As far as the ribbon cable goes, you could disconnect the cable on both sides and check continuity with an ohm meter. Or you could just go ahead and plug in a new ribbon cable. Restek sells them. You could probably make one as well if you have the right parts and tools.

[Russ]

A couple of simple suggestions (from a simple mind). As far as the syringe error is concerned, you can get a build up in the syringe over time that may make it difficult for the plunger to be drawn up which will cause a syringe error. If your rinse solvent is not compatible with your sample, this will also cause this problem. You can check this by manually trying to pull up on the syringe plunger after you have the error. If is does not move freely, this might be your problem. You use two different rinse solvents to sufficiently clean the syringe after a sample injection. As far as a 7673 turret error, make sure the magnetic sensors on the turret are clean. You can use a wetted cotton tipped applicator or even scrape the magnets with a small spatula to clean them.