HELP needed with 7673 auto-sampler. Thank you.

[zhangb]

Currently I am using a 7673 auto-sampler on a 5890, it works ok until last week it gives me a problem.

The problem: afterthe syringe rinsed itself with solvent (the solvent A is Acetone and B is iso-proponal) it plunged into the sample vial and just stay there without moving up. And the on the panel of the auto-sampler, the yellow light and the green light start to flash simutaneously.

I tried to move the syringe up manually, but not success. Right now, the syringe is still in the sample bottle.

I just wonder if anybody could help me with this problem.

Thanks.

[Bruce Hamilton]

Turn off the power to the controller. Open the front cover of the autosampler and push up the clear perspex arm sticking out by the syringe body ( it does need a little force, but does move with pushing ). It should lift the syringe and syringe carriage.

Take the syringe off and check the needle for straightness - replace if bent. Put it all back together and turn power on. The autosampler should initialise and start. If not, look in the manual for error code of flashing lights - if your software doesn't show the error details.

Bruce Hamilton

[Peter Apps]

Check also that the plunger can move freely in the barrel.

Peter

[Consumer Products Guy]

Follow instructions in two previous posts. And you may need to power off, then power on, all modules and the computer. And make sure the turret is fully seated in the injector.

[zhangb]

Thanks a lot for the replies.

I rebooted the computer and the auto-sampler, and fortunately, the syringe just moved back.

I think the auto-sampler that I am currently using is too old, before this problem, it just works ok. By ok I mean that it sometimes had a injection problem: during a sequence run, there is a possibility that the syringe error could occur - it could finish the injection, but then the red light flashes twice per time, and then the whole sequence stops, I think it might caused by poor connection of the wires inside it. I guess maybe somebody else also had this problem before, and I go through the thread posted here some time earlier, and checked the alignment and changed the injection speed from fast to low, and none of these really helped, so could anybody give me any suggestions on this? Thanks.

[skunked_once]

I'm using the same autosampler and most of my problems are due to sticky syringes which is a result of the gunky samples that I inject. Replacing the syringe usually solves that problem. The other tricky problem I've encountered is gunk building up on the turret where it touches the swinging arm. After cleaning the surface with a Q-tip and some solvent, things worked again. These units can be touchy so keep everything clean. They do wear out but you can get them repaired so that may be a necessary option. Of course, $$$ are involved.

[krickos]

Thanks a lot for the replies.

.... it could finish the injection, but then the red light flashes twice per time, and then the whole sequence stops, .

Two red flashes on a 7673 ALS indicates a injector syringe error according to Agilents trouble shooting guide. Make sure the syringe is OK and positioned right.

[gcguy]

If the syringe sticks for no apparent reason there could be a problem with the drive belt tension. Just under the motor for the syringe plunger there is a small wedge which tensions the belt. If there is any free play in the belt it can be tightened by pushing the wedge it a bit.

GCguy

[zhangb]

Thanks a lot for your replies, and it seems like many people have the same problem with this auto-sampler.

[aldehyde]

Yeah unfortunately the belt can become tight or worn in a way that causes inconsistent injection. I know of people disassembling it in the field ('gotta do what you gotta do") but the official policy is bench repair--field service doesn't touch them.

If you want it fixed send it in .