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Clarus 600 GC Service Manual Guide

The Clarus 600 GC Service Manual serves as a comprehensive guide for PerkinElmer Field Service Engineers, detailing installation, calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance procedures. It includes safety practices, electromagnetic compatibility information, and specific chapters on various components and systems of the Clarus 600 GC. The manual emphasizes the importance of following safety precautions and provides related user documentation for further reference.

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mardonio andrade
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© All Rights Reserved
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
55 views24 pages

Clarus 600 GC Service Manual Guide

The Clarus 600 GC Service Manual serves as a comprehensive guide for PerkinElmer Field Service Engineers, detailing installation, calibration, troubleshooting, and maintenance procedures. It includes safety practices, electromagnetic compatibility information, and specific chapters on various components and systems of the Clarus 600 GC. The manual emphasizes the importance of following safety precautions and provides related user documentation for further reference.

Uploaded by

mardonio andrade
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Introduction

1
ABOUT THE MANUAL .................................................................................................................................. 3
MANUAL SUMMARY .................................................................................................................................... 4
Related User Documentation ................................................................................................................ 5
CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL ...................................................................................................... 6
Notes, cautions and warnings................................................................................................................ 6
ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY (EMC) .......................................................................................... 7
United States (FCC).............................................................................................................................. 7
European Union .................................................................................................................................... 7
Susceptibility to RF Interference .......................................................................................................... 7
WARNING SIGNS ON THE INSTRUMENT...................................................................................................... 8
Label locations on instrument ............................................................................................................... 9
SAFETY PRACTICE ..................................................................................................................................... 10
Generic Warnings ............................................................................................................................... 10
Heated Zones ...................................................................................................................................... 10
Precautions.......................................................................................................................................... 11
Environmental Conditions .................................................................................................................. 11
Storage Conditions.............................................................................................................................. 13
General Laboratory Safety .................................................................................................................. 13
Electrical Safety .................................................................................................................................. 13
Moving the Clarus 600 GC ................................................................................................................. 15
ECD Radioactive Hazards .................................................................................................................. 15
Safe Handling of Gases....................................................................................................................... 18
Hazardous Chemicals.......................................................................................................................... 21

September 2006
Intentional Blank Page

September 2006 1- 2
Clarus GC 501 Service Manual

About the Manual


This manual is designed to be used by PerkinElmer Field Service Engineers. It is a complete reference
guide for servicing Clarus 600 GC, including calibration procedures, troubleshooting and replacement
procedures. The manual also includes a functional description of the Clarus 600 GC and complete details
about the mechanical and electrical construction.

How to Use this Manual


This manual includes all the information you will need to install, test, and service the Clarus 600 Gas
Chromatograph as efficiently as possible.

How the Manual is Organized


This service manual is divided into 10 chapters. Color-coded tabs have been included to help you
quickly locate Chapters. In addition, important service aids such as the Pre-Installation and
Installation Checklists are included in the Installation Chapter of this service manual.

Conventions Used in This Manual


The following conventions are used throughout this manual:

Conventions in the Text

Bold type is used for:

• commands. For example, Open Data.

• a button that you touch. For example, “Touch Method Used.” the name of an icon that you touch.

• An asterisk “*” is used to indicate a one-step procedure.

Underlining is used for clarification or emphasis. In the case of the Help file, it is used to show jumps,
pop ups and hotspots.

Turn the page for a summary of the contents of this manual.

1-3 September 2006


Manual Summary
Chapter 1. Introduction
This chapter includes an overview of the manual and safety information.

Chapter 2. Sales Literature


This Chapter discusses the functionality of the High speed oven system.
Chapter 3 Installation
This chapter describes the hazards and recommended safety practices you should observe when servicing
or operating the Clarus 600 GC.

Chapter 4. Performance Test


This chapter describes how to test the instrument using different detector/ injector configurations
Chapter 5. Maintenance
This chapter describes how to install the Clarus 600 GC. The Pre-Installation and Installation Checklist
are included in this chapter, as is the Customer Orientation Script.
Chapter 6. Diagnostics
This chapter describes how to run the Clarus 600 GC software diagnostics.
Chapter 7. Troubleshooting
This chapter describes how to troubleshoot general instrument problems.
Chapter 8. Firmware
This chapter describes how to download the firmware on to the Clarus 600 GC.
Chapter 9. Service Data Bulletins
This chapter allows you to store your upcoming service data bulletins.
Chapter 10. Hardware System
This chapter describes the components of the Clarus 600 GC mechanical system, which includes
detectors, injectors, pneumatic controls, and the oven.
Chapter 11. Pneumatics
This chapter includes a full range of pneumatics options provides optimum performances with all types of
columns and detectors.
Chapter 12. Autosampler
This chapter includes descriptions of and service procedures for all autosampler mechanical and electrical
components. Schematics for autosampler electrical components are included in this chapter.

Chapter 13. Oven Design


This Chapter discusses the functionality of the High speed oven system.
Chapter 14. Electrical System
This chapter includes circuit descriptions of and service procedures for all electrical system components.

Chapter 15. Electrical Schematics


Schematics are included in this chapter.

September 2006 1- 4
Clarus GC 501 Service Manual

Related User Documentation


Clarus 600 GC User Guide 0993_6780

Clarus 600 GC Hardware Guide 0993_6781

Clarus 600 GC Installation Guide 0993_6779

Clarus 600 GC Unpacking 0993_6778

Clarus 600 GC IQ/OQ Manual Only 0923_4024

Clarus 600 GC IQ/OQ Kit Letter size 0923_4025

Clarus 600 GC IQ/OQ Kit A4 size 0923_4026

IQ /OQ Stickers 0993_4512

1-5 September 2006


Conventions Used in this Manual
Normal text is used to provide information and instructions.
Bold text refers to text that is displayed on the screen.
UPPERCASE text, for example ENTER or ALT, refers to keys on the PC keyboard. '+' is used to show
that you have to press two keys at the same time, for example, ALT+F.
All eight digit numbers are PerkinElmer part numbers unless stated otherwise.
Notes, cautions and warnings
Three terms, in the following standard formats, are also used to highlight special circumstances and
warnings.
NOTE: A note indicates additional, significant information that is provided with some procedures.

We use the term CAUTION to inform you about situations that


CAUTION could result in serious damage to the instrument or other
equipment. Details about these circumstances are in a box like
this one.

We use the term WARNING to inform you about situations that


could result in personal injury to yourself or other persons.
Details about these circumstances are in a box like this one.
WARNING

September 2006 1- 6
Clarus GC 501 Service Manual

Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)


United States (FCC)
This product is classified as a digital device used exclusively as industrial, commercial, or medical test
equipment. It is exempt from the technical standards specified in Part 15 of the FCC Rules and
Regulations, based on Section 15.103 (c).
European Union
All information concerning EMC standards will be in the Declaration of Conformity and these standards
will change as the European Union adds new requirements.
European Union Industrial Environment

The 230 V/50 Hz. Clarus GC has been manufactured for use in the European Union and is intended for
the industrial environment. The instrument is to be connected to a mains power network supplied from a
high or medium-voltage transformer dedicated for the supply of an installation feeding a manufacturing or
similar plant.
Industrial environments are characterized by the existence of one or more of the following conditions:
-industrial, scientific and medical (ISM) apparatus are present
-heavy inductive or capacitive loads are frequently switched
-currents and associated magnetic fields are high

These are the major contributors to the industrial electromagnetic environment and as such distinguish the
industrial from other environments. The instrument is not intended for connection to a public mains
network supplying residential, commercial and light-industrial locations.
Susceptibility to RF Interference
With the exception of the Flame Ionization Detector (FID), an RF field strength of 10 V/m between 80
MHz. and 1000 MHz. with 80% modulation at 1 kHz. may cause a deflection on the chromatographic
detector baseline that exceeds its normal pattern. This implies that if a transmitting device, such as a
walkie-talkie carried by a security guard, is use near the detector, a spike or peak on the chromatographic
baseline may occur. If you are concerned that such an event may occur, PerkinElmer recommends that
walkie-talkie restriction notices be posted in the vicinity. Cell phones, beepers, and other similar devices
operate in a much higher frequency range and do not cause interference.

1-7 September 2006


Warning Signs on the Instrument

Alternating current.

Protective conductor terminal.

Off position of the main power source.

On position of the main power source.

Warning, hot surface

Warning, risk of electric shock.

September 2006 1- 8
Clarus GC 501 Service Manual

Warning (refer to accompanying documents).

Label locations on instrument

WARNING: Hot injectors.


The injectors are HOT and
can cause serious burns.

1-9 September 2006


Safety Practice
This chapter describes the general safety practices and precautions that must be observed when operating
the Clarus 600 GC.

This advice is intended to supplement, not supersede, the normal safety codes in the user's country. It is
also a supplement to the PerkinElmer standard Safety and Health Policy. The information provided does
not cover every safety procedure that should be practiced. Ultimately, maintenance of a safe laboratory
environment is the responsibility of the analyst and the analyst's organization.

Please consult all manuals supplied with the Clarus 600 GC and accessories before you start working with
the instrument. Carefully read the safety information in this chapter and in the other manuals supplied.
When setting up the instrument or performing analyses or maintenance procedures, strictly follow the
instructions provided. The Clarus 600 GC should be used in accordance with the instructions provided in
this manual. If used otherwise, the protection provided by the instrument may be impaired.

Generic Warnings
Before installing or operating the Clarus 600 GC, read the following information concerning hazards and
potential hazards. You should ensure that anyone involved with installation and/or operation of the Clarus
600 XL GC is knowledgeable in both general safety practices for the laboratory and safety practices for
the Clarus 600 GC. Get advice from your safety engineer, industrial hygienist, environmental engineer, or
safety manager before you install or use this instrument.

Heated Zones
Heated zones should be treated with caution, for example, injector caps and detectors. Avoid physical
contact with the injector caps. The detector cover may get hot, especially if flame ionization detectors are
operated at high temperatures. As a general rule, allow heated zones to cool before attempting to work in
the oven, injector, or detector areas.

THERMAL RUNAWAY PROTECTION: The Clarus 600 GC software


shuts down the instrument if any heated zone exceeds 470 °C. Should this
CAUTION occur, the following error message is displayed:

INSTRUMENT SHUTDOWN
xxx THERM RUNAWAY where xxx is the heated zone

Call your PerkinElmer Representative.

Instrument shutdown also occurs if there is a PRT (Platinum Resistance


Thermometer) or MPU (Micro Processor Unit) failure. In these cases
the following error message is displayed:

INSTRUMENT SHUTDOWN
xxx PRT ERROR where xxx is the failed zone.

Call your PerkinElmer Representative.

September 2006 1- 10
Clarus GC 501 Service Manual

Precautions
Be sure that all instrument operators read and understand the
precautions listed below. It is advisable to post a copy of the
precautions near or on the instrument shelf.
WARNING

The following precautions must be observed when using the Clarus 600 GC:

• Be sure that the power line voltage of the Clarus 600 GC corresponds to the voltage used in your
laboratory.

• Never remove the side panels of the Clarus 600 GC without shutting down the instrument and
disconnecting the instrument power cord from line power.

• Do not immerse the purge gas exit line in a liquid, as the liquid may be drawn back into the sample
holder.

• Only high quality purge gases should be used with the Clarus 600 GC. Minimum purity of 99.995 %
is recommended. A high quality filter-dryer accessory is recommended for the removal of any
moisture from the purge gases.

• Always encapsulate indium, tin, lead, and zinc standards in aluminium or graphite pans, as these
metals will alloy with gold, copper or platinum pans.

• It is very important that nothing fall down into the cavity surrounding the sample holders. If
anything does fall down, IMMEDIATELY turn off the power switch of the Clarus 600 GC and call
your PerkinElmer Service Representative.

Environmental Conditions
Operating Conditions

CAUTION The Clarus 600 GC is designed for indoor use only.

1-11 September 2006


Do not operate in a Cold Room or a refrigerated area. The Clarus
600 GC operates most efficiently under the following conditions:
CAUTION • Ambient temperature is 10 °C to 35 °C (50 °F to
95 °F). The GC will operate safely between 5 °C and 40 °C
(41 °F and 104 °F).
• Ambient relative humidity is 20% to 80% non-condensing.

• Operating altitude is in the range of 0 to 2 000 m.

The Clarus 600 GC is not designed for operation in an explosive


environment.

WARNING

Installation Category
The Clarus 600 GC is able to withstand transient overvoltage according to Installation Category II as
defined in IEC 1010-1.
Pollution Degree
The Clarus 600 GC will operate safely in environments that contain nonconductive foreign matter up to
Pollution Degree 2 in IEC 1010-1.

September 2006 1- 12
Clarus GC 501 Service Manual

Storage Conditions
The Clarus 600 GC may be stored under the following conditions:
• ambient temperature is -20 °C to +60 °C (-4 to 140 °F)
• ambient relative humidity is 20 to 80%, non-condensing
• altitude is in the range 0 to 12 000 m.

General Laboratory Safety


Your laboratory should have all equipment ordinarily required for the safety of individuals working with
chemicals (fire extinguishers, first-aid equipment, safety shower and eye-wash fountain, spill cleanup
equipment, etc.).

Electrical Safety
The Clarus 600 GC contains high voltage. To prevent the risk of shock, unplug the line cord from the AC
outlet and wait at least one minute before opening or removing any instrument panels.

The instrument has been designed to protect the operator from potential electrical hazards. This section
describes some recommended electrical safety practices.

CAUTION This unit contains protective circuitry. Contact PerkinElmer Service before
performing any AC line tests.

Connect the GC to an AC line power outlet that has a protective


ground connection. To ensure satisfactory and safe operation of the
GC, it is essential that the protective ground conductor (the
green/yellow lead) of the line power cord is connected to a true
WARNING electrical ground. Any interruption of the protective ground
conductor, inside or outside the GC, or disconnection of the
protective ground terminal may impair the protection provided by
the GC.

Do not operate the GC with any covers or parts removed.

WARNING

1-13 September 2006


To avoid electrical shock, disconnect the power cord from the AC
outlet before servicing. Servicing on the GC is to be performed only
by a PerkinElmer service representative or similarly trained and
authorized person.
WARNING

Do not attempt to make adjustments, replacements or repairs to this


GC except as described in the user documentation.

WARNING

For protection against fire hazard, only replace fuses with the same
type and rating. Servicing on the GC is to be performed only by a
PerkinElmer service representative or similarly trained and
authorized person.
WARNING

Ensure that the power cord is correctly wired and that the ground leads of all electrical units (for example,
recorders, integrators) are connected together via the circuit ground to earth. Use only three-prong outlets
with common earth ground connections.
Servicing of incoming AC line components in your laboratory should be performed only by a licensed
electrician.

Lethal voltages are present at certain areas within the instrument.


Installation and internal maintenance of the instrument should
only be performed by a PerkinElmer service engineer or similarly
authorized and trained person. When the instrument is connected to
WARNING line power, opening the instrument covers is likely to expose live
parts. Even when the power switch is off, high voltages can still be
present. Capacitors inside the instrument may still be charged even if
the instrument has been disconnected from all voltage sources.

The instrument must be correctly connected to a suitable electrical supply. The supply must have a
correctly installed protective conductor (earth ground) and must be installed or checked by a qualified
electrician before connecting the instrument.

September 2006 1- 14
Clarus GC 501 Service Manual

Any interruption of the protective conductor (earth ground) inside or


outside the instrument or disconnection of the protective conductor terminal
is likely to make the instrument dangerous. Intentional interruption is
prohibited.
WARNING

When working with the instrument:


• Disconnect the instrument from all voltage sources before opening it for any adjustment,
replacement, maintenance, or repair. If afterwards, the opened instrument must be operated for
further adjustment, maintenance, or repair, this must only be done by a PerkinElmer Service
engineer.
• Whenever it is possible that the instrument is no longer electrically safe for use, make the instrument
inoperative and secure it against any unauthorized or unintentional operation. The electrical safety of
the instrument is likely to be impaired if, for example, the instrument shows visible damage, has
been subjected to prolonged storage under unfavorable conditions, or has been subjected to severe
stress during transportation.

Moving the Clarus 600 GC


The Clarus 600 GC weighs 53.5 kg (118 lb). Improper lifting can cause injury to the back. If the
instrument must be moved, we recommend that at least two people carefully lift the instrument in order to
move it.

ECD Radioactive Hazards


To assure that removable radioactive contamination on the external parts of
the ECD remains at a safe level, the United States Nuclear Regulatory
Commission requires that:
• The ECD be Wipe Tested at least once every six months.
WARNING
• A record of the results be maintained for NRC inspection.

United States Government Regulations for ECDs


NOTE: To repair an Electron Capture Detector cell requires a specific license issued by the U.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission (NRC) and/or in some states by the equivalent state agency. For further
information on obtaining a license, contact the Customer Service Department at PerkinElmer, Shelton,
Connecticut, or the NRC Material Branch, Office of Nuclear Materials, Safety and Safeguards,
Washington, DC 20555.

Special Instructions for ECD Cell Purchasers


NOTE: These instructions are for ECD cell purchasers who are not specifically licensed to handle radioactive
materials.

The Clarus 600 GC Electron Capture Detector model (P/N N610-0063) contains a maximum of 15 mCi
of Nickel 63 (Ni 63), a radioactive material. Your possession and use of this detector is governed by 10

1-15 September 2006


C.F.R. Section 31.5 which is reproduced in Appendix I. Under the provisions of that regulation you are
deemed a "General Licensee."

Your possession and use of the detector cell may also be regulated by the state where you are located.
The requirements of state regulatory agencies are substantially similar to those contained in NRC
regulation 10 C.F.R. Section 31.5, but they may differ in some respects. It is suggested that you procure a
copy of the regulations of your particular state. (Supplement 2 in Appendix I contains a list of the
"Agreement States" which have been granted authority by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission to
regulate the possession and use of radioactive material.)

It is required that you be familiar with regulation 10 C.F.R. Section 31.5 (Appendix 1 in the Hardware
Guide 0993_6781). Following are summaries of its requirements.

Labels

Do not remove any of the labels attached to the ECD cell or any of the labels attached to your Clarus 600
Gas Chromatograph that refer to the ECD cell. Follow all instructions and abide by all precautions
provided by the labels and in user instruction manuals referred to by the labels.

September 2006 1- 16
Clarus GC 501 Service Manual

Leak Testing

You are obligated under U.S. federal and state regulations to make certain that the ECD cell is wipe-
tested for leakage of radioactive materials at intervals of no longer than six months, and that the analysis
of these wipe tests is conducted by a person specifically licensed to do so, either by the U.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission or by an Agreement State. The analyses can be performed by the firm listed
below:

National Leak Test Center


P.O. Box 486
North Tonawanda, New York 14120

ECD Cell Failure or Damage

If a leak test detects more than 0.005 µCi (microcurie) of removable radioactive material on the surface of
an ECD cell, or if the cell itself is damaged in such a way as to indicate that it may no longer adequately
shield the radioactive material inside, you must immediately suspend operation of your chromatograph
until the cell has been repaired or disposed of by a person specifically licensed to do so. Any such
incident must be reported by you to the Regional Office, Inspection and Enforcement, U.S. Nuclear
Regulatory Commission.

Reporting Radiation Incidents, Theft or Loss

Please read Regulation 10 C.F.R. Section 20.402 and 20.403 (Appendix I). These describe your duties
should the radioactive material (Ni 63) in the ECD cell be lost, stolen, or released, or should any person
be exposed to radiation.

Other ECD Requirements

Regulation 10 C.F.R. Section 31.5 (see Appendix I) does not permit you to abandon the ECD cell or
export it. It may not be transferred except to a person specifically licensed to receive it. Within thirty
days of such a transfer, you must report to the Director of Nuclear Material Safety and Safeguards, U.S.
Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Washington, D.C. 20555, the name and address of the transferee.

You may transfer the ECD cell to another general licensee, like yourself, only when it remains at the same
location to which it was shipped by PerkinElmer. Give the transferee a copy of these instructions and the
regulations in Appendix I, and report to the commission as required in Regulation C.F.R. Section 31.5.

NEVER DISMANTLE THE ECD CELL!!


However, if a specific license has been obtained, you can remove the
ECD cell from the GC for repair.
WARNING

1-17 September 2006


United Kingdom Regulations

In the U.K., registration is required under the Radioactive Substances Act of 1960, for anyone keeping or
using radioactive materials. Application should be made to any one of the following governing bodies:

ENGLAND Department of the Environment


Queen Anne's Chambers
Tothill Street
London, SW1H 9J4

SCOTLAND Scottish Development Department


21 Hill Street
Edinburgh, EH2 3J4

WALES Welsh Office


Cathay's Park
Cardiff, CF1 3NG

NORTHERN Ministry of Development

IRELAND Parliament Building


Storemont
Belfast, Northern Ireland

Safe Handling of Gases


When using hydrogen, either as the combustion gas for a flame ionization detector or as a carrier gas,
special care must be taken to avoid buildup of explosive hydrogen/air mixtures. Ensure that all hydrogen
line couplings are leak-free and do not allow hydrogen to vent within the oven.

Ventilation

Adequate ventilation must be provided, particularly if a liquid nitrogen or carbon dioxide subambient
accessory is in constant use. When analyzing hazardous compounds, such as pesticides, it may be
necessary to arrange for venting of detector effluent into a fume hood.

September 2006 1- 18
Clarus GC 501 Service Manual

Using Hydrogen

Flame Ionization Detectors (FID) and Flame Photometric


Detectors (FPD) use hydrogen as fuel. If the hydrogen is turned
on without a column attached to the injector and detector fittings
inside the oven, hydrogen could diffuse into the oven creating the
possibility of an explosion. To avoid possible injury, DO NOT
WARNING
TURN ON THE HYDROGEN UNLESS A COLUMN IS
ATTACHED AND ALL JOINTS HAVE BEEN LEAK TESTED.
Before disconnecting a column, make certain that the hydrogen has
been turned OFF.

If two FIDs or FPDs are installed and only one has a column
attached to it, make certain that you cap off the unused detector
inlet fitting with a 1/8-inch stainless steel plug (P/N N930-0061).

Contact the gas supplier for a material safety data sheet


(MSDS) containing detailed information on the potential
hazards associated with the gas. Carefully use, store, and handle
compressed gases in cylinders. Gas cylinders can be hazardous
WARNING if they are mishandled.

NOTE: The permanent installation of gas supplies is the responsibility of the user and should conform to local
safety and building codes.

If liquid nitrogen is used, the gas cylinder must be fitted with an over-pressure regulator which will vent
the cylinder as necessary to prevent it from becoming a safety hazard.

Consult the following references for more detailed information and additional guidelines about gas
cyclinders.

• Compressed Gas Association (USA), "Safe Handling of Compressed Gases in Containers," pamphlet
no. P-1, 1984.

• Compressed Gas Association (USA), "The Inert Gases – Argon, Nitrogen and Helium," pamphlet
no. P-9, 1992.

1-19 September 2006


Identification of Gas Cylinders

• Legibly mark cylinders to identify their contents. Use the chemical name or commercially accepted
name for the gas.

Storing Gas Cylinders

Review the following precautions with the customer to ensure the safe use and storage of gas cylinders.

• Cylinders should be stored in accordance with the regulations and standards applicable to the
customer’s locality, state, and country.

• When cylinders are stored indoors in storage rooms, the storage room should be well ventilated and
dry. Ensure that the ventilation is adequate to prevent the formation of dangerous accumulations of
gas. This is particularly important in small or confined areas.

• Do not store cylinders near elevators, gangways, or in locations where heavy moving objects may
strike or fall against them.

• Use and store cylinders away from exits and exit routes.

• Locate cylinders away from heat sources, including heat lamps. Compressed gas cylinders should
not be subjected to temperatures above 52 °C (126 °F).

• It is recommended that gas cylinders be stored and placed outside the laboratory and connected to
the instrument through copper lines.

Handling of Gas Cylinders

To ensure adequate cooling of the instrument electronics, do not obstruct the


CAUTION gap at the base of the GC, and leave at least a 6-inch clearance between
instruments.

• Do not allow ignition sources in the storage area and keep cylinders away from readily ignitable
substances such as gasoline or waste, or combustibles in bulk, including oil.

• Store cylinders standing upright, fastened securely to an immovable bulkhead or permanent wall.

• When storing cylinders outdoors, they should be stored above ground on a suitable floor and
protected against temperature extremes (including the direct rays of the sun).

• Arrange gas lines where they will not be damaged or stepped on and where things will not be
dropped on them.

September 2006 1- 20
Clarus GC 501 Service Manual

• Take care not to kink or stress the gas lines. For safety, cylinders should be firmly clamped in
position.

• If it becomes necessary to move the cylinders, do so with a suitable hand truck after insuring that the
container cap is secured and the cylinder is properly fastened to the hand truck.

• Use only regulators, tubing and hose connectors approved by an appropriate regulatory agency.

• Do not refill cylinders.

• Check the condition of pipes, lines and connectors regularly. Perform gas leak tests at all joints and
seals of the gas system regularly, using an approved gas leak detection system.

• When the equipment is turned off, close all gas cylinder valves tightly at the cylinder. Bleed the
remainder of the line before turning the exhaust vent off.

Hazardous Chemicals
Before using samples, you should be thoroughly familiar with all hazards and safe handling practices.
Observe the manufacturer’s recommendations for use, storage and disposal. These recommendations are
normally provided in the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) supplied with the solvents.

Be aware that the chemicals that you use in conjunction with the GC may be hazardous. DO NOT store,
handle, or work with any chemicals or hazardous materials unless you have received appropriate safety
training and have read and understood all related Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS). MSDSs provide
information on physical characteristics, precautions, first aid, spill clean up and disposal procedures.
Familiarize yourself with the information and precautions contained in these documents before attempting
to store, use or dispose of the reagents. Comply with all federal, state, and local laws related to chemical
storage, handling, and disposal.

You must work under a suitable hood when handling and mixing certain chemicals. The room in which
you work must have proper ventilation and a waste collection system. Always wear appropriate safety
attire (full-length laboratory coat, protective glasses, gloves, etc.), as indicated on Material Safety Data
Sheets.

Some chemicals used with this GC may be hazardous or may


become hazardous after completion of an analysis. The responsible
body (for example, the Lab Manager) must take the necessary
precautions to ensure that the GC operators and the surrounding
WARNING workplace are not exposed to hazardous levels of toxic substances
(chemical or biological) as defined in the applicable Material Safety
Data Sheets (MSDS) or OSHA, ACGIH, or COSHH documents.
Venting for fumes and disposal of waste must be in accordance with
all national, state and local health and safety regulations and laws.

1-21 September 2006


Definitions in Warning for Hazardous Chemicals

Responsible body. “Individual or group responsible for the use and maintenance of equipment, and for
ensuring that operators are adequately trained.” [per IEC 1010-1].

Operator. “Person operating equipment for its intended purpose.”


[per IEC 1010-1].

OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (United States)

ACGIH: American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists

COSHH: Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (United Kingdom)

September 2006 1- 22
Clarus GC 501 Service Manual

WEEE Instructions for PerkinElmer Products

or

A label with a crossed-out wheeled bin symbol and a rectangular bar indicates that the product is covered by the
Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive and is not to be disposed of as unsorted municipal
waste. Any products marked with this symbol must be collected separately, according to the regulatory guidelines in
your area.

The objectives of this program are to preserve, protect and improve the quality of the environment, protect human
health, and utilize natural resources prudently and rationally. Specific treatment of WEEE is indispensable in order to
avoid the dispersion of pollutants into the recycled material or waste stream. Such treatment is the most effective
means of protecting the customer’s environment.

Requirements for waste collection, reuse, recycling, and recovery programs vary by regulatory authority at your
location. Contact your local responsible body (e.g., your laboratory manager) or authorized representative for
information regarding applicable disposal regulations. Contact PerkinElmer at the web site listed below for information
specific to PerkinElmer products.

Web address: [Link]

Customer Care: 1-800-762-4000 (inside the USA)


(+1) 203-925-4602 (outside the USA)

0800 40 858 (Brussels)


0800 90 66 42 (Monzaa)

1-23 September 2006


September 2006 1- 24

Common questions

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When using hydrogen with the Flame Ionization Detector (FID) in the Clarus 600 Gas Chromatograph, it is crucial to ensure that the hydrogen line couplings are leak-free to prevent explosive mixtures. Hydrogen must not be turned on unless a column is attached and all joints have been leak tested. If the hydrogen is turned on without a column or if there are unattended fittings, hydrogen could diffuse into the oven and create an explosion risk. Therefore, before disconnecting any part, ensure that the hydrogen supply is turned off .

The Clarus 600 GC should be operated within specific environmental conditions characterized by adequate ventilation, especially when using nitrogen or carbon dioxide as subambient accessories. Storage conditions require that the instrument be kept in a cool, dry place to prevent any damage due to moisture or excessive heat. Proper ventilated storage is essential to prevent hazardous gas accumulation, especially in confined areas. Additionally, gas cylinders must be stored securely to prevent accidents from falling or shifting .

Handling explosive gases, like hydrogen, requires stringent adherence to safety protocols. These gases should always be handled with properly maintained equipment to prevent leaks, utilizing high-quality fittings and conducting regular leak tests. Storage cylinders must be secured, used within proper settings, and appropriately ventilated areas should be maintained to eliminate the risk of gas accumulation and potential explosions .

Gas cylinders used with the Clarus 600 GC must be stored securely in an upright position, fastened to an immovable structure. It is important to ensure adequate ventilation to avoid dangerous gas accumulations. Storage areas should be away from heat sources and ignitable materials. Proper labeling and maintenance of gas cylinder conditions are critical for the safe operation of the instrument. Non-compliance with these guidelines can result in hazardous situations, such as explosions or toxic gas leaks .

For the Clarus 600 Gas Chromatograph, EMC certification ensures that it complies with the specific industrial electromagnetic environment standards in the European Union. This certification is crucial as industrial environments often contain ISM apparatus, high inductive loads that are frequently switched, as well as high currents and magnetic fields. Compliance helps to ensure the device functions correctly amid such disturbances and does not interfere with other equipment .

If an ECD cell failure is suspected, indicated by a detected leak exceeding 0.005 µCi of radioactive material, operations must be immediately suspended. The instrument should not be used until the cell is repaired or appropriately disposed of by a licensed professional. Such incidents need to be reported to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The regulations do not permit abandoning or exporting the ECD cell; instead, when transferring, it must be to a licensed receiver. Furthermore, never dismantle the ECD cell unless a specific license is obtained .

RF interference can affect chromatographic results when detectors other than the FID are subject to an RF field strength of 10 V/m between 80 MHz and 1000 MHz, causing deflections on the baseline. This can occur if a transmitting device like a walkie-talkie operates nearby. Managing such interference entails enforcing the restriction on use of such devices around the instrument, as RF emissions from typical consumer electronics like cell phones operating at higher frequencies do not pose a similar risk .

Leak tests on hydrogen line couplings in the Clarus 600 GC are critical to prevent the formation of explosive hydrogen/air mixtures within the gas chromatograph oven. Without proper testing, leaks can lead to potentially dangerous explosions due to hydrogen accumulation in an enclosed space. Therefore, consistent leak testing ensures safe operation and prevents accidents during the instrument's use .

In an industrial setting, ensuring electromagnetic compatibility requires checking the instrument's immunity to expected RF interference levels and its emissions into the environment. The Clarus 600 GC should be integrated into a facility that accommodates its specific power and installation needs, such as avoiding placement near powerful RF sources and ensuring correct grounding. Understanding these conditions helps maintain the stable operation of the instrument and compliance with industrial standards .

The Clarus 600 GC detectors, except for the Flame Ionization Detector (FID), may experience baseline deflections when subjected to RF fields of 10 V/m between 80 MHz and 1000 MHz with 80% modulation at 1 kHz. This means that nearby RF transmitters, like walkie-talkies, could cause spikes or peaks on the chromatographic baseline. To mitigate this issue, it is advised to post restrictions on the use of walkie-talkies or similar transmitting devices near the instrument .

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