How to Change the SPS Autosampler Probe

Answer

This Information Applies To: SPS 4/SPS 3 autosampler, 5000 series (5100/5110/5800/5900) ICP-OES

Issue:

How to change the autosampler probe due to maintenance, blockage or damage.

Steps to follow:

Warning: Always ensure that the power to the autosampler is turned off before installing or removing the sample probe

Figure 1. Z-axis description

1. Z-axis Slide   2. Eyelet for tube routing   3. Tube routing to this side   4. Tube Restraint   

5. Probe Mount Block   6. Mount Nut   7. Sample Probe   8. Accessories Plate

To Remove the Sample Probe:

1. Turn off the autosampler
2. Rotate the probe arm so that it is facing the front of the autosampler, allowing for easy access
3. Remove the mount nut from the probe mount block on the sample probe. Slide the mount nut off of the sample probe (see Figure 1)
4. Place the mount nut from the sample probe on the top of the accessories plate with the recessed edge facing upwards and the holes aligned
5. Move the Z-axis slide down, stopping just above the mount nut of the accessories plate
6. Remove the sample probe by vertically pulling the probe from the housing
7. Disconnect the sample line from the sample tubing (that connects to the instrument) and unthread the sample line from the connections to the autosampler

Tips: For maintenance purposes, it is recommended to change all sample tubing and connectors when changing the autosampler probe. If the sample probe is being changed due to damage, check the sample tubing and any connectors to ensure they remain in good condition.

To Install a new Sample Probe:

1. Ensure Steps 1 through 5 from above are still applicable
2. Place the tip of the probe through the opening in the center of the Z-axis slide, through the mount nut and the accessories plate until the probe mount nut is sitting in the Z-axis slide 
3. Slide the mount nut up onto the probe mount block and tighten to secure the sample probe to the Z-axis slide (see Figure 2)
4. Place the sample line from the sample probe to the left around the probe arm housing. Connect the cable tie to the eyelet on the underside of the probe arm cover and leave a loop of approximately 10 mm that allows for movement. (see Figure 3)
5. Thread the sample line through the loop in the cable tie as shown in Figure 3.
6. Place the sample line through the rubber grommet in the middle of the wash pump tubing ducting.  Then slot the sample line into the tube anchor clip between the colored markers on the tubing as shown in Figure 3. 
7. Connect the sample line of the probe to the input of your instrument's sample introduction system, adjusting the length from the exit point as required.

Warning: It is important to ensure that the length of the tubing allows the probe arm to move freely in all axes. If it is too tight, it will restrict the probe arm and may cause a movement failure. If it is too loose, the probe arm may become tangled in the tubing as it moves

Figure 2. Description of probe mount assembly

1. Tube Restraint   2. Probe Mount Block   3. Z-axis Slide   4. Mount Nut

Tips:  When using a carbon fiber sample probe, do not run the sample line through the hook (or tube restraint) at the top of the Z-axis slide

Caution: Do not use the tube restraint for pre-formed sample probes. It is only used for non pre-formed sample probes

Figure 3. Sample Line Connectors

1. Cable Tie for tubing through eyelet on bottom of housing   2. Grommet   

3. Tube Anchor   4. Colored Markers

Tips: The tube markers on the sample line define the optimal sample length of sample line from the sample probe to the exit point of the autosampler

The following lists the color of the tube markers on the sample probe tubes:

• Red: Sample probe kit, 0.25 mm ID - G8410-80100
• Yellow: Sample probe kit, 0.5 mm ID - G8410-80101
• Green: Sample probe kit, 0.8 mm ID - G8410-80102
• Blue: Sample probe kit, 1.0 mm ID - G8410-80103
• Black: Sample probe kit, 1.2 mm ID - G8410-80104
• Red: Probe to suit microtiter plate - G8410-80105

Learn how to effectively operate your SPS Autosampler:  SPS 3 User's Guide user manual on Agilent.com