Replacing the Needle Seat on a Standard Autosampler

Answer

This Information Applies To: Agilent G1329A/B and G1313A Standard Autosampler

Issue

Replacing the needle seat of the Agilent 1100/1200/1260 Standard Autosampler may be required during regular maintenance, replacing a bent needle, or flow path blockage. 

Tips: It is recommended to change needle and seat always together for a better alignment. See the article Replacing the Needle on a Standard Autosampler

Items Required

• Lab Advisor software
• Wrench, open-ended, 1/4 in and 5/16 in (p/n 8710-0510), available in HPLC System Tool Kit (p/n G7120-68708)
• Flat head screwdriver
• Needle seat assembly: 
  • 0.17 mm i.d 2.3 µL (p/n G1329-87017), or
  • 0.12 mm i.d 1.2 µL (p/n G1329-87012)

Tips: Learn how to install Lab Advisor here: How to Install Lab Advisor

Steps to Follow

1. Connect on Lab Advisor software and access to the Instrument Overview (Figure 1)

   
   
   Figure 1. Lab Advisor system overview
   
   

2. Click Service & Diagnostics.
   The Service & Diagnostics screen hosts the procedures (tests, calibrations, and tools) of the Lab Advisor software

3. From the modules list, select the Autosampler, then click Maintenance Positions.

4. Click Run. (Figure 2)
   
   Note: The autosampler cover must be in place before starting the next step

   
   
   Figure 2. Lab Advisor Service and Diagnostics
   
   

5. Under Change Needle/Seat, click the Start button. (Figure 3)

   
   
   Figure 3. Change Needle/Seat
   
   

6. Wait for the autosampler needle to raise, the arm to move the safety flap, and the needle to position halfway between the top and the needle seat. (See Figure 4)

7. Remove the front cover. (See Figure 4)

   
   
   
   Figure 4. Waiting for the autosampler to finish preparation before removing autosampler covers.
   
   

8. In the Lab Advisor Change Needle function, use the Needle Up command several times to lift the needle to the highest position.

9.  Disconnect the seat-capillary fitting from the port 5 of the injection valve (See Figure 5).

   
   
   Figure 5. Disconnecting the needle seat from the injection valve
   

10. Use a small flat-head screwdriver to gently ease out the needle seat from its holder.
    Pull the needle seat straight up and out (see Figure 6)

    
    
    Figure 6. Pulling out the needle seat form its holder
    

11. Insert the new needle-seat assembly. Press the seat firmly into position until you hear a snap (see Figure 7). 

    
    
    Figure 7. Installing the new needle seat
    

12. Connect the seat capillary fitting to port 5 of the injection valve (See Figure 8)

    
    
    Figure 8. Connecting the needle seat fitting to the injection valve
    

13. In the Lab Advisor Change Needle function, use the Down command to position the needle approximately 2 mm above the seat.

14. Ensure that the needle is aligned with the seat. If necessary, bend the needle slightly until it is aligned correctly.

15.  Install the front cover.

16. In the Lab Advisor Change Needle function, click End > Back > System Overview > Disconnect

Learn more about changing the needle and needle seat for your Agilent Standard Autosampler: G1313A and G1329X- Changing the Needle and Seat Capillary on a Standard Autosampler video on the Agilent Community