Removing and Reinstalling the Needle Seat in Agilent G4226X/G1367E High Performance (HiP) Autosamplers

Answer

This Information Applies To: Agilent 1290 Infinity (G4226A) and Agilent 1260 Infinity (G1367E) HiP Autosampler

Issue

Replacing the Needle Seat of the Autosampler is required when:

• The needle seat is visibly damaged.
• Leaks or blockages in the Autosampler are observed from the needle seat.
• Replacement the needle seat is performed as part of yearly maintenance.

Tool Required

• Wrench, open end 1/4 - 5/16 inch (p/n 8710-0510)

Parts Required

For an Agilent 1290 Infinity (G4226A) HiP Autosampler

• Needle seat, Vespel, 0.12 mm ID capillary (p/n G4226-87012)

For an Agilent 1260 Infinity (G1367E) HiP Autosampler

• Needle seat, PEEK, 0.12 mm ID capillary (p/n G1367-87012)

See also: Needle & Needle Seats for HPLC

Steps to Follow

Warning: This procedure risks exposure to hazardous, toxic, or flammable solvents and reagents. Wear appropriate PPE as described in the material handling and safety data sheet supplied by the chemical vendor, and always follow good laboratory practice.

Caution: It is recommended to always exchange the needle assembly and the needle seat at the same time to prevent premature leakage. See an Article: How to remove and reinstall the Needle Assembly in Agilent G4226X/G1367E High Performance (HiP) Autosamplers

Figure 1 shows main assemblies of an Agilent G4226X/G1367E High Performance (HiP) Autosamplers.

Figure 1. Main Assemblies of an Agilent G4226X/G1367E High Performance (HiP) Autosamplers.
1. Needle Assembly, 2. Needle Carrier, 3. Transport Assembly, 4. Blocked needle seat, 5. Loop capillary, 6. Analytical Head, 7. Leak parts, 8. Needle seat

To remove the Needle Seat.

1. Finish any pending or running acquisition jobs using the autosampler.

2. Stop the flow at the pump and remove the solvent lines from the eluent bottles to avoid spilling solvent.

3. Close the shutoff valves at the pump if installed on your pump module. If no shutoff valves are installed, then move to step 4.

4. Open Agilent Lab Advisor Software, connect to the LC system where the needle seat change is required, then click Service and Diagnostics> Autosampler> Maintenance Positions> Change Needle/Seat (see Figure 2). Instructions on installing Lab Advisor on your Workstation PC are provided in the article How to Install Lab Advisor.

5. Click Start to start the maintenance task. Confirm the part number for the needle seat listed in the pop-up configuration window matches the new needle seat being installed in the autosampler (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Run the change needle/seat maintenance task in Lab Advisor.

6. Open the front door.

7. Disconnect the needle seat from the port No.5 of the injection valve. (Figure 3)

Figure 3. Disconnect the needle seat from the port No. 5 of the injection valve.

8. Use a flat head screw driver carefully to lift out the needle seat from the holder. Avoid using excess force that would damage the area surrounding the needle seat. (Figure 4)

Figure 4. Remove the needle seat from the holder.

To install the Needle Seat.

1. Insert the new needle seat. Press it down firmly until you feel it click into position, then reconnect the needle seat to port No.5 of the injection valve (Figure 5).

Figure 5. Insert the new needle seat and reconnect to port No.5 of the injection valve.

2. Go back to Lab Advisor and click End to finish the Maintenance Task. Click System Overview and then click Disconnect to disconnect your instrument from Lab Advisor. (Figure 6)

Figure 6. Close the Change Needle/Seat Maintenance task and disconnect the instrument from the Lab Advisor.

Tips: If possible, run a system pressure test with the port No. 6 of the injection valve blanked using the appropriate blanking nut to ensure the autosampler flow path is pressure tight to a pressure higher than your application requires.