How to Remove and Reinstall the Needle in Agilent G4226X/G1367E High Performance (HiP) Autosamplers

Answer

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

Issue

Replacing the Needle Assembly of the Autosampler is required when:

• The needle is visibly damaged.
• Leaks or blockages in the Autosampler are observed from the needle.
• The limit for the needle interaction EMF counter is exceeded.
• Replace the needle as part of yearly maintenance.

Tool Required

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

Parts Required

• Needle assembly (p/n G4226-87201)

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.

Warning: Risk of injury by uncovered needle.  Be careful working at the needle carrier assembly and appropriate PPE when removing the needle assembly. Use the silicon safety tube supplied with every new needle.

Caution: It is recommended to always exchange the needle assembly and the needle seat at the same time to prevent premature leakage. See Article: How to remove and reinstall the Needle Seat 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 Assembly.

1. Finish any pending or running acquisition job.

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 available on your pump module.

4. In the Agilent Lab Advisor Software, connect to your LC system then click Service and Diagnostics> Autosampler> Maintenance Positions> Change Needle/Seat. Instructions on downloading and 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 listed in the pop-up configuration window matches the new needle being installed in the autosampler (Figure 2).

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

6. Open the front door (1), remove the side door (2) (Figure 3). Turn the Needle carrier 90 ° clockwise. (Figure 4)

Figure 3. Open the front door and remove the side door.
1. Front door, 2. Side door

Figure 4. Turn the Needle carrier 90 ° clockwise.
.

7. Flip the Leak guide open then pinch the holder clamp and pull back to remove the needle from the arm. (Figure 5)

Figure 5. Open the leak guide and remove the needle from the arm.

8. Attach a 5/16-inch wrench to the slot in the body of the needle assembly and use a 1/4-inch wrench to loosen the fitting of the loop capillary, then remove the needle assembly. (Figure 6)

Figure 6. Loosen the fitting of the loop capillary and remove the needle assembly.

To install the Needle Assembly.

9. Push the silicon safety tube delivered with every needle over the needle to prevent injury.

10. Insert the loop capillary into the needle assembly and tighten the fitting hand tight. Attach a 5/16-inch wrench to hold the position at the needle assembly and use a 1/4-inch wrench to tighten the fitting of the loop capillary. (Figure 7)

Figure 7. Insert the loop capillary into the needle assembly and tighten the fitting of the loop capillary.

11. Pinch the holder clamp and re-insert the needle assembly into the needle carrier then close the leak guide. (Figure 8)

Figure 8. Re-insert the needle assembly into the needle carrier and close the leak guide.

12. Check the alignment of the needle in the needle pusher of the needle carrier by viewing from several directions to see that it is aligned in the center of the needle pusher. (Figure 9)

Caution: The needle must be centered in the needle pusher as all alignment by the Autosampler is calculated from the needle pusher position.

Figure 9. Check the alignment of the needle in the needle pusher.

13. Remove the silicon safety tube from the needle then reinstall the side door and close the front door.

14. 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 10)

Figure 10. 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.