Replacing the Needle on a Standard Autosampler

Answer

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

Issue

Replacing the needle 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 Seat 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)
• Hexagonal key, 2.5 mm
• Flat head screwdriver
• Needle assembly (according to your sampler configuration): 
  • Standard needle assembly (p/n G1313-87201), or
  • Needle assembly for 900 µL loop capillary (p/n G1313-87202)

Tips: Learn how to install Lab Advisor in the article: How to Install Lab Advisor

Steps to Follow

Removing the needle

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. Disconnect the sample-loop capillary from the needle using a 1/4" wrench. (See Figure 5).

   
   
   Figure 5. Removing the sample-loop capillary fitting 
   
   

9. In the Lab Advisor Change Needle/Seat function, click the Needle Down button until the needle screw is aligned with the hole in the safety cover. (See Figure 6)

   
   
   Figure 6. Aligning the needle screw with the safety cover screw 
   
   

10.  Using a 2.5 mm hexagonal key, loosen the needle fixing screw, and lift out the needle. (See Figure 7).

    
    
    Figure 7. Removing the needle
    
    

Reinstalling the Needle

1. Insert the new needle by sliding it straight down into the needle holder. The needle must be aligned with the groove in the holder and the needle seat.
   Once it is positioned properly, tighten the fixing screw while holding the needle firmly. (See Figure 8).

   
   
   Figure 8. Inserting the new needle
   
   

2. Reconnect the sample-loop capillary to the needle. (See Figure 9)

   
   
   Figure 9. Reconnecting the sample-loop capillary 
   
   

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

4. Ensure that the needle is aligned with the seat. If necessary, bend the needle slightly until it is aligned correctly. (See Figure 10).

   
   
   Figure 10. Checking Needle alignment 
   
   

5.  Install the front cover.

6. 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: HPLC Maintenance-Replacing Needle & Seat Capillary on an Agilent G1313A/G1329X Standard Autosampler video on Agilent YouTube channel.