ISSUED

15 Sep 23

v.1.5

OM003

EA3100 ELEMENTAL ANALYZER

OPERATING MANUAL
EUROVECTOR SRL

EuroVector srl - EA3100 Elemental Analyzer OPERATING MANUAL (v.1.5) 1

C HAPTER 1 - CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL

Published by the manufacturer:

EuroVector srl – via F.lli Cuzio, 42 – 27100 – Pavia (PV), ITALY

Tel. 0039.0385.747010

Copyright Information

All rights reserved. This document contains EuroVector proprietary information. Permission must be obtained from the publisher
prior to any prohibited total or partial reproduction, storage in a retrieval system, or transmission in any form or by any means,
electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or likewise.

© 2019 EuroVector srl

Testing & Certifications

The EA3100 Elemental Analyzer has been tested by an independent testing facility, and bears the following appropriate
marks.

CE Testing 2019

Notices

This document is provided by EuroVector srl with the purchase of a product, for use in the product operation. All
information contained in this Manual is believed to be correct at the time of publication. The publisher EuroVector shall
not be liable for errors contained herein nor for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing,
performance or use of this material.

Important

• Be sure to keep this Instruction Manual together with the product if usage location changes.
• In case the warning/safety labels on the instrument are lost or damaged, promptly obtain their replacements
from the EuroVector dealer active in your country.
• Read carefully the Safety Instructions before using the instrument to ensure safe operation.

This document is intended for reference purposes and not for diagnostic procedure. All product specifications,
performance or use of this manual, are subject to change without notice.

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 CHAPTER 1 - CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL

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SR-1 EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY

Manufacturer: EuroVector srl

Via F.lli Cuzio, 42
27100 – Pavia (PV) - ITALY

This declaration of conformity is issued under the sole responsibility of the manufacturer.

Object of the declaration:

CODE NUMBER: S24-010 EA3000 Elemental Analyzer

S24-011 EA3100 Elemental Analyzer

The object of the declaration described above is in conformity with the relevant Union harmonization
legislation:

• 2014/35/EU: Low-Voltage Directive

• 2014/30/EU: Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive
• 2011/65/EU: Restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and
electronic equipment (RoHS) Directive

Conformity is assessed in accordance to the following standards:

• EN 61010-1: 2010 Safety Requirements for electrical equipment for measurement,

control and laboratory use Part 1: General requirements

• EN 61010-2-010: 2014 Part 2/ Section 10: Particular requirements for laboratory equipment
for the heating of materials

• EN 61010-2-081: 2015 Safety Requirements for electrical equipment for measurement,

control and laboratory use Part 2-081: Particular requirements for
automatic and semi-automatic laboratory equipment for analysis and
other purposes

• EN 61326-1:2013 Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use.

EMC Requirements Part 1: General Requirements

Year of first CE marking: 2019

Signed for and on behalf of the above manufacturer:

Place and date of issue: Pavia (PV), ITALY October 1st, 2019
Name, function: Leonardo Sisti General Manager

Signature: __________________________________
(Signed-in-original document available at the manufacturing site)

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 CHAPTER 1 - CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL

SR-2 Safety

SR-2.1 Safety Symbols used

Caution. Risk of danger – carefully read the note in the manual.

Caution. Hot surface.

Caution. Risk of electric shock.

Caution. Possible biological hazard.

Caution. Possible chemical hazard.

Caution. Possible flammable materials hazard.

Protective earth

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SR-2.2 Safety notices

Intended use: The EA3100 Elemental Analyzer is intended solely for the analysis of samples for the purpose of elemental
analysis, any other use will be considered to be improper. Substance categories which are admitted to be analyzed with
the EA3100 Elemental Analyzer are: not hazardous, chemically hazardous, biologically hazardous, flammable and toxic
substances.

All other samples categories such as for example radioactive or explosive substances are outside of the intended use of
the instrument and shall not be analyzed.

Proper use: the product must be used in accordance to the descriptions and instructions given in this manual. Any other
use will be considered to be improper.

Operator: the operator must have read and understood the manual, and be properly aware of all the safety notices. All
operators must have easy access to the manual. New operators must be trained by an already skilled person or read
the manual before using the device.

Assistance: For any further assistance regarding the safe use of the instrument, please contact:

EuroVector srl Your local distributor:

Via F.lli Cuzio, 42

27100 Pavia (PV) – ITALY
Tel: 0039 0385 747010
E-mail: [email protected]

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 CHAPTER 1 - CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL

Improper use of the device can cause injury to people or damage to equipment.

When you encounter the following symbols, you are strongly advised to:

o The safety of the instrument could be compromised if it is used in a way do not

specified by the manufacturer.

o The insertion, the positioning and the identification of the samples and the substances
inside the instrument are under the sole responsibility of the operator.

o The intrinsic safety of the instrument does not allow the use of a large quantities of
flammable substances. The maximum number of samples containing flammable
materials is 78 with a maximum weight of 1 mg for each sample.

o The substances used with the instrument can be various depending on the application.
In case of chemically or biologically hazardous, flammable or toxic substances, which
may constitute a risk of personal injury, use specific and individual protection
measures in accordance with the safety standards of the laboratory and the Material
Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) of the substances used.
o The operator is responsible of the use of substances that can cause explosion,
implosion, release of toxic or flammable gases arising from the heating of the
materials.
o The operator must be properly trained to use the instrument.

o The warranty will be invalidated and EuroVector will not be considered liable for any
damage or injury, direct or indirect if:
o The instrument is improperly used, not following the safety indications contained
in this operating manual
o Parts or components have been replaced with components different from the
original
o Some parts and surface of the instrument can reach high temperature and it
constitutes a risk of serious injury.
o Never attempt to remove the furnace tube at temperatures other than ambient
temperature.
o Some surfaces of the instrument will remain at high temperature for a considerable
amount of time after it has been switched off and so it is essential to wait before
touching the instrument.
o In case the instrument is switched off at operating temperature or in case of power
failure, the lack of proper ventilation normally granted by the rear fan can cause some
surfaces to remain hot for more than 1 hour. It is essential to wait until they reach
room temperature before doing any service or maintenance operation.
o The Hot Surface warning labels are positioned:
o near the reactors
o on the cover inside the instrument near the furnaces
o on the right side of the instrument
o on the oven cover inside the instrument

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C HAPTER 1 - CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL

They indicate the presence of hot surface both during the normal operation and for a
period of time (more than 1 hour) after the instrument is switched off. It is essential
to wait before touching the instrument.
o Never remove the panels located at the rear of the instrument cabinet. The presence
of Mains voltages constitutes a risk of electrical shock.

o The Biohazard warning label positioned on the AutoSampler indicates the possible
presence of biological or hazardous substances. In its intended use, the device does
not cause direct contact of the operator with biologically hazardous substances. The
only indirect contact could be due to traces of material present on the surfaces of
the instrument. Make sure to carry out a regular cleaning and decontamination of
the surfaces, especially afterwards the analysis of biologically hazardous materials.
o The Chemical hazard warning label located inside the instrument near the chemical
traps indicates the presence of potentially hazardous chemical reagents. In its
intended use, the device does not cause direct contact of the operator with
biologically hazardous substances. The only indirect contact could be due to traces
of material present on the surfaces of the instrument. Make sure to carry out a
regular cleaning and decontamination of the surfaces.
o The warning label positioned near the AutoSampler indicates the presence of moving
parts. Avoid contact with the AutoSampler while it is running.
o The warning label positioned near the gas connections on the rear side and on the
upper side of the instrument indicates the possible gas spillage. Make sure that the
leak test is performed both at room and operating temperatures after each
maintenance intervention.
o The warning label located near the reactors indicates the possible presence of
hazardous substances. Never be in contact with possible hazardous material without
proper wearing protection.
o The warning label placed on the oven cover indicates the possible presence of
hazardous substances or gases.

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SR-2.3 Technical specifications

Environmental Conditions
Intended for: Indoor use only
Altitude: up to 2000m
Temperature: 0°C to 40°C
Humidity: maximum relative humidity 80% for temperatures up to 31°C decreasing
linearly to 50% relative humidity at 40°C
Electrical Conditions
Supply: 230V~  10% 50-60 Hz
Transient over-voltages typically present on the MAINS
Current: 3A Max
Fuses: F8AH 250V

Safety Information
Pollution degree: 2
Overvoltage category: II
Device for indoors use

Technical Features
Dimensions: 35x45x50 cm Weight: 35 Kg

Gas Supply
Helium Gas Purity: 99.995% - (GC Grade)
Oxygen Gas Purity: 99.999% - (GC Grade)
Servo gas: dry

Helium Pressure: 3.0 bar (min) – 3.5 bar (max)

Oxygen Pressure: 3.0 bar (min) – 3.5 bar (max)
Servo Gas Pressure: 4.0 bar (min) – 5.0 bar (max)

Sound Pressure Level

Maximum measured: <58 dBA

SR-2.4 Delivery

The shipping case for the instrument has been fitted with "Tilt and Shock" indicators.

There are three indicators:

▪ One shock indicator is on the side face of the shipping box.

▪ One tilt indicator is on one of the side face as well.
▪ One shock indicator is on the top face of the internal cardboard protection.
If any indicator has turned red or if external damage to the box is evident, it MUST be reported immediately to the
shipping company. It must be clearly stated on the delivery document, which you must sign at the time of delivery.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

SR-1 EU DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ............................................................................................................... 4

SR-2 SAFETY ........................................................................................................................................................... 5
SR-2.1 SAFETY SYMBOLS USED .................................................................................................................................. 5
SR-2.2 SAFETY NOTICES ............................................................................................................................................. 6
SR-2.3 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ........................................................................................................................... 9
SR-2.4 DELIVERY........................................................................................................................................................ 9
1 CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL .........................................................................................................13
1.1 SPECIAL NOTICES ................................................................................................................................................. 13
1.1.1 Warnings ..................................................................................................................................................... 13
1.1.2 Analytical Notices........................................................................................................................................ 13
1.1.3 Informational Notices ................................................................................................................................. 13
1.2 TYPOGRAPHICAL CONVENTIONS .............................................................................................................................. 13
2 INTRODUCTION TO EA3100 ELEMENTAL ANALYZER ......................................................................................15
2.1 PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION....................................................................................................................................... 15
2.2 EA3100 ............................................................................................................................................................ 15
2.2.1 EA3100 sub-units ........................................................................................................................................ 16
2.2.2 The Gas Pathway ........................................................................................................................................ 19
3 PRELIMINARY OPERATIONS ..........................................................................................................................21
3.1 PACKAGING AND PACKING LIST ............................................................................................................................... 21
3.2 UNPACKING THE INSTRUMENT ................................................................................................................................ 21
3.3 REMOVING PROTECTIVE ELEMENTS .......................................................................................................................... 22
4 SETTING UP THE INSTRUMENT IN THE LAB ....................................................................................................23
4.1 POSITIONING OF THE INSTRUMENT IN THE LAB............................................................................................................ 23
4.2 CONNECTING GAS CYLINDER TO INSTRUMENT ............................................................................................................ 24
4.3 MAKING ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS ......................................................................................................................... 25
4.3.1 Electrical connections.................................................................................................................................. 25
4.4 MOUNTING THE REACTOR ...................................................................................................................................... 25
4.4.1 First installation of a reactor ....................................................................................................................... 25
4.4.1.1 Extracting, repositioning and aligning the Q-Fit ..................................................................................................26
4.4.2 Replacement of a reactor............................................................................................................................ 27
4.5 MOUNTING THE GC COLUMN ................................................................................................................................. 27
4.6 MOUNTING THE TRAPS ......................................................................................................................................... 28
4.6.1 Configurations requiring only the trap for H 2O (installing or replacing the trap) ....................................... 28
4.6.2 Switching Transfer Line and Trap Line ........................................................................................................ 29
4.6.3 Configurations (O)/(N) requiring both traps for H 2O and CO2/SO2 ............................................................. 29
5 SOLID AUTOSAMPLER ...................................................................................................................................30
5.1 INSTALLATION...................................................................................................................................................... 30
5.1.1 Mounting the AutoSampler ........................................................................................................................ 30
5.1.2 Making all connections ............................................................................................................................... 31
5.1.3 Mounting the sample trays ......................................................................................................................... 31

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5.1.4 Dismounting the AutoSampler .................................................................................................................... 32

6 EA3100 INSTALLATION ..................................................................................................................................33
6.1 POWER UP THE INSTRUMENT .................................................................................................................................. 33
6.1.1 EA3100 states ............................................................................................................................................. 34
6.1.1.1 Operative States ..................................................................................................................................................34
6.1.1.2 Non-operative states ...........................................................................................................................................34
6.1.2 LED Indicators ............................................................................................................................................. 35
6.1.2.1 Principal LED combinations .................................................................................................................................35
6.2 INSTRUMENT PARAMETERS (EA METHOD)................................................................................................................ 36
6.3 PRELIMINARY CHECKS ............................................................................................................................................ 37
6.3.1 Checking flows, pressures and temperatures ............................................................................................. 38
6.4 PURGING THE OXYGEN ARM................................................................................................................................... 38
6.5 LEAK TESTS ......................................................................................................................................................... 39
6.5.1 Foreword ..................................................................................................................................................... 39
6.5.2 Leak Test failures ........................................................................................................................................ 39
6.5.3 Guidance for finding leaks .......................................................................................................................... 40
6.5.4 Performing Leak Tests during installation .................................................................................................. 40
6.5.4.1 Leak Tests at ROOM temperature .......................................................................................................................40
6.5.4.2 Warming up the instrument ................................................................................................................................41
6.5.4.3 Leak tests at operating temperature ...................................................................................................................41
6.6 PRELIMINARY TESTS PRIOR TO ANALYSIS .................................................................................................................... 41
6.6.1 Foreword ..................................................................................................................................................... 41
6.6.2 Running the SAS Test .................................................................................................................................. 43
6.6.3 Running the Blank Test ............................................................................................................................... 44
6.6.4 Running the Analytical Test ........................................................................................................................ 45
7 WEAVER SW ..................................................................................................................................................46
7.1 INSTALLATION AND ACTIVATION .............................................................................................................................. 46
7.1.1 EA Dongle .................................................................................................................................................... 46
7.2 ACCESSING THE APPLICATION .................................................................................................................................. 46
7.3 MAIN MENU STRUCTURE ....................................................................................................................................... 47
7.3.1 Quick Settings commands ........................................................................................................................... 48
7.4 CONTROLLING THE EA........................................................................................................................................... 50
7.4.1 Instrument Set tab - Sending Instrument Parameters to the EA and managing the Methods ................... 51
7.4.1.1 Conditioning Instrument Parameters ..................................................................................................................51
7.4.2 Instrument Set tab – Smart Conditioning function ..................................................................................... 52
7.4.3 Instrument Set tab - Controlling TCD and SAS ............................................................................................ 52
7.4.4 Maintenance tab - Using Gas OFF function ................................................................................................ 52
7.4.5 Maintenance tab - Performing a Leak Test ................................................................................................. 53
7.4.6 Maintenance tab – Purging the Oxygen Arm .............................................................................................. 53
7.5 PREPARING AND RUNNING ANALYSES ....................................................................................................................... 54
7.5.1 Editing the Sample Table ............................................................................................................................ 55
7.5.2 Integration Parameters ............................................................................................................................... 56
7.5.3 Component Table ........................................................................................................................................ 56
7.5.4 Calibration Type .......................................................................................................................................... 57
7.5.5 EA - Instrument Parameters ........................................................................................................................ 58
7.5.6 Saving the Autorun ..................................................................................................................................... 58
7.5.7 Starting the analysis.................................................................................................................................... 59
7.5.8 Following the analysis progress .................................................................................................................. 59
7.5.9 Inspecting the chromatogram .................................................................................................................... 60
7.5.10 View Analysis Results .................................................................................................................................. 61
7.6 REPROCESSING RESULTS ........................................................................................................................................ 62
7.7 PRINTING REPORTS............................................................................................................................................... 63

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7.8 THE ANALYSIS CYCLE ............................................................................................................................................. 66

7.8.1 Foreword ..................................................................................................................................................... 66
7.8.2 The Analysis cycle ........................................................................................................................................ 66
7.9 INSTRUMENT SWITCH-OFF ..................................................................................................................................... 68
8 MAINTENANCE ..............................................................................................................................................69
8.1 ORDINARY MAINTENANCE ...................................................................................................................................... 69
8.1.1 Cleaning the instrument.............................................................................................................................. 69
8.2 DECONTAMINATION ............................................................................................................................................. 69
8.3 DISPOSAL ........................................................................................................................................................... 70
9 APPENDICES ..................................................................................................................................................71
9.1 A1 - EA3100 ALARMS ......................................................................................................................................... 71
9.1.1 Overview ..................................................................................................................................................... 71
9.1.2 Alarms generated during boot .................................................................................................................... 71
9.1.3 Alarms generated during normal operations .............................................................................................. 73
9.1.3.1 Gas-related alarms ...............................................................................................................................................73
9.1.3.2 Temperature-related alarms ...............................................................................................................................74
9.1.3.3 TCD-related alarms ..............................................................................................................................................75

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1 CONVENTIONS USED IN THIS MANUAL

Throughout the present manual, more emphasis will be given on specific portions of text, in case it is necessary that the
user pays particular attention to its content.

Three different types of notices will be used: Warnings, Analytical Notices and Informational Notices.

1.1 SPECIAL NOTICES

1.1.1 WARNINGS

WARNING. Indicates that failure to comply to the provided indication may lead to personal injury or damage to the
Elemental Analyzer.

These notices should be seriously taken into consideration to avoid serious risk for the operator or the instrument.

1.1.2 ANALYTICAL NOTICES

NOTE. Indicates that lack of compliance to the provided indication may negatively affect analytical results, for
example due to wrong parameters settings or incorrect sequence of operations.

IMPORTANT. Indicates that lack of compliance to the provided indication may negatively affect analytical results, for
example due to wrong parameters settings or incorrect sequence of operations.

1.1.3 INFORMATIONAL NOTICES

NOTE. Provides information generally helpful for the user that is suggested to take into consideration before doing some
actions. Failure to comply does not, in this case, compromise operator safety, instrument integrity or performances.

IMPORTANT. Provides information generally helpful for the user, that he/she is suggested to take into consideration
before doing some actions. Failure to comply does not, in this case, compromise operator safety, instrument integrity
or performances.

1.2 TYPOGRAPHICAL CONVENTIONS

The following typographical conventions will be used in the text flow of this manual:

• Links to internal chapters or section of the manual will be blue and italicized

Example: “Section 4.6 - Mounting the Traps”

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• Paths referring to sequences of SW’s menu items will be represented as the sequence of the menu items
formatted in blue-bold-italic and separated by the symbol →

Example: Analysis → New Autorun

• Viewpoint. If not otherwise stated, the expression left and right in this manual always refer to the viewpoint
of a person standing in front of the Elemental Analyzer

• Practical actions to be performed during an operative procedure will be bulletized using the symbol 

Example:  Slide the assembly and extract it from the compartment

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 CHAPTER 2 - INTRODUCTION TO EA3100 ELEMENTAL ANALYZER

2 INTRODUCTION TO EA3100 ELEMENTAL ANALYZER

2.1 PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION

The EA3100 Elemental Analyzer working principle is based on the well-established Dumas technique for Dynamic Flash
Combustion followed by gas chromatographic separation of the resultant gaseous species (N2, CO2, H2O, SO2) and
subsequent TCD detection. Relying on its advanced dedicated Software for the Elemental Analysis, the instrument
provides precise analytical results, continuous monitoring of instrument performances, full diagnostic, sample row data
archival and retrieval as well as results recalculation.

2.2 EA3100

The complete instrument is shown in the picture below.

The EA is not equipped with local keypads and is fully controlled via USB cable connection through its dedicated SW.

Everything, from instrument control to running analyses as well as specific service operations is performed throughout
the SW user interface.

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2.2.1 EA3100 SUB-UNITS

The EA3100 can be conceptually divided into various areas, which have different accessibility, depending on the level
of safety involved on the operation to be performed (changing a trap or do a service intervention on electrical parts):

Compartment Accessibility
Traps Housing (Operator)
GC Oven & TCD Housing (Operator)
Solid AutoSampler (Operator)
Q-Fit Compartment (Operator)
Furnace Compartment (Service only)
Main supply Compartment (Service only)
Electronics Compartment (Service only)
Pneumatics Compartment (Service only)

The three areas accessible to the Operator, when needed, can be opened with the Torx or Allen keys provided into the
(P12-084) Tool-Kit Bag.

All other areas marked above with Service only, must be accessed by EuroVector Accredited Service Engineers.

Traps Housing

Is located behind the left front door of the instrument and hosts the two traps for H2O and CO2 respectively used when
needed in specific analytical configurations. See the “Section 4.6 - Mounting the Traps” for more details.

GC Oven & TCD Housing

The GC oven is accessed by opening the low panel located in the left side of the instrument.

It consists of an insulated enclosure which houses the following elements:

1. GC Column
1 2. TCD (Thermal Conductivity Detector)
3. Transfer Line outlet (not installed by default, see page 16)
4
2
4. Traps Line outlet
3
The well insulated housing contains a band heater around the circular enclosure
containing the GC column and the TCD. The temperature inside the oven is
monitored by a thermocouple and is regulated by a temperature controller.

In the default CHNS configuration, the PTFE GC Column has an outer diameter of 8mm, length is 2m.

TCD working principle

The Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD) is of a high sensitivity type with matched resistors and consists of a metal
block, placed inside the GC Oven and kept at a constant temperature. Two separate cells filled with the same type of
gas and mounting two interconnected heated filaments each, are machined into the metal block:

1. Sample Cell receiving Helium gas as a carrier plus the analytical gases generated during the sample combustion
and separated by the GC Column
2. Reference Cell continuously receiving pure Helium from a different branch of the circuit

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Both pairs of filaments are powered by the same controlled voltage and in each branch of the circuit the Helium gas
flow is set to a specific value and kept constant in time. This constant condition allows each pair of filaments to establish
a thermal equilibrium with the gas of the cell. The gas continuously flowing across each filament, cools it to some extent
by adsorbing some of the heat.

How much heat is lost depends on the thermal conductivity of the gas flowing through the cell. The ability of the gas to
conduct heat away from the filament changes if the composition of the gas changes. The gas flowing through the
reference cell does not change, thus the filament temperature remains constant. The gas flowing through the sample
cell can change since it may contain gaseous compounds eluting from the column. If compounds pass through the
sample cell, its filament changes in temperature since the composition of the gas changes. The resulting change in the
sample cell filament temperature is compared to that of the reference cell filament temperature. The difference
between the filament temperatures is converted into an electronic signal. This signal is processed by the recorder into
a corresponding peak in the chromatogram. Greater amounts of the compound generate a larger signal, thus giving a
larger peak.

Solid AutoSampler

Externally located on top of the Furnace Compartment, the 80 positions Pneumatic Solid AutoSampler, permits sample
automatic admission into the hot reactor for analysis, thus allowing for high sample throughput. The Solid AutoSampler
is actuated by a servo-gas. See “Section 4.2 - Connecting gas cylinder to Instrument“ for more details.

It can be serviced directly by the Operator using the set of keys provided with the device.

Q-Fit Compartment

Located behind the small panel below the Furnace Compartment, it houses the following parts:

1. Q-Fit Assembly
2. Transfer Line inlet (not installed by default, see below note)
3. Traps Line inlet

Q-Fit Assembly

It is a metal assembly accepting the lower end of the quartz reactor and ensuring its leak tightness, by means of an O-
Ring mounted in its body.

Transfer and Traps Lines

The Traps Line is used to mount one or two traps filled with suitable chemicals, which allow to remove one or more
analytical gases, not of analytical interest. Basically, a maximum of two traps, installed in series along the line, may
retain H2O and/or CO2/SO2 from the gas stream before reaching the GC Column. By default, the Transfer Line is
connected to the EA pneumatic circuit. In case the use of the traps is needed, refer to “Section 4.6 - Mounting the Traps”.

The Transfer Line is alternative to the Traps Line and, being used to analyze the four elements (CHNS), consists of a PFA
tubing, going from the Q-Fit directly to the GC Column, which during the analysis is maintained at a constant
temperature and assures a heated transfer of the analytical gases to the separation step. The Transfer Line has an
improving chromatographic effect on the H2O peak.

IMPORTANT. The Transfer Line is NOT installed and delivered by default and may not be present on your EA3100, unless
it has been optionally purchased.

Furnace Compartment

Located behind the right front door of the instrument, it is a well-ventilated compartment, housing the instrument
furnace. Furnace Compartment must be accessed and serviced only by EuroVector Accredited Service Engineers.

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C HAPTER 2 - INTRODUCTION TO EA3100 ELEMENTAL ANALYZER

Main Supply Compartment

Located behind the Furnace Compartment, it is accessible from the lower rear panel of the cabinet. It houses
transformers, power supply PCB, including in-line fuses. If you suspect an electric problem, DO NOT open the
compartment. You should contact your local dealer. Main Supply Compartment must be accessed and serviced only by
EuroVector Accredited Service Engineers.

Electronics compartment

It is located behind the GC Oven and it is accessible at the rear of the EA. It houses CPU the electronic board which is
the core of the instrument. If you suspect an electronics problem, DO NOT open the compartment. You should contact
your local dealer. Electronics Compartment must be accessed and serviced only by EuroVector Accredited Service
Engineers.

Pneumatics Compartment

Pneumatic components such as Electrovalves, EPC’s and EFM are placed behind the panel located above the GC Oven
Housing and must be accessed and serviced only by EuroVector Accredited Service Engineers.

WARNING – Electric shock. The Instrument MUST be operated with all panels in place, for safety and to ensure the
proper air circulation and cooling in the intended areas. Panels must be removed ONLY by service engineers
accredited by EuroVector. Failure to comply, may result in personal injury and/or damage to the instrument.

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 CHAPTER 2 - INTRODUCTION TO EA3100 ELEMENTAL ANALYZER

2.2.2 THE GAS PATHWAY

The instrument requires Helium and Oxygen to perform the analytical tasks, while it needs a servo-gas (Nitrogen or
compressed air) to actuate the pneumatic Solid AutoSampler.

Gas Inlets. The first two gases are admitted at the rear of the instrument through the connectors marked Helium and
Oxygen using 1/8” Swagelok gas fitting for 1/8” SS tubing. Servo Gas is connected through a one-touch fitting mounted
on a manual pressure regulator.

Inlet pressures values at the second stage of the cylinders are:

Helium 3.5 bar

Oxygen 3.5 bar
Servo Gas 5 bar

Servo Gas manual pressure regulator at the rear of the instrument needs to be set to 3.5 bar.

Oxygen gas: it is supplied from its cylinder to the “Oxygen” bulkhead, reaching the EPC after flowing through an “Oxygen
gas filter”. Then passes through a restrictor and remains still and isolated from the rest of the pathway by means of two
electrovalves: EV-2 and EV-3, until an analysis cycle starts, or a purge of the line is done.

At that time, EV-3 opens at the start of the Oxygen injection subroutine and closes when the requested volume of
Oxygen has been dispensed.

Valve EV-2 is responsible to purge the Oxygen gas to vent before analysis or at need. This ensures that the presence of
Nitrogen contamination inside the pipes (coming from the air) is eliminated, prior to the injection of Oxygen.

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C HAPTER 2 - INTRODUCTION TO EA3100 ELEMENTAL ANALYZER

Helium gas: it is supplied at the rear of the instrument, to valve EV-1. It splits into two separate pathways: the Carrier
gas line and the Reference gas line.

Carrier gas line’s Helium pressure is controlled by the Carrier EPC1 and the gas flows beyond the Oxygen admit point.
Its resulting flow is measured by the Electronic Flow Meter (EFM). Then Helium flows through the connector C1 at the
top of the instrument labelled “Carrier” and, passing through the AutoSampler body, enters directly the
combustion/reduction reactor in the furnace. Out of the furnace, Helium is carrying the analytical gaseous products (N2,
CO2, H2O, SO2). The gas mixture passes through the Traps Line to go through the GC Column, the Carrier cell of the TCD,
through an ON/OFF valve EV-4 and finally out of the “Vent” port C5 located at the rear of the instrument. The Traps
Line consists of PFA tubes that can connect zero, one or two traps depending on the EA analytical configuration.

In case Hydrogen is not an element of interest, a water trap is inserted between the Q-Fit and the GC Column. The analytical
mixture of analytical gases, out of the Q/Fit, passes through the water trap to go to the GC Column, the TCD, the valve EV-
4 and then to Vent. The trap is installed along this line and is housed in a compartment placed behind the left front door,
outside the EA cabinet and connected to the internal pneumatic layout by means of the connectors C6 and C7.

A second trap can be installed in series to the water trap, to retain CO2 and SO2, in case only N is of interest.

NOTE: A second line called Transfer Line (TL), alternative to the Traps Line can be purchased as an option. It consists of a
PFA tube kept at warm temperature using a resistor (heated Transfer Line) and going directly from the Q-Fit to the GC
Column. In case it is purchased, the TL is installed by default, while the Traps Line is threaded but not connected.

In the Refence line, the Helium flows into an electronic pressure controller (EPC2) and then to a restrictor, after which
it enters the reference cell of the TCD. Out of the TCD it passes through the ON/OFF valve labelled EV-5, out at connector
C2 located on the top panel of the instrument and labelled “Purge”. It then flows into the AutoSampler body at the
bottom face of the Purge chamber, and vents out at the sample tray, just beneath the clear sample tray cover.

Servo Gas: it arrives from the cylinder to a manual manometer mounted on the rear panel of the EA, setting an inlet
pressure of 3.5bar. Then it enters the instrument and flows through electrovalve EV-6, that controls the admission of
the gas into the machine. When EV-6 is OFF, no servo gas is delivered to the AutoSampler. After EV-6 the gas flows
through the three-way valve EV-7, dedicated to the movement of the AutoSampler piston, which drives the gas stream
to the AutoSampler body through connectors C3 “Piston-In” or C4 “Piston-Out”, both located on top panel of the EA.

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 CHAPTER 3 - PRELIMINARY OPERATIONS

3 PRELIMINARY OPERATIONS

3.1 PACKAGING AND PACKING LIST

• EA3100 is shipped in a box specifically designed for packing and unpacking operations in full safety.
• The Solid AutoSampler is packed in a separate box and is generally included in the same shipment.
• Depending on the instrument configuration purchased, other items may be included.
• Depending on additional options purchased, items can be different from standard parts list.
• Packing List for main group of items is provided allowing for an easy checklist.

3.2 UNPACKING THE INSTRUMENT

This section includes the instructions for the pre-installation of the instrument from unpacking stage up to setting up
the instrument in the lab.

Instrument Packaging Dimension

The EA3100 Elemental Analyzer is shipped in a box (dimensions 35x50 H=45cm).

The case carries two indicators (Tilt and Shock watch) showing whether it has been transported correctly from the
EuroVector factory to the customer’s laboratory.

Tilt and Shock watch

Tilt and Shock watch are positioned respectively on top and on the front of the Outside Box. If the packing case has been
transported in the correct way up, then the indicators register a white color, otherwise they turn to a red color.

WARNING – Damage to the Device. In the event that one or both indicators have turned red, then DO NOT attempt
to open the case. You must report this situation immediately to the local distributor that will ascertain if red color
was due to an excess of sensitivity on the indictors.

Check the list of materials included within the shipment: if any part is missing or appears to be damaged, contact the
distributor/manufacturer.

In the event that external damage has occurred to the instrument, a detailed report must be prepared as soon as
possible for insurance purposes.

The gas supply should be as close to the instrument as possible.

Important Safety Notice.

• A specific safe place must be allocated for new and used reactors.
• The consumables must be easily accessible during operation.
• Consumables are provided with Safety Data Sheet.

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C HAPTER 3 - PRELIMINARY OPERATIONS

• Exhausted reactor and reagents must have traceable destination. They cannot be dispersed in the
environment and must be disposed of, in line with local laws and regulations.

3.3 REMOVING PROTECTIVE ELEMENTS

In order to avoid damages to the instrument during the shipment, protective elements are positioned at some of its
parts.

Before proceeding with the installation, they need to be removed:

1. Yellow caps from the inlet gas connectors at the rear of the EA
2. Black caps from the gas ports on top panel of the EA
3. Black cap from the Reactor Port on top panel of the EA
4. Red cap from the Q-Fit in the Q-Fit Compartment

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 CHAPTER 4 - SETTING UP THE INSTRUMENT IN THE LAB

4 SETTING UP THE INSTRUMENT IN THE LAB

4.1 POSITIONING OF THE INSTRUMENT IN THE LAB

The instrument should be positioned following the instructions reported below:

• Place the instrument on a flat surface near the gas supply of the lab. In case of use of flammable
materials, place the instrument on a non-flammable surface.
• Keep the distances indicated in the diagrams below, between the rear and the side of the instrument,
and any other surfaces in order to not obstruct in any way the air outlet opening and thus maintaining
the accessibility of the rear of the instrument.
• Make sure that the power cord is far from the hot surfaces of the instrument.

200 mm

1000 mm

200 mm

200 mm 200 mm

To lift and carry the instrument:

• TWO PEOPLE ARE NEEDED.

• Lift the instrument holding it by hand from the lower part of the basic unit.
• Do NOT hold the instrument from the front door during transportation: applying a high force to this
part could damage it seriously!

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C HAPTER 4 - SETTING UP THE INSTRUMENT IN THE LAB

4.2 CONNECTING GAS CYLINDER TO INSTRUMENT

The pure He Gas Cylinder (see specifications in section SR-2.3) is fitted with a Dual Stage Pressure Regulator (DSPR) and
is connected to the He gas inlet located on the rear panel of the instrument using 1/8” Stainless Steel tubing.

Similarly, the pure O2 Gas Cylinder is connected to the O2 Gas inlet as shown on the photograph below.

Gas connections (as well as electrical connections) are made at the rear of the instrument and are shown in the
photograph below:

1 - Mains Power Supply, Mains Switch and Mains fuse ②

2 - Oxygen inlet - Bulkhead from 1/8” to 2x1mm tubing ③

④ ⑤
3 - Helium Inlet - Bulkhead from 1/8” to 2x1mm tubing ⑤

4 - Vent - Vent for analytical gases and O2 during purge

5 - Servo Gas Inlet -

6 - USB connector - Cable included in the shipment

• Helium. Set a pressure of 1 Bar (~15 psi) at the second ①

stage regulator of the Helium gas cylinder.
Allow the gas to flow through the line for a few
seconds in order to purge any atmospheric gases out of
the line.
Connect the line to the Helium inlet connector at the back of the instrument.
Set the pressure to 3.5 Bar.
• Oxygen. Set a pressure of 1 Bar (~15 psi) at the second stage regulator of the Oxygen gas cylinder.
Flush the gas out of the line for few seconds, in order to purge any eventual atmospheric gases.
Connect the line to the Oxygen inlet connector at the back of the instrument.
Set the pressure to 3.5 Bar.
NOTE: All valves in the instrument are “Normally closed”, they do not open until electrical energy is applied to
them. This means that no gas will flow through the instrument at this stage.

• Servo-Gas. Repeat the same operations done for Helium. Then, set the pressure to 5 Bar at the second stage
of the cylinder’s manometer and 3.5 Bar at the manual pressure regulator of the EA.
• For each gas line, check that the connections you have made at the Gas Cylinder Pressure Regulators and at
the back of the instrument are gas tight:
▪ Close the second stage of the regulator and take note of the pressure
▪ wait 15-20 minutes and verify that there are no pressure drops
▪ In the meantime, using a Helium detector or the “Snoop provided” with the instrument, check that there
are no visible leaks at the connections you have made

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 CHAPTER 4 - SETTING UP THE INSTRUMENT IN THE LAB

4.3 MAKING ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS

4.3.1 ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS

WARNING - Electric Shock or damage to the device. The instrument is properly grounded in accordance with
regulations when shipped. The user is NOT AUTHORIZED to make any changes to the electrical connections or to the
instrument’s cabinet, in order to ensure safe operation.

Follow the guidelines reported below:

• Only use power cords provided or approved by the manufacturer for the device.
• Only use a power cord that is designed for the country in which you use the device; avoid using local adapters
between the socket and the power cord.
• Do not use defective multiple socket or extensions cords: they may result in personal injury or damage to the device.
• Never plug the power cord to a socket that is shared with other equipment (for example, multiple sockets).
• The power cord is considered as the disconnecting device of the instrument. In case of emergency, it must be
possible to reach the power cord easily at any time to disconnect the device from the power line.
• Operate the device only from a power outlet that has a protective ground connection.

The Mains power supply switch is positioned on the rear panel of the EA is easily accessible from the front of the
instrument by using one hand.

The instrument MUST BE positioned in such a way that the disconnecting device is easily accessible.

The PC is connected to the USB 2.0 port positioned in the left-rear corner.

4.4 MOUNTING THE REACTOR

4.4.1 F IRST INSTALLATION OF A REACTOR

The following instructions assume that NO reactor is already installed on the EA, the Solid AutoSampler is not installed
and the system is NOT in pressure or turned ON. Replacing a reactor already installed is covered in the next section.

The reactor is installed by inserting it into the Furnace Compartment from the Reactor Port positioned on the top panel
of the EA. Out of the furnace its capillary must plug into the Q-Fit below.

NOTE. While the Reactor Port and the Furnace are factory pre-aligned and fixed parts, the position of the Q-Fit can be
slightly adjusted to allow perfect insertion of the reactor. In the event that some pre-aligned parts have moved during
transportation, it is possible to realign them loosening and re-tightening their fixing screws.

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C HAPTER 4 - SETTING UP THE INSTRUMENT IN THE LAB

Installation of the reactor:

 Before positioning the reactor inside the furnace,

place the silicon O-ring around its top end, as in the
picture aside.
 Slide the reactor inside the furnace until its capillary
touches the Q-Fit placed below the furnace. Before
pushing, make sure that the Q-Fit is properly
aligned and the reactor’s capillary is in contact with
the O-ring positioned inside the Q-Fit.
 To adjust the Q-Fit position, open the Q-Fit
Compartment and unscrew the retaining nut.
Move the Q-Fit as needed until the reactor
capillary is smoothly in contact with the Q-Fit’s O- Reactor Port
ring. Then re-tighten the nut. For more details see
next subsection
 Plug the reactor capillary into the Q-Fit connector
(this requires a small amount of downward force
to pass the sealing ring)
 The reactor is now in place

4.4.1.1 EXTRACTING , REPOSITIONING AND ALIGNING THE Q-FIT

The Q-Fit is a metal part of the EA placed in its dedicated compartment, under the furnace. It is
A
designed to accept the reactor lower end, ensuring the leak tightness of the reactor when it installed
in the instrument. C
B
The Q-Fit (A) is mounted on a metal plate (B), held in place by two fixed and not retaining nuts on the
Q-Fit side and by a single retaining nut (D) on the other end of the metal plate. Installing and D
repositioning the Q-Fit is done by simply extracting and remounting its entire assembly.

To extract the Q-Fit assembly:

 Remove the reactor, if one is installed, following the next section

 Open its compartment
 Remove the retaining nut
 Slide the assembly and extract it from the compartment

To mount the Q-Fit assembly:

 Slip the assembly inside the compartment, positioning the two

slides (C) of the metal plate (B) in correspondence of the two fixed
nuts in the compartment, which do not need to be fastened
 In needed, mount the reactor and align the Q-Fit assembly to
smoothly accept its quartz capillary
D
 Fasten the retaining nut (D)
 Close the Q-Fit compartment

Note. The two fixed nuts are pre-mounted on the instrument cabinet and do not need to be fastened or removed: they
serve only to ensure that the assembly takes its proper position during the mounting operation. The retaining nut keeps
it in a fixed position and allows an easy re-alignment of the Q-Fit with the reactor and the furnace.

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 CHAPTER 4 - SETTING UP THE INSTRUMENT IN THE LAB

4.4.2 REPLACEMENT OF A REACTOR

This section assumes that a used reactor is already in place and that the Solid AutoSampler is mounted on the EA.

WARNING – Risk of personal injury. Before proceeding with reactor removal, ensure that THE FURNACE IS
SWITCHED OFF AND COOLED TO A TEMPERATURE BELOW 45°C. Failure to comply may result in personal injury!
Also ensure that the entire gas pathway of the system is depressurized, before removing the AutoSampler.

To replace a used reactor onto the EA3100, operate as follows from the software user interface (refer to the software
manual for details):

• Ensure the gas pathway has been depressurized

• Ensure that the furnace is switched OFF
• Wait until the furnace reached a temperature below 45oC, then follow the procedure described below
• When mounting the reactor, the AutoSampler must be removed first. If needed, follow the instructions in
“Section 5.1.4 - Dismounting the AutoSampler”
• Remove the old reactor:
o Pull the reactor upwards, twisting it at the same time, until it has completely come out of the
instrument. You are advised to lever with both hands on the top of the instrument to gently extract
the reactor from its “Quick Fit” connector at the bottom. This will ensure smoother control during the
extraction of the reactor.
o Remove the reactor from the holder and store the reactor in a safe place.
• Insert the new reactor according to the procedure outlined in the previous section.

4.5 MOUNTING THE GC COLUMN

The GC Column separates the plug of elemental gases (N2, CO2, H2O, SO2), generated after the combustion/oxidation
and reduction steps when the sample is completely burned.

In the default layout (CHNS), the GC Column must be connected to the

Traps Line (A) at one end (Inlet) and to a SS Tube going to the TCD at the
other end (Outlet).
A
NOTE: ONLY in case the Transfer Line has been purchased, inside the GC
Oven, another transparent tube (B) is connected by default to the GC
Column, meaning that the Traps Line, in the default configuration, is only
threaded but not used. B

To mount the GC column:

• Make sure the GC Oven heater is switched OFF and the oven temperature is below 45 °C.
• The GC oven door is removed by using the hexagonal Allen key included in the tool bag provided.
• Connect the Traps Line (A) to the column’s inlet and the SS tubing going to the TCD at the other end (Outlet):
this is easily done with the column kept outside the GC oven. When both connections have been tightly
secured, place the column inside the GC oven.

WARNING – Risk of personal injury. If a column is already in place and has to be removed, ensure that the gas
pathway has been depressurized beforehand.

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C HAPTER 4 - SETTING UP THE INSTRUMENT IN THE LAB

4.6 MOUNTING THE TRAPS

Regardless of the purchased analytical configuration kits, the instrument is shipped with a One-
Touch fitting (A) mounted as a metal union, connecting the trap’s inlet (B) and the outlet (C) PFA
tubes. This means that the EA is configured by default to analyze all the elements (CHNS).
C

A
NOTE: In case the Transfer Line has been ordered, it is fully installed, while the Traps Line is only
B
threaded and its two free ends (one in the Q-Fit compartment and one in the GC Oven) are not
joined to pneumatic circuit.

As summarized in the table, Configuration Trap for H2O Trap for CO2/SO2 Transfer Line
some configurations need one CHNS - - optional
or two traps to remove CNS required - no
undesired gases after the S required - no
combustion step and thus the CHN - - optional
related elements. CN required - no
N required required no
O required required no

If required (see table above), the traps must be prepared following the indications found in the related Analytical
Protocol (section referring to traps filling procedures). They are easily inserted in place of the glass empty tube pre-
installed on the EA.

4.6.1 CONFIGURATIONS REQUIRING ONLY THE TRAP FOR H2O (INSTALLING OR REPLACING THE TRAP )

1. On the EA, remove the One-Touch bypass fitting (if it is a first installation), or the exhausted
trap (if it is a replacement) by unscrewing the two small holders by hand, paying attention not
to lose the two O-rings
2. Remove the caps from the packed trap, simply unscrewing them by hands

3. Insert the portion of the packed trap including the MgClO 4 in place of the empty glass tube,
remounting the two holders (make sure that each O-Ring is mounted in the correct manner)

WARNING – Risk of personal injury. The Trap for H2O contains corrosive material which may cause personal
injuries. Avoid the filling material being in direct contact with skin and eyes by wearing safety gloves and glasses
as reported in the Material Safety Data Sheet of the reagents.

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 CHAPTER 4 - SETTING UP THE INSTRUMENT IN THE LAB

4.6.2 SWITCHING TRANSFER L INE AND TRAP LINE

In case the Transfer Line has been purchased, the default instrument configuration requires that the Traps Line is
threaded but not connected to the EA pneumatic circuit, while the Transfer Line is fully installed and connected. One of
the Traps Line free ends is wired inside the Q-Fit compartment, while the second is placed inside the GC Oven.

In case the trap must be used, make sure that it is properly installed according to the previous session “Installing the
Water Trap or replacing it with a new one” before proceeding.

Now, to join the Trap Line to the pneumatic circuit of the EA, its free ends must be properly connected:

1. Open the small panel below the Furnace Compartment.

Transfer Line (A) is connected, while Traps Line (B) is
disconnected.
2. Remove the reactor A
3. Partially extract the Q-Fit assembly by removing its retaining
nut and slightly sliding it out
4. Disconnect the Transfer Line from the Q-Fit B
5. Connect the Trap Line to the Q-Fit
6. Remount and fix the Q-Fit assembly inside the compartment
7. Close the panel

8. Open the GC Oven

9. Disconnect the Transfer Line (A) from the GC Column B
10. Connect the Trap Line (B) to the GC Column
11. Close the GC Oven
A

4.6.3 CONFIGURATIONS (O)/(N) REQUIRING BOTH TRAPS FOR H2O AND CO2/SO2

• Remove the empty glass tube

• Prepare the Traps for Water and for CO2/SO2 as per the Analytical Protocol indications
• Insert the traps in place of the empty glass tube

IMPORTANT. In this case the sequence of the two traps is relevant. Make sure that the trap for CO 2/SO2 is placed
first, going from the Reactor to the GC Column

To GC Column Trap for H2O Trap for CO2 From Reactor

Helium Flow

Operation for installing or replacing the water trap are done without using any tools.

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C HAPTER 5 - SOLID AUTOSAMPLER

5 SOLID AUTOSAMPLER

5.1 INSTALLATION

2
7
6
4

1 5
15

8
9
13
10
12 11

1 AutoSampler body 11 Piston In port

2 Sample tray assembly 12 Piston Out port
3 Sample tray cover 13 Retaining screws
4 Carrier transparent tube 14 Support bracket
5 Purge transparent tube 15 Mounting pillar
6 Piston In blue tube 16 Reactor port
7 Piston Out blue tube 17 O-Ring
8 Knurled nut 18 Reactor
18
9 Purge port 19 Tighten Tool
10 Carrier port 20 Quartz Liner
17

16

5.1.1 MOUNTING THE AUTOSAMPLER

• Insert the O-ring (17) around the reactor (18).

• Add 1 cm Quartz Wool (QW) to the lower end of the Quartz Liner (20)
• Insert the Quartz Liner (20) into the AutoSampler mounting pillar (15),
ensuring it fits the inner O-Ring
• Bring the AutoSampler mounting pillar (15) above the reactor port (16),
15
and insert the Quartz Liner into the reactor.
• Tighten the knurled nut (8) securely using the special tool (19).

• Secure the AutoSampler support bracket

(14) to the top panel of the instrument
using the retaining screws (13). 19

20
QW

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 CHAPTER 5 - SOLID AUTO SAMPLER

5.1.2 MAKING ALL CONNECTIONS

Refer to the right-hand picture in “Section 5.1 – Installation” make the connections of the following tubes to the
correspondent ports on the top panel of the EA.

• Purge transparent tube (4) to the Purge port (9)

• Carrier transparent tube (5) to the Carrier port (10)
• Piston In blue tube (6) to the Piston In port (11)
• Piston Out blue tube (7) to the Piston Out port (12)

5.1.3 MOUNTING THE SAMPLE TRAYS

• Align the tray locating pin (A) and the positioning pin (B) as
indicated by the arrow by turning the upper actuation block (C).
C • Then install the carousel (0-39) by aligning pin (A) with slide (D).

D
• If the second sample tray provided is required, then add it above the first
tray.
• Place the sample tray cover (8) over the sample tray assembly. During C
analysis, this cover is essential for efficient purging of the samples.

A
B

• After installing the tray, the pin (A) should be

aligned with position 0.

IMPORTANT. After placing the samples in the

carousel, make sure that the tray is aligned with
position 1 instead of position 0. If this last
requirement is NOT fulfilled, the sequence of
information declared in the SW Sample Table, will
be shifted by one position compared to the real
sequence of capsules loaded on the tray. This will
invariably lead to nonsense results.

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C HAPTER 5 - SOLID AUTOSAMPLER

5.1.4 DISMOUNTING THE AUTOSAMPLER

IMPORTANT: Before proceeding, in order to remove the Solid AutoSampler, the servo gas line
must be depressurized.

 Click the SAS button in the Quick Settings frame of the SW Weaver .NET, to
disable the Solid AutoSampler. This will depressurize the servo gas line.
(See “Section 7.3.1 - Quick Settings commands” for more details).

 Put the instrument in “Gas OFF” status

WARNING – Risk of personal injury. Before attempting to dismount the AutoSampler, make sure that the
entire gas circuit is FULLY depressurized. Failure to comply may lead to personal injury.

 Disconnect the gas tubes, Purge, Carrier, Piston In and Piston Out from the top panel of the instrument.

NOTE. Do NOT disconnect the Purge and Carrier tubing at the connectors in the AutoSampler body. ALWAYS
break connections at the connectors on the top panel of the instrument which are more resistant and
specifically designed for easy and quick operations.
It will be easier to reinstall the AutoSampler later on.

 Free the AutoSampler from the EA top panel

• Unscrew completely the two screws fastening the AutoSampler mounting leg to the instrument top
panel
• Open the knurled nut holding the AutoSampler to the top panel using the appositely designed key
• Remove the AutoSampler

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 CHAPTER 6 - EA3100 INSTALLATION

6 EA3100 INSTALLATION
6.1 POWER UP THE INSTRUMENT

This section assumes that the instrument has been fully set up as described in sections 4 and 5 of this manual.

You may find the check list below useful:

• The quartz reactor has been mounted. (section 4.4)

• The GC column has been installed. (section 4.5)
• The Solid AutoSampler has been installed. (section 5.1)
• The electrical connections have been made. (section 4.3)
• The gas connections have been made. (section 4.2)
• All panels have been remounted.

Now:

• Set the Helium delivery pressure to 3.5 Bar at the second stage regulator and open the Helium outlet tap at
the cylinder regulator to enable Helium to reach the instrument.
• Set the Oxygen delivery pressure to 3.5 Bar at the second stage regulator and open the Oxygen outlet tap at
the cylinder regulator to enable Oxygen to reach the instrument.
• Set the Servo Gas delivery pressure to 5 Bar at the second stage regulator and open the gas outlet tap at the
cylinder regulator to enable it to reach the instrument.
• Turn the instrument ON at the Mains switch at the rear of the instrument

From this moment on, it is assumed that

• The PC is switched ON
• The SW for controlling the EA3100 Elemental Analyzer has been installed and started
• The USB cable for EA communication is plugged
• The communication between the SW and the EA is in place and active

The EA3100 Elemental Analyzer is not equipped with a keypad or with an external control device. Every step to act on
the instrument, both during the installation and for normal operations will be done from the PC, using the user interface
of the SW.

Before proceeding with the installation read “Section 7 - Weaver SW” for a detailed description of the SW User Interface.

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C HAPTER 6 - EA3100 INSTALLATION

6.1.1 EA3100 STATES

When turned ON and used, during its operating cycles the EA enters different states depending on its conditions and
the task performed. The possible EA states can be divided in operative and non-operative.

6.1.1.1 OPERATIVE STATES

These are the majority of the states, in which the EA can be operated:

• Gas OFF A maintenance state in which the system is depressurized, being the electrovalves EV4
(Carrier Out) and EV5 (Reference Out) ON, while EV1 (Helium In) is OFF. This state must
be set BEFORE disconnecting the pneumatic circuit for any maintenance operation,
such as replacing a reactor or changing the GC Column, etc.

WARNING – Risk of personal injury. Disconnecting the pneumatic circuit when the
EA is in pressure, may lead to personal injury.

• Conditioning When new pressure and/or temperature setpoints are applied to the EA and they are
in the process to be reached, the EA enters the Conditioning state. As soon as the
conditioning step is accomplished, one of the two state Ready or Special is entered.
• Ready The pressure and temperature setpoints have been reached and both SAS and TCD are
ON. Thus the EA is ready to run analyses.
• Special This is different from the Ready state. In both cases the setpoints have been reached,
but in this case the user is alerted that either SAS or TCD are OFF. This state is useful
for instance during the installation procedure, when an Oxygen Test has to be run and
the operator needs to run analyses with the SAS disabled.
• Analysis The EA is doing its main task: running analyses. The sensors and the TCD values are
recorded. The TCD value is profiled to build and show the chromatogram and the
calculations are performed by the SW to provide the target results.
• Stand-by In this state, energy is saved: furnace temperature is reduced to 500°C, purge flow is
stopped while for carrier, a minimum flow (≈ 5 ml/min). TDC is set to OFF.
• Leak Test This state is entered during the automatic leak test routine. All the steps in the leak
test are automatically driven by the SW. As soon as the routine is finished, the EA goes
back in the state it was in before starting the test.
• Service State dedicated to operations allowed ONLY to service engineers, accredited by EVR.

6.1.1.2 N ON-OPERATIVE STATES

In these states the EA cannot be operated

• Not configured The FW of the EA still not configured and the pressure and/or temperature controllers
have not been enabled. To get out of this state, the EA must be put in the Service state
by inserting the dedicate dongle and configured. This is exclusively a service operation,
that must be carried on by accredited service engineer.
• Offline The USB communication is not in place, or the EA is switched OFF. Check the USB cable
connection and/or that the EA is switched ON.

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• Alarm One or more alarms are active. When the EA, for any reasons, enters the Alarm state
even during normal operations or analysis, it automatically does few operations to put
the machine in a safe state:
o the main power is cut OFF in a way that the furnace and the GC oven are
cooled down
o the system is depressurized: ALL the electrovalves are turned OFF, except
EV4 (Carrier Out) and EV5 (Reference Out). This means that Helium gas can
NOT enter the system but it is enabled to exit.
In case the EA is in this state:
o first of all, please identify the active alarm(s), as they are clearly indicated
in the Weaver SW interface
o then depending on the type of alarm, try to reboot the EA. If the alarm is
still present or it is generated in a short time, please contact your local
distributor for a service intervention
The alarms which may be generated by the EA is provided in the Appendix 1. Refer to
that section for more details.

6.1.2 LED INDICATORS

The front panel of the EA, below the left door is equipped with four LEDs:

• USB Blue. If turned ON, indicates that the USB cable is connected on both ends and the EA and the
connected PC are both powered ON. It does NOT state that data are being transferred from
PC to EA or vice versa. If OFF, it may be that the cable is disconnected or the PC is powered
OFF.
• PWR White. When turned ON, it states that the EA is connected to main supply and it powered ON.
If the LED is OFF:
o the main switch may be turned OFF
o the power cable may be disconnected
o the fuses of the main input may be blown
• SW Orange. If the EA does not receive at least one request/command in 10 seconds it notifies
that the SW is NOT present by turning ON the LED.
This is NOT an alarm, but ONLY a notification: the LED may be ON only because:
o the SW is closed
o the PC is turned OFF (in this case the USB LED should also be OFF)
o the cable is disconnected (but the USB LED should also be OFF)
• ALARM Red. If turned ON, indicates that one or more alarms are active on the EA.
See a description of the Alarm state above to get more details.

6.1.2.1 PRINCIPAL LED COMBINATIONS

As soon as the instrument is powered up, you will find the above situation, provided that:

• the power cable is connected

• the EA is turned ON
• the USB cable is OK and the SW is communicating with
the EA

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Other possible cases are:

ALARM ACTIVE
The RED LED ON indicates an active Alarm on the EA. The
Weaver SW UI shows the alarm description.

SW OF CONTROL NOT PRESENT

The ORANGE LED ON indicates that, despite the USB cable
is connected, the communication between the EA and the
SW is NOT IN PLACE: this may be because of a
communication problem or simply that the SW is closed.

USB CABLE DISCONNECTED

BLUE LED OFF indicates that the USB cable is not
connected.

6.2 INSTRUMENT PARAMETERS (EA METHOD)

The EA3100 has several parameters used to control its states and modify its pressure and temperature conditions.
Conceptually, instrument parameters available are grouped into what is called a Method.

Methods, through the SW User Interface, can be stored, loaded and deleted to and from the HDD of the PC: parameters
can have different values depending on the analytical application and the configuration of the EA.

Here below is a list of the available parameters:

• Carrier Pressure (KPa) Refers to the Helium pressure set within the Carrier line of the pneumatic
circuit. Carrier line is intended to go from the Electronic Pressure Controller
EPC1 and the electrovalve EV-4, going through the AutoSampler, the reactor,
the Traps Line (or the Transfer Line, if installed), the GC Column and the TCD.
Carrier Pressure is expressed in KPa, allowed values are 0, 1, 5 KPa and from 10
to 150 KPa. Resolution is 1 KPa.
• Reference Pressure (KPa) Refers to the Helium pressure set within the Reference line of the pneumatic
circuit. The Reference line goes from the EPC2 and the electrovalve EV-5,
passing through a Restriction (i.d. 0.5 mm) and the TCD.
Reference Pressure is expressed in KPa allowed values are 0, 1 KPa and from 10
to 150 KPa. Resolution is 1 KPa.
• Furnace #1 (°C) Temperature of the reactor furnace. The furnace is responsible for providing
the temperature needed to perform the pyrolysis or the combustion of the
sample. Temperature is expressed in °C and the min and max values accepted
by the SW are 500°C and 1100°C. Resolution is 1°C.

IMPORTANT: The upper temperature limit of 1100°C reported above for

Furnace #1 is provided only as a nominal value. The highest operative setpoints
actually used are 1020°C (pyrolysis mode) and 980°C (combustion mode).
Attempts to reach higher temperatures may damage the quartz of the reactor
and consequently to the furnace itself.

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• GC Oven (°C) Temperature expressed in °C of the GC Column, that is responsible for the time
separation of the gaseous species generated during the combustion/reduction
step. Its min and max allowed values are 50 and 110°C. Resolution is 1°C.
• Transfer Line (°C) Temperature expressed in °C of the Transfer Line, that is the heated tube going
straight to the GC Column from the Q-Fit. It ensures better chromatographic H
peak shape, avoiding H2O condensing along the way. Min and max allowed
values are 50 and 110°C. Resolution is 1°C.
NOTE: The value from the sensor is visible only if the Transfer Line is installed,
otherwise it is displayed as “---“.
• Run Time (s) Time of analysis during which the SW acquires the TCD value. It starts elapsing
from the moment the sample is dropped into the hot reactor. Its value is set by
the operator. The parameter value is expressed in seconds, it is settable within
the range 10-2000, with a resolution of 1s. See “Section 7.8.2 - The Analysis
cycle” for more details.
• Sample Delay (s) Time the EA waits from the beginning of the Oxygen injection, before dropping
the sample into the reactor, through the actuation of the Solid AutoSampler
piston. See “Section 7.8.2 - The Analysis cycle” for more details. Time is
expressed in seconds and can fit within the range 0-50s. Resolution is 1s.
• O2 Volume (ml) Amount of O2, expressed in ml, injected into the reactor for the combustion.
Allowed range: 0-70ml, with a resolution of 1ml.
• O2 Injection Rate Dimensionless parameter. It indicates the rate at which the O2 is injected into
the reactor for the combustion of the sample. It is not a number and can
assume three values: Slow, Normal and Fast. Before injecting the O2, the SW
sets the proper EPC3 pressure to allow the gas to enter the Carrier gas stream.
O2 is injected at a certain pressure higher than that of the Carrier, depending
on the set value:
o Slow 30% higher than the Carrier setpoint pressure
o Normal 50% higher “
o Fast 65% higher “

6.3 PRELIMINARY CHECKS

As soon as the EA is switched on at the rear panel, it is in the following situation:

• LEDs status is: SW=OFF, USB=ON, ALARM=OFF, PWR=ON

• It goes automatically in GAS OFF state
• ALL the electrovalves are turned OFF, except EV4 (Carrier Out) and EV5 (Reference Out): this means that
Helium gas can NOT enter the system but it is enabled to exit
• All Instrument Parameters have their initialization values:

o Carrier Pressure (KPa) OFF

o Reference Pressure (KPa) OFF
o Furnace #1 (°C) OFF
o GC Oven (°C) OFF
o Transfer Line (°C) OFF (visible ONLY if installed, otherwise NOT listed)
o Run Time (s) 10
o Sample Delay (s) OFF
o O2 Volume (ml) OFF
o O2 Injection Rate Slow

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Do the following operations:

 Type the following parameters (default parameters for the CHNS, leaving the temperature controllers at
room temperature):

o Carrier Pressure (KPa) 90

o Reference Pressure (KPa) 15
o Furnace #1 (°C) OFF
o GC Oven (°C) OFF
o Transfer Line (°C) OFF (visible ONLY if installed, otherwise NOT listed)
o Run Time (s) 400
o Sample Delay (s) 4 (if Quartz Liner is used, otherwise 6 s)
o O2 Volume (ml) 12 (if Quartz Liner is used, otherwise 15 ml)
o O2 Injection Rate Slow

and press the Send button to transfer the parameters to the EA.

 Take the instrument out of GAS OFF from the Weaver UI (Section 7.4.4)

6.3.1 CHECKING FLOWS, PRESSURES AND TEMPERATURES

Now, before proceeding, on the SW interface check that the sensors values are as follow:

• Carrier Flow (ml/min) 165  25

• Carrier Pressure (KPa) setpoint  1
• Reference Pressure (KPa) setpoint  1
• Furnace #1 (°C) Room temperature
• GC Oven (°C) Room temperature
• Transfer Line (°C) Room temperature (ONLY if installed, otherwise NOT considered)

IMPORTANT. If the Carrier flow is significantly outside the range indicated above, most likely there is a leak within
the analytical circuit. This leak must be found and rectified before you proceed further.

Use the Snoop provided with the supply or a Leak detector, to find the leak. Most likely it will be found at one of the
connections you have recently made when mounting the column, the reactor or the SAS.

Do not proceed until the flows, pressures and temperatures are as indicated in the table above.

6.4 PURGING THE OXYGEN ARM

When the EA operates in combustion mode (CHNS), it injects O 2 in the carrier (Helium) stream to combust the sample.
For this reason, it is important that O2 pipelines going from the Oxygen cylinder to the valve EV-3 are free from
atmospheric gases, which may have remained in the system during the Oxygen gas connection.

As reported in “Section 2.2.2 – The Gas Pathway”, the valve EV-2 is devoted to the purge of the O2 line, allowing the gas
to go directly to vent.

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The SW has an automatic procedure to accomplish this task, see “Section 7.4.6 - Maintenance tab – Purging the Oxygen Arm”.

 Refer to the section indicated above to perform the O2 arm purge

 For a good purge, set 60 seconds as purge time and perform three purge cycles
The above should be sufficient to eliminate eventual air residues in the O 2 line.

IMPORTANT: The purge time for the Oxygen arm depends on the length of the tubing between the Oxygen cylinder
and the instrument. If the cylinder is close to the instrument and the tubing is no more than 2 m, then the indicated
purge procedure should be sufficient. If the Oxygen bottle is located in an external store, the tubing could be very
long; the purge time could then be several minutes.

6.5 LEAK TESTS

6.5.1 FOREWORD

Once all the connections have been remade, the system must go through a leak test to ensure that all of them are well
tightened.

The Leak Test procedure is controlled by the SW and is made of four different steps:

1. Depressurization: valve EV1 is closed and EV4 and EV5 are opened to depressurize the system
2. Pressurization: valve EV1 is opened, while valves EV4 and EV5 are closed to restore the EA pressure
3. Stabilization: the valves EV1, EV4 and EV5 are closed and the SW waits for pressure stabilization
4. Monitoring: the pressure inside the system, with the valves closed, is monitored for any pressure drop; if a
drop higher that a threshold value is detected, test is failed, otherwise it is passed.

IMPORTANT: Usually, every time one or more disconnections are broken and remade for ordinary maintenance or
for any other reasons, it is a good practice to perform TWO different Leak Tests:
• One at ROOM temperature
• A second at OPERATING temperature
• It is also good practice to perform a Leak Test regularly, to ensure that gas tight conditions have been
maintained. The automatic Leak Test only takes a couple of minutes.

6.5.2 LEAK TEST FAILURES

If the leak test fails, some preliminary information can be gathered depending on the failed step:

• Depressurization This event occurs very rarely. The only possible reason is that valve EV1 is badly
leaking or it does not close. Testing and eventually replacing an electrovalve is a
service operation: please contact your local dealer for more details.
• Pressurization The Helium gas supply may be closed, or there is a macroscopic leak in the pneumatic
circuit. In this case a possible cause may be a tube completely disconnected or the
connection at the Reactor Port not tightened.
• Stabilization There may be a consistent leak in the pneumatic circuit. Double-check the
connections that have recently been broken and remade, following the hints
reported here below.

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• Monitoring A small leak is present at one or more connections. As for the previous point, double-
check the connections that have recently been broken and remade, according to the
presented guidelines.

IMPORTANT: the instrument was thoroughly tested for leaks, both during its manufacture and during final test. All
pneumatics subassemblies: connections at EPCs (Electronic Pressure Regulators), EFM (Electronic Flow Meter), EV
(Electrovalves) and TCD body and connections were tested. However, during the Installation a number of connections
have to be broken and remade. If leaks are present, they almost invariably occur at these sites.

6.5.3 GUIDANCE FOR FINDING LEAKS

In the first instance, check all the connectors that were broken during the installation, either by using a Helium Leak
detector, or by putting a small amount of "Snoop" all around the back of each connector nut. Places which may likely
have a leak are: Carrier (C1) and Purge (C2) ports, at both ends of the GC Column, the connector at the Q-Fit and that
the Reactor Port onto which is installed the Solid AutoSampler. If a leak is found, it must be cured ensuring that the tube
is properly inserted into the fast connector is usually sufficient. Do not overtighten connections that need tightening: if
the above is not sufficient, the olive or ferrule found in the leaking fitting may have to be replaced.

After doing another Leak test, if the system is still found to be leaking, then a possible place for a leak is inside the Q-fit
at the bottom of the Reactor. You will have to remove the Reactor and check that the Reactor tube was not broken
during its initial installation and that its surface inside the Q-fit connector is clean and free from dust.

You should also remove the Q-fit connector and check that the "O" ring inside this connector is in good condition and
free from dust. If the "O" ring is suspected, it must be changed.

Whilst the Reactor is removed, it is also worthwhile inspecting the cleanliness of the Reactor surface at the top and the
"O" ring in the Reactor Port.

6.5.4 PERFORMING LEAK TESTS DURING INSTALLATION

NOTE: The Leak Test procedure is fully automatic and controlled by the SW: refer to “Section 7.4.5 - Maintenance tab -
Performing a Leak Test” for operative details.

6.5.4.1 LEAK TESTS AT ROOM TEMPERATURE

 Perform a first Leak Test at room temperature and review the results of the test according to the guidance
presented above

You must not proceed with the installation until you have passed the Leak Test.

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6.5.4.2 WARMING UP THE INSTRUMENT

 Following instructions in “Section 7.4.1 - Instrument Set tab - Sending Instrument Parameters to the EA and
managing the Methods”, create a method with the following instrument parameter and name it “CHNS”:

o Carrier Pressure (KPa) 90

o Reference Pressure (KPa) 15
o Furnace #1 (°C) 980
o GC Oven (°C) 90
o Transfer Line (°C) 100 (visible ONLY if installed, otherwise NOT listed)
o Run Time (s) 400 (set 300 seconds if the EA is configured for CHN)
o Sample Delay (s) 4 (if Quartz Liner is used, otherwise 6 s)
o O2 Volume (ml) 12 (if Quartz Liner is used, otherwise 15 ml)
o O2 Injection Rate Slow

Now that the GC Column is at a higher temperature, the flow of Helium will be significantly reduced. It should have
reduced to 120  20 ml/min.

6.5.4.3 LEAK TESTS AT OPERATING TEMPERATURE

 Transfer the parameters to the EA and wait until the setpoints have been reached; this will take
approximately 2 hours.
 Perform a second Leak Test at operating temperature and review the results of the test according to the
guidance presented above for finding leaks

You must not proceed with the installation until you have passed the Leak Test.

6.6 PRELIMINARY TESTS PRIOR TO ANALYSIS

6.6.1 FOREWORD

Before starting to run any analyses in general (either the Analytical Test or real samples analyses) it is required to
evaluate the level of blank for specific elements coming from external sources.

NITROGEN in particular may have possible sources of contamination (blanks), such as:

• Oxygen Arm pipes Despite the O2 pipelines threaded from the cylinder to the EA where already purged in
“Section 6.4 - Purging the Oxygen Arm”, it is important to check that they are free from
air. Nitrogen in the Oxygen arm may be present for a number of reasons:
o The Oxygen arm within the instrument or the Oxygen pipeline from the gas
cylinder were not flushed correctly. Then, these must be flushed again until the
amount of N2 observed decreases to below the accepted level.
If the Oxygen gas cylinder is located remotely (e.g. outside the lab) and the gas
line to the laboratory is very long, the purge time must be adjusted accordingly.

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o The Oxygen gas cylinder may contain atmospheric gases or, very occasionally,
residual contamination. If the purity of the gas is not as required, the cylinder
must be replaced with one of the correct purity.
o There may be a leak at one of the connectors either outside the instrument, or
inside the instrument and air are passing into the circuit. Then the leak(s) must
be found and cured.
o If the Oxygen line is shared between different instruments, and there is a leak at
another instrument, it is possible for atmospheric gases to migrate from that
leaking site to the Elemental Analyzer. It is strongly advised to have a dedicated
line for the Elemental Analyzer. The purity of the Oxygen gas is critical to obtain
good analytical results from the Elemental Analyzer. All circumstances that could
lead to the deterioration of the purity of the Oxygen gas, should be avoided.

• SAS/Purge line Solid AutoSampler tray and body are purged by the Helium coming from the Reference
arm (see “Section 2.2.2 – The Gas Pathway”). If the purge is not effective, the air coming
from the atmosphere may enter the tray and the body of the SAS and affect the analyses.
Possible reasons for a poor purge are:
o The plastic cover of the SAS tray is NOT in place, allowing too much air entering
the SAS body.
o Reference Pressure may be not set to the proper value and the flow of the
purging Helium may be low than expected.
o Purge Port at the top panel of the EA may be disconnected or poorly connected,
allowing air to enter the system.
o The purge line includes a Restrictor of small diameter (ID 0.50 mm), which must
be unobstructed to work as expected. If any small particles have entered the
Purge Restrictor, the Purge flow could be significantly reduced.

IMPORTANT: the extent of the contaminations described above can be possibly high, depending on the actual causes
and severity. Since they may heavily affect the real amount of Nitrogen found at the TCD level, they must be
independently checked one another, and their values must be kept under control.

In order to assess and keep under control the above blanks, the following independent tests must be executed before
running the Analytical Test:

• AutoSampler Test Helps quantify the N2 level of blank coming from the Solid AutoSampler and Purging
System. In this test:
o O2 Injection is disabled (injected Oxygen Volume is set to 0ml)
o SAS is set to ON
o NO capsule or substance is loaded on the SAS carousel and the tray’s plastic cover
is well in place
o 10 (ten) runs are executed on the EA in which only a SAS stroke is performed for
each of them
o The areas of all N2 peaks eventually detected in the various runs are required to
remain below the required threshold

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• Blank Test Provided that the SAS Test above has been run and is passed (it means that the N blank
coming from the SAS & Purging System is under control), it helps assessing the N2 blank
contribution coming from the Oxygen Arm regardless of other sources. In this test:
o Injected Oxygen Volume is set to 8 ml (less O2 is needed to burn only the capsule)
o Solid AutoSampler (SAS) is set to ON
o 3 (three) empty tin capsule 5x9mm are loaded onto the carousel and declared in
the sample Table. The 3 (three) runs are executed on the EA using the Oxygen
volume indicated above
o The eventual air entering the system in this way, generates a peak at the TCD at
each run. The peaks are detected and integrated: the areas are calculated and
the last is required to remain below the required threshold

6.6.2 RUNNING THE SAS TEST

Do the following steps, following the instructions provided in the SW operations sections:

 Open a new empty Autorun, selecting from the

main menu Analysis → New Autorun
 Fill the Sample Table with 10 lines as reported in
the picture
 Load the method “CHNS” from the library and
check that the instrument parameters values
actually active on the EA are in line with it. If they
are not, transfer them to the EA and wait the
time required for the system to reach the new
setpoints.
 Set O2 Volume to OFF (0 ml)
 Set Run Time to 120 s
 Set the Component Table in a way that
N is the only searched element and its
expectation window is
RT=60  20 s
 Turn the SAS ON
 Save the Autorun, setting the two required fields in the Save Autorun window as:
Sample Type: insert the SN of the EA (example “010057”)
Sample Source: “SAS Test”
 Turn the TCD ON if it is OFF and wait for its stabilization
 Start the Autorun analysis and wait for its end
 Check that the integration was performed correctly. You may have to use the Reprocessing facilities in order
to obtain a good integration for all chromatograms

TEST PASSED: if ALL Nitrogen Peaks Areas are less than 6000Vs

TEST FAILED: (1) check tray plastic cover is installed and the Purge connector is plugged in
(2) check that Reference pressure is 15 KPa

IMPORTANT. If the above points are not effective, contact your local dealer to
verify that the restrictor on the purge line is NOT obstructed.

Do NOT continue with the installation until the test was passed
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6.6.3 RUNNING THE BLANK TEST

Do the next steps after conducting the SAS Test, and following the instructions provided in the SW operations sections:

 Open a new empty Autorun, selecting Analysis → New Autorun from the main menu
 Fill the Sample Table with 3 lines as reported in
the picture
 Load the AutoSampler tray with three EMPTY
tin capsules and place them in the tray in
positions 1, 2 and 3.
 Load the method “CHNS” from the library and check that the instrument parameters values actually active on
the EA are in line with it. If they are not, transfer them to the EA and wait the time required for the system to
reach the new setpoints.
 Set O2 Volume to 8 ml (less O2 is needed to burn only the capsule)
 Set Run Time to 200 s and send parameters to the EA
 Set the Component Table in a way that N
is the only searched element and its
expectation window is
RT=45  15 s
 Turn the SAS ON
 Save the Autorun, setting the two required fields in the Save Autorun window as:
Sample Type: insert the SN of the EA (example “010057”)
Sample Source: “Blank Test”
 Turn the TCD ON if it is OFF and wait for its stabilization
 Start the Autorun analysis and wait for its end
 Check that the integration was performed correctly. You may have to use the Reprocessing facilities in order
to obtain a good integration for all chromatograms

TEST PASSED: if the last Nitrogen Peak Area is less than 6000Vs

TEST FAILED: (1) purge again the O2 Arm

(2) double-check the connections between the O2 cylinder and the EA bulkhead at the
instrument’s rear checking they are leak tight

Do NOT continue with the installation until the test was passed

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6.6.4 RUNNING THE ANALYTICAL TEST

The Analytical Test is performed using a single Reference Material (Sulphanilamide) included in the Startup Kit, both as
Standard and unknown Sample.

Do the following steps, following the instructions provided in the SW operations sections:

 Open a new empty Autorun, selecting from the

main menu Analysis → New Autorun
 Fill the Sample Table with a total of 17 entries:
o 8x Bypass (these serve for conditioning
the newly installed reactor)
o 5x Standard (these entries represent the
calibration curve); weights should be taken
in the range 0.5mg-1.5mg: values reported
aside are provided as an example
o 4x Sample (four repetitions are used as
unknown samples)

NOTE. Meanings and descriptions of the various

Sample Table Types (Bypass, Blank, …) are reported
in “Section 7.5.1 - Editing the Sample Table”.

 Load the method “CHNS” from the library and

check that the instrument parameters values
actually active on the EA are in line with it. If
they are not, transfer them to the EA and wait
the time required for the system to reach the
new setpoints.
 Set O2 Volume to 12 ml
 Set Run Time to 400 s
 Set the Component Table to search
and label the four elements: values
reported aside are indicative and
provided as an example

NOTE. The correct procedure to determine the suitable Component Table values are reported in Section “Peak
Identification as Retention Time (RT)” of the CHNS Analytical Protocol.

 Turn the SAS ON

 Save the Autorun, setting the two required fields in the Save Autorun window as:
Sample Type: insert the SN of the EA (example “010057”)
Sample Source: “Analytical Test”
 Turn the TCD ON if it is OFF and wait for its stabilization
 Start the Autorun analysis and wait for its end

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7 WEAVER SW

This section covers the SW Weaver. The Elemental Analyzer does not
have a built-in component for controlling the operations (such as a
keypad), but is fully controlled by SW Weaver. Refer to this section for
installation and SW operations.

7.1 INSTALLATION AND ACTIVATION

It is assumed that the SW has been properly installed. Installation pre-requisites are:

• NET Framework 4.6

• SQL Server 2016 Express

For more details about the SW installation, see the document “Weaver .NET Installation Notes”.

7.1.1 EA DONGLE

To be activated and operated, the SW needs the presence of a Dongle. With this small USB piece
of Hardware plugged into the PC, the system is able to verify that the installed SW is original and
the license is active.

The dongle has its own serial number, it is provided together with the purchased Weaver license and has to be always
available at the site in which the EA is installed and operated. It allows to operate the EA connected to the PC: in case
the EA Dongle is not inserted, the EA is detected but the portion of user interface dedicated to the EA operation is
disabled and cannot be used.

IMPORTANT. The Dongle must be always available at the same site of the PC connected to the instrument.
Without the Dongle it will NOT be possible to operate the Elemental Analyzer.

7.2 ACCESSING THE APPLICATION

Once you have clicked on the Weaver icon on the Desktop, and logged in by selecting Operator → Login from
the main menu and inserting the default credentials (Username=EVR, Password=EA3000) in the login window, Weaver
scans USB and serial ports to detect the EA possibly plugged.

The detection of the EA works either using the Instrument → Scan Instruments command from the main menu or
plugging the EA into a USB port for a plug & play detection. The following popup shows the scan result:

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Once it has been detected, a screen reporting several information about the EA is presented to the user, including:

A. EA Serial number and Status

B. Values reading from the sensors and electrovalves status
C. Quick Settings for the most frequently used functions
D. Diagnostic related to the present SW session

C
D
A
B

7.3 MAIN MENU STRUCTURE

The Main Menu is composed of six items, with a few subitems each.

Instruments Allows for managing the detection of the plugged EA and for opening the plugged EA Settings
window for the control of the instrument.

Has the following subitems:

Instrument: gives access to the functions available on the detected EA.

Scan Instruments: performs a new scan over the available USB Serial Ports.
Detected Instruments: shows the list of the detected instrument.

Analysis Allows for managing the execution of the analytical workload and to open the Standards
Table

Has the following subitems:

New Autorun: Opens the Autorun window for preparing, running and reprocessing a batch
of analyses.
Standards Table: Allows to open the Standards Table window for viewing the list of
Reference Standard Materials available together with their theoretical element percent
values. It also allows for adding new RSM and removing or modifying them.
Sample Manager Opens the Sample Manager windows, which serves for searching the Weaver’s database of
the Autoruns. Through the Sample Manager it is possible to find and open one or more
Autoruns for reprocessing, continuing the analysis by appending new sample table entries
and other operations.
Operator Allows for login, logout operations as well as changing the user password and viewing the
status of the SW license.
Registry Log Gives access to the log including all the operations done using the SW, either on the EA or
on the Autoruns present in the Weaver environment. Click on View History subitem to open
the registry log.
Language Allows to change language of the user interface, if it is available.

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7.3.1 QUICK SETTINGS COMMANDS

The Quick Settings commands frame is placed just below the main menu, beside the ElectroValves (EVs) icons group
and serves for accessing the most frequently used functions.

GAS OFF. Allows for setting GAS OFF state (pneumatic circuit depressurization)
before making ANY disconnection for maintenance purposes. When setting Gas
Off, Helium gas supply to the system is stopped, while with Gas On it is
restored.

When setting GAS OFF state, wait until the pressure in the system is below 10
kPa, as indicated by the label in the picture aside.

WARNING – Risk of personal injury. Disconnecting the pneumatic circuit when

the EA is in pressure, may lead to personal injury.

TCD. Sets the TCD ON and OFF. Function’s enabling is flagged by the blue color
of the button’s led. Settings button is used to perform the following
actions:

• Modify its sensitivity. When the value Traces is selected, the TCD sensitivity
is increased. Use this function when target peaks are small due to low
element concentrations.
• Modify the Offset value. TCD baseline value is automatically set to 1000 µV.

IMPORTANT. Ensure that the TCD value is stable before applying this function.

SAS. Sets Solid Autosampler ON and OFF. Function’s enabling is flagged by

the blue color of the button’s led. When SAS is set to ON, electrovalve EV6 is
opened and servo gas is supplied to the Autosampler. Settings button is
used to perform the following actions:

• Piston manual movement. It can be moved in its IN and OUT positions by

pressing the related buttons. Active position is indicated by the blue color
of the button’s led. On IN movement request, electrovalve EV7 is opened,
allowing for the advancement.

NOTE. Manually moving SAS piston in its IN position is used when troubleshooting leaks in the Solid AutoSampler.

• SAS Piston Advancement Test. This procedure initiates an automatic

sequence of a certain number of piston movements. The number of
movements (say 40 for example) is set by the user in the text box. Once the
SAS carousel is installed you can follow and check the progress of its
positions. At the end of the test, the number of advance positions of the
carousel must be equal to the number of piston movements set.

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Standby. The EA is set to its Stand-by state (see “Error! Reference source not found.
- Error! Reference source not found.”). Function’s enabling is displayed through the
blue led on the button, which can be pressed again to restore fully operative
conditions.

AutoReady. Allows for automatic wakeup of the EA at a predefined day

and time in the future, starting from a Standby condition. If the Standby
is NOT active, the Autoready button is NOT enabled. When the
AutoReady time is reached, the system is automatically brought back to
pressures and temperatures set before applying the Standby. While
pressure is restored immediately, temperature may require 20-30
minutes to be conditioned, considering for example a target
temperature of 980°C starting from 500°C set during Standby. The operator should also consider TCD stabilization time
after conditioning.

As soon as AutoReady is active, a countdown is started and displayed. The

AutoReady function can be deactivated at any time by pressing again the
AutoReady button and then Remove.

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7.4 CONTROLLING THE EA

Here below is displayed the EA Settings window with the tabs relevant for the installation: Instrument Set (on the left)
and Maintenance (right).

Tab Instrument Set is used to:

• Turn ON and OFF the TCD and the SAS (Solid AutoSampler)
• Change the setpoints of the Instrument Parameters (Method)
• Load/Save Instrument Parameters from/to a library
• Enable the Smart Conditioning function. This feature automatically saves Helium gas during the temperature
ramps, by temporarily setting the pressure controllers setpoints to their minimum values regardless of the
initial setpoints. Then at the end of the temperatures conditioning, which usually is the one that takes the
longer time, it automatically restores the pressure setpoints initially set by the user at the beginning of the
conditioning.

Tab Maintenance is used to:

• Set Gas Off (Helium gas supply to the system is stopped) and Gas On (restored) to allow the pneumatic circuit
disconnection for maintenance purposes
• Perform a Leak Test, an automatic routine to detect Helium gas leaks located between the inlet and outlet
electrovalves
• Perform an Oxygen Purge of the pipelines going from the O2 cylinder to the EA, to eliminate residues of air due
to disconnection/reconnection of the pipes or to normal diffusion of the air into them through the connection
points

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7.4.1 INSTRUMENT SET TAB - SENDING INSTRUMENT PARAMETERS TO THE EA AND MANAGING THE METHODS

To change instrument parameters, type the desired

value in the text box under the Set column: those
values are the ones that will be transferred to the EA
after pressing the Send button.

Notice that the values under the Applied column are

those that have been read from the EA by the SW
when loading the window.

After pressing the Send button right values (Set) will

be transferred to the EA and made equal to left
(Applied).

The background is yellow when the two values are

different, while is white if they are the same.

Trying to set a value under the Set column that is

outside of the allowed range will display a
notification with the correct min and max values.

The operation of sending parameters to the EA requires confirmation by the user before being accomplished.

Once the desired parameters have been set, they can be stored as a Method into the dedicated library.

Save or Save As button saves them in a file, which can be subsequently read and loaded using the Open button.

Methods can also be erased from the library using the Delete button.

IMPORTANT. Instrument Parameters shown in the picture above are displayed as an example of operation.
They may NOT be correct at the time of EA installation. Please refer to the Analytical Protocol, specific for your
application, received in the supply, together with the EA.

7.4.1.1 CONDITIONING INSTRUMENT PARAMETERS

After pressing the Send button, the values are transferred to the EA, that starts reaching the
setpoints received. During this step, the EA Status is set to Conditioning until all the setpoints
are steadily reached. Also, the Weaver UI shows which values are in the process of reaching
the setpoint, by applying a clear orange underline to the value in question.

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7.4.2 INSTRUMENT SET TAB – SMART CONDITIONING FUNCTION

This function allows to save Helium gas during conditioning of the

temperatures, which usually take quite considerable time.

By ticking it, the pressure controllers, Carrier and Reference EPCs are
automatically kept at the minimum pressure for the entire duration
of the conditioning step.

As reported in the picture below, the symbol of the Smart Conditioning is shown beside the three sensors values
Carrier Flow, Carrier Pressure and Reference Pressure, if the function is active.

At the end of the process the EPCs setpoints are automatically set back at the values entered by the user.

7.4.3 INSTRUMENT SET TAB - CONTROLLING TCD AND SAS

SAS and TCD buttons are real time and require no confirmation after click. The small blue led on each button indicate
whether the device is ON or OFF.

TCD settings also include the supply voltage that can be set to Normal, for normal analyses in which % contents of the
elements are not low, and Traces used for low amounts of element.

Polarity (+) must be always used. Negative (-) required only in very specific applications outside the scope of this manual.

7.4.4 MAINTENANCE TAB - USING GAS OFF FUNCTION

Gas OFF function automatically closes EV1 (Helium In) and opens EV4 (Carrier Out) and EV5 (Reference Out), to allow
the system to be depressurized. This must be done whenever it is needed to disconnect the pneumatic circuit to do
some maintenance. See the diagram in “Section 2.2.2 – The Gas Pathway” to locate the valves.

WARNING – Risk of personal injury. Ensure that the system is depressurized before attempting to disconnect the
pneumatic circuit at any part. Failure to comply may result in personal injury!

To fulfill the above warning, Weaver is providing a notification about when it is safe to disconnect the circuit after having
pressed Set GAS OFF. While you see the blue label below, DO NOT disconnect. Disconnection will be safe when the
pressure has reached a value of 10 KPa and the green label is visible.

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7.4.5 MAINTENANCE TAB - PERFORMING A LEAK TEST

The Leak Test function, automatically detects leaks in the pneumatic circuit, which are located between the valves EV1
and EV4 and EV5 (see the diagram in “Section 2.2.2 – The Gas Pathway”).

After pressing the START Leak Test button, the SW performs a sequence of four steps: refer to “Section 6.5 – Leak Tests”
for their descriptions.

The entire procedure can be followed on screen step

by step and the duration of each step, along with
relevant information, is displayed.

In case of failure of one of the two steps Pressurization

or Stabilization, cause the repetition of the procedure
restarting from the pressurization step. A maximum of
3 cycles are allowed before declaring the test failed.

During the cycle repetition, the

unsuccessful step is clearly indicated
and a warning message is shown as
a tooltip of a bell icon under the Info
column. To red the message,
position the mouse arrow over the
bell ring.

The overall failure of the test is

indicated as reported below (in this
example the leak was quite important
and the stabilization step was failing for
three times).

7.4.6 MAINTENANCE TAB – PURGING THE OXYGEN ARM

Use this function to flush the O2 arm

pipelines, by opening the EV2 for a pre-
set amount of time. In this way air
possibly present in the pipes is
removed. Flushing can be done in two
different ways:

• pressing the Start Immediate Purge button, thus purging once

• flagging the Purge before each acquisition tick box, causing the purge to be effected before the analysis of each
sample

The maximum purging time settable is 60 seconds.

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7.5 PREPARING AND RUNNING ANALYSES

The menu item Analysis → New Autorun opens the Autorun tab below.

2 4

5
3
7 6 7

It is composed by the following parts:

1. Sample Table
2. Integration Parameters grid
3. Component Table grid
4. Calibration Type
5. Report selection
6. EA Settings
7. Autorun Save and Start
8. Acquisition frame
9. Graphic zooming tools

Basically, the sequence of operations is as follows:

A. Editing of the Sample Table

B. Editing and/or check Integration Parameters and Component Table
C. Select Calibration Type if needed
D. Check that the EA Method is suitable for the desired analysis
E. Check sensors values and TCD status
F. Save the Autorun
G. Press Start and follow the analysis progress in the Acquisition frame

Next is a quick description of each of the above steps. Considering that, again, only information relevant for the
installation and basic operations will be provided, you should refer to the SW Instruction Manual for a more detailed
explanation.

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7.5.1 EDITING THE SAMPLE TABLE

Sample Table has three columns:

• Type: the type of the entry

o Bypass is introduced as a means to clean and condition the entire analytical circuit prior to sample
analysis. It consists of the same unweighted type as the RSM or sample material. It is processed in the
same manner and under the same analytical conditions than samples.
o Blank consists of an empty tin capsule that is processed in the same manner than samples, under the
same analytical conditions. The objective of Blank analysis is the determination of any trace
contaminants that may be present within the sample capsules.
o Standard is a Reference Material of a matrix closely related to the sample. Its Element % composition
is known. Standards are used to calibrate the instrument, such that measured sample areas together
with the sample weight can be related to actual Element % composition for the samples.
o Special (meaning Special Sample) is a Reference Material selectable from the Standards Table. It has
known Th % composition. It is used to remove a Standard from the calibration curve. In fact, when a
Standard is turned into Special at Reprocessing, it is no longer used for the calibration calculation, but
is still shown in the calibration curve diagram as a red point (Standards are shown as green points).
o Sample is the actual target of the Elemental Analysis: unknown material for which Element %
composition has to be determined.
• Sample Name: column for the declaration of the sample table entry name
• Weight: expressed in milligrams and taken from the balance

Cells can be manually edited, or the user can take advantage of

the Auto Fill function, accessible by right-clicking the Sample
Table and selecting Auto Fill from the popup menu. Using this
feature, the user can decide how many entries of the same type
he wants to add to the Sample Table and specify only once its
name. If the selected type is Standard, the SW automatically
opens the Standards Table from which the user can
conveniently pick up the Reference Material (RM) used tor the
analysis.

The proper RM is then selected and when the Export

button is pressed, the Entry name is automatically
filled with the name of the chosen substance.

The Standards Table shows the Theoretical % contents of each element in each substance. These values refer to a pure
material and serve to calibrate the instrument for the analysis of the unknown samples.

Entries can be also inserted and deleted by using the related commands under the popup menu accessed by right
clicking the Sample Table.

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7.5.2 INTEGRATION PARAMETERS

During the analysis the SW will be able in

real time, during the analysis to understand
if a new peak is rising, reaching its
maximum and returning to baseline. The aim of the integration is to calculate the area of the peak to someway relate it
to the amount of substance that has been combusted.

Integration Parameters are used by the SW to achieve this target.

Start Integration. Start time of the region where the integration parameters will be
applied. The end of the region is automatically set to the Run Time value.

Peak Threshold. This parameter defines the minimum required variation (expressed
in microvolts) between two subsequent points in order to identify the start or the end
of a peak. Increasing the value of this parameter causes the defining slope to become
greater, with the resulting effect of defining integration limits that are closer to the
peak. A default value of 0.01 is recommended, which allows for the maximum
integration SW sensitivity.

Peak Width. The Peak Width defines the number of data slices that are interpolated
in order to create each data point of a peak. For example, when the peak width is set
to 1, for each data slice we have one equivalent data point; if the peak with is set to 2
each data point is the result of interpolating 2 data slices, when set to 3, each data
point is the result of the interpolation of 3 data slices and so on. Increasing the Peak
Width results in higher smoothing as can be seen on the pictures above. But it can
result in a loss of accuracy for the evaluation of the Peak area, specially related to portions of the chromatogram
between two very closed peaks. While the default value is 9, the suggested range for this parameter is 3-15. Changes
outside the suggested range should be applied with care.

Minimum Area. This parameter sets the threshold peak area below which peaks will not be identified. It is useful for
eliminating noise, thus filtering only real sample peaks. Take care to set the value of this parameter sufficiently low,
such that wanted Blanks are not eliminated from the integration routine.

The baseline of the peak is obtained using a Valley-Valley baseline type. This is not a parameter and cannot be changed.

7.5.3 COMPONENT TABLE

Once a peak has been detected and its area has been calculated using the Integration Parameters, the SW needs a way
to label each peak, that is to perform a peak identification.

This is done by means of the Component

Table.

Beside is shown a table related to an

analysis in which only N, C and H are the
elements of interest. For each of the user
specifies:

Element. Not a parameter, it labels the element for which the following parameters must be set in order to identify a
detected peak as N, C, H, S or O.

Retention Time (s). The time around which the peak is expected to appear at the detector (Time 0 is the time at which
the sample drops into the reactor). This parameter instructs the software that the peak maximum of the element is

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likely to be found around the specified time, expressed in seconds, and within the interval defined by the Window
parameter. If the retention time for the peak of interest is not within the specified Window width, the peak will be
integrated, but will be labelled as “unknown”. The results for the unknown peak will not appear in the Results. It is
important therefore to define an adequate Retention time such that the sample peak can be identified correctly. The
retention time can easily be read from the Chromatogram for the analysis.

Window (s). The time interval, centered around the Retention Time and expressed in seconds, within which the
expected peak is positively identified. In the example reported in the above picture, Weaver is instructed to identify as
Carbon, all the peaks whose Retention Time falls in the time interval 50 and 90 seconds. Take particular care when
identifying N and C, that the window widths defined are not so large that they incorporate both peaks within the same
window. The identification of peaks may be not correct, and the results may not be printed.

Interval Integration [From (s) – To (s)]. In certain situations, it is useful to define an interval integration, to be used
alternatively to Retention Time and Window: the entire portion of the chromatogram included within the limits of the
Interval Integration is identified as a particular element, regardless of the number of real peaks in the interval.

7.5.4 CALIBRATION TYPE

Two calibration types are available. Refer to the

SW Instruction Manual for a detailed
description of each of them. Within the scope
of this manual, it is relevant to say that default value (and the one to be used) is Linear, while K-Factor calibration is
made available only for legacy, as it was traditionally used in Elemental Analysis.

Linear calibration type is performed as a linear regression (best fit) on the points obtained by running a certain number
of standards. Each point is identified by the theoretical amount of element introduced in the system (expressed g) and
the area generated by the element at the detector (expressed in V·s).

Considering for instance Acetanilide, that has a known theoretical N% of Th%N=10.363%, after running 4x Standards,
we could have the following situation, where each run generates a N peak:

Run # Name W [mg] N [g] Area N [V·s]

1 Acetanilide-1 0.453 46.9 72,982
2 Acetanilide-2 0.709 73.5 116,393
3 Acetanilide-3 1.033 107.0 168,625
4 Acetanilide-4 1.253 129.8 203,425

NOTE: N [g], which represents the absolute amount of Nitrogen contained in the weighed amount of
Standard (W[mg]), is calculated by transforming the weight (originally in [mg]) of each standard into
micrograms [g] and multiplying the obtained value by the Th%N of the Acetanilide:
N [g] = 0.453mg*1000*(10.363/100) = 46.9g

• The table on the right above contains the 4 coordinates

for the calibration points
• The SW, through a linear regression, calculates the line
equation that “best fits” the given points and represents
N [g]
the calibration to be used for the calculation of the
unknown samples
• Since the steps shown in the tables above are automatically
done also for the other elements, each one of them has its
own sequence of 4 points and its own calibration curve
Area N [V·s]

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7.5.5 EA - INSTRUMENT PARAMETERS

The Instrument Parameters of the EA can be checked and set also from the Autorun tab.

Pressing the EA button, it is possible to access the Settings popup.

It is delivering the same functionalities of the EA Settings window

related to the Method management.

Before starting the analysis, check that the Instrument Parameters

have been properly set.

IMPORTANT #1: Since more than one Autorun tab can be opened
at the same time, the EA Instrument Parameters popup shows the
parameters values for the specific Autorun they are referring to. In
particular, while the Set column will be in principle different from
one Autorun to another, the Applied columns values will be the
same across different tabs, being referred to the same EA.

IMPORTANT #2: When at least one Autorun tab is open, the

equivalent parameters list in the EA Setting window is disabled. So
if you need to modify them, please do it from the relevant Autorun
tab.

7.5.6 SAVING THE AUTORUN

Before starting the analysis, the Autorun needs to

be saved. This is clearly visible from the showed
Autorun name near the Sample Table frame
header, which is by default set to “New Temp
(current date & time)”.

Pressing the Save button shows the dialog window aside, where
a name for the Autorun can be defined.

The Autorun file name consists of two fields separated by a

hyphen, to which the current date and time will be automatically
added. Each field is selected from its own dropdown list or by
directly typing the value in the field. The selected name appears
in the Autorun Name frame.

Once the value has been directly typed and the OK button has been pressed, the value is automatically inserted in the
list of the combo box. To delete a value from the list, simply click the red cross beside it.

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7.5.7 STARTING THE ANALYSIS

Now that everything has been set and prepared and the capsules carrying the various types have been carefully loaded
into the AutoSampler’s carousel, press the Start button and the acquisition of the Sample Table entries is started.

Notice that the button may be disabled in two important cases:

1. The Autorun has not been saved

2. The EA Status is not "Ready” or “Special”

In the first case simply give the Autorun a name as explained above. In the second case check if the instrument is for
example in the “Conditioning” state, which means that the system is still reaching one of the setpoints. You simply have
to wait for all the setpoints to be reached.

Before starting the analysis check that the

TCD and the SAS are turned ON. This can
easily be done from the Quick Setting frame,
checking that the blue LED on each button is ON.

IMPORTANT. Before starting the analysis, check also that

the TCD value is stable. If needed, offset the TCD value to
1000V from the Quick Settings frame, by pressing the
TCD settings button and then pressing TCD Value Offset:
wait for few seconds for the TCD value to be brought to
1000V.

7.5.8 FOLLOWING THE ANALYSIS PROGRESS

After the Start button has been pressed, the SW starts acquiring one
by one the entries present in the Sample Table.

Each entry, during the analysis, produces a chromatogram, which can

be followed in the Acquisition frame.

The peaks are detected and integrated in real time as soon as the
chromatographic profile advances.

The first result available for each peak is its area, then at the end of
the single-entry acquisition, also the Area% become available.

Finally, if a calibration has already been calculated and the entry is a

Sample or another Standard, the Element % results are provided. See
“Section 7.5.10 - View Analysis Results” further on.

The progress of the analysis can be followed from several other

indicators:

The first column of the

Sample Table: indicates
whether the entry has been
acquired ( ) or if it is
under acquisition .

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The Autorun’s tab header: while its background is not colored when the EA is NOT in analysis, it
becomes yellow as the analysis starts. Moreover, the blue strip on top of the header becomes a
progress bar as soon as the analysis starts, providing a visual indication of the elapsed analysis
time. This is useful when the tab of the Autorun in analysis is not active, because maybe the user
is editing the Sample Table of another Autorun or is reprocessing a third Autorun. Remember
that multiple tabs can be opened simultaneously for diverse purposes.

The actual elapsed time of analysis is also

shown on top of the Acquisition frame,
above the chromatogram.

The complete view of the acquisition looks like shown below:

The above picture represents an Autorun already acquired, retrieved from the Sample Manager (the user interface to
the database of Weavers acquisitions) and opened for reprocessing.

7.5.9 INSPECTING THE CHROMATOGRAM

There are several zooming tools available beside the chromatogram.

Drag & Wheel Scale. The most complete inspection tool: it allows to drag the content of the diagram and also
to change the scale of the chromatogram in a Google Map style, by using the mouse wheel.

Other combinations are:

• mouse wheel + LEFT CTRL to scale horizontally

• mouse wheel + RIGHT CTRL to scale vertically

Set Manual Scale. Opens a popup in which the user can manually typing the scale values.

Default Scale. Sets the scale to the default values.

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Automatic Set Scale Y. Sets the Y-scale graphically. One click on the left mouse button enters the lower limit
for the Y-scale, whilst a click with the right mouse button enters the upper limit.

Automatic Set Scale X. Sets the X-scale graphically. One click on the left mouse button enters the lower limit
for the X-scale, whilst a click with the right mouse button enters the upper limit.

Zoom In. Allows to graphically select a portion of the chromatogram to zoom in the scale:

• Click the tool button

• Drag the mouse pointer over the chromatogram area, which is desired to zoom in. The scale is
automatically adjusted to the new values on both axes.

Cross Wire. Provides a facility for accurate positioning of the pointer, permitting fine inspection of the graph.
As the mouse pointer is moved over the chromatogram area, the X and Yc values of the chromatogram are
displayed in the label beside the pointer and the peak related line in the grid below the graph is highlighted
accordingly.

Mouse arrow position. The position of the mouse arrow is displayed when it is passed over the chromatogram
graph. The difference with the Cross Wire is that this tool shows the Y of the mouse in the graph coordinates,
while the CW shows the Yc of the chromatogram.

7.5.10 VIEW ANALYSIS RESULTS

As soon as the Start button is pressed, a certain number of new columns are added to the Sample Table grid: these are
the columns displaying the results of the analysis. How many new columns are displayed depends on how many
elements in the Component Table have been set for being labelled. In the picture above, you can see that the element
of interest were N, C, and H and the visible results column in the grid are those for percent content of N%, C% and H%.

The default results view is in fact for Element%, but there are
also other views available. They are accessible by right-
clicking the Sample Table and selecting Results View from
the popup menu.

Other views are:

• Area (area for each peak)

• Area% (the percentages of the areas of the known
peaks of each acquisition, as per Component Table
settings; the 100% is calculated as the sum of all the
detected peaks)
• Element g (micrograms absolute value of each
element)

The same views can also be accessed through the keyboard

typing the indicated key combinations.

Results are displayed as soon as they become available

during the run.

in the graph coordinates, while the CW shows the Yc of the chromatogram.

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7.6 REPROCESSING RESULTS

At the end of the analysis, when all the entries of the Sample Table have been acquired, it is possible, from the same
Autorun Tab, to optimize of one or more parameters in order to refine results. This Autorun mode is called Reprocessing.

A few examples of those modifications are:

• adjust Integration Parameters to improve or correct areas calculation

• change Component Table settings to properly label detected peaks
• include or exclude Standards from the calibration curves

Reprocessing mode is automatically enabled as soon as the Autorun is complete. The frame including the Start button
changes its layout, showing a new button (To Reprocessing) in place of the tick box Operations at the end of Autorun. If
this new button is pressed, the frame changes again, showing the reprocessing tools.

To go back to Analysis mode to continue acquisition of samples, press the button To Analysis.

During analysis Autorun complete During reprocessing

When the Autorun changes its mode from “Analysis” to “Reprocessing” a certain number of modifications occur to the
tab layout:

• The background of the Autorun Tab header becomes green

• The empty lines of the Sample Table are removed
• The frame including the Start button changes as descripted above
• The following controls become editable (while they were frozen during analysis)
o Sample Table columns Type, Sample Name and Weight
o Integration Parameters
o Component Table
o Calibration Type

The newly editable fields can now accept modifications, whose effects on the results can be viewed by clicking the
Recalculate button. This operation cause the complete recalculation of the data, from the peak integration and labelling,
up to Element % recalculation through recalibration.

The Sample Table columns are refreshed accordingly to show the new results.

A comparison between the old and new results sets can be made using the Undo and Redo command buttons, which
allow to view the former and the latter respectively.

NOTE. a good approach to reprocessing is to apply ONE modification at time, checking immediately the new results
obtained and deciding whether to continue with the optimization or reject the modification, reverting back to the
previous step.

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7.7 PRINTING REPORTS

Weaver SW delivers a set of pre-set report formats, which can be sent directly to a printer or saved to a predefined
folder in pdf format or compressed in a zip archive.

The Report frame is used to declare which reports will be generated when pressing the Print button.

Four macro-options are available:

• All Reports allows to print the entire set of available reports. For more details refer to the advanced report
configuration discussion further on.
• No Reports prevents the printout of any of the available reports.
• Custom allows to choose a detailed configuration of the report set. This choice is accessed by clicking the
Configure command button.
• Default allows to print a customized selection previously saved as the 'Default' set of reports.

NOTE: the All Reports option includes the generation of a one-page report sheet for each single sample acquired. This
can generate a great deal of report sheets and should be implemented with good reasons.

To access a finer configuration of the reports set, click the Configure button and open the Report Configuration window.

A quick description of the options available is

reported here below.

Results Summary

• Element %. Prints the % of the elements

found for each acquisition.
• Area. Prints the areas of the known peaks of
each acquisition as per Component Table
settings.
• Area %. Prints the % of the areas of the
known peaks of each acquisition, as per
Component Table settings. The 100% is
calculated as the sum of all the detected
peaks included those labelled as 'unknown'.
• K-Factors. Prints the K-Factors for each
searched element for every Standard or
Special type used in the Sample Table.
• All. Selects and deselects all the above
check boxes by a single click.

Calibration

Allows the operator to select the calibration reports to be printed. The choice is by element and a page for each of them
is printed on selection. The All check box selects and deselects all the available choices by a single click.

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Samples

It gives access to the Samples reports configuration, allowing the operator to print results sample by sample. Based on
the selected range of samples printout, a single page report sheet is printed for each acquisition including:

• Autorun details
• Instrument parameters used for the acquisition
• Integration parameters
• Chromatogram trace with peaks identification
• Peak details for each known detected element
• Element % results for each element
• Calibration coefficients and correlations used to obtain the results

Three choices are available:

• Print all samples. For each entry in the Sample Table a report sheet is printed. This can produce a great amount
of paper and should be implemented with care.
• No samples printout. No samples reports are printed at all.
• Select samples to print. This option allows the operator to manually select for which samples reports have to
be generated.

Note: for all the options above, the user can:

• include the chromatogram, using the Print Chromatogram check box

• choose the chromatogram scale for the ordinates axis. If the AutoScale option is selected the chromatogram
is automatically rescaled to fit the graphic area, otherwise the minimum and maximum Y scale values have to
be manually inserted. The times axis range is automatically set to fit all the available data.

By clicking the Select Samples To Print option, the dialog window automatically adjusts to include a copy of the Sample
Table, thus allowing the samples selection:

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Method & DP

This option allows for the printout of:

• The Instrument Parameters (Method) used for the Autorun acquisition

• The Data Processing parameters

The above information is provided as a single page report.

Destination (output)

Allows to decide whether the reports have to be sent directly to the printer or saved in pdf format. Two choices are
available:

• To Printer. The default printer installed on the system is automatically used.

• Preview. Each report is saved in pdf and sent to a file or directly to the pdf reader application, provided that
one is installed. Then the operator can then decide if send it to printer manually.
The files can also be compressed to a zip archive by ticking Zip All.

Default Reports

Once the operator has made his selection, it can be stored as Default Reports, by clicking the button Store As Defaults.
To print the stored Default reports, click the option Defaults available in the Print options frame of the Autorun tab.

NOTE: each new Autorun is configured to print no reports at all but, as reported above, it is easily configurable a
customized default set of reports which can be selected in the macro-option.

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7.8 THE ANALYSIS CYCLE

7.8.1 FOREWORD

The instrument is ready to analyze a sample when:

The instrument shows Ready status on the SW User Interface. This, in turn, indicates that the pressure and flow have
settled and that the oven and furnace temperatures have reached the requested values.
If any of the instrument parameters have not reached their setpoint values, then the user interface shows the
Conditioning state. You must wait for the Ready state to be displayed.
If, after the conditions requested by the active method have been fulfilled, the user interface indicates Special, it means
that either the SAS or the TCD, or both of them are turned OFF. Make sure you verify that the instrument is in a state
suitable for your analysis.

7.8.2 THE ANALYSIS CYCLE

The gas pathway is shown in the diagram below:

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Helium is provided by an external source and is admitted into the instrument via an ON/OFF (Normally closed) valve EV-
1. The pressures of Helium for the sample and reference lines are set by two Electronic Pressure Controllers (EPC-1 and
EPC-2 respectively) positioned in these two respective circuits, the resulting flow of helium through the sample line is
measured at the electronic flow meter (EFM).

Two ON/OFF valves EV-4 and EV-5 (normally closed) at the outlets of the gas pathway are used for Leak testing and
Stand-by facilities.

Actions during the Analysis cycle

T0 EV-2 opens (O2 is purged)

Oxygen
Purge EV-2 closes
T1 EV-3 opens (O2 is injected)
Pre-Analysis Oxygen Sample Delay Time starts
Injection
Sample
Delay Time T2 EV-3 closes (O2 end injection)

Analysis T3 AutoSampler piston stroke

Cycle The sample drops into furnace
The Run Time starts elapsing

Run Time

T4 End of the Run Time

During an Analysis cycle, valves EV1, EV-4 and EV-5 are open and remain open throughout the cycle.

At a time denoted with T0 on the time scale diagram, on pressing START on the Weaver SW user interface, valve EV-2
opens and Oxygen Arm is purged.

At time T1: EV-2 closes (purge is finished) and at the same time EV-3 opens (O2 is injected into the Helium Carrier line).

The O2 Arm purge time depends on the value set in the EA Settings window of the Weaver SW and also is active if the
check box “Purge before each acquisition” is ticked.

The O2 Injection time (T2-T1) is NOT a parameter and depends on the Volume and Pressure as set in the Method and is
derived by the software from the values programmed for Volume and O2 Injection Rate. While in the time diagram it is
displayed to be lower than the Sample Delay Time (T3-T1), it can be greater.

When O2 Injection time has elapsed, EV-3 closes.

At the end of the Sample Delay Time (T3-T1), the piston of the AutoSampler moves IN, into the AutoSampler barrel, thus
dragging along the sample contained within the Purge chamber. When the piston comes to the end of its travel, the
sample drops into the Front reactor. The bright flash of its combustion can be observed on the viewing window located
at the front of the AutoSampler body.

NOTE. The Sample Delay Time is set in the Method and may be shorter or longer than the Oxygen Injection Time.

As soon as the sample is dropped into the furnace, the elapsing analysis time starts counting.

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The analysis stops after the specified Run Time, denoted by T4 in the diagram, has elapsed. This time is set in the Method.

No action occurs at this time, the valves and the AutoSampler have all returned to their initial states, ready for another
analysis.

The Run Time must be set sufficiently long for the entire sample processing to be complete. All gaseous species formed
must have eluted from the Elemental Analyzer’s GC Column. Make sure that your Run Time is sufficiently long to capture
the last peak fully and not ‘clip’ its tail end.

7.9 INSTRUMENT SWITCH-OFF

The EA complete switch off procedure is crucial for preserving the instrument and all its parts in good condition.

WARNING – Risk of damage. When the EA is in operating condition (Furnace Temperature set to 980°C), you are
strongly advised to follow the Switch-Off automatic procedure described below.
Never turn off the EA directly from the switch located at the rear panel, as this could result in instrument damage!

Weaver’s fully automatic Switch Off procedure is designed to:

• Slowly decrease the furnace temperature to a safe value, while ensuring a low constant Helium flow
• Set Gas Off (stop Helium admission into the system) as soon as the safe temperature value is reached
• Complete the procedure switching off all temperature and pressure controllers

Its five steps are obtained from the Instrument Set tab in the EA Settings window, by clicking the Switch Off button:

1. Turning OFF TCD and SAS. TCD is set to OFF as well as Solid AutoSampler, thus closing the valve EV6 for stopping
the admission of compressed air into the system.
2. Starting temperatures cooldown. Furnace temperature is slowly decreased to 500"C and valves EV1, EV4 and
EV5 are kept open, ensuring a slow and constant helium flow in both the Carrier and Reference lines.
This preserves the reactor quartz from cracks and the metallic copper from undesired oxidation. 500°C is a safe
temperature value below which the quartz does not undergo cracking events and the metallic copper does not
react with atmospheric oxygen. Oven temperature is set to OFF.
3. Cooling down furnace. The temperature of the furnace is monitored until it reaches the new setpoint of 500°C,
showing the progress of its decrease.
4. Furnace cooldown complete. Display of the completion of the controlled cooling of the furnace and of the
500°C temperature value achievement.
5. Sending switch OFF parameters. The Carrier and Reference pressure controllers are set to OFF, system is
allowed to depressurize closing valve EV1, while opening valves EV4 and EV5. Finally, the temperature of the
furnace is set to OFF, so as to allow its natural cooling to room temperature.

NOTE. At the end of the automatic procedure, it will be possible to turn OFF the EA using the switch in the rear panel.

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8 MAINTENANCE

WARNING. Please, follow the guidelines below:

• The operator is responsible of the decontamination of the instrument in case of spillage of hazardous liquids inside
or over the instrument.
• The operator is also responsible for the substances used for the decontamination and the cleaning. These
substances must not create dangerous reactions with the poured substances or with parts of the instrument or
the material contained in it.
• In case of doubt about the substances to use contact your assistance representative.
• The operator is NOT AUTHORIZED to perform operations, maintenance included, others than those reported in
this user manual. For any other maintenance operation not indicated in this user manual, please contact your
assistance representative.
• The warranty will be invalidated and EuroVector will be discharged of all responsibilities if unauthorized
operations is performed.

8.1 ORDINARY MAINTENANCE

8.1.1 CLEANING THE INSTRUMENT

To clean the instrument:

• Cool down the instrument furnaces using the Switch Off function and wait for room temperature.
• Turn off the instrument from the rear panel and disconnect the power cable from the back panel.
• Clean the external parts of the instrument with a non-abrasive detergent solution.
• Dry with a dry tissue.

8.2 DECONTAMINATION

In case of spillage of chemically or biologically hazardous/contaminating materials and before disposing of the
instrument, proceed with its decontamination as follows:

• Cool down the instrument furnaces using the Switch Off function and wait for room temperature.
• Turn off the instrument from the rear panel and disconnect the power cable from the back panel.
• Eliminate any contamination on the instrument in accordance with national and international safety
regulations. Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheets of the spilled substances to obtain information on
cleaning up, if available.

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8.3 DISPOSAL

Disposal of the Elemental Analyzer MUST BE done in accordance with the local regulation.

General steps to be carried out in order to dispose of the instrument are:

• Follow the procedure indicated in the previous section, if any decontamination is needed
• Place the instrument and its accessory parts in the original packaging or into another packaging suitable
for transport; if you need further information, contact your assistance representative.

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9 APPENDICES

9.1 A1 - EA3100 ALARMS

The EA3100 Elemental Analyzer has a number of built-in safety features to help prevent harm to the operator or damage
to the instrument.

9.1.1 OVERVIEW

Whenever an ‘Alarm’ situation arises, several things happen both in the EA and in the SW UI:

1. The alarm ID code, along with its description is made available by the FW and clearly indicated by the SW
Weaver in the upper-left corner of its User Interface
2. The user’s actions directed to controlling the EA from the SW User Interface are inhibited, while only some
service operations are allowed to accredited Service Engineers
3. The EA 3100 automatically goes into a safe condition in which:
a. Helium and Oxygen gas supplies are inhibited and the system is fully depressurized: all the
electrovalves are CLOSED except EV-4 and EV-5 which are OPENED. If the alarm is generated during
the boot procedure (see below), ALL of the valves are CLOSED with NO exceptions.
b. The power supply to all temperature controllers (Furnace, GC Oven and Transfer Line, if installed) is
cut OFF and the system is brought to room temperature
c. The TCD is switched OFF

Some of the alarms may be generated during the EA boot procedure, while others, under certain conditions, may arise
during normal operations of the EA.

In the next sections is presented the list of alarms which may be generated by the EA. The vast majority of them
are caused by conditions strictly related to HW faults and can be approached EXCLUSIVELY by service personnel
accredited by EVR. Those kind of alarms will be flagged with the symbol reported here aside.

Operations related to alarms that can be approached by the user will be flagged by the symbol

9.1.2 ALARMS GENERATED DURING BOOT

After switching ON the EA at the rear panel, the firmware of the instrument executes a procedure called “boot” in which
is verified the presence of the expected pressure and temperature controllers, together with the TCD. In case at least
one of them is not detected, the system generates a Boot Alarm together with one or more specific alarms of the “no
feedback” type:

ALM0 - Boot Alarm DESCRIPTION: Indicates one or more steps failed during the boot
procedure.

CAUSES: One or more expected controller or peripheral has NOT been

detected during the boot procedure.

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NOTES: ALM0 is usually displayed together with other alarms, mainly of

the “no feedback” type. “ALM33 – Main Supply Circuit Fault” is also always
generated together with ALM0: see the alarm specific description.

ALM33 – Main Supply Circuit Fault DESCRIPTION: The main power supply is not provided to the CPU Board.

CAUSES: (1) The cable delivering the power supply to the CPU Board may
not be properly plugged in or faulty; (2) The power supply relay is open.

NOTES: (1) This alarm is immediately auto-generated in presence of any

other alarm active and aims to put the instrument in a safe condition: being
the power supply absent, all temperature and pressure controllers are
automatically set to OFF; (2) The alarm must be serviced EXCLUSIVELY by
personnel accredited by EVR.

ALM1 - No feedback from Carrier EPC DESCRIPTION: Carrier EPC is NOT detected by the FW.

CAUSES: (1) The cable connecting the Carrier EPC to the CPU Board may not
be properly plugged in or faulty; (2) The EPC may be faulty.

NOTES: (1) Is always activated together with ALM33 (see above); (2) must
be serviced EXCLUSIVELY by personnel accredited by EVR.

ALM2 - No feedback from Reference EPC DESCRIPTION: Reference EPC is NOT detected by the FW.

CAUSES: (1) The cable connecting the Reference EPC to the CPU Board
may not be properly plugged in or faulty; (2) The EPC may be faulty.

NOTES: (1) Is always activated together with ALM33 (see above); (2) must
be serviced EXCLUSIVELY by personnel accredited by EVR.

ALM3 - No feedback from Oxygen EPC DESCRIPTION: Oxygen EPC is NOT detected by the FW.

CAUSES: (1) The cable connecting the Oxygen EPC to the CPU Board may
not be properly plugged in or faulty; (2) The EPC may be faulty.

NOTES: (1) Is always activated together with ALM33 (see above); (2) must
be serviced EXCLUSIVELY by personnel accredited by EVR.

ALM4 - No feedback from EFM DESCRIPTION: EFM is NOT detected by the FW.

CAUSES: (1) The cable connecting the EFM to the CPU Board may not be
properly plugged in or faulty; (2) The EFM may be faulty.

NOTES: (1) Is always activated together with ALM33 (see above); (2) must
be serviced EXCLUSIVELY by personnel accredited by EVR.

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ALM5 - No feedback from Furnace #1 Sensor DESCRIPTION: The thermocouple sensing the temperature of the Furnace
#1 is NOT detected by the FW.

CAUSES: (1) The cable connecting the Furnace #1 to the CPU Board may
not be properly plugged in or faulty; (2) The Furnace #1 may be faulty.

NOTES: (1) Is always activated together with ALM33 (see above); (2) must
be serviced EXCLUSIVELY by personnel accredited by EVR.

ALM7 - No feedback from GC Oven Sensor DESCRIPTION: The thermocouple sensing the temperature of the GC Oven
is NOT detected by the FW.

CAUSES: (1) The cable connecting the GC Oven to the CPU Board may not
be properly plugged in or faulty; (2) The GC Oven may be faulty.

NOTES: (1) Is always activated together with ALM33 (see above); (2) must
be serviced EXCLUSIVELY by personnel accredited by EVR.

ALM8 - No feedback from TL Sensor DESCRIPTION: The thermocouple sensing the temperature of the Transfer
Line (if installed) is NOT detected by the FW.

CAUSES: (1) The cable connecting the Transfer Line to the CPU Board may
not be properly plugged in or faulty; (2) The Transfer Line may be faulty.

NOTES: (1) Is always activated together with ALM33 (see above); (2) must
be serviced EXCLUSIVELY by personnel accredited by EVR.

ALM9 - No feedback from the TCD DESCRIPTION: The TCD is NOT detected by the FW.

CAUSES: The cable connecting the TCD to the CPU Board may not be
properly plugged in or may be faulty.

NOTES: (1) Is always activated together with ALM33 (see above); (2) must
be serviced EXCLUSIVELY by personnel accredited by EVR.

9.1.3 ALARMS GENERATED DURING NORMAL OPERATIONS

During normal operations, under certain conditions, several alarms could be raised:

9.1.3.1 GAS -RELATED ALARMS

ALM11 – Carrier Gas Overflow DESCRIPTION: The Carrier Flow, measured at the EFM, has produced a
value greater than 500ml/min for more than 180 seconds.

CAUSES: A huge leak is present in the pneumatic circuit downstream the

EFM: (1) the Carrier Connector at the Carrier Port on top panel of the EA
may be disconnected; (2) the knurled nut of the Solid AutoSampler may
be NOT fastened to the Reactor Port; (3) the quartz reactor may have
broken inside the furnace or at the capillary.

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NOTES: (1) This alarm is designed to react to very big Helium leaks that
could possibly empty the gas cylinder if NOT detected in suitable time; (2)
Is always activated together with ALM33 (see above); (3) Depending on
the real cause of the alarm, it can be approached either by the user or by
service people: ONLY solutions to causes #1 and #2 above can be
approached by the USER, while other sources, such as cause #3, must be
serviced EXCLUSIVELY by personnel accredited by EVR.

ALM34 – Oxidation Timeout DESCRIPTION: Electrovalve EV-3 (Oxygen Injection) remained open for
more than 40 seconds.

CAUSES: for some reason the command which closes the EV3 valve is NOT
received after the valve has been opened (for instance the communication
between the EA and the SW is suddenly missing during the oxidation step).

NOTES: This alarm helps to keep the combustion step under control and if
needed to put immediately the machine in a safe condition. This is a
requirement since the opening of the valve EV3 admits O2 gas directly into
the potentially hot reactor.

9.1.3.2 TEMPERATURE -RELATED ALARMS

In this case the EA is able to raise alarms in case some go out of control during heating ramps or temperature control.

Furnace #1, GC Oven and Transfer Line (if installed) are the controllers involved. Raised alarms may be related to:

• Temperature high limit exceeded the temperature exceeds the maximum allowed absolute
value, which depends on the type of controller involved
• Overshoot on the temperature setpoint the temperature exceeds the setpoint value more than a
specific difference threshold
• Overshoot or undershoot on ramp setpoint During a ramp, which may be ascending (heating) or
descending (cooling), the difference between the actual
temperature and the ramp setpoint is higher in absolute value
than a specific threshold

ALM12 – Furnace #1 Temper. High Limit DESCRIPTION: The temperature of the controller has exceeded the
maximum allowed value. Usually this value is 10% of the full scale.
ALM14 – GC Oven Temper. High Limit
ALM15 – TL Temperature High Limit CAUSES: (1) There is a malfunction in the power supply (SSR);
(2) malfunction in the temperature controller’s feedback sensor.

NOTES: (1) This alarm is usually raised when, from a steady condition (not
during a temperature ramp) the power supply to the heating element of
the controller goes out of control and the system is overheated; (2) It is
always raised together with ALM33 (see above); (3) It must be serviced
EXCLUSIVELY by personnel accredited by EVR.

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ALM16 – Furnace #1 Temperature DESCRIPTION: The temperature of the controller has overshot the setpoint
Overshoot on Setpoint by a delta higher than the allowed.
ALM18 – GC Oven Temperature CAUSES: (1) There is a malfunction in the power supply (SSR);
Overshoot on Setpoint (2) malfunction in the temperature controller’s feedback sensor.
ALM19 – Transfer Line Temperature NOTES: (1) This alarm is usually raised when, at the end of a temperature
Overshoot on Setpoint ramp, the power supplied to the heating element of the controller is
greater than required and the system exceeds the temperature setpoint;
(2) Is always raised together with ALM33 (see above); (3) must be serviced
EXCLUSIVELY by personnel accredited by EVR; (4) ALM19 is raised ONLY if
the Transfer Line is installed.

ALM20 – Furnace #1 Out of Band DESCRIPTION: During a temperature ramp, the feedback sensor value of
(High) error on Ramp Setpoint the controller has overshot the ramp setpoint by a delta higher than the
allowed.
ALM24 – GC Oven Out of Band (High)
error on Ramp Setpoint CAUSES: (1) There is a malfunction in the power supply (SSR);
ALM26 – Transfer Line Out of Band (2) malfunction in the temperature controller’s feedback sensor.
(High) error on Ramp Setpoint NOTES: (1) This alarm is usually raised when, during a temperature ramp,
the power supplied to the heating element of the controller is greater than
requested and the temperature goes out of the allowed upper band
around the ramp setpoint; (2) It is always raised together with ALM33 (see
above); (3) must be serviced EXCLUSIVELY by personnel accredited by EVR;
(4) ALM26 is raised ONLY if the Transfer Line is installed.

ALM21– Furnace #1 Out of Band (Low) DESCRIPTION: During a temperature ramp, the feedback sensor value of
error on Ramp Setpoint the controller has undershot the descending ramp setpoint by a delta
greater than the allowed.
ALM25 – GC Oven Out of Band (Low)
error on Ramp Setpoint CAUSES: (1) There is a malfunction in the power supply board;
ALM27 – Transfer Line Out of Band (2) malfunction in the temperature controller’s feedback sensor; (3) the
(Low) error on Ramp Setpoint heater is faulty.

NOTES: (1) Generally this alarm is raised when, during a temperature ramp,
the power supplied to the heating element of the controller is lower than
requested and the system is not able to meet the temperature ramp
setpoint; (2) Is always raised together with ALM33 (see above); (3) must be
serviced EXCLUSIVELY by personnel accredited by EVR; (4) ALM27 is raised
ONLY if the Transfer Line is installed.

9.1.3.3 TCD-RELATED ALARMS

ALM31 – TCD Supply Fault DESCRIPTION: the resistance of the TCD bridge is too high.

CAUSES: one of the filaments of the TCD may be broken or consumed.

NOTES: (1) The detector cannot be used until this condition has been
removed. It may require the replacement of the TCD; (2) It is always raised
together with ALM33 (see above); (3) must be serviced EXCLUSIVELY by
personnel accredited by EVR.

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ALM32 – TCD Out of Range DESCRIPTION: the resistance of the TCD bridge is too low.

CAUSES: (1) one of the filaments of the TCD may be worn or may be
sagging (2) there may be a short circuit on the filaments.

NOTES: (1) The detector cannot be used until this condition has been
removed. It possibly requires the replacement of the TCD; (2) It is always
raised together with ALM33 (see above); (3) must be serviced
EXCLUSIVELY by personnel accredited by EVR.

NOTE. The various alarm situations that have been implemented at the time of writing of this manual are described in
this section.

NOTE. EuroVector is in the process of implementing additional safety features. If an alarm message appears on your
keypad display and it is not reported in this section, please contact your local dealer.

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