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The 2489 UV/Visible Detector Operator's Guide provides essential information for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting the 2489 UV/Visible detector. It includes safety considerations, calibration methods, quality control procedures, and detailed instructions for installation and operation. The guide is intended for personnel involved in the installation and maintenance of the detector and emphasizes the importance of following good laboratory practices.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
35 views194 pages

2489 2

The 2489 UV/Visible Detector Operator's Guide provides essential information for operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting the 2489 UV/Visible detector. It includes safety considerations, calibration methods, quality control procedures, and detailed instructions for installation and operation. The guide is intended for personnel involved in the installation and maintenance of the detector and emphasizes the importance of following good laboratory practices.

Uploaded by

wrs54n88q7
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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2489 UV/Visible

Detector
Operator’s Guide
715003800 / Revision A

This operator's guide is intended for use with the 2489 UV/Visible detector,
part number 186248900, as pictured above. For the documentation to support
the 2489 UV/Visible detector, part number 186002489, see the operator's
guide, part number 71500142102.
Note: To locate the part number for your device, see the serial number label on
the back of the instrument.

Copyright © Waters Corporation 2012


All rights reserved
ii November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A
General Information
Copyright notice
© 2007−2012 WATERS CORPORATION. PRINTED IN THE UNITED
STATES OF AMERICA AND IN IRELAND. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. THIS
DOCUMENT OR PARTS THEREOF MAY NOT BE REPRODUCED IN ANY
FORM WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF THE PUBLISHER.
The information in this document is subject to change without notice and
should not be construed as a commitment by Waters Corporation. Waters
Corporation assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this
document. This document is believed to be complete and accurate at the time
of publication. In no event shall Waters Corporation be liable for incidental or
consequential damages in connection with, or arising from, its use.

Trademarks
PIC and Waters are registered trademarks of Waters Corporation, and
Empower, e-SAT/IN, FractionLynx, MassLynx, TaperSlit, and “THE
SCIENCE OF WHAT’S POSSIBLE.” are trademarks of Waters Corporation.
Tygon is a registered trademark of Saint-Gobain Ceramics & Plastics, Inc.
Other registered trademarks or trademarks are the sole property of their
owners.

Customer comments
Waters’ Technical Communications department invites you to tell us of any
errors you encounter in this document or to suggest ideas for otherwise
improving it. Please help us better understand what you expect from our
documentation so that we can continuously improve its accuracy and
usability.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A iii


We seriously consider every customer comment we receive. You can reach us
at [email protected].

Contact Waters

Contact Waters® with enhancement requests or technical questions regarding


the use, transportation, removal, or disposal of any Waters product. You can
reach us via the Internet, telephone, or conventional mail.

Waters contact information:

Contacting medium Information


Internet The Waters Web site includes contact
information for Waters locations worldwide.
Visit www.waters.com.
Telephone and fax From the USA or Canada, phone 800
252-HPLC, or fax 508 872 1990.
For other locations worldwide, phone and fax
numbers appear in the Waters Web site.
Conventional mail Waters Corporation
34 Maple Street
Milford, MA 01757
USA

Safety considerations
Some reagents and samples used with Waters instruments and devices can
pose chemical, biological, and radiological hazards. You must know the
potentially hazardous effects of all substances you work with. Always follow

iv November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Good Laboratory Practice, and consult your organization’s safety
representative for guidance.
When you develop methods, follow the “Protocol for the Adoption of Analytical
Methods in the Clinical Chemistry Laboratory,” American Journal of Medical
Technology, 44, 1, pages 30–37 (1978). This protocol addresses good operating
procedures and the techniques necessary to validate system and method
performance.

Safety advisories
Consult Appendix A for a comprehensive list of warning and caution
advisories.

FCC radiation emissions notice


Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance, could void the users authority to operate the equipment. This
device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the
following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference,
and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including
interference that may cause undesired operation.

Canada spectrum management emissions notice


This class A digital product apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A est conforme à la norme NMB-003.

Electrical power safety notice


Do not position the instrument so that it is difficult to operate the
disconnecting device.

Safety hazard symbol notice

Documentation needs to be consulted in all cases where the symbol is


used to find out the nature of the potential hazard and any actions which have
to be taken.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A v


Equipment misuse notice
If the equipment is used in a manner not specified by the manufacturer, the
protection provided by the equipment may be impaired.

Operate this instrument


When operating this instrument, follow standard quality-control (QC)
procedures and the guidelines presented in this section.

vi November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Applicable symbols

Symbol Definition
Manufacturer

Authorized representative of the European


Community
Confirms that a manufactured product complies
with all applicable European Community
directives
Australia C-Tick EMC compliant

Confirms that a manufactured product complies


with all applicable United States and Canadian
safety requirements
Consult instructions for use

Electrical and electronic equipment with this


symbol may contain hazardous substances and
should not be disposed of as general waste.
For compliance with the Waste Electrical and
Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE)
2012/19/EU, contact Waters Corporation for the
correct disposal and recycling instructions.

Audience and purpose


This guide is intended for personnel who install, operate, and maintain 2489
UV/Visible detectors.

Intended use of the 2489 UV/Visible detector


Waters designed the 2489 UV/Visible detector to analyze and monitor many
compounds.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A vii


Calibrate
To calibrate LC systems, follow acceptable calibration methods using at least
five standards to generate a standard curve. The concentration range for
standards should include the entire range of QC samples, typical specimens,
and atypical specimens.
When calibrating mass spectrometers, consult the calibration section of the
operator’s guide for the instrument you are calibrating. In cases where an
overview and maintenance guide, not operator’s guide, accompanies the
instrument, consult the instrument’s online Help system for calibration
instructions.

Quality-control
Routinely run three QC samples that represent subnormal, normal, and
above-normal levels of a compound. Ensure that QC sample results fall within
an acceptable range, and evaluate precision from day to day and run to run.
Data collected when QC samples are out of range might not be valid. Do not
report these data until you are certain that the instrument performs
satisfactorily.

ISM classification

ISM Classification: ISM Group 1 Class B


This classification has been assigned in accordance with CISPR 11 Industrial
Scientific and Medical (ISM) instruments requirements. Group 1 products
apply to intentionally generated and/or used conductively coupled
radio-frequency energy that is necessary for the internal functioning of the
equipment. Class B products are suitable for use in both commercial and
residential locations and can be directly connected to a low voltage,
power-supply network.

viii November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


EC Authorized Representative

Waters Corporation (Micromass UK Ltd.)


Floats Road
Wythenshawe
Manchester M23 9LZ
United Kingdom

Telephone: +44-161-946-2400
Fax: +44-161-946-2480
Contact: Quality manager

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A ix


x November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A
Table of Contents
General Information .................................................................................... iii
Copyright notice .................................................................................................. iii

Trademarks ........................................................................................................... iii


Customer comments ............................................................................................ iii

Contact Waters ..................................................................................................... iv

Safety considerations .......................................................................................... iv


Safety advisories .................................................................................................. v
FCC radiation emissions notice .......................................................................... v
Canada spectrum management emissions notice .............................................. v
Electrical power safety notice ............................................................................. v
Safety hazard symbol notice................................................................................ v
Equipment misuse notice ................................................................................... vi

Operate this instrument ..................................................................................... vi


Applicable symbols ........................................................................................... vii
Audience and purpose....................................................................................... vii
Intended use of the 2489 UV/Visible detector ................................................. vii
Calibrate........................................................................................................... viii
Quality-control ................................................................................................. viii

ISM classification .............................................................................................. viii


ISM Classification: ISM Group 1 Class B ...................................................... viii

EC Authorized Representative ......................................................................... ix

1 Theory and Principles of Operation ................................................... 17


Detector description ......................................................................................... 17

Principles of operation ..................................................................................... 19


Detector optics.................................................................................................... 19
Wavelength verification and test ...................................................................... 24

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A xi


Operational modes ............................................................................................. 25
Single-wavelength mode.................................................................................... 25
Dual-wavelength mode ...................................................................................... 27
Spectrum scanning ............................................................................................ 28
Cuvette operations............................................................................................. 29
RatioPlot............................................................................................................. 29
MaxPlot .............................................................................................................. 30
Thermal-wander management.......................................................................... 30

2 Install the Detector ................................................................................. 31


Prepare to install the detector ....................................................................... 32

Site selection and power requirements ........................................................ 33


Site selection ...................................................................................................... 33
Power requirements........................................................................................... 35
Unpack and inspect ........................................................................................... 35

Make plumbing connections ........................................................................... 36

Make electrical power connections ............................................................... 38


Make signal connections from rear panel and Ethernet connectors to the
detector ......................................................................................................... 40
Make Ethernet connections............................................................................... 43

Connect to other devices .................................................................................. 49


Connect the detector to Empower using an e-SAT/IN module........................ 50
Connect the detector to a 745/745B/746 data module...................................... 53
Connect the detector to a fraction collector ...................................................... 55

3 Prepare the Detector .............................................................................. 57


Initialize the detector ....................................................................................... 57
Idle mode ............................................................................................................ 59

Use the operator interface ............................................................................... 59


Use the display................................................................................................... 59
Using the keypad ............................................................................................... 63
Navigate the user interface ............................................................................... 68
Primary and secondary functions ..................................................................... 70

xii November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Operate other detector functions ...................................................................... 78
Operate the detector .......................................................................................... 82
Verify that the detector operates properly ....................................................... 83
Wavelength calibration ..................................................................................... 86
Operate the detector in single-wavelength mode............................................. 86
Operate the detector in dual-wavelength mode ............................................... 87
Program timed events, threshold events, and methods .................................. 90

Scan spectra ........................................................................................................ 97


Before you begin................................................................................................. 98
Scan new spectra ............................................................................................. 100
Store a spectrum .............................................................................................. 107
Review a stored spectrum ............................................................................... 109
Subtract a spectrum ........................................................................................ 109
Replay a spectrum ........................................................................................... 110
Scan using the cuvette..................................................................................... 110
Scan using a flow cell and a syringe ............................................................... 112
Conserve lamp life ........................................................................................... 113
Shutting down the detector ............................................................................. 115

4 Maintaining the Detector .................................................................... 117


Contact Waters technical service ................................................................. 117
Maintenance considerations ......................................................................... 118
Safety and handling......................................................................................... 118
Spare parts ....................................................................................................... 119

Proper operating procedures ........................................................................ 119


Routine maintenance....................................................................................... 119

Maintain the flow cell ..................................................................................... 120


Flush the flow cell............................................................................................ 120
Remove and clean the flow cell ....................................................................... 122
Disassemble and reassemble the flow cell...................................................... 122

Replace the lamp .............................................................................................. 129


Removing the lamp .......................................................................................... 131
Install the new lamp........................................................................................ 134

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A xiii


Record the new lamp serial number ............................................................... 136
Set the lamp threshold .................................................................................... 138

Replace fuses ..................................................................................................... 138

5 Error Messages, Diagnostic Tests, and Troubleshooting ............ 141


Error messages ................................................................................................. 141
Startup error messages ................................................................................... 141
Error messages preventing operation............................................................. 144

User-selected diagnostic tests ....................................................................... 148


Overview........................................................................................................... 148
Use the diagnostic tests................................................................................... 150
Service diagnostic tests ................................................................................... 157

Troubleshoot ..................................................................................................... 157


When you contact Waters................................................................................ 158
Diagnostic tests................................................................................................ 158
Power surges .................................................................................................... 158
Hardware troubleshooting .............................................................................. 158

A Safety Advisories .................................................................................. 161


Warning symbols .............................................................................................. 162
Task-specific hazard warnings........................................................................ 162
Specific warnings ............................................................................................. 163

Caution advisory .............................................................................................. 166

Warnings that apply to all Waters instruments ........................................ 167

Warnings that address the replacing of fuses ........................................... 172


Electrical symbols ............................................................................................ 173
Handling symbols ............................................................................................ 174

xiv November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


B Specifications ........................................................................................ 175
Operational specifications ............................................................................. 176

Optional Waters TaperSlit flow cell specifications ................................. 178

C Solvent Considerations ....................................................................... 181


Introduction ...................................................................................................... 181
Preventing contamination ............................................................................... 181
Clean solvents .................................................................................................. 181
Solvent quality ................................................................................................. 182
Preparation checklist....................................................................................... 182
Water ................................................................................................................ 182
Using buffers .................................................................................................... 182
Tetrahydrofuran .............................................................................................. 182

Solvent miscibility ........................................................................................... 183


How to use miscibility numbers...................................................................... 185

Buffered solvents ............................................................................................. 186


Head height ....................................................................................................... 186

Solvent viscosity ............................................................................................... 186

Mobile phase solvent degassing ................................................................... 186


Gas solubility ................................................................................................... 187

Solvent degassing methods ............................................................................ 187


Sparging ........................................................................................................... 188
Vacuum degassing ........................................................................................... 188
Solvent degassing considerations ................................................................... 188

Wavelength selection ...................................................................................... 189


UV cutoffs for common solvents...................................................................... 189
Mixed mobile phases........................................................................................ 190
Wavelength selection for chromophore detection........................................... 191

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A xv


xvi November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A
Detector description

1 Theory and Principles of


Operation
®
This chapter summarizes the Waters 2489 UV/Visible Detector
features and describes the theory and principles of operation.

Contents:

Topic Page
Detector description ......................................................................... 17
Principles of operation ..................................................................... 19
Operational modes ........................................................................... 25
See also: Appendix B for system specifications and Appendix C for
information on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
solvent considerations.

Detector description
The Waters 2489 UV/Visible Detector is a two-channel ultraviolet/visible
(UV/Vis) detector designed for high-performance liquid chromatography
(HPLC) applications.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 17


1 Theory and Principles of Operation

Waters 2489 UV/Visible Detector:

The detector can operate as a stand-alone unit (with an integrator) or as an


integral part of a Waters chromatography system.
The detector can be configured with either an Empower™ or a MassLynx™
software system.
The detector has the following capabilities:
• Stand-alone programmability – Stores as many as five user-defined
programs (or methods) consisting of as many as 50 programmable, timed
events and two threshold events each.
• Single or dual-wavelength – Monitors absorbance at one or two discrete
wavelengths.
• Wavelength verification reference filter – Ensures wavelength accuracy.
• Automatic, second-order filter – Automatically engaged for wavelengths
of 370 nm and greater and removed for wavelengths of 369 nm or less.
• Spectrum scan and storage – Supports spectrum scan, display,
subtraction, storage, and playback, in addition to standard absorbance
and UV/Vis functionality.
• Cuvette qualification – Facilitates qualification of the detector by
insertion of a standard in a cuvette without breaking any plumbing
connections. Waters qualification kits, available in cuvette form, support

18 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Principles of operation

this feature, which allows the detector to serve as a benchtop


spectrophotometer.
• Cuvette sample analysis – Allows recording of the spectrum of any
sample placed in the cuvette.
• Method editing and storage – Supports basic method programming,
storage, and retrieval from the front panel.
• Full diagnostic capability – Supports built-in diagnostic tools to optimize
functionality and performance.
• Two contact closure outputs – The detector has two configurable
switches, each of which can accommodate a maximum of +30 VDC, 1.2-A
current carrying capacity, and 0.5-A current switching. The switches
(SW1 and SW2) can trigger fraction collectors and other external
devices, as well as activate according to time, absorbance threshold, or
ratio criteria.
• Thermal wander management – The detector's insulation, fans and
baffling are designed to mitigate thermal instability caused by ambient
temperature changes.
• Median Baseline Filter (MBF) – A variation of the data mode, the MBF
decreases the effects of gradient separations on the chromatographic
baseline. It enhances the UV detector's baseline stability by decreasing
its curvature, making the development of integration methods easier.

Principles of operation
To use the detector effectively, become familiar with its optical and electronic
design and the theory and principles of its operation.
This section describes the following parts and functions of the detector:
• Optics
• Wavelength verification and test
• Flow cell
• Electronics

Detector optics
The Waters 2489 UV/Visible detector optics are based on a Fastie-Ebert
monochromator and include these components:

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 19


1 Theory and Principles of Operation

• High brightness deuterium (D2) lamp


• Two mirrors: one off-axis, ellipsoidal mirror and one spherical mirror
• Filter wheel
• Shutter, wavelength calibration filter, and second-order filter
• Entrance slit
• Blazed, plane-holographic, diffraction grating
• Beamsplitter
• Sample and reference photodiodes
• Waters TaperSlit™ Flow Cell (its entrance is the exit slit of the
monochromator)
• Cuvette holder

Waters 2489 UV/Visible detector optics assembly:

D2 lamp

Spherical
Filter mirror
Window
wheel
Slit

Ellipsoidal
mirror Optional Grating
cuvette

TaperSlit
flow cell
Sample
photodiode Beamsplitter

Reference
photodiode

20 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Principles of operation

Optics assembly light path


The detector provides an extremely efficient design for exceptionally high
light throughput. It operates as follows:
1. The ellipsoidal mirror collects light from the lamp and focuses it through
the filter wheel onto the entrance slit. The spherical mirror directs light
toward the grating. A different portion of the spherical mirror focuses
dispersed light of a particular wavelength band, determined by the
grating angle, onto the entrance of the flow cell. Light exiting the flow
cell passes through the cuvette location to the sample photodiode.
2. The beamsplitter, located just ahead of the flow cell, diverts a portion of
the light to a reference photodiode.
3. When you enter a new wavelength through the detector’s front panel (or
through Empower or MassLynx software), the detector rotates the
grating to the appropriate position.
4. The preamplifier board integrates and digitizes the currents from the
photodiodes for processing by the signal processing electronics and
output to a computer, or integrator.

Waters TaperSlit Flow Cell


The Waters TaperSlit Flow Cell used in this detector renders the detector
baseline less sensitive to changes in mobile phase refractive index (RI). RI
changes occur during gradient separations or result from temperature or
pump-induced pressure fluctuations.
To achieve RI immunity, a combination of a spherical mirror, a lens at the
entrance of the flow cell, and a taper to the internal bore of the flow cell
prevents light rays from striking the internal walls of the flow cell. An
additional feature of the TaperSlit flow cell and the reason for its name is the
shape of the flow cell entrance, which matches the shape of the entrance slit.
The detector achieves higher light throughput for a given spectral resolution
via the TaperSlit cell design, compared to a conventional flow cell with a
circular entrance.
As shown in the figure below, in a conventional cell, light bends and hits the
wall of the flow cell. Four beams go in, but only two come out. In the Waters
TaperSlit analytical cell, the combination of the lens and TaperSlit bore
geometry prevents light from hitting the cell walls. Four beams go in, and four
beams come out.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 21


1 Theory and Principles of Operation

Comparison of flow cell characteristics:

Conventional cell

Window

UV light

Window

TaperSlit analytical cell

Window

UV light Window

The standard analytical, inert, and LC/MS cells have a path length of 10 mm.
The semi-prep and microbore cell path length is 3 mm. The autopurification
cell path length is 1.0 mm. A variable path length flow cell (path length 0.15 to
3 mm) is also available.

Selecting the appropriate sampling rate


A sufficient number of points must fall across a peak to define its shape. Thus,
at very low sampling rates, the definition between peaks is lost. Empower
uses the index of the data point closest to the end time, minus the index of the
data point closest to the start time, to calculate the Points Across Peak value
for each integrated peak in the chromatogram.
Tip: The Points Across Peak value appears in the Peaks table, at the bottom of
the Review Main window. If the Points Across Peak field is not visible,
right-click anywhere in the table, and then click Table Properties. Click the
Columns tab, and then scroll down to find the Points Across Peak field. Clear
the check box, and then click OK.
If the Points Across Peak value for the narrowest peak of interest is less than
15, you must specify a higher sampling rate in the instrument method. If the

22 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Principles of operation

value is greater than 30, you should specify a lower sampling rate in the
instrument method.
Set the sampling rate to the lowest value required to achieve 15 or more
points across the narrowest peak. Excessively high sampling rates can slow
the system with more data than you need for your analysis.

Filtering noise
The detector provides a Hamming filter to minimize noise. The Hamming
filter is a digital finite impulse response filter, which creates peak height
degradation and enhances the filtering of high frequency noise.
The behavior of the filter depends on the filter time constant you select. You
can program a filter time to be Fast, Slow, Normal, or Other. If you select
Fast, Slow, or Normal, you do not need to enter a value. The filter constant is
determined by the sampling rate. If you select Other, you can enter a value.
However, the value you enter is rounded up or down to a value based on the
sampling rate.
The filter time constant adjusts the time window over which the data is
filtered, thus controlling the degree of baseline smoothing and the impact on
peak height degradation. Optimizing this parameter in the method ensures
the highest signal-to-noise ratios are achieved for a particular application.
Decreasing the time-constant settings produces these effects:
• Narrow peaks with minimal peak distortion and time delay.
• Very small peaks become harder to discriminate from baseline noise.
• Less baseline noise is removed.
Increasing the time-constant settings produces these effects:
• Greatly decrease baseline noise.
• Shorten and broaden peaks.
The software includes fast or normal filtering constants at each sampling rate
that are appropriate for high speed or high sensitivity applications
respectively.
The following figure shows the relationship between increased filter time
constant and absorbance.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 23


1 Theory and Principles of Operation

Filter time constant comparison:

Absorbance

0 sec
1 sec
2 sec

Time (minutes)

Tip: Although the peak shape shows some distortion and the signal output is
delayed with different time constants, the peak area remains the same.

Wavelength verification and test


The detector’s deuterium arc lamp and integral erbium filter exhibit peaks in
the transmission spectrum at known wavelengths. Upon startup, the detector
verifies calibration by comparing the locations of these peaks with expected
wavelengths based on calibration data stored in the detector’s memory. If the
results of this verification differ from the stored calibration by more than 1.0
nm, the detector displays a Wavelength Verification Failure message. The
detector verifies, rather than recalibrates, on startup to avoid errors arising
from residual materials left in the flow cell and/or the cuvette.
Requirement: Always ensure that the cuvette is removed and the cuvette
holder and front door are secured during startup verification.
You can initiate a manual wavelength calibration at any time. A manual
calibration replaces the previous calibration data with new data.

24 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Operational modes

See “Wavelength calibration” on page 86 for the manual wavelength


calibration procedure.
The verification and calibration algorithms are virtually identical. However,
the verification algorithm can issue an error message indicating that actual
data do not match stored data where the calibration algorithm replaces the
stored data with the new.
The detector wavelength verification procedures establish an approximate
Home position using a grating homing sensor. Once Home is established, the
detector locates and references the 656.1-nm peak in the deuterium lamp
emission spectrum.
The integral erbium filter moves into the common light path ahead of the flow
cell entrance slit, enabling the detector to locate three additional spectral
features at these wavelengths:
• 256.7 nm (UV)
• 379.0 nm
• 521.5 nm
The verification tests for the detector require 5 minutes of lamp warmup time.
If you run the detector continuously, Waters recommends that you perform
wavelength verification weekly by turning off the detector, then turning it on
again. See “Wavelength calibration” on page 86.

Operational modes
The detector operates in single or dual-wavelength mode, allows spectrum
scanning using a flow cell or a cuvette, and provides RatioPlot, difference plot,
and MaxPlot functions.
Note that these modes are for local control of the detector only. Please check
the Empower and MassLynx online help for additional control information in
these environments.

Single-wavelength mode
Single-wavelength is the default mode of operation for the detector. The
detector supports monitoring of a single wavelength from 190 nm to 700 nm,
settable in 1-nm increments on channel A. You can configure the analog
outputs for channel B while the detector is operating in single-wavelength

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 25


1 Theory and Principles of Operation

mode, so you can use channel B to obtain additional information about the
wavelength selected on channel A.
In single-wavelength mode, the detector automatically engages the
second-order filter for wavelengths 370 nm and above and removes it for
wavelengths under of 370 nm. The second-order filter is an optical filter that
blocks unwanted ultraviolet (UV) light from striking the diffraction grating
and interfering with absorbance detection above 370 nm.
You can configure several additional parameters when using the detector in
single-wavelength mode.

Primary parameters
The following are the values of major parameters that apply to
single-wavelength mode:
• Wavelength, in nanometers – Specifies a wavelength for channel A, from
190 nm to 700 nm, settable in 1-nm increments.
• Sensitivity in AU – Specifies the scaling factor for the analog output
channels and corresponds to the absorbance unit (AU) value where the
analog outputs saturate at full-scale values. Absorbance units full-scale
(AU) vary from 0.0001 to 4.000 AU.
Tip: Changing the sensitivity (AU) setting affects the 2-V output.
• Chart polarity (+ or –) – Reverses the polarity of the charted
chromatogram. Select + for a normal chromatogram, or – for an inverted
chromatogram. This function changes the direction of the plot on the 2-V
output.
• Filter time constant – Programs a filter time in seconds. Options are
Fast, Slow, Normal, or Other. If you select Fast, Slow, or Normal, you do
not need to enter a value. The filter constant is determined by the
sampling rate. If you select Other, you can enter a value, but the value
you enter is rounded up or down to a value based on the sampling rate.
Selecting Off or Other and entering a value of 0.0 disables all filtering.
• Analog rate – Specifies a frequency value as high as 80 Hz.

Secondary parameters
Pressing Next on the absorbance (or HOME) screen while in
single-wavelength mode, causes several pages of these secondary, or less
frequently specified, parameters to appear:

26 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Operational modes

• Absorbance offset (in mV)


• Auto zero on inject
• Auto zero on λ changes
“Primary and secondary functions” on page 70 and the table on page 61
explain the functions, ranges, and defaults of these parameters.

Dual-wavelength mode
In dual-wavelength mode, the detector can monitor two wavelengths, one on
channel A and one on channel B. The sampling frequency is reduced to 1 or
2 Hz, limiting the use of this mode to more standard chromatography where
peak widths span at least 20 seconds to enable full characterization of a peak.
You can use dual-wavelength mode to obtain additional information about an
analyte by running in the RatioPlot or MaxPlot mode.
You can select any two wavelengths from 190 nm to 700 nm.
In dual-wavelength mode, the following conditions apply:
• If both selected wavelengths are greater than 370 nm, the detector
applies the second-order filter to block unwanted UV light.
• If both selected wavelengths are less than or equal to 370 nm, the
detector removes the second-order filter.
• If the selected wavelengths bracket the 370 nm threshold, the detector
does not apply the second-order filter and issues a warning message that
any data collected for the wavelength above 370 nm can contain
inaccuracies because of possible UV light interference (second-order
effects).

Chart-out selection modes


When operating in dual-wavelength mode, the detector offers these choices for
analog output in addition to the selections offered in single-wavelength mode
and explained on page 25. The default selection for dual-wavelength mode is
Absorbance.
• Absorbance (A and B) – The standard LC mode where the current
absorption is scaled and sent directly out the analog output. The scaling
depends on the AU setting and the absorbance offset. The absorbance
value is scaled for the 2-V analog output. If a setting of 1 AU/V is
desired, you can set an AU of 2.0000 for either the A or B output

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 27


1 Theory and Principles of Operation

channels that can be controlled independently, even in


single-wavelength mode.
• MaxPlot – This mode results in the output of the larger of the two
absorbance values scaled to the selected AU setting. Use this mode when
observing, with one data channel, multiple compounds that exhibit
absorbancies at two separate wavelengths.
• RatioPlot (A/B) – This mode produces the ratio of absorbance from two
wavelengths. Theoretically, the ratio is constant for a pure
chromatographic peak and variable for an impure peak, which results in
a nonsquared response. Instead of a programmable AU, the detector
provides minimum and maximum ratio values that scale the ratio plot
proportionally. In addition, a configurable minimum absorbance
threshold activates ratio output scaling only when it reaches the
absorbance at both wavelengths.
• Difference Plot (A-B) – This mode plots the arithmetic difference in
absorbance for the two monitored wavelengths.

Spectrum scanning
When the detector is operating under the control of the Empower software,
the scanning function is disabled.
You can use the detector as a spectrophotometer, to acquire spectra from
either the flow cell or the cuvette. You can scan and store as many as three
spectra (three reference or zero scans, or three sample scans) for playback or
to compare with other spectra.
The major difference between the detector and a double-beam
spectrophotometer is that the detector uses only one flow cell or cuvette,
rather than a sample and a reference pair.
Recommendation: Use a matched pair of cuvettes for the zero and sample
scans.
The detector obtains an absorbance spectrum by performing two types of
scans on the flow cell or using the cuvette:
• Zero scan – Characterizes the baseline absorbance spectrum of a solvent.
• Sample scan – Subtracts the zero scan, so the results displayed or
charted are of the sample only.

28 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Operational modes

To obtain a spectrum of a sample using the detector, run a zero scan first,
followed by a sample scan. Typically, you run the zero scan using pure solvent.
The sample scan is a scan of the analyte dissolved in that solvent.
Spectra can be simultaneously charted on the channel A output, or acquired
and stored in memory for later playback.
See also: “Scan using the cuvette” on page 110 and “Scan using a flow cell and
a syringe” on page 112.

Cuvette operations
The detector cuvette option is used to measure the absorbance spectrum of a
sample in a cuvette.

To generate and store a spectrum:


1. Acquire a zero scan, which measures the absorbance of the contents of
the cuvette and flow cell over the desired wavelength range.
2. Acquire a sample (absorbance) scan, which measures the absorbance of
the analyte dissolved in mobile phase.
The detector subtracts the zero scan from the sample scan to create a sample
spectrum.
Since the cuvette scan is acquired by measuring the absorbance from a light
path that includes both the flow cell and the cuvette, the solvent conditions in
the flow cell must be identical for both scans. (See “Scan using the cuvette” on
page 110.)

RatioPlot
The detector allows ratio plotting: comparing the absorbances of a compound
or analyte at two wavelengths. The RatioPlot divides absorbances at two
selected wavelengths and plots the resulting ratio on a data system over one
output channel (channel A). Use the RatioPlot when detecting hidden
components within individual peaks.
The RatioPlot of a spectrally homogeneous peak appears as a rectangular
wave. The RatioPlot of an impure peak appears as a distorted wave. When
obtaining a RatioPlot, you must be operating the detector in dual-wavelength
mode; the RatioPlot is output on the selected channel. (See page 88.)

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 29


1 Theory and Principles of Operation

MaxPlot
The MaxPlot function monitors absorbance at two selected wavelengths and
plots the maximum absorbance value for each sample component. To obtain a
MaxPlot, you must operate the detector in dual-wavelength mode. The
MaxPlot outputs the greater of the two absorbance values on the selected
channel.
For an explanation of the MaxPlot procedure, see the discussion “Obtain a
MaxPlot” on page 89.

Thermal-wander management
The detector's insulation, fans and baffling are designed to mitigate thermal
instability caused by ambient temperature changes.

30 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


2 Install the Detector

The detector requires connections to electrical power and to sample and


waste lines to operate in any standard laboratory environment. This
chapter describes how to install the detector, and connect it to the
electrical supplies and to other equipment in an HPLC system.

Contents:

Topic Page
Prepare to install the detector......................................................... 32
Site selection and power requirements........................................... 33
Make plumbing connections ............................................................ 36
Make electrical power connections.................................................. 38
Connect to other devices .................................................................. 49

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 31


2 Install the Detector

Prepare to install the detector

Major steps in installing the detector:

Start installation
procedure

Make power
connections
Select appropriate
site

Make signal
connections
Unpack and
inspect

Make connections
to other devices
Install detector

Installation
complete
Make plumbing
connections

After installing the detector, verify its function, and keep the verified chart
output (if applicable) on file. Verification ensures proper operation of the
detector optics and electronics. For proper verification procedures, see “Verify
that the detector operates properly” on page 83.

32 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Site selection and power requirements

Detector dimensions:

20.8 cm
(8.2 inches)

61.0 cm (24.0 inches)

34.3 cm (13.5 inches)

Caution: Do not access the instrument through the top cover but
through the front door, where the lamp housing, flow cell assembly, and
cuvette holder are located.

Site selection and power requirements

Site selection
Install the detector in an area that meets the requirements listed in the table
below.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 33


2 Install the Detector

Installation site requirements:

Parameter Requirement
Operating temperature 4 to 40 °C (39 to 104 °F)
range
Operating relative 20 to 80%, non-condensing
humidity
Shipping and storage -30 to 60 °C (-22 to 140 °F)
temperature range
Shipping and storage 20 to 85%, non-condensing
humidity range
Bench space 12.7 cm (5 inches) clearance at rear
Vibration Negligible
Static electricity Negligible
Power Grounded AC, 100 to 240 VAC, 50 to
60 Hz
Power cord type required:
• SVT, in the United States
• HAR type (or better), in Europe
For information regarding the type of
cord to use in other countries, contact
your local Waters distributor.

Requirement: You must mount the detector on a level surface to allow proper
function of the drip management system (drain tube), which you can connect
to a waste reservoir to divert solvent leaks from the flow cell.

34 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Site selection and power requirements

Power requirements

Warning: To avoid electric shock,


• use the SVT-type power cord in the United States and HAR-type (or
better) cord in Europe.
• power-off and unplug the detector before performing any
maintenance procedures on the instrument.
• connect all HPLC system components to a common ground.

The detector requires,


• a grounded alternating current (AC) power source;
• minimal power transients and fluctuations;
• a line voltage of 100 to 240 VAC; (Power consumption is 195 VA.)
• operation in nominal voltage range of 100 to 240 VAC;
• two 100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz, F 3.15 A, 250 V fast blo, 5 × 20 mm
(IEC) fuses.

Warning: For continued protection against fire hazard, replace


fuses only with those of the same type and rating.

Unpack and inspect


The detector is packed and shipped in one carton, which contains the following
items:
• Waters 2489 UV/Visible detector startup kit
• Power cord

Unpack

To unpack the detector:


1. Unpack the contents of the shipping carton. As you unpack the carton,
check the contents to make sure you have received all items.
2. Check the contents of the startup kit.
3. Save the shipping carton for future transport or shipment.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 35


2 Install the Detector

Inspect
If you discover any damage or discrepancy when you inspect the contents of
the cartons, immediately contact the shipping agent and your local Waters
representative.
Customers in the USA and Canada can report damage and discrepancies to
Waters Technical Service (800 252-4752). Others can phone their local Waters
subsidiary or Waters corporate headquarters in Milford, Massachusetts
(USA), or visit www.waters.com.
For complete information on reporting shipping damages and submitting
claims, see Waters Licenses, Warranties, and Support Services.
Tip: Make sure the instrument serial number, found on the nameplate on the
rear panel or inside the front door of the detector, corresponds to the number
on the instrument integrity certificate.

Make plumbing connections

Before initially starting the detector:


• Complete the plumbing connections described in this section.
• Complete the electrical connections (see “Make electrical power
connections” on page 38).

Caution: Observe Good Laboratory Practices when handling


solvents. Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheets for the solvents
in use.

Requirement: You must make the following plumbing connections on your


detector unit:
• Column connections
• Drip management system connections
Recommendations:
• Before completing the column connections, perform the verification
procedures described in “Verify that the detector operates properly” on
page 83.

36 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Make plumbing connections

• Install a waste reservoir connected to the drain tube and located next to
the rubber foot on the front, lower, left-hand section of the detector.
®
• Use Tygon tubing to connect the drain tube to the waste reservoir.

Caution: The detector, as shipped, has a standard analytical flow


cell, pressure-rated at 6895 kPa (69 bar, 1000 psi). To prevent
damage, do not connect any tubing or device that can cause
backpressure to exceed the pressure rating of the tubing or flow
cell.

Connecting columns
The line connections to the detector are located in the front, right-hand side of
the flow cell assembly (see the figure below).

To make the inlet and outlet tubing connections:


1. Attach the stainless steel compression fitting and ferrule (supplied in
the startup kit).
2. Connect the inlet tubing to the column outlet. Ensure the tubing is
seated firmly, and then tighten the compression screw.

3. Connect the Tygon tubing to the flow cell outlet tubing, and route the
tubing to a waste container.

Assemble the fittings

To assemble each fitting:


1. Slide the compression screw over the tubing end, followed by the ferrule.
2. Mount the ferrule with its tapered end facing the end of the tubing.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 37


2 Install the Detector

Ferrule and compression screw assembly:

Compression
screw
Tubing end (cut straight
Ferrule and smooth to achieve
Tube
maximum column
efficiency)

Distance (determined by each


application, such as union or
column fitting)

To make connections at the column outlet and detector inlet, and at the
detector outlet:
1. Seat each tubing end in the appropriate fitting.
2. Seat each ferrule by tightening the compression screw 1/2 turn past
finger-tight.
Requirement: To ensure accurate verification, power-on the detector before
pumping any mobile phase or solvent through the flow cell.
Recommendation: To prevent reabsorption of dissolved oxygen (for systems
using vacuum degassers), run the solvent degasser continuously when
operating the detector at wavelengths less than 230 nm.

Make electrical power connections

To connect the detector to the AC power supply:


1. Plug the receptacle end of the power cord into the AC input connector on
the rear panel of the detector (see the figure below).
2. Plug the other end of the power cord into a properly grounded AC power
source.
The detector connects to other Waters components through rear panel
electrical connections.

38 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Make electrical power connections

Detector rear panel electrical connections:

Inputs and
outputs

Power input Fuse holder

Rear panel connections enable the following signals:


• Analog outputs – There are two pairs of attenuated analog channel
outputs. Each pair supports 2-V output to external devices or data
systems. They are labeled I and II. For input/output voltage current
specifications, see page 176.
– The 2-V output for I and II is scaled based on the AU (absorbance
units full scale) setting for each channel. The detector does not
provide a traditional “unattenuated”, dedicated, 1-V/AU output
because its enhanced working range is above 2 AU.
– The analog output range specifications are -0.1 V to 2.1 V.
– You can set the AU value individually for the output on each
channel. Volts per AU are calculated as follows:
Volts out = Absorbance × 2V/AU
Example: An AU setting of 2.0000 provides a traditional 1-V/AU
output. An AU setting of 4.0000 provides a 0.5-V/AU output, which
supports chromatography above 2 AU.
• Switched outputs – You can program two switch contact closures to turn
on; turn off; toggle; pulse once, for a defined duration; or pulse
repetitively, for a specified period of time.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 39


2 Install the Detector

• Event inputs – Four general-purpose TTL contact closures on the


detector A (inputs) terminal support the following functions:
– Remote or inject start
– Lamp on/off
– Chart-mark input
– Auto-zero
• Ethernet interface – The Ethernet connection on the rear panel of the
detector provides remote control operation and direct data acquisition
from Waters Empower and MassLynx workstations.

Make signal connections from rear panel and Ethernet connectors


to the detector
The rear panel of the detector (see the figure on page 39) provides two analog
connectors and an Ethernet communications port for operating the detector
with external devices.
Make the signal connections to your detector, considering the following
conditions:
• Operating mode you select for the detector (stand-alone or remote
control)
• Types of instruments that make up your HPLC system
This section describes the input/output (I/O) and digital signal connections
that you can make from the two rear panel connectors and the Ethernet
connector.
The flow chart below provides an overview of the steps involved in making
signal connections to the detector.

40 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Make electrical power connections

Overview of making signal connections:

Start signal connection


procedure

Connect to Yes Install Ethernet and


Ethernet bus? inject start cables

No

Connect to other Yes Install event and


devices? I/O cable(s) if

No

Signal connections
complete

Make I/O signal connections


The rear panel includes two removable connectors that hold the pins for the
I/O signals, as shown in the figure below. These connectors are keyed so that
you can insert them one way only.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 41


2 Install the Detector

I/O signal inputs and outputs:

Connector I Connector II

1 Analog 1 + 1 Inject Start +


2 Analog 1 − 2 Inject Start −
3 Ground 3 Ground
4 Analog 2 + 4 Lamp On +
5 Analog 2 − 5 Lamp On −
6 Switch 1 6 Chart-mark +
7 Switch 1 7 Chart-mark −
8 Ground 8 Ground
9 Switch 2 9 Auto Zero +
10 Switch 2 10 Auto Zero −

I/O signals
The table below describes each of the signals available on the I/O connectors.
See Appendix B for details on the electrical specifications for the signals.

I/O signals for the detector:

Signal Description
Inject Start
1 TTL contact closure. Configurable input to initiate
sequencing of time-programmed events. Defines the
start of a run (typically an injection) and resets and
starts the run-time clock to 0.00 minutes. Initial
conditions apply immediately.
Lamp On/Off
a Configurable input to allow an external device to turn
the deuterium lamp off and on.
Chart-mark
a Configurable input to add a chart-mark (at 10% of full
scale) to either or both analog output channels.
Auto Zeroa Configurable input to auto-zero either or both
channels.
Analog 12 2-V full-scale analog output signal of channel A
(scaled to the current AU setting).

42 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Make electrical power connections

I/O signals for the detector: (Continued)

Signal Description
Analog 2
b 2 V full-scale analog output signal of channel B
(scaled to the current AU setting).
Switch 1 (2) Used to connect to a fraction collector. Can be
Switch 2 (2) controlled by threshold and timed events.
1. Inject Start, Chart-mark, Auto-zero, and Lamp inputs are configurable from the detector
first Configuration screen by setting the appropriate parameter to High. See “Configure
event inputs (contact closures)” on page 79 for more detail.
2. See the discussion of attenuation in the detector analog outputs in “Make electrical power
connections” on page 38.

Make Ethernet connections


The detector’s rear panel also includes one Ethernet interface connector for
digital signal communications. Use this connector for devices such as these:
• Network adapter card in the Empower workstation
• Solvent manager
• MassLynx v4.1 or later
The Ethernet connector mates with standard Ethernet cable.

Caution: To avoid possible damage to components, power-off all


instruments on the Ethernet connector before you connect an Ethernet
cable to an instrument.

Make Ethernet connections with Waters data systems


When controlling the detector from a Waters data system or controller
(Empower or MassLynx workstation), you can use the Ethernet interface to
send and receive information from the data system.
When connecting via the Ethernet to these Waters data systems, you should
be aware of the following:
• When in dual-wavelength mode, you must select a sampling rate of 1
point per second in the data system method editor. In Empower
software, the sampling rate defaults to 1 point per second.
• The maximum range of the detector time-constant setting depends on
the wavelength mode and sampling rate selected. See the page 75.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 43


2 Install the Detector

• Empower allows the detector to operate, in both single and


dual-wavelength, modes with a wavelength range of 190 to 700 nm.

To connect Ethernet cables from the detector to a Waters data system:


1. Connect the single receptacle end of the Ethernet cable to your data
system by attaching the cable to your network card or Ethernet switch.
Note: The Ethernet cable is supplied with the Waters data system.
2. Connect the other end of the cable to the Ethernet connector on the rear
panel of the detector.

Caution: The maximum total cable length between Ethernet


devices in a system is 20 meters (65 feet). The maximum
recommended cable length between two Ethernet devices is 4
meters (13 feet). Longer total cable lengths can cause intermittent
Ethernet communication failures.

Ethernet connections to the detector in a Waters Empower system:

Ethernet Ethernet cable


switch

Ethernet
connector
Empower
workstation

2489
detector

Tip: When connecting the detector to a data system, all detector


parameters not configurable by the data system in use defer to local
control.

Start a method
To start a method on the detector at the start of an injection from the e2695
separations module, make the connections summarized in the table and
illustrated in the figure below.

44 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Make electrical power connections

Separations module connections to detector for starting a method:

e2695 separations
module (B inputs and 2489 detector (II)
outputs)
Pin 1 Inject Start Pin 1 Inject Start +
Pin 2 Inject Start Pin 2 Inject Start –

e2695 separations module connections to the detector for starting a


method:

e2695 connector B 2489 connector II

1 Inject Start +
Inject Start + 1 2 Inject Start −
Inject Start − 2 3 Ground
Ground 3 4 Lamp On +
Stop Flow + 4 5 Lamp On −
Stop Flow − 5 6 Chart-mark +
Hold Inject 1 + 6 7 Chart-mark −
Hold Inject 1 − 7 8 Ground
Hold Inject 2 + 8 9 Auto Zero +
Hold Inject 2 − 9 10 Auto Zero −
Ground 10
Chart Out + 11
Chart Out − 12

Note: If the injector is an e2695 separations module running in Ethernet


mode, the inject start cable should not be connected. However, if the injector is
an e2695 separations module running in IEEE mode, the inject start cable
should be connected.

Turn the detector lamp on or off


Before you can turn the detector lamp on or off from the e2695 separations
module, you need to configure the lamp on/off signal at the front panel. You
must change the default lamp configuration parameter setting from Ignore to

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 45


2 Install the Detector

High or Low. See the discussion “Configure event inputs (contact closures)” on
page 79 for more information.
After configuring the detector lamp on/off signal, you can turn the lamp on or
off from the e2695 separations module by making the connections shown in
the table and figure below.

e2695 separations module connections to the detector (lamp on or off):

e2695 separations
2489 detector (II)
module (A outputs)
Pin 1 Switch 1 Pin 4 Lamp On/Off +
Pin 2 Switch 1 Pin 5 Lamp On/Off –

e2695 separations module connections to the detector for turning the lamp
on or off:

e2695 connector A 2489 connector II

1 Inject Start +
Switch 1 1 2 Inject Start −
Switch 1 2 3 Ground
Ground 3 4 Lamp On/Off +
Switch 2 4 5 Lamp On/Off −
Switch 2 5 6 Chart-mark +
Switch 3 6 7 Chart-mark −
Switch 3 7 8 Ground
Switch 4 8 9 Auto Zero +
Switch 4 9 10 Auto Zero −
Ground 10
Run Stopped 11
Run Stopped 12

Connect the detector to the e2695 separations module


You can connect the detector to the e2695 separations module when the
detector is not under the control of the Empower software, to perform the
following functions:
• Auto-Zero

46 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Make electrical power connections

• Chart-mark on Inject

Generate auto-zero
To generate the Auto-Zero function of the detector at the start of an injection,
make the connections summarized in the table and illustrated in the figure
below.

e2695 separations module connections to the detector to generate


auto-zero:

e2695 separations
module (B inputs and 2489 detector (II)
outputs)
Pin 1 Inject Start Pin 9 Auto Zero +
Pin 2 Inject Start Pin 10 Auto Zero –

Before you can generate an auto-zero from the e2695 separations module, you
need to configure the auto-zero signal at the detector’s front panel. The default
auto-zero signal is Low. See the discussion “Configure event inputs (contact
closures)” on page 79 for more information.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 47


2 Install the Detector

e2695 separations module connections to the detector for auto-zero on


inject:

e2695 connector B 2489 connector II

1 Inject Start +
Inject Start + 1 2 Inject Start −
Inject Start − 2 3 Ground
Ground 3 4 Lamp On/Off +
Stop Flow + 4 5 Lamp On/Off −
Stop Flow − 5 6 Chart-mark +
Hold Inject 1 + 6 7 Chart-mark −
Hold Inject 1 − 7 8 Ground
Hold Inject 2 + 8 9 Auto Zero +
Hold Inject 2 − 9 10 Auto Zero −
Ground 10
Chart Out + 11
Chart Out − 12

Generate a chart-mark on injection


To generate the chart-mark function on the detector at the start of an
injection, make the connections summarized in the table and illustrated in the
figure below.

e2695 separations module to the detector to make a chart-mark:

e2695 separations module


2489 detector (II)
(B inputs and outputs)
Pin 1 Inject Start Pin 6 Chart-mark +
Pin 2 Inject Start Pin 7 Chart-mark –

Before you can generate a chart-mark from the e2695 separations module, you
need to configure the chart-mark signal at the detector’s front panel. The
default chart-mark signal setting is Low (see the discussion page 79 for more
information).

48 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Connect to other devices

e2695 separations module connections to the detector for making a


chart-mark on injection:

e2695 connector B 2489 connector II

1 Inject Start +
Inject Start + 1 2 Inject Start −
Inject Start − 2 3 Ground
Ground 3 4 Lamp On/Off +
Stop Flow + 4 5 Lamp On/Off −
Stop Flow − 5 6 Chart-mark +
Hold Inject 1 + 6 7 Chart-mark −
Hold Inject 1 − 7 8 Ground
Hold Inject 2 + 8 9 Auto Zero +
Hold Inject 2 − 9 10 Auto Zero −
Ground 10
Chart Out + 11
Chart Out − 12

Connect to other devices


You can connect the detector to many HPLC system devices. This section
describes how to connect the detector to the following devices:
• e-SAT/IN™ module (instead of Ethernet)
• Waters 745/745B/746 Data Module
• Waters fraction collector
For details on connecting to other data modules, see the operator’s guide for
the module you are using.

Required materials
When connecting cables to the terminals on the rear panel of the detector, you
need the following tools:
• Small, flat-blade screwdriver
• Electrical insulation stripping tool

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 49


2 Install the Detector

To connect signal cables from other HPLC system devices to the I and II
terminals on the rear panel of the detector:
1. Remove terminal I or II (see page 42).
2. Unscrew the connecting pin terminal.
3. Using the stripping tool, strip the wire about 3 mm (1/8 inch) from the
end.
4. Insert the stripped wire into the appropriate connector.
5. Tighten the screw until the wire is held securely in place.
6. Reinsert the terminal.
7. Press firmly to ensure that it is inserted fully.

Connect the detector to Empower using an e-SAT/IN module


Acquiring data and controlling the detector with Empower software, by using
the e-SAT/IN module instead of the Ethernet bus, requires connections
between the following hardware:
• Ethernet card
• Ethernet satellite interface (e-SAT/IN) module

e-SAT/IN module
The Waters e-SAT/IN module shown in the figure below translates analog
signals from devices such as the detector into digital form. It then transmits
these digital signals using an ethernet card installed in the Empower
workstation.

50 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Connect to other devices

e-SAT/IN module (front panel):

Power switch

TP02834

Analog inputs I/O connector LEDs

Caution:
• The e-SAT/IN module does not have a power switch. Always
disconnect the power cord at either the wall outlet or the power
supply before attaching or removing the power connection to
the e-SAT/IN module.
• To ensure proper startup of the e-SAT/IN module, do not
power-on the module until you perform all procedures in the
Waters e-SAT/IN Module Installation Guide. Improper startup
can damage the unit and void the warranty.

Connect the detector to the e-SAT/IN module


The e-SAT/IN module connects to the detector through the B (inputs and
outputs) terminal on the rear panel of the detector, as shown in the figure
below.

To connect the detector to the e-SAT/IN module:


1. Using the electrical insulation stripping tool, strip about 3 mm (1/8 inch)
from one end of the e-SAT/IN 9-pin connector, exposing the white and
black wires.
2. Connect the other end of the cable to the Channel 1 or Channel 2
connectors on the front panel of the e-SAT/IN module.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 51


2 Install the Detector

3. For Channel 1,
• connect the white wire to pin 1 on I (Analog 1 +).
• connect the black wire to pin 3 on I (Ground).

e-SAT/IN module channel 1 connection to detector:

2489 connector I

1 Analog 1 +
2 Analog 1 −
3 Ground
White 4 Analog 2 +
5 Analog 2 −
Black 6 Switch 1
7 Switch 1
8 Ground
9 Switch 2
10 Switch 2

4. For Channel 2,
• connect the white wire to pin 4 on I (Analog 2 +).
• connect the black wire to pin 8 on I (Ground).

52 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Connect to other devices

e-SAT/IN module channel 2 connection to detector:

2489 connector I

1 Analog 1 +
2 Analog 1 −
3 Ground
4 Analog 2 +
5 Analog 2 −
6 Switch 1
White 7 Switch 1
8 Ground
Black 9 Switch 2
10 Switch 2

5. Configure the serial port for the e-SAT/IN module as described in the
Empower installation and configuration guide.
The following table summarizes the detector connections to the e-SAT/IN
module:

Detector connections to a e-SAT/IN module:

e-SAT/IN
2489 detector (I)
connector
Pin 1 Analog 1 + (white)
Pin 3 Ground (black) Channel 1 or 2
Pin 4 Analog 2 + (white)
Pin 8 Ground (black) Channel 1 or 2

Connect the detector to a 745/745B/746 data module


You can connect the detector to a Waters 745/745B/746 data module using the
analog output connector on the rear panel of the detector. The analog
connector provides 2-V output that is scaled to the AU sensitivity setting and
the voltage offset setting.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 53


2 Install the Detector

Caution: To prevent oversaturation of the signal from the detector to


the integrator, do not exceed the input voltage rating of the
integrator.

To send the analog output signal from the detector to the data module, use the
cable provided in the 2489 Detector Startup Kit to make the connections
summarized in the table below and illustrated in the figure below:

Detector connections to a data module:

745/745B/746
2489 detector (I)
terminal
Pin 1 Analog 1 + (red) +
Pin 3 Ground (black) –
Pin 4 Analog 2 + (red) +
Pin 8 Ground (black) –

To minimize the chance of creating a ground loop that can adversely affect
measurement, connect the shield of the cable to the chassis ground at one end
only.

54 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Connect to other devices

Data module connections to detector channels A and B:


2489 connector I

Red 1 Analog 1 +
2 Analog 1 −
3 Ground
Black 4 Analog 2 +
5 Analog 2 −
6 Switch 1
7 Switch 1
8 Ground
745/745B/746 terminals
9 Switch 2
10 Switch 2

2489 connector I

Red 1 Analog 1 +
2 Analog 1 −
3 Ground
Black 4 Analog 2 +
5 Analog 2 −
6 Switch 1
7 Switch 1
8 Ground
745/745B/746 terminals
9 Switch 2
10 Switch 2

Connect the detector to a fraction collector


The detector can trigger a fraction collector based on these things:
• Timed events (see “Timed events” on page 90)
• Threshold levels (see “Threshold events” on page 93)

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2 Install the Detector

You can connect the fraction collector to one of the detector’s two
programmable switches (SW1 or SW2), and program the timed event,
threshold, or ratio at the front panel.
You can also connect the fraction collector to trigger a chart-mark event input
each time a tube is changed at the fraction collector.
The table below indicates the detector-to-fraction collector and
autoinjector-to-fraction collector connections.

Detector connections to the fraction collector:

2489 connection Fraction collector


I Pin 3 Ground Pin 1 Detector In –
II Pin 6 Chart-mark + Pin 10 Event Marker +
II Pin 7 Chart-mark – Pin 9 Event Marker –
I Pin 6 SW1 Pin 7 External Count In +
I Pin 8 Ground Pin 8 External Count In –
e2695 separations module
Inject Start + External Start In +
Inject Start – External Start In –

See also: Documentation provided with your fraction collector for complete
instructions.

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Initialize the detector

3 Prepare the Detector

Contents:

Topic Page
Initialize the detector....................................................................... 57
Use the operator interface ............................................................... 59
Scan spectra ..................................................................................... 97
After you install the detector, you can set it up and operate it as a stand-alone
instrument or as part of a an Empower or MassLynx data system.
• As a stand-alone instrument − You can use the detector as a stand-alone
detector within a system, or with any fluid-handling unit, injector,
integrator, or data system. You can program the front panel of the
detector for stand-alone operation, except when it is in remote mode (see
page 82).
• As part of an Empower or MassLynx system − Configure the detector
with either data system to control and collect digital data. To do so,
follow the instructions in the data system’s online Help.
Requirement: To ensure accurate operation, and before pumping mobile
phase or solvent through the flow cell, be sure to perform the procedures on
page 83.

Initialize the detector

Before you power-on the detector, be sure the connector from the rear panel to
the power source is properly installed.
To power-on the detector, press the On/Off switch located on the top left of the
instrument.
At startup, the detector beeps three times and runs a series of startup
diagnostic tests. If it passes all startup diagnostic tests, the Startup
Diagnostics screen appears, with “OK” following each test.

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3 Prepare the Detector

Startup Diagnostics screen:

STARTUP DIAGNOSTICS
TPU OK ROM OK
SCI OK RAM OK
GPIB OK LCD OK
QSPI OK CPU OK

After it displays the Startup Diagnostics screen, the detector displays the
following series of messages in sequence—a process that takes about five
minutes:
• Initializing grating
• Initializing system
• Lighting lamp
• Warmup time left: n minutes
• Homing optical filter
• Searching for 656 nm
• Optimizing system performance
• Finding calibration peaks
• Restoring last setup
• Completing initialization
When initialization ends, the detector displays the absorbance screen shown
(see page 60). The sections “Using the keypad” on page 63 and “Navigate the
user interface” on page 68 provide more information on this and subsequent
screens.
Tip: For normal use, allow the detector to warm up for at least 30 minutes
before operating.

Diagnostic test failure


If one or more of the internal startup diagnostic tests show a failing result, the
detector beeps and displays an error message. For serious errors, it displays
the word “Error”, in brackets (<Error>), in place of the run-time absorbance on
the absorbance screen.

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See page 141 for a list of startup diagnostic test failures, error messages, and
recommended recovery actions. See page 158 for hardware-related causes of
startup diagnostic test failure and corrective actions.

Idle mode
When the detector is successfully started, it defaults to idle mode (see the
figure “2489 detector idle mode screen:” on page 59). When it is not performing
any function requiring the shutter to be open (local methods, scans, noise test,
and so on), the shutter is closed, and the detector remains in idle mode with
the lamp lit. The Closed Shutter limits unnecessary UV light from reaching
the detector’s optics bench.

2489 detector idle mode screen:

Use the operator interface

Use the display


The detector employs a 128 × 64-bitmap graphic display and a 24-key
membrane keypad for the operator interface. After the startup diagnostic
tests are run successfully, the detector displays the absorbance or home
screen.

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3 Prepare the Detector

Detector absorbance screen:


Absorbance Lamp on/off Shift on/off

Single/dual-wavelength
Channel selector
Keypad lock/unlock
Wavelength Local (method #)/Remote control

Sensitivity Run time (minutes)

Sticky diagnostic test on/off


Next

You can recall the absorbance screen at any time by pressing the HOME key.
When you first use the detector, the absorbance screen shows the factory-set
defaults. Afterward, the absorbance screen shows the settings displayed
before the detector was last powered-off. The absorbance screen continues to
change as the run continues.
The detector monitors absorbance of one or two wavelengths in real time while
allowing you to modify all the parameters discussed in the table below. You
can use the A/B key to toggle between absorbance screens for channels A and
B.

Absorbance and message icons


The absorbance screens and message screens in the detector program display
the icons or fields shown in the figure on page 60 and described in the table
below. For a list of ranges and defaults for the function iconAUs and fields
described in this table, see the table titled “Primary and secondary function
(method) parameters:” on page 75.

Caution: Changing the sensitivity (AU) setting affects the 2-V output.
For example, 1 AU gives 0.5 AU/V, and 2 AU gives 1 AU/V.

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Absorbance and message screen icons:

Icon or field Icon/field name Function


Field Sensitivity or AU Selects the chart sensitivity in
requiring absorbance units (AU) for the selected
entry channel (Ethernet signal is not affected).
Field Wavelength Selects the wavelength monitored on the
requiring selected channel. In single-wavelength
entry mode, you cannot independently control
wavelength on channel B.
Channel selector Changes the channel when you press
A/B. The icon of the selected channel
overlaps that of the other channel.
Channel On Displays ON A or ON B for the channel a
timed or threshold event is programmed
on.
Channel trace When you press TRACE, displays only
the channel being viewed.
Numerical Absorbance Displays current absorbance for the
field selected channel.
Lamp on Indicates the lamp is turned on.

Lamp off Indicates the lamp is turned off.

Shift off Blank = Shift off.

Shift on Indicates the shift is on for one key press.

Single-wavelength Indicates the detector is operating in


single-channel mode.

Multiwavelength Indicates the detector is operating in


dual-channel mode.

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3 Prepare the Detector

Absorbance and message screen icons: (Continued)

Icon or field Icon/field name Function


Keypad unlock Indicates unrestricted keypad entry.

Keypad lock Indicates parameter changes are not


allowed. The keypad locks when the
instrument is under control of an
external data system (remote mode only).
Sticky diagnostic Indicates a sticky diagnostic setting is
on active. (See page 148 for an explanation
of sticky diagnostic settings.)
Local method Indicates the detector is not controlled by
number a data system. The icon’s cursive “m” and
the current method number or an
asterisk (*) indicate current conditions
are not stored as a method.
Ethernet control Indicates that the detector is controlled
by a data system.
Numerical Run time Displays the time elapsed since you
field (minutes) pressed Run, or since an inject-start
signal was received.
Next Indicates that pressing Next displays
additional screens.
Message screen Indicates an error message.
icon.

Message screen Indicates a question.


icon.

Message screen Indicates a warning message.


icon.

Message screen Indicates information is being displayed.


icon.

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Absorbance and message screen icons: (Continued)

Icon or field Icon/field name Function


Message screen Indicates that you must standby.
icon.

Using the keypad


The detector keypad (shown below) consists of 24 keys providing,
• full numeric entry (10 digits plus a decimal point);
• Enter, Shift, CE (Clear Entry), Next, and Help functions;
• s and t (used for navigation only; pressing s can also move the
highlighted area to the left, t to the right);
• A/B for channel selection;
• navigation to specific screens (HOME, or absorbance; DIAGnostics;
TRACE; CONFIGURE; METHOD; and SCAN);
• primary function keys (Chart-mark, Auto Zero, and Run/Stop);
• secondary function keys (Scale, Single- or Dual-wavelength, Reset Clock,
Lamp, Lock, Calibrate, System Information, Contrast, Previous, Cancel,
+/–, and Clear Field).

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3 Prepare the Detector

Keypad:

? SCAN λ/λλ Reset

HOME Chart-mark Auto Zero Run/Stop

METHOD Lamp Lock Calibrate

A/B 1 2 3

CONFIGURE System Info Contrast Previous

DIAG 4 5 6 Next

Scale

TRACE 7 8 9
Enter

.
Cancel +/− Clear Field
Shift
0 CE

Primary function keys take effect immediately, with no further entry


required. Secondary function keys require you to enter information into
parameter fields and to press Enter for the functions to take effect.
Keys that appear in all caps (HOME, DIAG, TRACE, METHOD,
CONFIGURE, and SCAN) directly invoke a function from most screens.
For numerical entries from 1 to 9 on choice lists or menus, enter the number
corresponding to the desired item, and then press Enter. For the number 10,
select 0, and then press Enter. To go to the end of a choice list, select •. For
entries numbered 11 or 12, scroll to the desired item on the choice list, and
then press Enter.
The table below presents the functions of the primary and secondary keys.

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Detector keypad description:

Key Unshifted Shifted


HOME – Displays the ? – Displays context-sensitive
?
absorbance screen containing help when available.
HOME the icons, and the Wavelength
and AU fields.
Chart-mark – Causes a SCAN – Displays the list of
SCAN
momentary pulse to the options for generating and
Chart-mark analog output (A and/or B, manipulating spectra.
depending upon the current
settings). This key has no
effect if chart-mark is disabled
on both channels.
Auto Zero – Sets the λ/λλ – From the absorbance
λ/λλ
absorbance offset so that the screen, use this key to toggle
Auto Zero analog output (A and/or B, between single- and
depending on the current dual-wavelength modes. The
settings), reads 0 AU. You can current mode is indicated by
enable or disable the an icon on the display.
auto-zero function from the
third absorbance screen (see
the figure on page 74).
Run/Stop – Starts or stops Reset – Resets the detector
Reset
(freezes) the run clock. (The run clock to 0 minutes.
Run/Stop
elapsed time appears near the Returns the detector to initial
lower-right corner of the conditions for the current
absorbance screen.) Initiates method.
scans.
Arrow keys − On screens with entry fields (edit, check box, or
choice list), the border of the active field is thickened
(highlighted). Using the arrow keys, you move the highlighted
board to the field you want to activate. (Up moves up or left;
Down moves down or right.) On screens with scrollable lists,
these keys move the highlighted border up (toward the
beginning of the list) or down (toward the end). For other
screens, special instructions apply to the use of the Up and
Down arrow keys (for example, the Display Contrast screen).

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3 Prepare the Detector

Detector keypad description: (Continued)

Key Unshifted Shifted


Next – Displays a screen with Previous – When the Next key
Previous
additional options related to a is available, use Previous to
Next
current screen. Repeatedly navigate through the screens
pressing this key brings back in the reverse order.
the screen on which you
started. On most screens
where this key is active, the
NEXT arrow appears in the
lower, right-hand corner of
the display.
A/B – On screens with the A/B METHOD – Displays the list
METHOD
icon in the upper, left-hand of options for creating and
A/B corner, this key toggles clearing timed and threshold
between channel A and events, storing, retrieving,
channel B parameters. and resetting methods.
DIAG – Displays the choice CONFIGURE – Displays the
CONFIGURE
list of diagnostic tests. first Configuration screen.
DIAG

TRACE – Displays the Scale – When the wavelength


Scale
absorbance monitor trace for trace or spectrum screen is
TRACE channel A or B. visible, this function permits
modification of the display
range in the X (time or
wavelength) and Y
(absorbance) dimensions.
Shift – Enables the shifted functions (identified by the text at
Shift the top of most keys). The shifted state is temporary and
resets after the next keystroke.
0-9 – Enters a numeral, from 0-9 – See descriptions for
0-9 0 through 9, into a current specific shifted numeric keys.
field. Also positions the cursor
at the corresponding entry in
a list (0 = tenth item). Selects
the corresponding number
from a choice list.

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Detector keypad description: (Continued)

Key Unshifted Shifted


1 – See 0-9, above. Lamp – Displays a lamp use
Lamp
statistics for the currently
1 installed lamp and provides
the means for you to turn the
lamp on or off. The current
state of the lamp is indicated
by an icon on the absorbance
screen.
2 – See 0-9, above. Lock – Use from the
Lock absorbance screen, to lock or
2 unlock the keypad. The lock
prevents inadvertent changes
to detector settings. The
current lock state is indicated
by an icon on the absorbance
screen.
3 – See 0-9, above. Calibrate – Initiates
Calibrate
wavelength calibration.
3

4 – See 0-9, above. System Info – Displays


System Info
system information including
4 firmware version and
instrument serial number.
6 – See 0-9, above. Contrast – Permits contrast
Contrast
adjustment (viewing angle) of
6 the liquid crystal display.
0 – See 0-9, above. Cancel – In some modes,
Cancel
backs out of a prompt without
0 completing the task. The word
“Cancel” appears as a cue in
the lower, right-hand border
of the message text.

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3 Prepare the Detector

Detector keypad description: (Continued)

Key Unshifted Shifted


• – Enters a decimal point. +/– – Some edit fields accept
+/–
Also positions the cursor at negative-number entries. Use
• the last entry in a list. this function to invert the sign
of the number in an active
field.
CE – Clears an editing Clear Field – Clears the
Clear Field
change, and returns the current entry field before you
CE contents of a field to its enter the desired values.
previous value. Sets the value
to a unique word for some
fields. For example, in the
voltage offset diagnostic
display, you can enter either a
numeric offset value or press
CE to change it to OFF.
Enter – Completes the entry in an edit field. Also advances the
active field, as if the Down arrow had been pressed (except
after editing the wavelength on the absorbance screen). Press
Enter
Enter to acknowledge error messages and other prompts. In
these cases, the word “Enter” appears as a cue in the lower,
right-hand border of the message text.

Navigate the user interface


To operate the detector:
1. Press the Enter key or the up and down arrow keys to navigate among
editable fields on a display.
Tip: A thickened border highlights the active field.
2. Press Enter to advance the active field once you complete an entry.
3. When you make an error, press CE (Clear Entry) to undo any changes
and return to the active entry field.
Tip: An active field containing a choice list is indicated by a numeral to
the right of the field and within the thickened border.
4. To display a choice list, press Enter. Then take one of these actions:

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• Press the corresponding number key to select an item immediately.


• Use the up and down arrow keys to scroll through the list, and then
press Enter.
Tip: You can press the numeral that corresponds to a desired choice
without first pressing Enter.
Rule: The Up and Down arrow keys do not incrementally increase or decrease
numerical field entries. Use the numerical keypad for that purpose.

Navigate to and from the absorbance screen


Pressing HOME from most screens causes the absorbance screen to appear.
From the absorbance screen, you can access several secondary functions. To
move to the secondary function screens of the absorbance screen, press Next.
These are the secondary functions:
• Analog output specifications
• Time constant
• Absorbance offset
• Voltage offset
• Chart polarity
• Enable/disable inputs
• Enable/disable external events
Tip: The parameters you enter into the secondary function fields become part
of the current method conditions and are stored when you store the method
(see page 90).
In single-wavelength mode, the detector displays three additional screens,
labeled 2 of 4, 3 of 4, and so on. In dual-wavelength mode, the detector
displays four additional screens, labeled 2 of 5, 3 of 5, and so on (see page 74).

Set up a run
Once you press HOME, causing the absorbance screen to reappear, and you
select a wavelength mode (λ or λλ), you can set up the detector for a run. In
addition to wavelength mode, you must program these parameters before
beginning a run:
• Operating wavelength
• Sensitivity

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3 Prepare the Detector

• Time constant
• Analog output sensitivity
Depending on the other functions that you can perform during a run, several
other parameters can require programming. See page 70 and the table on
page 75 for the function descriptions, fields, screen number, type of function,
display units, allowable ranges, and the default settings for the absorbance
screen and the secondary function screens.

Primary and secondary functions


You can access the following functions directly from the absorbance screen or
by pressing the Next key on that screen.

Detector functions:

Function Description
Wavelength Defines the operating wavelength for the channel.
AUFS (absorbance Defines the relationship between the absorbance and
units full-scale) the output voltage. The output voltage reaches full
scale (2 V) when the current absorbance attains the
AUFS value.
Caution: Changing the sensitivity (AUFS) setting
affects the 2-V output.
Analog out You can chart the analog connections for the following
(single λ) parameters:
• Absorbance – Charts the current absorbance of a
selected channel’s analog output, 2-V connector
(scaled to the AUFS setting for that channel) and
adjusts the absorbance value according to the
voltage and absorbance offsets for that channel.
Example: For the 2-V output with 0 used for both
the voltage and absorbance offsets;
Volts out = Absorbance × 2 V/AUFS

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Detector functions: (Continued)

Function Description
Analog out In addition to the selections for single λ above, you
(dual λ) can chart the same parameters on the other channel,
at a different wavelength, and you can chart the
following parameters:
• MaxPlot – Charts the absorbance of multiple
compounds with different absorbances at two
different wavelengths on a single data channel.
Scaling for MaxPlot is the same as for Absorbance
(above) except that the charted absorbance is the
larger of the two absorbances as measured on
channel A and channel B. The detector uses the
AUFS, absorbance offset, and voltage offset of the
selected channel regardless of which absorbance
(channel A or channel B) is larger.
Volts out = Larger absorbance (A or B) × 2 V/AUFS
(of selected channel)
• RatioPlot (A/B) – Charts the ratio of absorbances
at two wavelengths. Theoretically, the ratio is
constant for a pure chromatographic peak and
variable for an impure peak. This mode applies the
three ratio parameters on screen 5 of 5 (see the
figure below).
– Minimum AU: This setting defines the minimum
AU value for either wavelength (A or B) before the
actual ratio is calculated. Both absorbance values
(A and B) must be above this value or 0 V is
charted. If both absorbances are above this value,
the absorbances are divided (A/B) and charted. The
output voltage is scaled proportionally to the ratio
depending on the selected channel minimum ratio
and maximum ratio settings.
– Minimum ratio: An actual ratio equal to the
minimum ratio value results in 0 V being charted.

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3 Prepare the Detector

Detector functions: (Continued)

Function Description
– Maximum ratio: An actual ratio equal to the
maximum ratio results in a full-scale output of 2 V.
Absorbance offset is ignored with this selection.
For a RatioPlot, the actual voltage charted is
Volts out = 0 V if Absorbance A and B < minimum
AU
Volts out = (Absorbance ratio – minimum ratio) ×
2 V/(maximum ratio – minimum ratio)
To ensure proper operation of the RatioPlot
function, be sure the selected time constants for
both channels are set to the same value.
• Difference Plot (A-B) – Charts the difference in
absorbances at two different wavelengths. The
scaling for the difference plot is identical to the
Absorbance selection above, except that the
charted absorbance is the difference (subtracted)
in value of the two absorbances measured on the A
and B wavelengths. The detector uses the AUFS,
absorbance offset, and voltage offset of the selected
channel for scaling.
Volts out = Absorbance difference (A – B) ×
2 V/AUFS (of selected channel)
Filter time constant Adjusts the noise filter (time constant) to achieve the
optimum signal-to-noise ratio without changing the
sensitivity setting. See the discussion “Filtering
noise” on page 23 in for more information.
Voltage offset Adjusts the charted analog output signal. Entered in
millivolts, this function adjusts the 2-V signal by the
entered value. This function is useful for making
minor adjustments and for rendering null any offset
between the detector and a connected external data
system.
Chart polarity Inverts the charted chromatogram. Entering the plus
sign (+) produces a normal chromatogram; entering
the minus sign (–) produces an inverted
chromatogram.

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Detector functions: (Continued)

Function Description
Auto-zero on inject Selected by default, this parameter results in an
auto-zero each time the detector receives an
inject-start signal via contact closure, Ethernet, or
through the front panel. You can disable this
parameter by pressing any numerical key.
Auto-zero on λ This parameter results in an auto-zero each time a
changes wavelength change is requested. If you disable this
function, significant changes in measured absorbance
can occur after each wavelength change. Selecting “to
zero” sets the signal level to zero. Selecting “to
baseline” maintains the previous baseline level when
the wavelength change is made. The default is “to
zero.”

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3 Prepare the Detector

Secondary functions of the absorbance screen:

Absorbance screen (HOME) Voltage offset and chart


polarity (available for
Press Next.
both λ and λλ)
Press Next.

Minimum AU, minimum ration,


Analog rate and filter and maximum ration (available
time constant (available only for λλ)
for both λ and λλ)
Press Next.

Press Next.

Absorbance offset, and


auto-zero on inject
(available for both λ and λλ)

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Primary and secondary function (method) parameters:

Function Screen Type Units Range Default


λ 1 Numeric nm Integer 190 nm to 254 nm
(Wavelength) (Absorbance 700 nm
screen)
AUFS 1 Numeric AUFS 0.0001 to 4.0000 2.0000
Analog rate 2 (of 4) or Choice Hz (λ): 10, 20, 40, 80 10
2 (of 5) (λλ): 1 or 2 1
Filter time 2 (of 4) or Numeric Sec Slow Normal
constant 2 (of 5) Normal
Fast
Other: (for Other:)
(λ): 0.0125 to 5.0 1.000
(λλ): 0.5 to 5.0
Off to disable
filtering
Data out 3 (of 4) Choice None Absorbance A Absorbance
(single λ) A
Data out (dual 3 (of 5) Choice None Absorbance A Absorbance
λ) Absorbance B A
Maxplot A, B
Difference A-B
Ratio A/B
Auto-zero on 3 (of 4) or Check None Selected/ Checked
inject 3 (of 5) box Not selected
Auto-zero on λ 3 (of 4) or 3 Choice None To baseline To zero
changes (of 5) To zero
Disable

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3 Prepare the Detector

Primary and secondary function (method) parameters: (Continued)

Function Screen Type Units Range Default


Voltage offset 4 (of 4) or Numeric mV Integer –2000 to 0
4 (of 5) 2000
Chart polarity 4 (of 4) or Choice None + +
4 (of 5) –
Minimum AU 5 (of 5) Numeric AU 0.0001 to 4.0000 0.1000
Minimum 5 (of 5) Numeric None 0.00 to 999.99 0.00
ratio
Maximum 5 (of 5) Numeric None 0.00 to 999.99 2.00
ratio

Operating the Trace and Scale functions


Using the Trace function, you can display an absorbance trace for the last n
minutes (as many as 60) of detector operation.
• When you press the TRACE key, the detector displays the absorbance
acquired over the last 30 minutes by default. It updates the trace once
every 20 seconds.
• When you press the Scale key (Shift TRACE), the detector displays the
scaled trace with T1 (ending time) displayed (–30 for the last 30
minutes) by default.
You can change the ending time parameter to any number from 1 to 60.
You can use the Scale function to “zoom” in on a particular section of the
trace.

To display the Scale parameters after you press the Scale key:
1. Press Next to display T2 (starting time). The default is 0.
2. Press Next again to display AU1 (starting or low absorbance). The
default is Auto.
3. Press Next again to display AU2 (ending or high absorbance). The
default is Auto.
By entering appropriate times and absorbance numbers in the four
scaling parameter boxes, you can zoom in on one section of the current
absorbance trace:

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• For AU1 and AU2, press CE to reset to auto.


• T1 represents the left-hand side of the trace, or ending time to be
displayed. The default is –30.
• T2 represents the right-hand side of the trace, or starting time. The
default is 0.
The figure below shows a 60-minute trace of continuous injections of
caffeine and propyl paraben in 1:1 methanol/water.

Scaled trace of continuous injections, with T1 changed to –60:

The figure below shows a 5-minute scaled trace (or zoom) of the 60 minutes of
continuous injections shown in the previous figure. T1 is changed to –5. T2 is
changed to 0. AU1, and AU2 remain as “auto.”

Scaled trace for 5 minutes of continuous injections, with T1 changed to –5:

The figure below shows a 60-minute scaled trace similar to that shown in the
preceding figure, with the starting absorbance or AU1 changed from auto to 1.
T1 remains at 60. T2 remains at 0.

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3 Prepare the Detector

Scaled trace for 60 minutes of continuous injections,


with AU1 changed to 1:

The figure below shows a 60-minute trace on channel B scaled to the last 45
minutes. T1 is changed to –45.

Scaled trace changing T1 to –45:

As you modify the output using the Scale function, the Trace function
continues to display the detector output in real time on either or both
channels.

Operate other detector functions


Configure the detector
To change default configurations, use the Configuration screens.
Press the CONFIGURE key (Shift DIAG). The first of three Configuration
screens appears.
Tip: Other functions, such as specifying event inputs and enabling pulse
periods, are activated from the Configuration screens.

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Configuration screens:

Configuration screen 1 of 3 Configuration screen 2 of 3 Configuration screen 3 of 3

Requirement: To prevent acquisition of incorrect data when operating the


detector in dual-wavelength mode under the control of the Empower software
or a MassLynx system, you must select a data sampling rate of 1 point per
second.

Configure event inputs (contact closures)


You use the CONFIGURE key also to edit event input settings and specify
switched output settings.
Using the Enter key and the numeric keypad (or the s and t keys) to select the
appropriate entry, you can edit four fields on the second Configuration screen:
Tip: The default for Inject, Chart-mark, and Auto-Zero is Low; the default for
Lamp is Ignore.
• Inject – You can specify the inject input to signal the start of a run. This
event resets the run-time clock and applies initial method conditions
immediately:
– High – Start run when contact closure changes from off (open) to on
(closed).
– Low – Start run when contact closure changes from on (closed) to off
(open).
– Ignore – Do not respond to inject-start input.
• Chart-mark – You can specify the chart-mark input to create a
chart-mark on channel A and/or channel B. You determine the response
of the channel using the enable chart-mark function explained in the
table on page 75 and shown in the figure on page 74.
– High – Create chart-mark(s) when contact closure changes from Off
(open) to On (closed).
– Low – Create chart-mark(s) when contact closure changes from On
(closed) to Off (open).

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3 Prepare the Detector

– Ignore – Do not respond to chart-mark input.


• Auto-zero – You can configure the auto-zero input to auto-zero
absorbance readings on channel A and/or channel B. You determine the
response of the channel using the enable auto-zero function explained in
the table on page page 75 and shown in the figure on page 74.
– High – Auto-zero the channel when contact closure changes from Off
(open) to On (closed).
– Low – Auto-zero the channel when contact closure changes from On
(closed) to Off (open).
– Ignore – Do not respond to auto-zero input.
• Lamp – You can configure the lamp input level to turn the deuterium
lamp on or off from an external device as follows:
– High – Turn lamp off when contact closure is On (closed).
– Low – Turn lamp off when contact closure is Off (open).
– Ignore – Do not respond to Lamp input.

Set pulse periods


You use the third Configuration screen (see page 79) to set pulse or signal
width or to activate a pulse or rectangular wave on SW1 or SW2.
• Single pulse (in seconds) – If SW1 or SW2 is programmed to generate a
pulse as a timed or threshold event, then the period of the signal (single
pulse width) is as specified in this field (range is 0.1 to 60 seconds).
• Rectangular wave (in seconds) – If SW1 or SW2 is programmed to
initiate a rectangular wave as a timed or threshold event, then the
period of the signal (the width of one pulse period in a rectangular wave
or pulse train) is as specified in this field (range is 0.2 to 60 seconds).
The figure below shows the difference between a single pulse and a
rectangular wave.

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Set the pulse period or signal width using SW1 or SW2:


n Seconds

Single pulse

n Seconds

Rectangular wave

Set display contrast


The Contrast function allows you to adjust the contrast of the detector display
screen. When you press the Contrast key (Shift 6), the Display Contrast
screen appears.

Display Contrast screen:

Use the s and t keys to adjust the contrast of the display.

Display system info


The System Info key (Shift 4) displays information about the detector
including the serial number and the firmware version number.
Tip: Use the scroll bar to see all of the message. The Firmware Rev and
ChkSm values shown here are examples only. They do not indicate the
released version’s information.

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3 Prepare the Detector

System info screen example:

Start of message

End of message

Use Help
The detector has limited context-sensitive help. When you press ? (Shift
HOME) from a point in the program that has a Help screen associated with it,
the appropriate screen appears.

Help screen:

Enter the desired wavelength


for detection on channel A.
Range: between 190 and 700.

To exit the Help screen, press Enter. If online Help is not available for the
function you are working on, pressing ? gets no response.

Operate the detector


Overview of detector operation:
Tip: If you are operating the detector under the control of an external system,
you can program any parameters not controlled by the external data system at
the front panel of the detector before the external system takes control.

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Recommendation: To prevent reabsorption of dissolved oxygen, run the


solvent degasser continuously when operating the detector at wavelengths
less than 230 nm.
Requirement: To maintain optimum system performance, be sure to close the
front door before resuming normal operation of the detector.

Operate modes
You can use the detector in either single- or dual-wavelength mode over a
range of 190 to 700 nm. The detector defaults to the mode of operation in effect
when the instrument was last powered-off.

Stand-alone operation
When using the detector as a stand-alone instrument, you can store as many
as five methods containing as many as 50 timed and 2 threshold events each.
An asterisk in the method number field on the absorbance screen indicates
current conditions, not a stored method. See page 90 for information on how to
store a method.

Remote control
To operate under Empower or MassLynx control, the detector uses the
Ethernet bus connector (see page 43).
To connect the detector to your HPLC system, see page 36.
When under the control of an external data system, the detector is operating
under remote control conditions. The Remote Control icon, incorporating the
letter “E”, appears on the absorbance screen (see the table on page 61).
See page 40 for more information on connecting the detector to an external
system.

Verify that the detector operates properly


After you have installed the detector, verify that it is operating properly by
performing the procedures in this section.
Requirements:
• For complete validation procedures, you must obtain the Waters
accuracy and linearity cuvette kits and system qualification tool for the
detector.

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• For spare parts details, see the Waters Quality Parts Locator on the
Services & Support page of the Waters’ Web site.

Tip: Before you pump solvent or mobile phase through the system:
1. Flush the lines with filtered, degassed, and sparged HPLC-grade
methanol.
2. Pump your mobile phase, provided that there are no miscibility
problems, at 1 mL/min for 15 minutes minimum.

Before you begin


Because the detector is shipped dry, you must pump fresh, filtered and
degassed clear solvent through the unit before its initial use.
Rule: To ensure accurate verification, be sure to start up the detector and
follow steps 1 to 4 in this section and 1 to 5 in “Record sample and reference
beam energies” on page 84 before pumping any mobile phase or solvent
through the flow cell.

To start up the instrument:


1. Connect the detector to a data system or integrator (see Chapter 2 for
complete information on connecting the detector to external devices).
2. Power-on the detector.
Result: The front panel displays a series of initialization messages for
about 5 minutes. See page 57.
3. When initialization ends, the detector displays the absorbance screen.
4. Allow the detector to warm up for at least 30 minutes before operating.
Tip: If the startup verification diagnostic tests fail, note the error
message to determine the corrective action, and refer to Chapter 5.

Record sample and reference beam energies


To determine baseline values on your detector for future reference and to
monitor lamp aging (decreased lamp output energy). You must record the
baseline sample and reference beam energies to compare against future
readings. Use these baseline values to troubleshoot the detector to determine
whether,
• the solvent is contaminated;

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• the flow cell is contaminated;


• the lamp needs to be replaced;
• there is an air bubble in flow cell.

To record the sample and reference beam energies:


1. On the absorbance screen, use the arrow keys to highlight the λ field.
2. Enter 230 into the λ field, and then press Enter.

Absorbance screen diagnostic display:

3. Press DIAG and then press 2, Sample & ref energy. The sample and
reference energy diagnostic display appears.

Sample and reference energy diagnostic display:

4. Record the numbers for later comparison.


Rule: Run this procedure each time you change the detector lamp.
5. Flush the flow cell with approximately 30 to 60 mL of HPLC-grade
methanol at 1 mL/min for 15 minutes, minimum, to clean the cell.
Make the plumbing connections described in “Make plumbing connections” on
page 36, before beginning the peak response test.

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Wavelength calibration
You can calibrate the detector, manually, from the keypad at any time during
operation or if calibration errors arise during startup.

To calibrate the detector manually:


1. Press Calibrate (Shift 3) from the detector keypad.
Result: A message appears asking whether you removed the cuvette and
flushed the flow cell with a transparent solvent (Waters recommends
methanol or water).
2. Press Enter to continue the calibration cycle or Cancel to invoke the
absorbance screen without calibrating the detector.
Result: After you press Enter, the detector cycles through the
calibration procedure and briefly displays a series of initialization
messages similar to those you saw at startup (see page 57).
If calibration is successful, the detector beeps three times and displays
the maximum error, in nanometers, of the calibration shift farthest from
the last calibration.
3. Press Enter to complete the calibration.
Result: A “Calibration complete” message appears momentarily. Other
messages such as “Optimizing system performance” and “Restoring last
setup” can appear before the display returns to the absorbance screen.
If calibration is successful, the error message (<Error>) that was
displayed on the absorbance screen before you recalibrated the detector
disappears.
4. If calibration is unsuccessful, retry, cycle power to the detector, or see
Chapter 5.

Operate the detector in single-wavelength mode


The detector is optimized for single-wavelength operation, the default
operating mode.

To invoke single-wavelength mode:


1. From the absorbance (or HOME) screen, press the λ/λλ key (Shift Auto
Zero) if the detector is in dual-wavelength (the wavelength icon shows
λλ) mode.

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Result: The detector displays a message indicating it is switching to


single-wavelength operation.
2. Enter the wavelength and sensitivity on the absorbance screen, as well
as any secondary parameters and timed or threshold events.

Caution: Changing the sensitivity (AUFS) setting affects the 2-V


output.

3. Select a second sensitivity setting while in single-wavelength mode, by


pressing A/B and specifying the appropriate AUFS values on the
channel B screen.
Result: A single-wavelength is tracked on channel A so that you can use
channel B to monitor absorbance with an alternate AUFS setting, or to
make the primary absorbance measurement using a specific AUFS value
on channel A.
Example: While operating in single-wavelength mode, specifying an
AUFS value of 2.0000 on the second channel provides 1.000 V/AU on the
channel B, 2-V output.
The detector automatically engages the second-order filter for all
wavelengths > 370 nm.

Operate the detector in dual-wavelength mode


You can operate the detector with expanded chart-out selections using
dual-wavelength mode. In addition to absorbance offered with
single-wavelength mode, dual-wavelength mode offers the following functions:
• Absorbance (A and B)
• MaxPlot
• RatioPlot (A/B)
• Difference plot (A-B)

To change from single to dual-wavelength mode:


1. From the absorbance (or HOME) screen, when in single-wavelength
mode (the wavelength icon shows λ), press the λ/λλ key (Shift Auto
Zero).
Result: A momentary message “Setting up dual-wavelength mode”
appears.

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3 Prepare the Detector

2. Enter the wavelength to be monitored in the λ field, and then press


Enter.
3. Enter the other operating parameters and timed or threshold events, if
desired.
4. Press the A/B key to switch channels. The absorbance screen for the
other channel appears.
5. Enter the operating parameters for monitoring the second wavelength,
including timed and threshold events, if desired.
Tips:
• If both selected wavelengths are greater than 370 nm (+/– 1 nm), the
detector applies the second-order filter to block unwanted UV light.
• If both selected wavelengths are less than 370 nm (+/– 1 nm), the
detector removes the second-order filter.
• If the selected wavelengths bracket the 370 nm (+/– 1 nm) threshold, the
detector does not apply the second-order filter and issues a warning
message that any data collected for the wavelength above 370 nm can
contain inaccuracies because of possible UV light interference
(second-order effects).
Recommendation: In dual-wavelength mode, select a wavelength pair below
or above 370-nm. If one or both of the selected wavelengths spans the 370 nm
threshold, the detector beeps three times, and the warning message shown
below appears. Because of possible UV light interference (second-order
effects), you can observe additional peaks and inaccurate peak areas.

Dual-wavelength, 370-nm, threshold warning message:

Obtain a RatioPlot
The RatioPlot output, on one channel only (channel A), depends on the values
you specify on absorbance screen 5 for minimum and maximum ratios. You
must be operating the detector in dual-wavelength mode to obtain a ratio plot.

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The RatioPlot provides a plot of the ratio of the absorbances of two


wavelengths from 0 V to 2 V. The minimum and maximum ratio parameters
are measured ratio units, not absorbances. (See page 70.)

To obtain a RatioPlot:
1. Be sure the detector is operating in dual-wavelength mode (see the
previous discussion).
2. From the absorbance screen, press Next to reach screen 3 of 5.
3. In the Data out field, press 8, ratio A/B.
4. Press Enter to select the ratio plot.
5. Press Next until screen 5 of 5 appears.
6. Enter the minimum AU, and then press Enter.
Tip: The minimum AU field contains a threshold value. The RatioPlot
function does not plot if either wavelength does not exceed the minimum
AU threshold.
7. Enter the minimum ratio for the RatioPlot, and then press Enter.
8. Enter the maximum ratio for the RatioPlot, and then press Enter.
9. Return to the absorbance screen by pressing the HOME key.

Obtain a MaxPlot
The detector obtains a MaxPlot by monitoring absorbance at two selected
wavelengths while plotting the maximum absorbance for each sample
component.

To run a scan using the MaxPlot function:


1. Be sure the detector is operating in dual-wavelength mode (see “To run a
scan using the MaxPlot function:” on page 89).
2. From the absorbance screen, press Next to reach screen 3 of 5.
3. In the Data out field, press 5, MaxPlot A,B.
4. Press Enter to select the MaxPlot function.
5. Return to the absorbance screen by pressing the HOME key.

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Program timed events, threshold events, and methods


You can retrieve as many as five methods, which the detector references as
numbers 1 to 5. An asterisk in the method number icon (see the table on
page 61) tells you the current conditions are not stored. If you are using a
stored method, the method number appears on the absorbance screen.
If you edit a parameter such as wavelength or AUFS, you are editing the
current conditions (Method *), which can be stored as a method. You can store
the method in one of the 10 available method storage slots, or you can replace
the current method with one of the methods previously stored. When you
recall a previously stored method, you replace the existing method conditions
with those of the stored method.
The method number displayed in the absorbance screen is that of the
retrieved method until you make a change. Any parameter change (for
example, wavelength or AUFS) alters the current conditions so that the
original recalled method is no longer in effect, causing the method number to
change to an asterisk.
The operating parameters at the time of system shutdown are restored;
however, any timed events or thresholds associated with the method are
deactivated when power is restored. On startup, you always see an asterisk
inside the method icon on the absorbance screen.
When the detector is operating under remote control—that is, control by
Empower or MassLynx software—the remote icon incorporating the letter “E”
appears (see the table on page 61).

Timed events
You can program as many as 50 timed events, to the nearest 0.01 minutes. As
you enter timed events, each new event appends to the end of the timed-event
list. If you enter a time that is not in sequence with the events entered
previously, the timed-event list sorts automatically when you press Next. The
detector allows programming of the timed events shown in the table below.

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Caution: Changing the sensitivity (AUFS) setting affects the 2-V output.
For example, 1 AU gives 0.5 AU/V, and 2 AU gives 1 AU/V.

Timed event parameters:

Specify
Number Event Units Range or default
channel
1 Wavelength nm 190 to 700 Yes
2 Filter time Seconds 0: Disable filter Yes
constant λ: 0.0125 to 5.00
λλ: 0.5 to 5.0
3 Sensitivity AUFS 0.0001 to 4.0000 Yes
4 Chart-mark Does not Does not apply Yes
(10% of full apply
scale)
5 Polarity 1. + + Yes
2. –
6 Auto-zero Does not Does not apply Yes
apply
7 Lamp 1. Off Off No
2. On
8 Switch 1 1. High High No
2. Low
3. Pulse
4. Rect wave
9 Switch 2 1. High High No
2. Low
3. Pulse
4. Rect wave
10 Threshold AU –4.0000 to 4.0000 or Yes
variable, depending
on output selection

To program a new timed event:


1. Press the METHOD (Shift A/B) key on the detector keypad.

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Method choice list:

2. Press 1, Timed events.


3. Enter the time for the event.

Timed events screen:

4. Press Enter to enter the time.


Tip: To advance to the Set field (Events choice list), press the t key.
5. Press Enter again to display the choice list, or, if you know the event
number, press the number for the event you are programming.
6. Enter the appropriate wavelength, in nanometers, in the To field, if that
field appears.
Requirement: To program the same event on both channels, you must
enter two events, one for channel A and one for channel B.
7. Press A/B to set the threshold on the other channel.
Tips:
• ON A or ON B indicates the channel the event is programmed on.
You can program all events on channel A, all on channel B, or some
on channel A and some on channel B.
• Event programming is time-based, not channel-specific.
8. Press Next to advance to a new timed event.
9. To delete a timed event, press CE when the time field is active.

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10. Press HOME to return to the absorbance screen, and then press
Run/Stop.
11. Press Reset.
Tips:
• If the detector is under the control of an external device, the Inject
Start programmed from that device runs the method.
• If you are working in real time under current conditions (method *),
when a power failure or shutdown occurs, you lose all timed or
threshold events if you do not store them as a method. (See page 94.)

Threshold events
You can program threshold events on channel A and channel B to control the
switch contact closure outputs: for example, when using a fraction collector.
You can program the switch to change when the programmed output
(absorbance, ratio, energy, etc.) on the detector channel A or B is above a
specified threshold. Below the specified threshold, the switch is set as shown
in the table.

Threshold events “Set” parameters:

Number Event
1 Set switch 1
2 Set switch 2

Threshold events “To” parameters:

Below threshold
Number Set to
switch state
1 On Off
2 Off On
3 Pulse Off
4 Rect wave Off
(rectangular
wave)

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To define the pulse period, or the frequency of a wave, see “Configure the
detector” on page 78.

To program a threshold event:


1. Press the METHOD (Shift A/B) key on the detector keypad.
2. Press 2, Threshold events.

Threshold events screen:

3. Press Enter to advance to the next (Set) field, or press the s and t keys to
move among the three fields on the threshold events screen.
4. When the Set field is active, press Enter to display the threshold events
choice list, or press the number corresponding to the event you are
programming (see the table above).
5. When the To field is active, press Enter to display the options in the
table shown above, or press the number corresponding to the threshold
parameter you are programming.
6. To set the threshold on the other channel, press A/B.

Store a method
A method consists of all programmable parameters on the absorbance and
associated screens as well as timed and threshold events. You can store the
current method by selecting a location from 1 to 5.

To store a method:
1. Press METHOD (Shift A/B) to return to the Method choice list (see the
figure on page 92).
2. Press 4, Store method *.
Result: A method number field appears.

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Store a method, method number field:

Caution: No warning message appears when the method number


you select is already assigned to a previously stored method.
Pressing Enter stores the current method conditions, overwriting
any previous method stored in the same slot.

3. Enter a number from 1 to 5 and press Enter.


Result: A brief message (“Storing * as method n”) appears.
4. When the display returns to the Method choice list, the method number
you selected appears within the method icon. That method remains
active until you retrieve another method or reset the detector to default
conditions (Method *).

To retrieve a previously stored method:


1. Return to the Method choice list by pressing METHOD (Shift A/B).
2. Press 3, Retrieve a method.
Result: The last method number stored or retrieved appears in the
method number slot box.
3. Enter the number of the method you want to retrieve, and press Enter.
Result: A brief message (“Retrieving method n”) appears.
When the Method choice list reappears, the method number icon
incorporates the method number you specified (see the table on page 61).

To view timed and threshold events that make up a stored method:


1. Retrieve the method (see “To retrieve a previously stored method:” on
page 95).

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3 Prepare the Detector

Result: Once you specify a method number to retrieve, the method


choice list appears, and the method number appears within the method
number icon.
2. Press 1 to view the timed events or 2 to view threshold events within the
displayed method.
Tip: If you change to a timed or threshold event within a method, the
asterisk appears (Method *), indicating that the method (*) is no longer
the same as the stored method you retrieved in step 1. You can then
store the method containing the altered event(s) in the same storage
slot.

Reset a method
Resetting a stored method is a two-step process. First, you reset the current
conditions to the defaults. Then you save the defaults in one of the storage
locations. (See page 75 for the parameter default settings.)

To clear one or more methods:


1. Return to the Method choice list by pressing METHOD (Shift A/B).
2. Press 5, Reset method *.
Result: A message appears, asking whether you approve of setting
current conditions to factory defaults.
Tip: If you press Enter, these events take place:
• All timed events are deleted.
• All threshold events are disabled.
• All other operating parameters of the method (λ, AUFS, etc.) are set
to defaults.
If you press Cancel (Shift 0), the display returns to the Method choice
list.
Recommendation: To prevent loss of the current conditions, store them
in one of the available storage slots before you clear the method. After
clearing the storage slots, you can restore the previous conditions.
3. Press 4, Store method, and enter a storage location number.
Tip: To clear other stored methods, repeat this step until you clear all
desired methods.

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When you press HOME, the absorbance screen’s method number icon displays
an asterisk.

Clear events
You can clear only timed or threshold events without resetting any other
operating parameters.

To clear all active timed or threshold events:


1. Return to the Method choice list by pressing METHOD (Shift A/B).
2. Press 6, Clear events.
Result: A message appears asking whether you approve of clearing all
active events.
Tip: If you press Enter,
• all timed and threshold events in the method are cleared;
• all other operating parameters of the method (λ, AUFS, etc.) are
unaffected.
If you press Cancel (Shift 0), the Method choice list appears.
3. When you press HOME, the absorbance screen’s method number icon
displays an asterisk.

Scan spectra
The detector must make two scans to produce an absorbance spectrum:
• Zero scan – A reference scan that characterizes the absorbance spectrum
of the solvent in the cuvette or the flow cell.
• Sample scan – An absorbance scan of the analyte in solvent (after
subtracting out the zero scan of the solvent) to provide the actual
spectrum of the sample.
The detector can measure the spectrum of a sample using the cuvette or the
flow cell. See page 110 and page 112 for scanning procedures.
Rule: When using the cuvette, if the contents of the flow cell change, you must
rerun the zero scan.

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Before you begin


Before you run a spectrum scan, specify values for the following parameters:
• λ1 – Starting wavelength. Scanning begins at this wavelength.
• λ2 – Ending wavelength. Scanning ends at this wavelength.
• Pace – Rate of scanning, in nanometers/min. Determines how fast the
scan is output and data are acquired. The scan data are acquired at the
highest possible resolution for the specified pace. Specifying a very high
pace reduces resolution.
Pace and sampling resolution examples:

Pace (nm/min) Sampling resolution (nm)


100 and less 0.5
200 1.0
400 2.0

The figure below shows two scans of anthracene, one overlaying the
other. At a pace of 1000 nm/min, the overlaid scan (dotted line) shows a
reduced number of points scanned, lowering the resolution relative to
the original scan, done at a pace of 100 nm/min.

Scan of anthracene at 100 nm/min and 1000 nm/min:

0.5
0.45
0.4
0.35 Pace 100
0.3 Pace 1000
0.25
0.2
Absorbance

0.15
0.1
0.05
0

190 205 220 235 250 265


Wavelength (nm)

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Tip: The higher the number you enter in the Pace field, the lower the
resolution of the scan.
• Tick marks – This value allows tick marks (check marks) to be
generated at the specified wavelength increment help interpret charted
data.
The figures below show a 190-nm to 600-nm scan of erbium standard in
a cuvette at 200 nm/min, with tick marks specified every 20 nm, and the
same scan without tick marks.
• AUFS – The sensitivity setting used for scaling the charted spectrum.

Scan of erbium standard in a cuvette from 190 nm to 600 nm at


200 nm/min, with tick marks every 20 nm:
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
AU

0.1
0.0

290 390 490


Wavelength (nm)

Scan of erbium standard in a cuvette from 190 nm to 600 nm at


200 nm/min without tick marks:
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
AU

0.1
0.0

290 390 490


Wavelength (nm)

Specify these parameter values when you select a scan: zero or sample.

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When you select a zero scan, the detector displays three additional screens,
labeled 2 of 4, 3 of 4, and 4 of 4. You can change all parameters on these
screens, including starting and ending wavelength, and the pace parameter.
When you select a sample scan, the detector displays two additional screens,
labeled 2 of 3 and 3 of 3 (see the figure on page 103). You cannot change the
starting and ending wavelength values or the pace parameter.
When you run a zero scan, you establish starting and ending wavelengths,
pace, tick marks, and sensitivity for both the zero scan and subsequent sample
scans. Run sample scans within 15 minutes of the baseline zero scan.
The most recent zero scan performed or retrieved remains current until you
perform or retrieve another scan. The zero scan should be appropriate for the
subsequent sample scans you perform. The sample scan adopts the starting
and ending wavelengths and pace from the most recent zero scan. Only when
those values are identical for both the zero and sample scans can the zero scan
be subtracted.
You use the SCAN key (Shift Chart-mark) to run a new zero or sample scan,
store, review, subtract and review, and replay stored or existing scans.
During a sample scan, data are charted via analog channel A using the
specified AUFS setting. At the same time, sample energy at 150 nA/V is
charted via channel B.
During a zero scan, data are charted via analog channel A. At the same time,
reference energy, at 150 nA/V, is charted via channel A, at the AU specified on
channel A.

Scan new spectra


To specify a new spectrum:
1. Press SCAN (Shift Chart-mark). A Scan choice list appears.

Scan choice list:

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2. Press 1, New scan, or use the s and t keys to move through the Scan
choice list.
Result: The detector displays the first of three parameter screens for a
sample scan or four parameter screens for a zero scan (figure “Zero and
sample scan screen:” on page 103).
3. Press Next to advance through the New scan parameter screens.
4. On the first New scan screen, specify the type of scan:
• Press 1 for sample scan, or press Enter to display the choice list. The
detector displays two additional screens.
• Press 2 for zero scan, or press Enter to display the choice list. The
detector displays three additional screens.
All parameters appear on the first New scan screen for both a zero and a
sample scan. You can return to screen 1 to review the parameters for
either scan type by pressing Next from the Run screen (screen 3 of 3 for
sample scan or 4 of 4 for zero scan).
Tip: You can press Run from any New scan screen.
For both zero and sample scans, the table below provides the defaults and
ranges for all parameters.

Sample and zero scan parameters:

Parameter Screen Scan type Units Range or default


Type 1 Sample and n/a Sample scan: 1
zero Zero scan: 2
Default: 1
λ range 2 Zero scan only nm Range: 190 to 700 nm
Default: 190 to 700 nm
Pace 2 Zero scan only nm/min Range: 30 to 1000
nm/min
Default: 100 nm/min
AUFS 2 or 3 Sample and AU Range: 0.0001 to 4.0000
zero Default: Last number
entered
Tick mark 2 or 3 Sample and nm Range: 10 to 100
(Mark each zero Default: Last number
nm) entered

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 101


3 Prepare the Detector

To program a zero scan:


1. Press SCAN, then 1, New scan, and press 2, Zero scan.
2. Press Next to advance to the second Zero scan parameter screen.
3. Enter the starting wavelength for the zero scan, and then press Enter.
4. Enter the ending wavelength for the zero scan, and then press Enter.
5. Enter a value in the Pace field for the rate at which the detector scans
the specified wavelength range.
Tips:
• The default is 100 nm/min. The allowable range is from 30 to
1000 nm. Refer to the figure on page 98, which shows two scans of
anthracene overlaid, one at 100 nm/min and one at 1000 nm/min.
• The higher the value you enter in the Pace field, the lower the
resolution of the scan.
6. Press Next.
7. On the third zero scan parameter screen, enter the AUFS value, and
then press Enter.
Tips:
• To specify tick marks, enter a number from 10 nm to 100 nm, and
then press Enter.
• To clear tick marks, press CE. See page 99 for examples of scans
made with and without tick marks.
8. Press Run to start the zero scan, or press Next to return to the first zero
scan parameter screen to verify parameter values, and then press Run.
After the detector runs the zero scan, it returns to the Scan choice list.

102 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Scan spectra

Zero and sample scan screen:

Zero scan (screen 1 of 4) Sample scan (screen 1 of 3)

Zero scan (screen 2 of 4) Sample scan (screen 2 of 3)

Zero scan (screen 3 of 4) Sample scan (screen 3 of 3)

Zero scan (screen 4 of 4)

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 103


3 Prepare the Detector

Run the sample scan:


Run the zero scan before running the sample scan. To ensure identical flow
cell and solvent conditions, run the sample scan for the corresponding zero
scan within 15 minutes of running the zero scan.

To run a sample scan:


1. Set up the zero (or reference) scan by following the steps in the zero scan
procedure on “To run a sample scan:” on page 104.
2. On the first New scan screen, press 1, Sample Scan.
Result: The parameters for wavelength range, AUFS, Pace, and Mark
(tick mark) you entered for the corresponding zero scan appear.
3. Press Next to advance to the second sample scan screen.
Tip: You can change the entries in the AUFS and Mark each fields.
4. Press Next to advance to the third sample scan screen, and then press
Run.
Result: A brief message (“Initializing”) appears. The Scanning screen
shows the progress of the scan, in nanometers, across a progress bar.

Scanning progress bar:

After a brief pause, the detector displays a sample scan graphically.

Sample erbium scan graphical display:

104 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Scan spectra

Tip: To return to the Scan choice list, at the end of the scan, press SCAN
(Shift Chart-mark).
5. Press Next.
Result: Doing so displays as many as four of the highest peaks scanned
within the specified range.
The figure below shows the four highest peaks for the erbium scan
shown in the graphical display (above).

Sample erbium scan, four highest peaks:

6. Press Next.
7. On the graphical display, press Scale (Shift TRACE) to change the scale
(zoom in on one part) of the display.
Tip: You can alter the following four scaling parameters:
• λ1 – minimum wavelength displayed.
• λ2 – maximum wavelength displayed.
• AU1 – minimum absorbance displayed. The default is Auto.
• AU2 – maximum absorbance displayed. The default is Auto.
Using this function, you zoom in on various sections (artifacts) of the
spectrum.
The scale of the spectrum is affected by the AUFS setting.
8. Press Next to advance through the four scaling parameters. The figure
below shows the sample scanned in the figure on page 104. The sample
has been scaled by changing the wavelength parameters to 225 and 600
nm.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 105


3 Prepare the Detector

Sample erbium scan with l1 changed to 225 nm and l2 changed to 600 nm:

9. Once you change one or more scaling parameters, press Enter to


reformat the graphical display.
10. Once the scan reappears, press Next to display the four highest peaks of
the scaled scan.

Four highest peaks from the scaled sample erbium scan:

11. Press Next again to return to the sample scan display.


12. When you finish manipulating the sample scan graphical display, press
SCAN (Shift Chart-mark) to return to the Scan choice list. To store the
scan, see “Store a spectrum” on page 107.
The figure below shows a series of scans of anthracene dissolved in
acetonitrile to display the use of the Scale function. The zero scan is not
displayed.
For the scaling parameters AU1 and AU2, the default is Auto. You can change
the AU parameter based on the absorbance of the spectrum. To return the
default to auto, press CE.

106 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Scan spectra

Series of scans of anthracene in acetonitrile:

Sample scan
200 nm to 400 nm
–0.001 AU to 0.5 AU
anthracene

Zoom of sample scan


200 nm to 300 nm
–0.001 AU to 0.5 AU
anthracene, 230 nm to 270 nm
λ2 changed to 300 nm

Zoom of sample scan


230 nm to 270 nm
–0.001 AU to 0.5 AU
anthracene, 250 nm
λ1 changed to 230 nm
λ2 changed to 270 nm
AU1 and AU2 on auto

Zoom of sample scan


300 nm to 400 nm
–0.001 AU to 0.025 AU
anthracene, 330 nm to 400 nm
λ1 changed to 300 nm
λ2 changed to 400 nm
AU1 and AU2 on auto

Store a spectrum
Once you run a spectrum, you can store it for later review, subtraction, or
playback. You can store as many as three spectra.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 107


3 Prepare the Detector

To store a spectrum:
1. From the graphic display of a sample scan, return to the first Scan
screen by pressing SCAN (Shift Chart-mark).
2. Press 2, Store last scan.
Tip: When you select Store last scan, you are storing the zero scan and
the sample scan as a pair.

Storage slot number box:

3. In the slot number box, enter a number from 1 to 3.


4. Press Enter to store the last sample scan, paired with its zero scan.

To obtain information about a stored spectrum:


1. Press SCAN (Shift Chart-mark) to view the Scan choice list.
2. Press 3, Get scan info.
Result: A slot number box appears with a default of “Last” (the most
recently stored spectrum).
3. Press Enter to get information about the last stored spectrum, or type
the number (1 to 3) of the stored spectrum for which you want
information, and then press Enter.
Result: A screen containing the following information appears:
• Storage slot number of the selected scan (or “Last scan”)
• λ range – Displays the wavelength range for the selected spectrum
• Pace – Displays the pace for the selected spectrum
4. Press Enter to exit the information screen and return to the Scan choice
list.

108 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Scan spectra

Review a stored spectrum


Once you store a spectrum, you can retrieve it for review from one of the three
available storage slots by selecting the Review option from the Scan choice
list.

To review a spectrum:
1. Press SCAN (Shift Chart-mark) to view the Scan choice list.
2. Press 4, Review.
Tip: When you select Review, you actually are retrieving the zero scan
and the sample scan that were stored as a pair.
3. Enter the storage slot number (1 to 3) of the spectrum you want to
review.
4. Press Enter. The message “Retrieving spectrum n” appears.
Once you retrieve a spectrum for review, you can view it graphically and
adjust the wavelength and AU ranges, if necessary. You can also run a new
sample scan based on the retrieved zero scan.

Subtract a spectrum
Once you store more than one spectrum, you can create a difference spectrum.
Tip: The current spectrum is the spectrum that the stored spectrum (whose
slot number you enter) is subtracted from.

To subtract and review the difference spectrum:


Rule: To subtract the stored spectrum from the current spectrum, the starting
and ending wavelengths (λ1 and λ2) and the pace of both spectra must be
identical.
1. Press SCAN (Shift Chart-mark).
2. Press 5, Subtract & review.
3. Enter the storage slot number (1 to 3) of the spectrum you want to
subtract out from the current (or retrieved) spectrum.
4. Press Enter.
Once the difference spectrum appears, you can store the results in one of the
three storage slots.

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3 Prepare the Detector

Replay a spectrum
You can play back the current spectrum or a stored spectrum in real time
using the Real-time replay function on the Scan choice list. The detector plays
back the selected spectrum in real time both on the detector display and out
the analog connector to the chart or A/D device in a data collection system.
Once you retrieve a spectrum for playback, the detector displays it
graphically, and you can adjust the AUFS. Sample energy is not charted
during a replay.
Tip: If you adjust the AUFS on a spectrum for replay, the adjusted spectrum
displays only on the charted output, not on the detector graphical display.

To replay a spectrum:
1. Press SCAN (Shift Chart-mark).
2. Press 6, Real-time replay.
3. Enter the storage slot number (1 to 3) of the spectrum you want to play
back.
Tip: The default is the last spectrum acquired.
4. Press Enter.
Result: After a pause, to retrieve the selected spectrum, the detector
begins to play back the spectrum on the analog connection. Then the
spectrum appears graphically.

Scan using the cuvette


Using the cuvette option facilitates sample handling and verifying and
qualifying the instrument.
The detector uses a standard 10-mm path length spectrophotometric cell
(quartz cuvette). You insert the cuvette with one of the two frosted sides facing
up in the cuvette holder and place it in the detector flow cell assembly.

110 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Scan spectra

Detector cuvette holder with the cuvette inserted:

Aperture

Frosted sides of cuvette


facing up and down

Restriction: Because the scan is actually a composite of both the contents of


the cuvette and the flow cell, you need to perform cuvette scans under
identical flow cell conditions. If you store spectra and acquire new spectra for
subtraction, beware the differences, if any, in flow cell conditions.
Ideally, you perform both the zero and sample scans using the cuvette when
the HPLC instruments are in the idle or static state, under identical flow cell
conditions.

Caution: Handle the cuvette gently and on the frosted sides only.
Fingerprints on the clear quartz interfere with the light path and
compromise the integrity of cuvette scanning operations.

Before you begin


Recommendation: To ensure accurate results, use a 10-mm path length
quartz cuvette and matched pairs (from the same manufacturing lot) of quartz
cuvettes for your zero and sample scans.

Before beginning a scan using the cuvette:


1. Flush the flow cell with the eluent you are going to scan.
2. Wipe the clear portion of the cuvette with low-lint, nonabrasive tissue
wipes.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 111


3 Prepare the Detector

To begin a cuvette scan:


1. Open the detector’s front door.
2. Remove the cuvette holder, sliding it toward you.
3. With the spring guide facing you, gently insert the cuvette (containing
eluent) up under the guide, with the cap facing upward (into the holder)
and a frosted side of the cuvette facing up. (See the figure on page 111.)
Recommendations:
• Ensure that you have enough liquid (3 mL) in the cuvette so that
when it is inserted into the holder, you can see liquid through the
holder’s aperture. That is, the liquid must completely cover the
aperture.
• Because the cuvette holder is angled, use your thumb or forefinger
to ensure the cuvette is secure in the slot and does not slide forward.
Ensure that it does not become dislodged when you are replacing
the cuvette holder.
4. Gently guide the cuvette holder back into the flow cell assembly until it
bottoms in the space.
5. Close the door.
Rules:
• To prevent invalid chromatographic results, remove the cuvette
from the detector and replace the empty holder after running
cuvette scans.
• To maintain optimum system performance, close the front door
before resuming normal operation of the detector.
6. Insert a reference cuvette containing the mobile phase standard, and
run a zero scan.
7. Replace the reference cuvette with a cuvette containing your analyte
dissolved in mobile phase solvent, and run a sample scan.
8. Use the storage, review, subtract and review, and replay functions to
analyze the data obtained.

Scan using a flow cell and a syringe


If you do not have a cuvette, you can scan using a manually filled flow cell.

112 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Scan spectra

Requirement: Before you scan using a flow cell, make sure no cuvette is in the
cuvette holder.

To run a spectrum using a flow cell:


1. With a syringe, fill the flow cell with the mobile phase or solvent in
which your sample is dissolved.
2. Run a zero scan according to the procedure on page 100.
3. With a syringe, fill the flow cell with the analyte, and then run a sample
scan according to the procedure on page 100.
Use the storage, review, subtract and review, and replay functions of the
detector to compare the scanned data.

Conserve lamp life


You can conserve the lamp without powering-off the detector by leaving the
instrument on and turning off only the deuterium lamp.
Tip: If the detector is operating under remote control, you can program the
controller to turn the lamp off and on without using the front panel.
Recommendation: Waters recommends that you program the lamp to shut off
or turn the lamp off manually only if the value of the “Lamp off” parameter is
more than 4 hours.
Without powering off the system, you can conserve lamp life by,
• turning power to the lamp off and on again manually;
• programming a timed event to turn the lamp off and on again;
• programming the lamp to turn off and on again using the external
contact closure.
To turn power to the lamp on and off manually, use the Lamp keypad function
(Shift 1). When the lamp is turned off, the absorbance screen displays the
words “Lamp off”, and the lamp icon appears with an “X” through it.
Use the Lamp key (Shift 1) to,
• shut the lamp off or turn the lamp on manually;
• display the number of times the lamp has ignited;
• display the hours and minutes the lamp has been turned on during the
current run and/or since installation.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 113


3 Prepare the Detector

To turn off the lamp manually from the detector front panel:
1. Press Lamp (Shift 1) from the keypad. The lamp control screen appears.

Lamp control screen:

2. Press Lamp (Shift 1) again to turn the lamp off.

Lamp off/on sequence:


Lamp off indicator Lamp on indicator

To ignite the lamp manually:


1. When there is an X through the lamp icon on the absorbance screen,
press Lamp (Shift 1).
2. Press Lamp (Shift 1) again to turn the lamp on. The absorbance screen
appears with the message “Igniting.”
Result: The lamp can take as many as 1 minute to illuminate. Once the
lamp illuminates, the display returns to the absorbance screen, and the
X is removed from the lamp icon.
You can conserve lamp life by programatically igniting and extinguishing it:
for example, overnight, using a timed event method.
To ignite or extinguish the lamp programatically, select the Timed events
option in the Method choice list, or program the lamp through one of the
external contact closures.

114 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Scan spectra

• See “Program timed events, threshold events, and methods” on page 90,
and the table on page 91 for more information on programming the lamp
to turn on or off using a timed event.
• See “Configure event inputs (contact closures)” on page 79 for more
information on programming the lamp through the external contact
closure.

Shutting down the detector


If you need to power-off the detector for an extended length of time, you must
remove any buffered mobile phase from the fluid path.

Caution: To avoid damage to the column, remove it before you perform


the following procedure. Before you remove the column, see your column
care and use guide.

To remove mobile phase from the fluid path of the detector:


1. Replace the buffered mobile phase with 100% HPLC-quality water and
flush the system for 10 minutes at 3 mL/min.
2. Replace the 100% water mobile phase with a solution of 90:10
methanol/water, and flush the system for 10 minutes at 3 mL/min.
Follow the recommended procedures for injector purging and priming for the
pump in use with your HPLC.

Shut down the detector


To shut down the detector, press the On/Off switch.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 115


3 Prepare the Detector

116 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Contact Waters technical service

4 Maintaining the Detector

Keep to a maintenance schedule and perform maintenance as described


in this chapter.

Contents:

Topic Page
Contact Waters technical service .................................................... 117
Maintenance considerations............................................................ 118
Proper operating procedures ........................................................... 119
Maintain the flow cell ...................................................................... 120
Replace the lamp.............................................................................. 129
Replace fuses .................................................................................... 138

Contact Waters technical service


If you are located in the USA or Canada, report malfunctions or other
problems to Waters Technical Service (800 252-4752). Otherwise, phone the
Waters corporate headquarters in Milford, Massachusetts (USA), or contact
your local Waters subsidiary. Our Web site includes phone numbers and
e-mail addresses for Waters locations worldwide. Go to www.waters.com.
When you contact Waters, be prepared to provide this information:
• Completed normal operation checklist for the method you are using
• Nature of the symptom
• Instrument serial number
• Flow rate
• Operating pressure
• Mobile phase(s)
• Detector settings

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 117


4 Maintaining the Detector

• Type and serial number of column(s)


• Sample type
• Control mode (Empower, MassLynx, FractionLynx™, No interaction, or
other)
• Software version and serial number
For complete information on reporting shipping damages and submitting
claims, see Waters Licenses, Warranties, and Support Services.

Maintenance considerations
Perform the procedures in this chapter when you discover a problem with a
2489 detector component or during preventive maintenance.

Safety and handling


Observe these warning and caution advisories when you perform maintenance
operations on your 2489 detector.

118 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Proper operating procedures

Warning: To prevent injury, always observe Good Laboratory Practices


when you handle solvents, change tubing, or operate the 2489 detector.
Know the physical and chemical properties of the solvents you use. See
the Material Safety Data Sheets for the solvents in use.

Warning: To avoid electric shock:


• Do not open the detector’s cover. The components within are not
user-serviceable.
• Power-off and unplug the detector before performing any
maintenance operation on the instrument.

Caution: To avoid damaging electrical parts, never disconnect an


electrical assembly while power is applied to the detector. To completely
interrupt power, set the module’s power switch to “off”, and then unplug
the power cord from the AC outlet. Wait 10 seconds before you
disconnect an assembly.

Spare parts
Replace only parts mentioned in this document. For spare parts details, see
the Waters Quality Parts Locator on the Waters Web site’s Services & Support
page.

Proper operating procedures

Caution:
• There are no user-serviceable parts inside the detector. Do not
remove the top cover.
• To maintain optimum performance, close the front door before
resuming normal operation of the detector.

Routine maintenance
The detector requires minimal routine maintenance.
To achieve optimal performance,
• replace solvent reservoir filters in your HPLC system regularly;

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 119


4 Maintaining the Detector

• filter and degas solvents to prolong column life, reduce pressure


fluctuations, and decrease baseline noise;
• flush buffered mobile phases out of the detector with HPLC-grade water
followed by a 5 to 10% methanol solution each time the detector is
powered-off. This process prevents,
– plugging of the solvent lines and flow cell.
– damage to the components.
– microbial growth.

Maintain the flow cell


A dirty flow cell can cause baseline noise, decreased sample energy levels,
calibration failure, and other problems with operation of the detector.
There are two phases in cleaning the flow cell:
• Flushing
• Removing and cleaning
If flushing is ineffective, remove and clean the flow cell. Replace flow cell
components as required.

Caution: Always replace the flow cell gaskets when cleaning, rebuilding,
or replacing other flow cell components.

This section provides information about the following procedures:


• Flushing the flow cell
• Removing and cleaning the flow cell
• Disassembling and reassembling the flow cell

Flush the flow cell


Flush the flow cell when it becomes contaminated with the residues of
previous runs and after each detector shutdown. A dirty flow cell can cause
baseline noise, decreased energy levels, calibration failure, and other
problems. Always flush and purge the flow cell as your initial attempt to
correct these problems.
You should flush the flow cell whenever,

120 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


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• noise is higher than expected;


• noise test results are not meeting specifications;
• the detector fails to normalize.

Caution: To avoid damaging the flow cell during reverse flushing, do not
overpressure the cell.

If you use buffered mobile phase, flush it from the detector before
powering-off.

Caution:
• If the flow cell will not be used for several days, flush it with the clean
mobile phase, such as a water/acetonitrile or water/methanol, then
cap the flow ports or dry the flow cell with pure nitrogen or pure
helium.
• To prevent flow cell failure, do not connect any tubing or device that
can create backpressure exceeding the flow cell’s maximum rating of
1000 psi.

Requirement: Always use well-degassed eluents.

To flush the flow cell:


1. Stop the solvent flow, and remove the column.
2. Replace the column with a union or piece of tubing.

Caution: If the mobile phase is not compatible with water, flush


with an intermediate solvent first.

3. Flush the detector with HPLC-quality water.


4. Pump 100% methanol through the flow cell to clean it internally. Do not
exceed 1000 psi.
5. Pump a strong cleaning solvent, such as isopropanol, through the flow
cell (optional). Do not exceed 1000 psi.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 121


4 Maintaining the Detector

Caution: If the mobile phase is not miscible in water, first use an


intermediary solvent.

6. Resume pumping mobile phase.


7. Reattach the column.
8. If the flow cell remains dirty or blocked, reverse flush it.

Remove and clean the flow cell


If flushing the flow cell is not effective, follow the procedures to remove the
flow cell and inspect for dirty or broken windows or dirty gaskets. Clean and
replace parts if necessary.
Before removing the flow cell assembly, purge the flow cell with nitrogen, and
allow it to dry.

To purge the flow cell:


1. Connect the nitrogen supply line to the sample inlet. Route the sample
line to waste.
2. Purge the cell for 25 to 30 minutes at 103 to 138 kPa (1 to 1.4 bar, 15 to
20 psi).
3. Allow the flow cell to dry completely.
4. Disconnect the detector inlet/outlet tubing from the main column
connection and cap.

Disassemble and reassemble the flow cell


Before you begin
Take the following precautions when disassembling and reassembling the
flow cell:
• To prevent contamination, use powder-free finger cots or gloves when
touching the flow cell lenses or window.
• Take care to prevent scratching of the flow cell parts.
• Use a clean nonparticulating cloth or a similar clean surface in the work
area where you are removing, rebuilding, and replacing the flow cell.

122 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Maintain the flow cell

Caution: Always replace the flow cell gaskets when cleaning,


rebuilding, or replacing other flow cell components.

Required materials
You need the following items to remove, clean, and replace the flow cell:
• 1/4-inch flat-blade screwdriver
• Ethyl alcohol or methanol
• Flow cell rebuild kit
• Lint-free swab
• Nitrogen
• Plastic tweezers
• Powder-free finger cots or gloves
• Torque wrench set to 0.9 N•m (128 in-oz, or 8 in-lb) with 1/4-inch
flat-blade screwdriver bit
Save all parts after removal unless otherwise indicated. Most of the removed
parts are needed when you reinstall a flow cell.

Remove the flow cell assembly

To remove the flow cell assembly:


1. Power-off the detector and disconnect the power cord.
2. Open the door.
3. After flushing and drying the flow cell (see page 120), disconnect and cap
the inlet and outlet LC tubing to the detector.
4. Using a 1/4-inch flat-blade screwdriver, loosen the three captive screws
on the flow cell assembly front plate.
5. Gently pull the assembly toward you.
6. Once you remove the flow cell assembly from the detector chassis,
remove the cuvette subassembly from the flow cell assembly.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 123


4 Maintaining the Detector

Detector flow cell assembly with the cuvette subassembly removed:

Flow cell assembly

Cuvette subassembly

7. Place the flow cell assembly on a flat clean surface.

Disassemble the flow cell

Caution: To prevent contamination, use powder-free finger cots or


gloves when disassembling, inspecting, cleaning, or replacing parts
within the Waters TaperSlit™ Flow Cell or when removing or replacing
the flow cell within its assembly.

The TaperSlit flow cell consists of these components:


• Flow cell body
• Cuvette lens
• Split ring (cuvette lens holder)
• Cuvette lens screw
• Lens mount screw
• Exit window
• Exit window mount
• Entrance lens holder
• Entrance lens
• Entrance lens mount
• Two gaskets

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Maintain the flow cell

Waters TaperSlit flow cell:

Cell exit

Cell entrance

For replacement parts for the TaperSlit flow cell, use the Flow Cell Rebuild
Kit.
Tip: Use nitrogen to clean the flow cell. Use ethanol or methanol to clean the
lenses and window.

To remove the individual parts of the flow cell for cleaning or replacement:
1. With the notches on the flow cell cuvette lens end facing you, use the
flat-blade screwdriver or a coin to remove the cuvette lens screw.
2. Insert the cotton end of the lint-free swab into the cuvette end of the flow
cell assembly, and remove the split ring and the cuvette lens.
3. Using the screwdriver, remove the exit lens mount screw.
4. Using plastic tweezers, pull out the exit window from inside the exit lens
mount screw.
5. Using the plastic tweezers or the lint-free swab, remove the clear plastic
gasket.
6. Flip the flow cell over to the entrance lens side.
7. Using the flat-blade screwdriver, remove the entrance lens screw.
8. Using the plastic tweezers, remove the entrance lens from inside the
entrance lens screw.
9. Using the plastic tweezers or the lint-free swab, tap and remove the
clear plastic gasket.

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4 Maintaining the Detector

The following figure shows an exploded view of all parts of the flow cell within
the flow cell assembly.

Waters TaperSlit flow cell, exploded view:

Split ring Cuvette lens


screw

Exit window
holder
Gasket
Cuvette lens Cell body

Exit window
screw Exit window Gasket
Entrance lens
(flat) holder

Entrance lens
(curved)
Entrance lens
screw
TP01520

Inspect, clean, and replace damaged flow cell components

Caution: To prevent contamination, use powder-free finger cots or


gloves when disassembling, inspecting, cleaning, or replacing parts
within the Waters TaperSlit Flow Cell or when removing or replacing
the flow cell within its assembly. Work on a clean flat surface, such as a
nonparticulating cloth or similar surface.

To inspect or clean the parts of the flow cell or to replace damaged parts of the
flow cell such as the lenses, exit window, or gaskets, follow this procedure and
the procedure on page 127.
Recommendation: Replace the clear plastic gaskets each time you inspect
and clean the flow cell.

To inspect and clean the flow cell:


1. Inspect each part of the removed flow cell for dirt.

126 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Maintain the flow cell

2. Using ethanol or methanol, clean the contaminated part. Blow dry with
nitrogen.
3. Using the Flow Cell Rebuild Kit, replace any flow cell parts that are
scratched, burred, damaged, or do not come clean using nitrogen.
4. Rebuild the flow cell by following the procedure in the next section.

Rebuild the flow cell


After cleaning or replacing other flow cell parts, rebuild the flow cell.

To rebuild the flow cell:


1. Using the plastic tweezers, remove the new clear plastic gaskets from
the Flow Cell Rebuild Kit, and inspect them for dirt.
2. Drop one clear, plastic gasket into the groove at the bottom of the
entrance lens end of the flow cell body.
3. Inspect the entrance lens, and use nitrogen to blow dust off, if necessary.
4. Using plastic tweezers, drop the entrance lens into the flow cell body,
curved-side facing up.
5. With the tan-colored entrance lens holder curve facing down, use the
torque wrench to tighten the entrance lens screw into the flow cell body
to 0.9 N•m (128 in-oz, or 8 in-lb).
6. Flip the flow cell body over to the exit window side.
7. Using plastic tweezers, inspect the second new gasket for cleanliness.
8. Drop the clear plastic gasket into the groove at the bottom of the cuvette
lens end of the flow cell body.
9. Inspect the exit window for cleanliness. Using nitrogen, clean the exit
window, if necessary.
10. Using plastic tweezers, place the exit window into the flow cell body.
11. With the tan-colored exit window holder facing down, use the torque
wrench to tighten the exit window screw into the flow cell body to
0.9 N•m (128 in-oz, or 8 in-lb).
Tip: To ensure complete compression of the gaskets, after replacing the
exit window and torquing the exit window screw, and after replacing the
cuvette lens and torquing the cuvette lens screw, you must flip the flow

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 127


4 Maintaining the Detector

cell body and torque the entrance lens screw to 0.9 N•m (128 in-oz, or 8
in-lb) a second time.
12. Flip the flow cell body again, and torque the entrance lens screw to
0.9 N•m (128 in-oz, or 8 in-lb).
13. Flip the flow cell body again to the cuvette lens end, and torque the exit
lens screw again to 0.9 N•m (128 in-oz, or 8 in-lb).
14. With the curved side of the cuvette lens facing up, replace the lens in its
screw mount.
15. With gloved fingers, place the split ring onto the cuvette lens, and press
it firmly until it is flush on all sides.
16. Using the cuvette tool, turn the cuvette lens screw into the exit-lens-
mount end of the flow cell body.
17. Torque the cuvette lens screw to 0.9 N•m (128 in-oz, or 8 in-lb).
18. Follow the procedures in the next section to refit the flow cell in the flow
cell assembly.

Replacing the flow cell

Caution: To prevent contamination, use powder-free finger cots or


gloves when disassembling, inspecting, cleaning, or replacing parts
within the Waters patented TaperSlit Flow Cell or when removing or
replacing the flow cell within its assembly.

The detector is shipped with a standard analytical flow cell installed. Replace
the flow cell when,
• the flow cell becomes damaged;
• you want to use one of the optional flow cells (see the table on page 178).

To prepare for replacing the flow cell


1. Unpack and inspect the new flow cell.
2. Power-off the detector and disconnect the power cord.
3. Open the front door.
4. Disconnect the detector inlet/outlet tubing from the main column
connection and cap.

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Replace the lamp

To replace the flow cell:


1. Using a 1/4-inch flat-blade screwdriver, loosen the three captive screws
on the front plate of the flow cell assembly (see the figure on page 123).
2. Gently pull the assembly toward you.
3. Insert the new flow cell assembly into the detector.
4. Tighten the captive screws.
5. Reconnect the inlet/outlet tubing to your LC system.
6. Reconnect the power cord, and then power-on the detector.

Replace the lamp


Recommendation: Waters recommends that you change the detector lamp
when it repeatedly fails to ignite, or when the detector fails to calibrate.
See also: The tables titled “Start up, calibration and operating error
messages” (page 142), “Instruments error messages” (page 145), and “Detector
diagnostic tests” (page 149).
This section describes the procedure for removing and replacing the detector
deuterium lamp.

Lamp characteristics
The intensity of the deuterium source lamp varies by wavelength as shown in
the figure below.

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4 Maintaining the Detector

Deuterium lamp sample beam intensity profile:

Intensity

190 Wavelength (nm) 700

Lamp energy and performance


As the lamps used in traditional detectors age, the signal-to-noise
performance of the instrument degrades. Determining the longevity of useful
lamp life can be difficult because of varying user requirements and individual
lamp behavior.
The detector’s design also compensates for the lamp energy changes that occur
across the deuterium spectrum as well as lamp aging. Thus the detector can
operate at the same, high signal-to-noise performance at longer wavelengths
of the visible range without the use of a second lamp, such as tungsten.
The detector performs several self-diagnostic tests when powered-on or when
the Calibrate key is selected. One of these tests is the lamp optimization
software routine. After the detector verifies the calibration of the
monochromator, it evaluates energy levels in several characteristic regions
across the spectrum. The integration time of the front-end electronics is
adjusted to maximize the signal within these regions. The effect is to maintain
a high signal-to-noise ratio and operate with a clean signal.
When operating the detector, run the lamp optimization software routine at
least once a week.
Eventually, the lamp’s signal becomes low enough that replacement becomes
necessary. You should replace the lamp when the energy value approaches 15
nanoamps (nA), which corresponds to the cutoff adopted in the detector’s
diagnostic tests. Ultimately, however, the detector’s performance is a function

130 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Replace the lamp

of its application so replace lamps whenever you determine doing so is


appropriate for your method.
The detector’s on-board diagnostic tests allow the recording of lamp usage and
reporting of the lamp serial number.

When to replace the lamp


Rule: Always run the Change Lamp diagnostic test after you install a new
lamp (see page 154).
Replace the lamp when,
• it fails to ignite at startup;
• the energy level in the lamp causes a decrease in sensitivity to the point
where the baseline is too noisy for your LC application.
Rule: Always run the procedure in “Record sample and reference beam
energies” on page 84 when you change the detector lamp.
Waters warrants the lamp to ignite and pass startup diagnostic tests for 2000
hours or one year from the date of purchase, whichever comes first.

Removing the lamp

Warning: The lamp housing gets extremely hot during operation. To


prevent burn injuries,
• allow the lamp to cool for 30 minutes before removing it;
• keep the lamp in the housing when handling the lamp.

Warning: To avoid eye injury from ultraviolet radiation exposure,


• power-off the detector before changing the lamp;
• wear eye protection that filters ultraviolet light;
• keep the lamp in the housing during operation.

To remove the lamp:


1. Extinguish the lamp using the keypad by pressing <Shift> <Lamp> and
then pressing <Shift> <Lamp> again.
Tip: Using the keypad to extinguish the lamp allows the lamp to cool
faster because of the operation of the instrument’s cooling fan. To

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 131


4 Maintaining the Detector

power-off the lamp using a timed event, see the instructions in the
Empower or MassLynx Help.
2. Power-off the detector, and disconnect the power cord.
3. After extinguishing the lamp, allow it to cool for at least 30 minutes.
4. Open the front door.
5. Disconnect power to the lamp and disconnect the cord.

Lamp assembly and power connector:

6. Loosen the two captive screws in the base lamp.

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Replace the lamp

Loosening the captive screws at the lamp housing base:

7. Withdraw the lamp assembly from the lamp housing.

Caution: Lamp gas is under slight negative pressure. To prevent


shattering the glass, use care when disposing of the lamp. Cushion
the old lamp by placing it in the packaging material of the new
lamp before disposal.

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4 Maintaining the Detector

Removing the lamp:

Install the new lamp

Warning: To avoid exposing your eyes to harmful ultraviolet radiation,


never ignite a lamp while it is outside the instrument or if it is not
properly secured in place.

Caution: Do not touch the glass bulb of the new lamp. Dirt or
fingerprints on the bulb adversely affect detector operation. If the lamp
needs cleaning, gently clean the bulb with ethanol and lens tissue. Do
not use abrasive tissue or apply excessive pressure.

Before you begin:


1. Unpack the lamp from its packing material.
Note: The new lamp’s features can vary slightly from those shown in the
figure.
2. Inspect the new lamp for particles or dirt. If necessary, clean the lamp
with a gas duster or lens tissue.
3. Record the serial number located on a label attached to the lamp
connector wire using the procedure in “Record the new lamp serial
number” on page 136.

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Replace the lamp

Requirement: Make sure the detector is powered-off and the power cord is
disconnected.

To install the new lamp:

Caution: When you change the lamp, always power-off the


detector. After installing a new lamp, power-on the detector and
always wait at least 5 minutes for the new lamp to warm up.

1. Position the lamp so the cut-out located on the lamp base is at the 1
o’clock position (see the figure below), in line with the alignment pin on
the lamp housing. There is no additional alignment required.
2. Gently push the lamp forward until it bottoms into position.
3. Tighten the two captive screws.
4. Reconnect the lamp’s power connector.
5. When ready to resume operation of the detector, reconnect the power
cord and power-on the unit.
Tip: The instrument firmware automatically delays operation for 5
minutes to allow the lamp to warm after it has been reignited.

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4 Maintaining the Detector

Aligning the lamp:

Cutout in 1:00
position

Record the new lamp serial number

Caution:
• Always run the Change Lamp diagnostic test after you install a new
lamp (see “Use the lamp, display, and keypad diagnostic tests” on
page 154).
• If you do not record the new lamp serial number following the
procedure in this section, the lamp warranty is voided.

The detector software records and stores the serial number and date of
installation of a new lamp so that you can periodically check its age and its
number of ignitions.

To record the new lamp serial number:


1. When the detector warms up, press the DIAG key.
2. Press 4, Lamp, display & keypad.
3. Press 1, Change lamp.

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Replace the lamp

Tip: Be sure to enter the 9-digit lamp serial number and not the lamp
part number when performing this procedure.
4. Enter the 9-digit serial number of the new lamp in the active field.

Change lamp screen:

5. Press Enter to store the serial number and to move to the “Install date”
field.
6. Select the month from the choice list, and press Enter twice to update
the month and to select the next field, which specifies the day.
7. Specify the day of the month the lamp is installed, and then press Enter
to enter it and move to the next field, which specifies the year.
8. Specify the year (last two digits only), and press Enter to update the
year and to select the Hours field.
Tip: The Hours field is optional. If you are using a lamp for which hours
of use are already recorded, enter those hours of use. If this is a new
lamp, enter 0 hours are 0.
9. Press the HOME key.
10. At the “OK to store” message, press Enter to store the serial number and
date of installation, or press Cancel to cancel the entry.
11. When the confirmation message appears, press Enter.
12. Perform a manual wavelength calibration (see page 86).
Requirement: To run the verification procedures with the new lamp installed,
recalibrate the detector, or cycle power to the detector after replacing the
lamp.

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4 Maintaining the Detector

Set the lamp threshold


You can set an alarm threshold for the lamp. When the number of hours meets
or surpasses the threshold, an alarm message appears. The default alarm
threshold is 2000 hours.
The alarm message also appears when you first power-on the instrument. The
lamp threshold screen displays the total hours of lamp use since the lamp’s
installation.

Lamp alarm threshold screen:

Replace fuses
The fuse holder is located on the rear panel of the detector (see figure below).
Two fuses are shipped in place with the detector, rated as indicated in “Power
requirements” on page 35.

138 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Replace fuses

Detector rear panel fuse holder:

Fuse holder

Warning: To avoid electric shock, power-off and unplug the instrument


before inspecting the fuses.

The detector requires two 100 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz, F 3.15 A, 250 V fast
blo, 5 × 20 mm (IEC) fuses.
Suspect a fuse is open or otherwise defective when,
• the detector fails to power-on;
• the fans do not operate.

To replace the fuses:


Requirement: Replace both fuses, even when only one is open or otherwise
defective.
1. Power-off the detector and disconnect the power cord from the power
entry module.
2. Pinch the sides of the spring-loaded fuse holder, which is above the
power entry module on the rear panel of the detector.
3. With minimum pressure, withdraw the spring-loaded fuse holder.

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4 Maintaining the Detector

Removing and replacing the rear panel fuses and fuse holder:

Fuse holder

4. Remove and discard both fuses.


5. Make sure that the new fuses are properly rated, and then insert them
into the holder and the holder into the power entry module, gently
pushing until the assembly locks into position.
6. Reconnect the power cord to the power entry module.

140 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Error messages

5 Error Messages, Diagnostic


Tests, and Troubleshooting
The detector provides both user and service diagnostic tests to
troubleshoot system problems.

Contents:

Topic Page
Error messages................................................................................. 141
User-selected diagnostic tests ......................................................... 148
Troubleshoot..................................................................................... 157

Error messages

Startup error messages


Startup diagnostic tests run automatically when you power-on the detector.
They verify the proper operation of the detector electronics. If one or more of
the tests fail, the detector beeps and displays an error message. For serious
errors, it displays the word “Error” in brackets (<Error>) in place of the
run-time absorbance on the absorbance screen.
Tip: To reduce the likelihood of errors, be sure the cuvette holder is empty, the
flow cell contains degassed transparent solvent (methanol or water), and the
front door closed securely.
The tables in this section are organized as follows:
• Messages requiring you to perform corrective action including messages
encountered at startup and during calibration or operation.
• Messages requiring you to cycle power, and then contact Waters
Technical Service personnel if an error persists (see “Contact Waters
technical service” on page 117). Most of these errors arise on startup.

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5 Error Messages, Diagnostic Tests, and Troubleshooting

The table below provides startup, calibration, and operating error messages,
descriptions, and recommended actions you can take to correct the problem.

Startup, calibration, and operating error messages:

Error Message Description Corrective Action


Calibration differs: n At startup, the unit 1. Cycle power to the
nm performs a complete detector.
verification, which 2. Perform manual
includes calibration.
remeasurement of all
3. Contact Waters
calibration points.
Technical Service.
New calibration
points are compared
to stored information
from the most recent
manual calibration.
If any one of the
points differs by more
than 1.0 nm, the
detector displays this
message.
Calibration not found Stored calibration Perform manual calibration
data not valid. procedure.
Calibration Results of a 1. Remove cuvette.
unsuccessful: Peak calibration operation 2. Be sure the front door is
out of range n.nn nm differ by more than closed.
1.0 nm. Unit uses
3. Flush flow cell.
previously stored
calibration points.
Lamp external input A timed event or 1. Check contact closure
conflict action from the unit’s status.
front panel attempts 2. Check timed events.
to change the lamp
3. Cycle power to the
state in conflict with
detector.
enabled lamp input
contact closure.

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Error messages

Startup, calibration, and operating error messages: (Continued)

Error Message Description Corrective Action


Lamp failure Lamp indicates Off 1. Check lamp icon.
when it should be On. 2. Cycle power to the
detector.
3. Replace lamp.
Lamp lighting failure The lamp failed to 1. Cycle power to the
ignite. detector.
2. Check lamp power
connection.
3. Replace lamp.
Peak not found: Erbium filter 1. Remove cuvette.
Erbium n nm calibration range 2. Be sure the front door is
does not contain a closed.
local maximum.
3. Flush flow cell.
Peak not found: 656 Unit sensors cannot 1. Remove cuvette.
nm deuterium determine 656-nm 2. Be sure the front door is
peak. closed.
3. Flush flow cell.

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5 Error Messages, Diagnostic Tests, and Troubleshooting

Startup, calibration, and operating error messages: (Continued)

Error Message Description Corrective Action


Wavelengths span In dual-wavelength Select wavelengths that are
370 nm: Order filter mode: each above or below 370
not in use • If both selected nm.
wavelengths > 370
nm, the detector
applies the
second-order filter to
block unwanted UV
light.
• If both selected
wavelengths < 370
nm, the detector
removes the
second-order filter.
• If the selected
wavelengths bracket
the 370-nm
threshold, the
detector does not
apply the
second-order filter
and issues a warning
message that any
data collected for
wavelengths above
370 nm may contain
inaccuracies because
of possible UV light
interference
(second-order
effects).

Error messages preventing operation


During initialization, calibration, and operation, the detector can display
“<Error>” on the absorbance screen, signifying a usually terminating
malfunction and preventing further operation of the detector.

144 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Error messages

Error display on the absorbance screen:

When you encounter such an error, ensure that,


• no cuvette is in the cuvette holder, and the empty holder is securely in
place;
• the flow cell is clean;
• the front door is shut securely.
Cycle power to the detector. If the terminating error persists, contact Waters
Technical Service.

Instrument error messages:

Error Message Description Corrective Action


Communication failure: A/D communication test 1. Cycle power to the
Reference A/D failed. detector.
2. Contact Waters
Technical Service.
Communication failure: A/D communication test 1. Cycle power to the
Sample A/D failed. detector.
2. Contact Waters
Technical Service.
Configuration not found Stored configuration Cycle power to the 2489
data are invalid. Detector. This action
removes the error.
Dark current too high: The dark energy level is 1. Cycle power to the
nnnnnnn above 1000000. detector.
2. Contact Waters
Technical Service.

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5 Error Messages, Diagnostic Tests, and Troubleshooting

Instrument error messages: (Continued)

Error Message Description Corrective Action


Dark current too low: 0 The dark energy level 1. Cycle power to the
equals 0. detector.
2. Contact Waters
Technical Service.
Electronic A/D failure Lamp optimization is Cycle power.
adjusted at the
minimum level.
Data acquisition via A/D 1. Cycle power to the
converters is detector.
interrupt-driven. If 2. Contact Waters
interrupt is too long, Technical Service.
problem with data
acquisition is indicated.
Filter initialization Unit sensors cannot find 1. Cycle power to the
failure: Erbium position erbium filter position. detector.
2. Contact Waters
Technical Service.
Filter initialization Unit sensors observe 1. Cycle power to the
failure: No filters found transition to dark before detector.
homing the optical 2. Contact Waters
filter. Technical Service.
Filter initialization Unit sensors cannot find 1. Cycle power to the
failure: No reference any light energy before detector.
energy homing the optical 2. Contact Waters
filter. Technical Service.
Filter initialization Unit sensors cannot 1. Cycle power to the
failure: identify any dark detector.
No response regions. 2. Contact Waters
Technical Service.
Filter initialization Unit sensors cannot find 1. Cycle power to the
failure: Order filter the order filter position. detector.
position 2. Contact Waters
Technical Service.

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Error messages

Instrument error messages: (Continued)

Error Message Description Corrective Action


Filter initialization Unit sensors cannot find 1. Cycle power to the
failure: Shutter position the shutter position. detector.
2. Contact Waters
Technical Service.
Grating initialization Backlash is the 1. Cycle power to the
failure: Backlash too difference between the detector.
high forward and reverse 2. Contact Waters
peak positions of Technical Service.
deuterium at 656 nm. If
this difference is greater
than 1 step, the unit
displays this message.
Grating initialization Search for the home 1. Cycle power to the
failure: No home sensor sensor failed. detector.
2. Contact Waters
Technical Service.
Lamp data not found Stored lamp data are Cycle power to the
invalid. detector. This action
removes the error.
Method not found Stored method data are Cycle power to the
invalid. detector. This action
removes the error.
Scan not found Stored scan data are Cycle power to the
invalid. detector. This action
removes the error.
System cannot respond Error occurs while unit 1. Cycle power to the
is positioning next detector.
wavelength or changing 2. Contact Waters
modes. Occurs during Technical Service.
initialization or
calibration.

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5 Error Messages, Diagnostic Tests, and Troubleshooting

Instrument error messages: (Continued)

Error Message Description Corrective Action


System not calibrated. The calibration read 1. Cycle power to the
from nonvolatile detector.
memory is not valid. 2. Perform manual
calibration.
3. Contact Waters
Technical Service.

User-selected diagnostic tests

Overview
You can run several diagnostic tests for troubleshooting the detector and
verifying that its electronics and optics perform correctly.

To perform user-selectable diagnostic tests:


1. Press the DIAG key from the detector’s front panel.

Diagnostic tests choice list:

2. To access a specific diagnostic test, press the up or down arrow key to


select a test, and then press Enter.
Alternative: Press a number on the keypad corresponding to the test
number. Choices that display other choices are indicated by >>.
Sticky diagnostic tests remain in effect until you disable them. When a test is
active, the detector absorbance screen displays a wrench icon (see the figure
below).
You can disable a specific sticky diagnostic test by resetting it to the default
settings.

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User-selected diagnostic tests

You can disable all active sticky diagnostic tests by pressing DIAG and then
selecting “1, Reset instrument.”
If no sticky diagnostic tests are active, the wrench icon does not appear on the
absorbance screen. When you power-off the detector, sticky diagnostic tests
become inactive.

Absorbance screen with sticky diagnostic tests active:

Wrench icon

The user-selectable sticky diagnostic tests are:


– Fix (Set) Voltage Output
– Fix (Set) Absorbance Input
– Generate Test Peaks
– Optical Filter Override

Caution: Application of sticky diagnostic tests affects results. To clear


changes to the voltage output or absorbance input or to make a manual
optical filter change, select 1, “Reset instrument” from the Diagnostics
choice list, or cycle power to the detector.

The table below lists diagnostic tests by their number on the choice list (see
page 150 for more information).

Detector diagnostic tests:

Diagnostic test Description


1. Reset instrument Resets all diagnostic tests to defaults.
Renders sticky diagnostic tests inactive
and removes the wrench icon.
2. Sample & ref energy Makes it possible to view sample and
reference energy (displayed in
nanoamps) on channel A or B.

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5 Error Messages, Diagnostic Tests, and Troubleshooting

Detector diagnostic tests: (Continued)

Diagnostic test Description


3. Input & output >> List of diagnostic tests to control four
contact closure inputs and two switch
outputs:
• Auto-zero offset
• Fix absorbance
• Fix voltage
• Contact closures & events
• Previous choices <<
4. Lamp, display, & keypad >> List of diagnostic tests used to test lamp,
display, and keypad functions:
• Change lamp
• Test keypad
• Test display
• Previous choices <<
5. Service Diagnostic tests used by Waters Service
personnel.
6. Other diagnostics >> Diagnostic tests that generate test peaks,
with which you determine wavelength
accuracy or override the default filter
setting:
• Generate test peaks
• Optical filter override
• Previous choices <<

Use the diagnostic tests


The detector employs both user-selectable and service diagnostic tests. You
access user diagnostic tests by pressing the DIAG key. Only qualified Waters
service personnel can access service diagnostic tests.

Use the sample and reference energy diagnostic tests


You use the sample and reference energy diagnostic tests to plot the output of
the analog channels to examine noise fluctuations and to compare with the

150 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


User-selected diagnostic tests

AU time trace. The current sample and reference energy readings appear in
nanoamps (nA).

Sample and reference energy diagnostic test:

To use the sample and reference energy diagnostic test:


1. Press DIAG, and then press 2.
2. Change the wavelength, if necessary.
3. Press Enter.
Result: When the new wavelength shifts to the left, the corresponding
sample and reference energies appear.
4. If you are operating the detector in dual-wavelength mode, press the A/B
key to view sample and reference energy on the other wavelength.

Use the input and output diagnostic tests


You use the input and output diagnostic tests to,
• display and reset the autozero offsets;
• fix (set) absorbance;
• fix (set) the voltage on the 2-V output;
• monitor contact closures and toggle event switches;
• generate test peaks;
• override the optical filter.
To perform any of the input and output diagnostic tests, press DIAG, and then
press 3, for Input & output. A choice list appears.

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5 Error Messages, Diagnostic Tests, and Troubleshooting

Input & output diagnostic test choice list:

Display auto-zero offsets


From the Input & Output choice list, press 1 (Auto-zero offsets). This
diagnostic test also allows you to display and reset the offset to zero on both
channels by pressing Cancel (Shift 0).

Auto-zero offsets diagnostic display:

Set fixed absorbance value


From the Input & Output choice list, press 2 (Fix absorbance) to set a fixed
absorbance value for channel A or channel B. The allowable range is from
–4.0000 AU to +4.0000 AU. For convenience, you can also specify sensitivity
(AU) using this diagnostic test. The allowable AU range is from +0.0001 to
+4.0000 AU.

Fix absorbance diagnostic display:

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User-selected diagnostic tests

This test sets the voltages on the analog output channels based on the current
AU setting. This is a sticky diagnostic test.

Set fixed voltage output


From the Input & Output choice list, press 3 (Fix voltage) to select a voltage
for the analog output. You can select a voltage for both output channels in the
–0.10 V to +2.10 V range.

Fix Voltage diagnostic display:

The voltage is driven on the selected analog channel (A or B). This is a sticky
diagnostic.

To monitor contact closures and setting switches:


1. From the Input & Output choice list, press 4 (Contact closures & events)
to monitor the four contact closure inputs and to control the two switch
outputs.

Contact closures & events diagnostic display:

The Input & Output diagnostic test allows real-time monitoring of the
state of the contact closure inputs. A solid (filled in) circle indicates the
contact closure is closed (ON = High). An open (empty) circle indicates
the contact closure is open (OFF = Low).
2. For the outputs (SW1 and SW2):
a. Press Enter to display the active switch (surrounded by a

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5 Error Messages, Diagnostic Tests, and Troubleshooting

dotted-line border).
b. Press any numerical key to change the status of the switch (ON to
OFF or vice versa).
c. Press Enter to select the second switch.

Use the lamp, display, and keypad diagnostic tests


To access the lamp, display, and keypad diagnostic tests, press DIAG and then
press 4.

To change the lamp:

Caution: Make sure the detector is powered-off and the power cord is
disconnected before you replace the lamp.

1. From the Lamp, display & keypad choice list, press 1 (Change lamp) to
access the Change Lamp diagnostic display.

Change Lamp diagnostic display:

2. Enter the 9-digit serial number and date of installation for the new
lamp. Press Enter after each entry.
Tip: Use this function whenever you change the lamp to enter a new
serial number and installation date (see page 134 and page 136 for a
complete explanation of the lamp replacement procedure).

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User-selected diagnostic tests

Caution: Neglecting to record the new lamp serial number


following the prescribed procedures referenced above voids the
lamp warranty. The date of the previous lamp installation remains
in the detector memory.

To use the Test keypad diagnostic test:


1. From the Lamp, display & keypad choice list, press 2 (Test keypad) to
run the keypad test.

Keypad diagnostic test display:

2. On the keypad diagnostic test display, press any key to begin the test.
Then press each key until you pressed all of them. If the keypad is
operating properly, each key location is filled in and then cleared with
another press of the key. If any key does not respond when pressed,
contact your Waters service representative.
Rule: You must press Enter twice to exit the keypad diagnostic display.

To run the test display diagnostic test:


1. From the Lamp, display & keypad choice list, press 3 (Test display) to
run the test.
Result: The display fills from top to bottom and from right to left, then
returns to the Lamp, display & keypad choice list. If the display does not
completely fill, either horizontally or vertically, contact your Waters
service representative.
2. From the Lamp, display & keypad choice list, press 4.

Use the other detector diagnostic tests


The user diagnostic test display provides two additional tests:

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5 Error Messages, Diagnostic Tests, and Troubleshooting

• Generate test peaks – Specifies the generation of test peaks to calibrate


your data system.
• Manually override the optical filter – Selects a filter different from that
specified as part of the detector’s normal operating mode.
To run either test, press DIAG and then press 5 (Other diagnostics).

Other diagnostics choice list:

To generate test peaks:


1. From the Other diagnostics choice list, press 1 (Generate test peaks) to
generate test peaks every 100 seconds on the chart, trace, or other
output.
Restriction: The Generate test peaks diagnostic test works only in
single-wavelength mode.
Every 100 seconds, the detector generates an approximate 1-AU peak
with a standard deviation of 10 seconds on the trace, chart, or data
system display until you disable the Generate test peaks diagnostic test.
The amplitude of the test peaks is affected by your choice of filter time
constant.
This is a sticky diagnostic test. When this routine is selected, the choice
list changes to read “Disable test peaks.”
2. Press 1 (Disable test peaks) from the Other diagnostics choice list to
turn off this diagnostic test.

To override the optical filter:


1. From the Other diagnostics choice list, press 2 (Optical filter override) to
manually override the detector’s automatic filter choice.

156 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Troubleshoot

Optical Filter Override diagnostic test display:

2. In the Optical Filter Override diagnostic test display, press Enter to


display the following filter choice list.

Automatic 1
Second Order 2
None 3
Erbium 4
Shutter 5

Tip: The detector normally operates with the filter in the Automatic
position. This is a sticky diagnostic test.
3. Press the number corresponding to your filter choice, or leave the default
filter choice (Automatic) on.
4. To deactivate this diagnostic test, press DIAG, and then press 1, or
select Automatic from the choice list.

Service diagnostic tests


Only qualified Waters service personnel can access the detector service
diagnostic tests.

Troubleshoot
This section provides some causes of errors and recommended troubleshooting
actions. Keep in mind that the source of apparent detector problems may lie
within the chromatography or your other instruments, as well as the detector.
Most detector problems are relatively easy to correct. If you are unable to
correct a problem or a failed condition, contact Waters Technical Service.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 157


5 Error Messages, Diagnostic Tests, and Troubleshooting

When you contact Waters


To expedite your request for service, ensure the following information is
available when you call Waters Technical Service:
• Detector serial number
• Problem symptom(s)
• Operating wavelength(s)
• AU or measurement range
• Flow rate
• Filter setting
• Type of column
• Operating pressure
• Solvent(s)
• System configuration (other components)
Tip: The detector can be configured as part of a system with a 2695
Separations Module, Empower or MassLynx software, or a non-Waters
product.

Diagnostic tests
The detector performs some user-selected diagnostic tests to help you
troubleshoot basic system problems. (See page 150, for diagnostic descriptions
and instructions on how to use them.)
Error messages that can appear as you start up or operate the detector and
suggested corrective actions are described in the tables on page 142 and
page 145.

Power surges
Power surges, line spikes, and transient energy sources can adversely affect
detector operations. Be sure that the electrical supply used for the detector is
properly grounded and free from any of these conditions.

Hardware troubleshooting
This section contains general hardware troubleshooting for the detector.

158 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Troubleshoot

General system troubleshooting:

Symptom Possible cause Corrective action


Analog output AU setting changed Reset the AU setting.
incorrect
Calibration or Cuvette is 1. Remove the cuvette.
energy error on installed, or a UV 2. Flush the flow cell.
startup absorber in flow
3. Perform manual calibration.
cell
Detector Fuse blown Confirm the front panel display is
inoperative operational; if not, replace the AC
rear panel fuse.
No power at outlet Test the outlet by connecting
another electrical unit known to
be in working order and
determine whether it operates.
Deuterium lamp Faulty lamp Replace the lamp.
does not light Lamp not plugged Plug in the lamp connector.
in
Bad lamp power Contact Waters Technical
supply board Service.
Lamp switch in the Inspect the rear panel
“off” position connections or timed event within
a method.
Ethernet problems Bad Ethernet cable Replace the Ethernet cable.
Front panel display Broken electrical Inspect electrical connections.
fails to illuminate connection
Fuse blown Inspect and, if necessary, replace
fuse(s).
Bad LCD or control Contact Waters Technical
board Service.
Front panel Faulty EPROMs Contact Waters Technical
displays odd Bad LCD control Service.
characters board

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 159


5 Error Messages, Diagnostic Tests, and Troubleshooting

General system troubleshooting: (Continued)

Symptom Possible cause Corrective action


In dual-wavelength sampling rate on In dual-wavelength mode, you
mode, time scale is controller is > 1 must select a data sampling rate
incorrect pt/sec of 1 point per second.
Keypad not Keypad defective 1. Cycle power to the detector
functioning and run the keypad diagnostic
test.
2. Contact Waters Technical
Service.
No sample and Lamp burned out Attempt to reignite using the
reference energy lamp key.
Replace the lamp.
Lamp extinguished Check the lamp icon.
Run the Sample & ref energy
diagnostic test.
Peak out of range Cuvette in cuvette 1. Remove cuvette from cuvette
error at start up holder; mobile holder.
phase absorbance 2. Be sure the flow cell mobile
too high; air phase does not absorb above
bubbles 250 nm.
3. Ensure that no air bubbles are
in the flow cell.
4. Recalibrate the detector.
If problems persist, contact
Waters Technical Service.

160 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


A Safety Advisories

Waters instruments display hazard symbols designed to alert you to the


hidden dangers of operating and maintaining the instruments. Their
corresponding user guides also include the hazard symbols, with
accompanying text statements describing the hazards and telling you
how to avoid them. This appendix presents all the safety symbols and
statements that apply to the entire line of Waters products.

Contents:

Topic Page
Warning symbols.............................................................................. 162
Caution advisory .............................................................................. 166
Warnings that apply to all Waters instruments ............................ 167

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 161


A Safety Advisories

Warning symbols
Warning symbols alert you to the risk of death, injury, or seriously adverse
physiological reactions associated with an instrument’s use or misuse. Heed
all warnings when you install, repair, and operate Waters instruments.
Waters assumes no liability for the failure of those who install, repair, or
operate its instruments to comply with any safety precaution.

Task-specific hazard warnings


The following warning symbols alert you to risks that can arise when you
operate or maintain an instrument or instrument component. Such risks
include burn injuries, electric shocks, ultraviolet radiation exposures, and
others.
When the following symbols appear in a manual’s narratives or procedures,
their accompanying text identifies the specific risk and explains how to avoid
it.

162 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Warning symbols

Warning: (General risk of danger. When this symbol appears on an


instrument, consult the instrument’s user documentation for important
safety-related information before you use the instrument.)

Warning: (Risk of burn injury from contacting hot surfaces.)

Warning: (Risk of electric shock.)

Warning: (Risk of fire.)

Warning: (Risk of sharp-point puncture injury.)

Warning: (Risk of hand crush injury.)

Warning: (Risk of exposure to ultraviolet radiation.)

Warning: (Risk of contacting corrosive substances.)

Warning: (Risk of exposure to a toxic substance.)

Warning: (Risk of personal exposure to laser radiation.)

Warning: (Risk of exposure to biological agents that can pose a serious


health threat.)

Warning: (Risk of tipping.)

Warning: (Risk of explosion.)

Specific warnings
The following warnings can appear in the user manuals of particular
instruments and on labels affixed to them or their component parts.

Burst warning
This warning applies to Waters instruments fitted with nonmetallic tubing.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 163


A Safety Advisories

Warning: Pressurized nonmetallic, or polymer, tubing can burst.


Observe these precautions when working around such tubing:
• Wear eye protection.
• Extinguish all nearby flames.
• Do not use tubing that is, or has been, stressed or kinked.
• Do not expose nonmetallic tubing to incompatible compounds like
tetrahydrofuran (THF) and nitric or sulfuric acids.
• Be aware that some compounds, like methylene chloride and
dimethyl sulfoxide, can cause nonmetallic tubing to swell, which
significantly reduces the pressure at which the tubing can rupture.

Mass spectrometer flammable solvents warning


This warning applies to instruments operated with flammable solvents.

Warning: Where significant quantities of flammable solvents are


involved, a continuous flow of nitrogen into the ion source is required to
prevent possible ignition in that enclosed space.
Ensure that the nitrogen supply pressure never falls below 690 kPa
(6.9 bar, 100 psi) during an analysis in which flammable solvents are
used. Also ensure a gas-fail connection is connected to the LC system so
that the LC solvent flow stops if the nitrogen supply fails.

Mass spectrometer shock hazard


This warning applies to all Waters mass spectrometers.

Warning: To avoid electric shock, do not remove the mass spectrometer’s


protective panels. The components they cover are not user-serviceable.

This warning applies to certain instruments when they are in Operate mode.

164 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Warning symbols

Warning: High voltages can be present at certain external surfaces of


the mass spectrometer when the instrument is in Operate mode. To
avoid nonlethal electric shock, make sure the instrument is in Standby
mode before touching areas marked with this high voltage warning
symbol.

Biohazard warning
This warning applies to Waters instruments that can be used to process
material that can contain biohazards: substances that contain biological
agents capable of producing harmful effects in humans.

Warning: Waters instruments and software can be used to analyze or


process potentially infectious human-sourced products, inactivated
microorganisms, and other biological materials. To avoid infection with
these agents, assume that all biological fluids are infectious, observe
Good Laboratory Practice, and consult your organization’s biohazard
safety representative regarding their proper use and handling. Specific
precautions appear in the latest edition of the US National Institutes of
Health (NIH) publication, Biosafety in Microbiological and Biomedical
Laboratories (BMBL).

Chemical hazard warning


This warning applies to Waters instruments that can process corrosive, toxic,
flammable, or other types of hazardous material.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 165


A Safety Advisories

Warning: Waters instruments can be used to analyze or


process potentially hazardous substances. To avoid injury
with any of these materials, familiarize yourself with the
materials and their hazards, observe Good Laboratory
Practice (GLP), and consult your organization’s safety
representative regarding proper use and handling.
Guidelines are provided in the latest edition of the National
Research Council's publication, Prudent Practices in the
Laboratory: Handling and Disposal of Chemicals.

Caution advisory
Caution advisories appear where an instrument or device can be subject to use
or misuse capable of damaging it or compromising a sample’s integrity. The
exclamation point symbol and its associated statement alert you to such risk.

Caution: To avoid damaging the instrument’s case, do not clean it with


abrasives or solvents.

166 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Warnings that apply to all Waters instruments

Warnings that apply to all Waters instruments


When operating this device, follow standard quality-control procedures and
the equipment guidelines in this section.
Attention: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the
party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment.

Important: Toute modification sur cette unité n’ayant pas été expressément
approuvée par l’autorité responsable de la conformité à la réglementation peut
annuler le droit de l’utilisateur à exploiter l’équipement.

Achtung: Jedwede Änderungen oder Modifikationen an dem Gerät ohne die


ausdrückliche Genehmigung der für die ordnungsgemäße Funktionstüchtigkeit
verantwortlichen Personen kann zum Entzug der Bedienungsbefugnis des
Systems führen.

Avvertenza: qualsiasi modifica o alterazione apportata a questa unità e non


espressamente autorizzata dai responsabili per la conformità fa decadere il
diritto all'utilizzo dell'apparecchiatura da parte dell'utente.

Atencion: cualquier cambio o modificación efectuado en esta unidad que no


haya sido expresamente aprobado por la parte responsable del cumplimiento
puede anular la autorización del usuario para utilizar el equipo.

注意:未經有關法規認證部門允許對本設備進行的改變或修改,可能會使使用者喪失操作該設
備的權利。

注意:未经有关法规认证部门明确允许对本设备进行的改变或改装,可能会使使用者丧失操
作该设备的合法性。

주의: 규정 준수를 책임지는 당사자의 명백한 승인 없이 이 장치를 개조 또는 변경할 경우,


이 장치를 운용할 수 있는 사용자 권한의 효력을 상실할 수 있습니다.

注意:規制機関から明確な承認を受けずに本装置の変更や改造を行うと、本装置のユー
ザーとしての承認が無効になる可能性があります。

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 167


A Safety Advisories

Warning: Use caution when working with any polymer tubing under pressure:
• Always wear eye protection when near pressurized polymer tubing.
• Extinguish all nearby flames.
• Do not use tubing that has been severely stressed or kinked.
• Do not use nonmetallic tubing with tetrahydrofuran (THF) or concentrated
nitric or sulfuric acids.
• Be aware that methylene chloride and dimethyl sulfoxide cause nonmetallic
tubing to swell, which greatly reduces the rupture pressure of the tubing.
Attention: Manipulez les tubes en polymère sous pression avec precaution:
• Portez systématiquement des lunettes de protection lorsque vous vous
trouvez à proximité de tubes en polymère pressurisés.
• Eteignez toute flamme se trouvant à proximité de l’instrument.
• Evitez d'utiliser des tubes sévèrement déformés ou endommagés.
• Evitez d'utiliser des tubes non métalliques avec du tétrahydrofurane (THF)
ou de l'acide sulfurique ou nitrique concentré.
• Sachez que le chlorure de méthylène et le diméthylesulfoxyde entraînent le
gonflement des tuyaux non métalliques, ce qui réduit considérablement leur
pression de rupture.
Vorsicht: Bei der Arbeit mit Polymerschläuchen unter Druck ist besondere
Vorsicht angebracht:
• In der Nähe von unter Druck stehenden Polymerschläuchen stets
Schutzbrille tragen.
• Alle offenen Flammen in der Nähe löschen.
• Keine Schläuche verwenden, die stark geknickt oder überbeansprucht sind.
• Nichtmetallische Schläuche nicht für Tetrahydrofuran (THF) oder
konzentrierte Salpeter- oder Schwefelsäure verwenden.
• Durch Methylenchlorid und Dimethylsulfoxid können nichtmetallische
Schläuche quellen; dadurch wird der Berstdruck des Schlauches erheblich
reduziert.

168 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Warnings that apply to all Waters instruments

Attenzione: fare attenzione quando si utilizzano tubi in materiale polimerico


sotto pressione:
• Indossare sempre occhiali da lavoro protettivi nei pressi di tubi di polimero
pressurizzati.
• Spegnere tutte le fiamme vive nell'ambiente circostante.
• Non utilizzare tubi eccessivamente logorati o piegati.
• Non utilizzare tubi non metallici con tetraidrofurano (THF) o acido solforico
o nitrico concentrati.
• Tenere presente che il cloruro di metilene e il dimetilsolfossido provocano
rigonfiamenti nei tubi non metallici, riducendo notevolmente la pressione di
rottura dei tubi stessi.
Advertencia: se recomienda precaución cuando se trabaje con tubos de polímero
sometidos a presión:
• El usuario deberá protegerse siempre los ojos cuando trabaje cerca de tubos
de polímero sometidos a presión.
• Si hubiera alguna llama las proximidades.
• No se debe trabajar con tubos que se hayan doblado o sometido a altas
presiones.
• Es necesario utilizar tubos de metal cuando se trabaje con tetrahidrofurano
(THF) o ácidos nítrico o sulfúrico concentrados.
• Hay que tener en cuenta que el cloruro de metileno y el sulfóxido de dimetilo dilatan
los tubos no metálicos, lo que reduce la presión de ruptura de los tubos.

警告:當在有壓力的情況下使用聚合物管線時,小心注意以下幾點。
• 當接近有壓力的聚合物管線時一定要戴防護眼鏡。
• 熄滅附近所有的火焰。
• 不要使用已經被壓癟或嚴重彎曲管線。
• 不要在非金屬管線中使用四氫呋喃或濃硝酸或濃硫酸。
• 要了解使用二氯甲烷及二甲基亞楓會導致非金屬管線膨脹,大大降低管線的耐壓能力。

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 169


A Safety Advisories

警告:当有压力的情况下使用管线时,小心注意以下几点:
• 当接近有压力的聚合物管线时一定要戴防护眼镜。
• 熄灭附近所有的火焰。
• 不要使用已经被压瘪或严重弯曲的管线。
• 不要在非金属管线中使用四氢呋喃或浓硝酸或浓硫酸。
• 要了解使用二氯甲烷及二甲基亚枫会导致非金属管线膨胀,大大降低管线的耐压能力。

경고: 가압 폴리머 튜브로 작업할 경우에는 주의하십시오.


• 가압 폴리머 튜브 근처에서는 항상 보호 안경을 착용하십시오.
• 근처의 화기를 모두 끄십시오.
• 심하게 변형되거나 꼬인 튜브는 사용하지 마십시오.
• 비금속(Nonmetallic) 튜브를 테트라히드로푸란(Tetrahydrofuran: THF) 또는
농축 질산 또는 황산과 함께 사용하지 마십시오.
• 염화 메틸렌(Methylene chloride) 및 디메틸술폭시드(Dimethyl sulfoxide)는
비금속 튜브를 부풀려 튜브의 파열 압력을 크게 감소시킬 수 있으므로 유의하십시오.

警告:圧力のかかったポリマーチューブを扱うときは、注意してください。
• 加圧されたポリマーチューブの付近では、必ず保護メガネを着用してください。
• 近くにある火を消してください。
• 著しく変形した、または折れ曲がったチューブは使用しないでください。
• 非金属チューブには、テトラヒドロフラン(THF)や高濃度の硝酸または硫酸などを流
さないでください。
• 塩化メチレンやジメチルスルホキシドは、非金属チューブの膨張を引き起こす場合が
あり、その場合、チューブは極めて低い圧力で破裂します。

170 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Warnings that apply to all Waters instruments

Warning: The user shall be made aware that if the equipment is used in a
manner not specified by the manufacturer, the protection provided by the
equipment may be impaired.

Attention: L’utilisateur doit être informé que si le matériel est utilisé d’une
façon non spécifiée par le fabricant, la protection assurée par le matériel risque
d’être défectueuses.

Vorsicht: Der Benutzer wird darauf aufmerksam gemacht, dass bei


unsachgemäßer Verwenddung des Gerätes die eingebauten
Sicherheitseinrichtungen unter Umständen nicht ordnungsgemäß
funktionieren.

Attenzione: si rende noto all'utente che l'eventuale utilizzo


dell'apparecchiatura secondo modalità non previste dal produttore può
compromettere la protezione offerta dall'apparecchiatura.

Advertencia: el usuario deberá saber que si el equipo se utiliza de forma


distinta a la especificada por el fabricante, las medidas de protección del equipo
podrían ser insuficientes.

警告:使用者必須非常清楚如果設備不是按照製造廠商指定的方式使用,那麼該設備所提供
的保護將被消弱。

警告:使用者必须非常清楚如果设备不是按照制造厂商指定的方式使用,那么该设备所提供
的保护将被削弱。

경고: 제조업체가 명시하지 않은 방식으로 장비를 사용할 경우 장비가 제공하는 보호 수단이


제대로 작동하지 않을 수 있다는 점을 사용자에게 반드시 인식시켜야 합니다.

警告: ユーザーは、製造元により指定されていない方法で機器を使用すると、機器が提供
している保証が無効になる可能性があることに注意して下さい。

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 171


A Safety Advisories

Warnings that address the replacing of fuses


The following warnings pertain to instruments equipped with
user-replaceable fuses.

If the fuse types and ratings appear on the instrument:

Warning: To protect against fire, replace fuses with those of the type
and rating printed on panels adjacent to instrument fuse covers.
Attention: pour éviter tout risque d'incendie, remplacez toujours les
fusibles par d'autres du type et de la puissance indiqués sur le panneau
à proximité du couvercle de la boite à fusible de l'instrument.
Vorsicht: Zum Schutz gegen Feuer die Sicherungen nur mit
Sicherungen ersetzen, deren Typ und Nennwert auf den Tafeln neben
den Sicherungsabdeckungen des Geräts gedruckt sind.
Attenzione: per garantire protezione contro gli incendi, sostituire i
fusibili con altri dello stesso tipo aventi le caratteristiche indicate sui
pannelli adiacenti alla copertura fusibili dello strumento.
Advertencia: Para evitar incendios, sustituir los fusibles por aquellos
del tipo y características impresos en los paneles adyacentes a las
cubiertas de los fusibles del instrumento.
警告 :為了避免火災,更換保險絲時,請使用與儀器保險絲蓋旁面板上所印刷之相同
類型與規格的保險絲。

警告:为了避免火灾,应更换与仪器保险丝盖旁边面板上印刷的类型和规格相同的
保险丝。

경고: 화재의 위험을 막으려면 기기 퓨즈 커버에 가까운 패널에 인쇄된 것과 동일한


타입 및 정격의 제품으로 퓨즈를 교체하십시오.

警告:火災予防のために、ヒューズ交換では機器ヒューズカバー脇のパネルに記
載されているタイプおよび定格のヒューズをご使用ください。

172 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Warnings that address the replacing of fuses

Electrical symbols
These can appear in instrument user manuals and on the instrument’s front
or rear panels.

Electrical power on

Electrical power off

Standby

Direct current

Alternating current

Protective conductor terminal

Frame, or chassis, terminal

Fuse

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 173


A Safety Advisories

Handling symbols
These handling symbols and their associated text can appear on labels affixed
to the outer packaging of Waters instrument and component shipments

Keep upright!

Keep dry!

Fragile!

Use no hooks!

174 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


B Specifications

This appendix lists individual operating specifications for the Waters


2489 UV/Visible Detector.
Note: All performance specifications are measured following a warm-up
period of one hour (ΔΤ < +2 °C/hr).

Contents:

Topic Page
Operational specifications ............................................................... 176
Optional Waters TaperSlit flow cell specifications ........................ 178

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 175


B Specifications

Operational specifications

Operational specifications:

Condition Specification
Wavelength range 190 to 700 nm
Bandwidth <5 nm
Wavelength accuracy a
+1.0 nm (via patented Erbium filter)
Wavelength +0.1 nm
repeatability
Baseline noise, single <5 x 10-6AU
b

wavelength (dry) (measured at 230 nm, 10 points/s, 30 second


segments, dry analytical cell)
Baseline wet noise, <8 x 10-6AU
single wavelength (measured at 230 nm, 10 points/s, 1 second digital
filter, 30 second segments, 1 mL/min. flow of
acetonitrile, analytical cell)
Baseline noise, dual <35 x 10-6AU
wavelength (dry) (measured at 230 nm, 1 point/s, running at 230 to
280 nm with 2 second filter, dry analytical cell)
Baseline wet noise, <45 x 10-6AU
dual wavelength (measured at 230 nm, 1 point/s, running at 230 to
280 nm with 2 second filter at 1 mL/min. flow of
acetonitrile, analytical cell)
Linearity <5% at 2.5 AU, propylparaben at 257 nm
Drift <1.0 × 10-4 AU/hr. max
Measurement range 0.0001 to 4.0000 AU
Filter time constant Single wavelength: 0.0125 to 5.0 seconds
range Dual wavelength: 1 to 5 seconds
Sampling rate 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80 Hz (single channel)
1, 2 Hz (dual channel)
Analog sampling rate 10, 20, 40, 80 Hz (channel A)
10 Hz only (channel B)

176 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Operational specifications

Operational specifications: (Continued)

Condition Specification
Optical Component Specifications
Light source Deuterium arc lamp,
2000-hour warranty or 1 year (whichever comes
first), front accessible
Photodiodes 2 silicon photodiodes (matched pair)
Second-order filter Automatic for wavelengths > 370nm
Wavelength Erbium filter, used at startup or on demand
calibration filter
Flow cell design Patented TaperSlit™ c
Nitrogen purge Purge fitting present on rear of chassis
Path length 10 mm (analytical cell)
Cell volume 16.3 µL (analytical cell)
Pressure limit 6895 kPa (69 bar, 1000 psi)
Wetted materials 316 stainless steel, fused silica, Tefzel, PEEK
Environmental Specifications
Operating 4 to 40 °C (39 to 104 °F )
temperature range
Operating relative 20 to 80%, non-condensing
humidity
Shipping and storage -30 to 60 °C (-22 to 140 °F)
temperature range
Shipping and storage 20 to 85%, non-condensing
humidity range
Audible noise <58 dBA
(instrument
generated)
Electrical Specifications
Line frequency 50 to 60 Hz
AC line voltage 100 to 240 Vac
Power consumption 195 VA (nominal)

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 177


B Specifications

Operational specifications: (Continued)

Condition Specification
Fuse ratings Two fuses:
100 to 240- Vac, 50 to 60 Hz
F 3.15-A 250-V fast blo, 5 × 20 mm (IEC)
Attenuated analog Attenuation range: 0.0001 to 4.000 AU
output channel: 2-V output range: –0.1 to +2.1 V
2 VFS
Two event outputs Type: Contact closure
Voltage: +30 V
Current: 1 A
Four event inputs Input voltage: +30 V maximum
100-ms minimum period
Dimensions
Width 34.3 cm (13.5 inches)
Height 20.8 cm (8.2 inches)
Depth 61.0 cm (24.0 inches)
Weight 13.6 kg (30.0 pounds)
a. US Patent Numbers: 6,423,249 and 6,783,705
b. ASTM E1657-983
c. US Patent Numbers: US 5,883,721

Optional Waters TaperSlit flow cell specifications

Waters Patented TaperSlit flow cell specifications:

Sample tube
Path
Volume internal Pressure
length
(μl) diameter rating
(mm)
(Inches)

In Out (psi/bar)

Analytical cell 16.3 10 0.009 0.009 1000/70


Semi-prep cell 4.4 3 0.040 0.040 1000/70

178 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Optional Waters TaperSlit flow cell specifications

Optional Waters TaperSlit flow cell specifications

Waters Patented TaperSlit flow cell specifications: (Continued)

Sample tube
Path
Volume internal Pressure
length
(μl) diameter rating
(mm)
(Inches)

In Out (psi/bar)

Microbore cell 4.4 3 0.005 0.005 1000/70


Inert (titanium) cell 16.3 10 0.010 0.010 1000/70
High pressure cell 16.3 10 0.009 0.009 3000/210
Variable path length 0.06 to 0.15 – 3 0.04 0.04 1000/70
flow cell (VPF) 1.2 (factory
preset at
0.5 mm)
Autopurification cell 6.0 1.0 0.009 IN 1 2000/140
0.020 IN 2
0.040 OUT

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 179


B Specifications

180 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Introduction

C Solvent Considerations

Contents:

Topic Page
Introduction...................................................................................... 181
Solvent miscibility............................................................................ 183
Buffered solvents.............................................................................. 186
Head height ...................................................................................... 186
Solvent viscosity............................................................................... 186
Mobile phase solvent degassing ...................................................... 186
Solvent degassing methods.............................................................. 187
Wavelength selection ....................................................................... 189

Warning: To avoid chemical hazards, always observe Good Laboratory


Practices when operating your system.

Introduction

Preventing contamination
For information on preventing contamination, refer to Controlling
Contamination in Ultra Performance LC/MS and HPLC/MS Systems (part
number 715001307), or visit www.waters.com.

Clean solvents
Clean solvents provide reproducible results and permit you to operate with
minimal instrument maintenance.
A dirty solvent can cause baseline noise and drift. It can also block the solvent
filters with particulate matter.

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C Solvent Considerations

Solvent quality
Use HPLC-grade solvents for the best possible results. Filter solvents through
0.45-µm filters before their use. Solvents distilled in glass generally maintain
their purity from lot to lot; use them to ensure the best possible results.

Preparation checklist
The following solvent preparation guidelines help to ensure stable baselines
and good resolution:
• Filter solvents with a 0.45-µm filter.
• Degas and/or sparge the solvent.
• Stir the solvent.
• Keep in a place free from drafts and shock.

Water
Use water only from a high-quality water purification system. If the water
system does not deliver filtered water, filter it through a 0.45-µm membrane
filter before use.

Using buffers
When you use buffers, dissolve salts first, adjust the pH, then filter to remove
insoluble material.

Tetrahydrofuran
When using unstabilized tetrahydrofuran, ensure that your solvent is fresh.
Previously opened bottles of tetrahydrofuran contain peroxide contaminants,
which cause baseline drift.

182 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Solvent miscibility

Warning: Tetrahydrofuran contaminants (peroxides) are potentially


explosive if concentrated or taken to dryness.

Solvent miscibility
Before you change solvents, refer to the table below to determine the
miscibility of the solvents to be used. When you change solvents, be aware
that,
• changes involving two miscible solvents may be made directly. Changes
involving two solvents that are not totally miscible (for example, from
chloroform to water), require an intermediate solvent (such as
isopropanol);
• temperature affects solvent miscibility. If you are running a
high-temperature application, consider the effect of the higher
temperature on solvent solubility;
• buffers dissolved in water can precipitate when mixed with organic
solvents.
When you switch from a strong buffer to an organic solvent, flush the buffer
out of the system with distilled water before you add the organic solvent.

Solvent miscibility:

Boiling Miscibility
Polarity Viscosity λ Cutoff
Solvent point °C number
index CP, 20 °C (nm)
(1 atm) (M)
–0.3 N-decane 0.92 174.1 29 ––
–0.4 Iso-octane 0.50 99.2 29 210
0.0 N-hexane 0.313 68.7 29 ––
0.0 Cyclohexane 0.98 80.7 28 210
1.7 Butyl ether 0.70 142.2 26 ––
1.8 Triethylamine 0.38 89.5 26 ––
2.2 Isopropyl ether 0.33 68.3 –– 220
2.3 Toluene 0.59 100.6 23 285

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 183


C Solvent Considerations

Solvent miscibility: (Continued)

Boiling Miscibility
Polarity Viscosity λ Cutoff
Solvent point °C number
index CP, 20 °C (nm)
(1 atm) (M)
2.4 P-xylene 0.70 138.0 24 290
3.0 Benzene 0.65 80.1 21 280
3.3 Benzyl ether 5.33 288.3 –– ––
3.4 Methylene chloride 0.44 39.8 20 245
3.7 Ethylene chloride 0.79 83.5 20 ––
3.9 Butyl alcohol 3.00 117.7 ––- ––
3.9 Butanol 3.01 177.7 15 ––
4.2 Tetrahydrofuran 0.55 66.0 17 220
4.3 Ethyl acetate 0.47 77.1 19 260
4.3 1-propanol 2.30 97.2 15 210
4.3 2-propanol 2.35 117.7 15 ––-
4.4 Methyl acetate 0.45 56.3 15, 17 260
4.5 Methyl ethyl ketone 0.43 80.0 17 330
4.5 Cyclohexanone 2.24 155.7 28 210
4.5 Nitrobenzene 2.03 210.8 14, 20 ––
4.6 Benzonitrile 1.22 191.1 15, 19 ––
4.8 Dioxane 1.54 101.3 17 220
5.2 Ethanol 1.20 78.3 14 210
5.3 Pyridine 0.94 115.3 16 305
5.3 Nitroethane 0.68 114.0 –– ––
5.4 Acetone 0.32 56.3 15, 17 330
5.5 Benzyl alcohol 5.80 205.5 13 ––
5.7 Methoxyethanol 1.72 124.6 13 ––
6.2 Acetonitrile 0.37 81.6 11, 17 190
6.2 Acetic acid 1.26 117.9 14 ––
6.4 Dimethylformamide 0.90 153.0 12 ––
6.5 Dimethylsulfoxide 2.24 189.0 9 ––
6.6 Methanol 0.60 64.7 12 210

184 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Solvent miscibility

Solvent miscibility: (Continued)

Boiling Miscibility
Polarity Viscosity λ Cutoff
Solvent point °C number
index CP, 20 °C (nm)
(1 atm) (M)
7.3 Formamide 3.76 210.5 3 ––
9.0 Water 1.00 100.0 –– ––

How to use miscibility numbers


Use miscibility numbers (M-numbers) to predict the miscibility of a liquid
with a standard solvent (see “Solvent miscibility” on page 183.)
To predict the miscibility of two liquids, subtract the smaller M-number value
from the larger M-number value.
• If the difference between the two M-numbers is 15 or less, the two
liquids are miscible in all proportions at 15 °C (59 °F).
• A difference of 16 indicates a critical solution temperature from 25 to
75 °C (77 to 167 °F), with 50 °C (122 °F) as the optimal temperature.
• If the difference is 17 or greater, the liquids are immiscible or their
critical solution temperature is above 75 °C (167 °F).
Some solvents prove immiscible with solvents at both ends of the lipophilicity
scale. These solvents receive a dual M-number:
• The first number, always lower than 16, indicates the degree of
miscibility with highly lipophilic solvents.
• The second number applies to the opposite end of the scale. A large
difference between these two numbers indicates a limited range of
miscibility.
For example, some fluorocarbons are immiscible with all the standard
solvents and have M-numbers of 0, 32. Two liquids with dual M-numbers are
usually miscible with each other.
A liquid is classified in the M-number system by testing for miscibility with a
sequence of standard solvents. A correction term of 15 units is then either
added or subtracted from the cutoff point for miscibility.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 185


C Solvent Considerations

Buffered solvents
When using a buffer, use a good quality reagent and filter it through a
0.45-µm filter.
Do not leave the buffer stored in the system after use. Flush all fluid paths
with HPLC-quality water before shutting the system down and leave distilled
water in the system (flush with 90% HPLC-quality water: 10% methanol for
shutdowns scheduled to be more than one day). Use a minimum of 15 mL for
sparge-equipped units, and a minimum of 45 mL for in-line vacuum
degasser-equipped units.

Head height
Position the solvent reservoirs at a level above the HPLC equipment or on top
of the pump or detector (with adequate spill protection).

Solvent viscosity
Generally, viscosity is not important when you are operating with a single
solvent or under low pressure. However, when you are running a gradient, the
viscosity changes that occur as the solvents are mixed in different proportions
can result in pressure changes during the run. For example, a 1:1 mixture of
water and methanol produces twice the pressure of either water or methanol
alone.
If the extent to which the pressure changes will affect the analysis is not
known, monitor the pressure during the run using the Chart Out terminal.

Mobile phase solvent degassing


Mobile phase difficulties account for 70% or more of all liquid
chromatographic problems. Using degassed solvents is important, especially
at wavelengths below 220 nm.
Degassing provides,
• stable baselines and enhanced sensitivity;
• reproducible retention times for eluting peaks;
• reproducible injection volumes for quantitation.

186 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Solvent degassing methods

• stable pump operation.

Gas solubility
Only a finite amount of gas can be dissolved in a given volume of liquid. This
amount depends on,
• the chemical affinity of the gas for the liquid;
• the temperature of the liquid;
• the pressure applied to the liquid.
Changes in the composition, temperature, or pressure of the mobile phase can
all lead to outgassing.

Effects of intermolecular forces


Nonpolar gases (N2, O2, CO2, He) are more soluble in nonpolar solvents than
in polar solvents. Generally, a gas is most soluble in a solvent with
intermolecular attractive forces similar to those in the gas (like dissolves like).

Effects of temperature
Temperature affects the solubility of gases. If the heat of solution is
exothermic, the solubility of the gas decreases when you heat the solvent. If
the heat of solution is endothermic, the solubility increases when you heat the
solvent. For example, the solubility of He in H2O decreases with an increase in
temperature, but the solubility of He in benzene increases with an increase in
temperature.

Effects of partial pressure


The mass of gas dissolved in a given volume of solvent is proportional to the
partial pressure of the gas in the vapor phase of the solvent. If you decrease
the partial pressure of the gas, the amount of that gas in solution also
decreases.

Solvent degassing methods


This section describes the solvent degassing techniques that will help you to
attain a stable baseline. Degassing your solvent also improves reproducibility
and pump performance.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 187


C Solvent Considerations

You can use either of the following methods to degas solvents:


• Sparging with helium
• Vacuum degassing

Sparging
Sparging removes gases from solution by displacing dissolved gases in the
solvent with a less soluble gas, usually helium. Well-sparged solvent improves
pump performance. Helium sparging brings the solvent to a state of
equilibrium, which may be maintained by slow sparging or by keeping a
blanket of helium over the solvent. Blanketing inhibits reabsorption of
atmospheric gases.
Sparging can change the composition of mixed solvents.

Vacuum degassing
The in-line vacuum degasser operates on the principle of Henry’s Law to
remove dissolved gases from the solvent. Henry’s Law states that the mole
fraction of a gas dissolved in liquid is proportional to the partial pressure of
that gas in the vapor phase above the liquid. If the partial pressure of a gas on
the surface of the liquid is reduced, for example, by evacuation, then a
proportional amount of that gas comes out of solution.
Vacuum degassing can change the composition of mixed solvents.

Solvent degassing considerations


Select the most efficient degassing operation for your application. To remove
dissolved gas quickly, consider the following.

Sparging
Helium sparging gives stable baselines and better sensitivity than sonication
in a detector, and prevents reabsorption of atmospheric gases. Use this
method to retard oxidation when you are using tetrahydrofuran or other
peroxide-forming solvents.

188 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Wavelength selection

Vacuum degassing
The longer the solvent is exposed to the vacuum, the more dissolved gases are
removed. Two factors affect the amount of time the solvent is exposed to the
vacuum:
• Flow rate – At low flow rates, most of the dissolved gas is removed as the
solvent passes through the vacuum chamber. At higher flow rates, lesser
amounts of gas per unit volume of solvent are removed.
• Surface area of the degassing membrane – The length of the degassing
membrane is fixed in each vacuum chamber. To increase the length of
membrane, you can connect two or more vacuum chambers in series.
The in-line degasser is available as an option or factory-installed in the
Waters 2695 Separations Module, XE model.

Wavelength selection
This section includes UV cutoff ranges for,
• common solvents;
• common mixed mobile phases;
• chromophores.

UV cutoffs for common solvents


The table below shows the UV cutoff (the wavelength at which the absorbance
of the solvent is equal to 1 AU) for some common chromatographic solvents.
Operating at a wavelength near or below the cutoff increases baseline noise
because of the absorbance of the solvent.

UV cutoff wavelengths for common chromatographic solvents:

UV cutoff UV cutoff
Solvent Solvent
(nm) (nm)
1-Nitropropane 380 Ethylene glycol 210
2-Butoxyethanol 220 Iso-octane 215
Acetone 330 Isopropanol 205
Acetonitrile 190 Isopropyl chloride 225

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 189


C Solvent Considerations

UV cutoff wavelengths for common chromatographic solvents: (Continued)

UV cutoff UV cutoff
Solvent Solvent
(nm) (nm)
Amyl alcohol 210 Isopropyl ether 220
Amyl chloride 225 Methanol 205
Benzene 280 Methyl acetate 260
Carbon disulfide 380 Methyl ethyl ketone 330
Carbon tetrachloride 265 Methyl isobutyl 334
ketone
Chloroform 245 Methylene chloride 233
Cyclohexane 200 n-Pentane 190
Cyclopentane 200 n-Propanol 210
Diethyl amine 275 n-Propyl chloride 225
Dioxane 215 Nitromethane 380
Ethanol 210 Petroleum ether 210
Ethyl acetate 256 Pyridine 330
Ethyl ether 220 Tetrahydrofuran 230
Ethyl sulfide 290 Toluene 285
Ethylene dichloride 230 Xylene 290

Mixed mobile phases


The table below contains approximate wavelength cutoffs for some other
solvents, buffers, detergents, and mobile phases. The solvent concentrations
represented are those most commonly used. If you want to use a different
concentration, you can determine approximate absorbance using Beer’s Law,
because absorbance is proportional to concentration.

Wavelength cutoffs for different mobile phases:

UV UV
Mobile phase cutoff Mobile phase cutoff
(nm) (nm)
Acetic acid, 1% 230 Sodium chloride, 1 M 207

190 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Wavelength selection

Wavelength cutoffs for different mobile phases: (Continued)

UV UV
Mobile phase cutoff Mobile phase cutoff
(nm) (nm)
Ammonium acetate, 205 Sodium citrate, 10 mM 225
10 mM
Ammonium bicarbonate, 190 Sodium dodecyl sulfate 190
10 mM
BRIJ 35, 0.1% 190 Sodium formate, 10 mM 200
CHAPS, 0.1% 215 Triethyl amine, 1% 235
Diammonium phosphate, 205 Trifluoracetic acid, 0.1% 190
50 mM
EDTA, disodium, 1 mM 190 TRIS HCl, 20 mM, pH 7.0, 202, 212
pH 8.0
HEPES, 10 mM, pH 7.6 225 Triton-X™ 100, 0.1% 240
Hydrochloric acid, 0.1% 190 Waters PIC® Reagent A, 200
1 vial/liter
MES, 10 mM, pH 6.0 215 Waters PIC Reagent B-6, 225
1 vial/liter
Potassium phosphate, Waters PIC Reagent B-6, 190
monobasic, 10 mM 190 low UV, 1 vial/liter
dibasic, 10 mM 190
Sodium acetate, 10 mM 205 Waters PIC Reagent D-4, 190
1 vial/liter

Wavelength selection for chromophore detection


Certain functional groups found in most compounds absorb light selectively.
These groups, known as chromophores, and their behavior can be used to
categorize the detection of sample molecules.
The table below lists some common chromophores, and their detection
wavelengths (λmax), as well as the molar absorptivity (εmax) of each group. Use
this information as a guide to select the optimal operating wavelength for a
particular analysis. Because of the diversity possible within a given sample,
scanning over a range of wavelengths may be necessary to determine the best
wavelength for a particular analysis.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 191


C Solvent Considerations

Electronic absorption bands of representative chromophores*:

Chemical λmax ∈max λmax ∈max


Chromophore
configuration (nm) (L/m/cm) (nm) (L/m/cm)
Ether —O— 185 1000
Thioether —S— 194 4600 215 1600
Amine —NH2 195 2800
Thiol —SH 195 1400
Disulfide —S—S— 194 5500 255 400
Bromide —Br 208 300
Iodide —I 260 400
Nitrile —C≡N 160 —
Acetylide —C≡C— 175-180 6000
Sulfone —SO2 — 180 —
Oxime —NOH 190 5000
Azido >C=N— 190 5000
Ethylene —C=C— 190 8000
Ketone >C=O 195 1000 270-285 18-30
Thioketone >C=S 205 strong
Esters —COOR 205 50
Aldehyde —CHO 210 strong 280-300 11-18
Carboxyl —COOH 200-210 50-70
Sulfoxide >S→O 210 1500
Nitro —NO2 210 strong
Nitrile —ONO 220-230 1000-2000 300-400 10
Azo —N=N— 285-400 3-25
Nitroso —N=O 302 100
Nitrate —ONO2 270 12
(shoulde
r)

192 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A


Wavelength selection

Electronic absorption bands of representative chromophores*: (Continued)

Chemical λmax ∈max λmax ∈max


Chromophore
configuration (nm) (L/m/cm) (nm) (L/m/cm)
Allene —(C=C)2— 210-230 21,000
(acyclic)
Allene —(C=C)3— 260 35,000
Allene —(C=C)4— 300 52,000
Allene —(C=C)5— 330 118,000
Allene —(C=C)2— 230-260 3000-8000
(alicyclic)
Ethylenic/ C=C—C≡C 219 6,500
Acetylenic
Ethylenic/ C=C—C=N 220 23,000
Amido
Ethylenic/ C=C—C=O 210-250 10,000-
Carbonyl 20,000
Ethylenic/ C=C—NO2 229 9,500
Nitro

*Willard, H. H. and others. Instrumental Methods of Analysis, 6th ed. Litton Educational Publishing,
Inc., 1981. Reprinted by permission of Wadsworth Publishing Co., Belmont, California, 94002.

November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A 193


C Solvent Considerations

194 November 9, 2012, 715003800 Rev. A

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