Series 8900 FID GC

Gas Chromatograph
Installation and User’s Manual

YMA-62007 - Revision A, 03/29/03

Baseline – MOCON, Inc.

P.O. Box 649
Lyons, Colorado 80540
Notice
The Series 8900 Gas Chromatograph and this manual are manufactured by Baseline -
MOCON, Incorporated of Lyons, Colorado. Information in this document is subject to
change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of Baseline -
MOCON, Incorporated (hereafter, the Manufacturer). The instrument, and or software
described in this document are furnished under a license agreement or nondisclosure
agreement. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by
any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, for any
purpose without the express written permission of the Manufacturer.

The Manufacturer may have patents or pending patent applications, trademarks,

copyrights or other intellectual property rights covering subject matter in this document.
The furnishing of this document does not give you any license to these patents,
trademarks, copyrights or other intellectual property rights.

Software provided with your instrument may be used or copied only in accordance with
the terms of the agreement. It is against the law to copy the software on any medium
except as specifically allowed in the license or nondisclosure agreement.

Software manufactured by Baseline - MOCON, Incorporated, may contain software

components from Baseline's suppliers.

® Baseline Series is a registered trademark of Baseline - MOCON, Inc.

Microsoft, MS, MS-DOS, Windows, and Windows NT are trademarks of Microsoft
Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies and are
used for information purposes only.

Copyright © Baseline - MOCON, Inc. 1996 - 2003. All rights reserved.

Printed and bound in the United States of America.
Instrument Warranty
This manual must be carefully read and followed by all persons who have or will have
the responsibility for using or servicing the product. Like any piece of complex
equipment, the product will perform as designed only if it is used and serviced in
accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Otherwise, it could fail to perform as
designed and persons who rely on this product for their safety could sustain severe
personal injury or death.
The warranties made by Baseline - MOCON, Incorporated, with respect to the product
are voided if the product is not used and serviced in accordance with the instructions in
this manual. Please protect yourself and others by following them. We encourage our
customers to write or call regarding this equipment prior to use, or for any additional
information relative to use or repairs.

WARNING:
FOR SAFETY REASONS, ONLY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL SHOULD
OPERATE THIS EQUIPMENT.

ii
The Series 8900 Gas Chromatograph contains no user-serviceable parts. The interior of
the instrument should not be accessed by anyone other than a Baseline authorized
technician. Repair or alteration of the instrument beyond the scope of the instruction
manual, by anyone other than a person authorized by Baseline - MOCON, could cause
the analyzer to fail to perform as designed. When needed, use only genuine Baseline
replacement parts. Substitution of components can impair instrument performance, alter
its safety characteristics, or void agency approvals.

In the US, contact you’re nearest stocking location by dialing 1-800-321-4665.

iii
Table of Contents
Section 1 – Overview and Installation .................................................................................................................... 1-1
Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................... 1-1
Safety Documentation......................................................................................................................................... 1-2
Warnings & Cautions....................................................................................................................................... 1-2
Theory of Operation ............................................................................................................................................ 1-4
FID Theory....................................................................................................................................................... 1-4
Analysis Theory ............................................................................................................................................... 1-4
Pneumatics...................................................................................................................................................... 1-5
System Electronics - General Information .......................................................................................................... 1-6
System Configurations .................................................................................................................................... 1-6
Electrical Connections ..................................................................................................................................... 1-6
Gas Connections ............................................................................................................................................. 1-8
Installing the Analyzer......................................................................................................................................... 1-9
Unpacking........................................................................................................................................................ 1-9
Installation Notes ............................................................................................................................................. 1-9
Section 2 – Instrument Operation........................................................................................................................... 2-1
User Interface...................................................................................................................................................... 2-1
Description of the Front Panel Interface.......................................................................................................... 2-1
Home Screen ...................................................................................................................................................... 2-1
Instrument Status ............................................................................................................................................ 2-1
Peak and Port Messages ................................................................................................................................ 2-2
Alarm Messages.............................................................................................................................................. 2-2
Buttons in the Home Screen ............................................................................................................................... 2-2
Home Screen in the Normal State................................................................................................................... 2-2
Home Screen in the Alarmed State................................................................................................................. 2-3
Software Structure .............................................................................................................................................. 2-3
Options Menu...................................................................................................................................................... 2-5
Instrument Startup............................................................................................................................................... 2-6
Startup Instructions (Stand-alone operation) ...................................................................................................... 2-6
Startup Instructions (Operation with SkyChrom) ................................................................................................ 2-7
Startup Instructions (Start from Digital Input)...................................................................................................... 2-7
Performing an Unscheduled Calibration ............................................................................................................. 2-8
Startup Trouble Shooting .................................................................................................................................... 2-9
TEMP Alarm .................................................................................................................................................... 2-9
FLAMEOUT Alarm........................................................................................................................................... 2-9
H2 Alarm.......................................................................................................................................................... 2-9
COMB Alarm ................................................................................................................................................... 2-9
Shutdown Message .......................................................................................................................................... 2-10
Power Switch Do’s and Don’ts.......................................................................................................................... 2-10
Accidental Power Loss...................................................................................................................................... 2-11
While in Stand Alone Mode ........................................................................................................................... 2-11
When Controlled by SkyChrom ..................................................................................................................... 2-11
Section 3 – Manual Mode....................................................................................................................................... 3-1
General ............................................................................................................................................................... 3-1
Options................................................................................................................................................................ 3-2
Manual Mode Commands................................................................................................................................... 3-2
Section 4 – Information Mode................................................................................................................................. 4-1
General ............................................................................................................................................................... 4-1
System Information ............................................................................................................................................. 4-2

iv
List of Figures
Figure 1-1. Series 8900 GC FID Diagram .............................................................................................................. 1-4
Figure 1-2. Series 8900 FID GC Pneumatics Diagram .......................................................................................... 1-5
Figure 2-1. Home Screen ....................................................................................................................................... 2-1
Figure 2-2. Reset Alarms Screen ........................................................................................................................... 2-3
Figure 2-3. Main Software Tree.............................................................................................................................. 2-4
Figure 2-4. Shutdown Screen............................................................................................................................... 2-10
Figure 3-1. Manual Mode, Main Menu Structure.................................................................................................... 3-1
Figure 4-1. Information Mode, Main Menu Structure.............................................................................................. 4-1
Figure 4-2. System Information, Menu Structure ................................................................................................... 4-2

v
Section 1 – Overview and Installation
Introduction
The Series 8900 Gas Chromatograph is suitable for industrial and environmental
applications. The instrument can be purchased in a variety of configurations. Your
instrument has been built to your specifications.
An appendix section has been added to the back of this manual for your reference. This
section identifies your analyzer by serial number, includes an inventory of all options and
provides technical information specific to your application. Become familiar with this
section, as it will be referenced through out this manual.
Finally, keep the appendix portion of this manual current. When calling for technical
support, be sure to have it at hand.

Important Note
Your instrument has been configured specifically for your application. DO NOT CHANGE
PROGRAMMED VALUES BEFORE READING AND UNDERSTANDING THIS MANUAL. If the
material presented here is unclear or conflicts with other information call the Baseline
service department for clarification and/or resolution.

1-1
 Overview and Installation

Safety Documentation

Warnings & Cautions

WARNINGS
WARNING:
For safety reasons, only qualified personnel should operate this equipment.
WARNING:
The Series 8900 Gas Chromatograph contains no user-serviceable parts. The
interior of the instrument should not be accessed by anyone other than a
Baseline authorized technician.
Repair or alteration of the instrument beyond the scope of the instruction manual,
by anyone other than a person authorized by Baseline - MOCON, could cause
the analyzer to fail to perform as designed. When needed, use only genuine
Baseline replacement parts. Substitution of components can impair instrument
performance, alter its safety characteristics, or void agency approvals.
WARNING:
The interior of the instrument should not be accessed by anyone other than a
Baseline authorized technician. Never remove any of the instrument case covers
while the unit is connected to an AC power source. While energized, high-voltage
circuitry within the unit presents a shock hazard that could endanger the
operator.
WARNING:
Never connect the analyzer directly to a gas source that is not pressure
regulated. Over pressurization of the manifold could cause the manifold to fail,
which could result in the release of explosive gases.
WARNING:
The Series 8900 Gas Chromatograph uses pressurized gases and a FID (Flame
Ionization Detector) to perform the analyses.
Only experienced technicians should handle pressurized and flammable gases.
Careless attachment or over-pressurization of support or sample gas lines can
create a safety hazard and damage the analyzer.
Before attaching anything to the inlet or vent ports, refer to the table of gas
pressures and flows and your plumbing diagram located in the appendix.
Damage incurred to the instrument caused by faulty installation is not covered by
the instrument warranty.

1-2
 Overview and Installation

WARNINGS

WARNING:
Observe the maximum operating temperature of all temperature zones (listed in
the appendix). Because the setup temperature software is designed to support
both low and high temperature versions of the 8900 platform, the software can
request a temperature higher than this maximum temperature. Do not set the
temperature of any zone to a value greater than it’s maximum temperature.
Doing so will damage the analyzer.
WARNING:
To maximize the performance and longevity of your analyzer, observe the
operating and sample specifications listed in the appendix.

1-3
 Overview and Installation

Theory of Operation

FID Theory
The Series 8900 Gas Chromatograph is configured with a flame ionization detector
(FID).
This detector uses a flame produced by the combustion of a fuel gas and air. When an
organic compound enters the flame, it is ionized. This results in the production of
electrons and positive ions. The stream of freed electrons is directed to a measuring
circuit by a polarizing electrode within the detector. The measurement circuit senses the
electron stream as a current that is proportional to the amount of organic compound in the
flame. This current measurement is reported as a concentration by the analyzer.
DETECTOR VENT

FLAME FID

POLARIZING
VOLTAGE
COMBUSTION AIR
HYDROGEN (FUEL) SIGNAL
AMPLIFIER
SAMPLE

SIGNAL OUT

Figure 1-1. Series 8900 GC FID Diagram

Analysis Theory
The Series 8900 Gas Chromatograph is designed specifically for the analysis of many
organic compounds and some inorganic compounds. Refer to the appendix for a list of
chemicals specific to your application. A single valve two column analytical arrangement
is used (see figure 1-1). In one position (Inject) the two columns are in series with each
other, the carrier stream enters column 1 (stripper Column - CI) then column 2 (analytical
column - C2). In the other position (Load) the carrier stream is split into two streams.
One leg reverses direction through column 1 to vent. The other continues through column
2 to the detector.
At sample injection, a fixed volume sample is carried to the stripper column. Refer to the
appendix for the volume of the fixed volume sample loop specific to your application.
Back flush of the stripper column is timed from sample injection so that only the analytes
of interest are eluted from the stripper column to the analytical column. The analytes of
interest elute through the analytical column to the flame ionization detector (FID), while
the other compounds are flushed to vent.

1-4
 Overview and Installation

Pneumatics

Figure 1-2. Series 8900 FID GC Pneumatics Diagram

1-5
 Overview and Installation

System Electronics - General Information

System Configurations
All Series 8900 Gas Chromatographs are based on a modular, scalable electronics
platform. Each system contains a power supply/distribution module, computer section
and at least one detector support module.
All system electronic circuit cards are attached to the system data/control bus by
stackable (through card) connectors. This allows the system components to be arranged
in a variety of configurations.
The system electronics (Generation 3) are packaged in a manner that allows them to be
replaced as modules (Power Supply, Main Board, CPU, Temperature Cards, Detector
Support Cards, Digital to Analog Cards, Relay Cards, and Flow Cards).

Electrical Connections

Power
The Series 8900 GC is designed to run off standard 90-260 VAC, at 50-60 Hz as
specified in the appendix.

Communications Port 1 (COM 1)

The Series 8900 GC Platform allows for method development, and instrument control
through the communications port. An external personal computer can acquire the
analytical information from the analyzer using SkyChrom or a user supplied integration
software package. When the instrument is controlled by SkyChrom, the communications
port is used for binary communication between SkyChrom and the 8900. See Section 5,
Serial Communications for more information on the Communications Port.

Relays
The Series 8900 GC is equipped with five standard relays. Optionally a relay board can
be added to allow 15 total relays. Relays have three attributes: the relay event mapping,
the normal energy configuration, and the latch configuration. All relay attributes are
assigned with SkyChrom software. The relays may be configured for either AC contact
closure (up to 3A @ 240V), or logic level (100 mA @ 5V).
Note: For more information on Relays refer to the Method Relay Parameters Dialog
in Section 7 of the SkyChrom manual.

Internal Events
Event Mapping defines A relay can be mapped to one of several internal events: trouble,
port1, flow, flame, temperature, user, calibrate, bad calibration, caution, warning, and
alarm.

TROUBLE Maps the trouble alarm event to the actuation of a relay.

P1 Maps the selection of sample point 1 to the actuation of a relay.
FLOW Maps the flow alarm event to the actuation of a relay.
FLAME Maps the flameout alarm event to the actuation of a relay.

1-6
 Overview and Installation

TEMP Maps the temperature alarm event to the actuation of a relay.

USER Maps the relay to switching commands during an analysis. When a
relay is set to User, it is set and reset by the GC Program in the method.
CAL Maps a calibration event to the actuation of a relay.
BAD CAL Maps a bad calibration event to the actuation of a relay.
CAUT P1 Maps a caution level concentration from sample port 1 to the actuation
of a relay.
WARN P1 Maps a warning level concentration from sample port 1 to the actuation
of a relay.
ALRM P1 Maps an alarm level concentration from sample port 1 to the actuation
of a relay.

Relay Latching
Relay Latching defines how a relay will perform once activated. A latched relay, once
activated, persists until the user acknowledges the condition, regardless of whether or not
the event that caused the activation continues to exist. A non-latched relay will persist
until the event is no longer detected, at which point the relay resets automatically.

Relay State
Relay State defines the normal, or inactive, condition of the relay. A normally energized
relay will have power applied to its coil when it is not activated and vice versa. This gives
the user an option of defining a relay to be active when the system is operating normally
and if the power goes out the relay will change states.

DENRG This will set the relay to a normally de-energized state. When the relay
is activated (set), it will become energized.
ENRG This will set the relay to a normally energized state. When the relay is
activated (set), it will become de-energized.

Analog Outputs
The Series 8900 GC is equipped with one standard analog output. The G3 platform
allows four additional analog outputs to be added to the main board, and 10 more to be
added with an additional card allowing a maximum of 15 analog outputs. Using
SkyChrom, the analog outputs can be programmed to output a linear output, a
concentration output, or no output. The analog outputs can be programmed to either 0-20
mA or 4-20 mA. These outputs can be sent to a strip chart recorder, reporting integrator,
or a computer.
NO OUT The instrument will not output an analog signal
LIN OUT The instrument will output a signal proportional to the detector current.
CONC OUT The instrument will output a signal proportional to the concentration of
the selected peak.
Note: For more information on Analog Outputs refer to the Method Analog Output
Parameters Dialog in Section 7 of the SkyChrom manual.

1-7
 Overview and Installation

Gas Connections
A table in the appendix of this manual outlines the optimized pressures and flows for
your application.
AIR IN
The Air connection port is used to supply combustion air to the GC. Air
flow to the FID is controlled by an electronic regulator and a restrictive
frit. Inlet pressure is typically between 20 and 40 PSI.
SAMPLE IN
The Sample connection port is used to supply Sample to the GC. The
sample stream is continuously purged assuring that when an analysis
starts, the sample will represent the current conditions. Inlet pressure is
typically between 10 and 20 PSI.
H2 IN
The Hydrogen connection port is used to supply Hydrogen to the GC.
Hydrogen flow is controlled by an electronic regulator, a restrictive frit
and needle valves. Inlet pressure is typically between 40 and 60 PSI.
CAL IN
The Calibration connection port is used to introduce calibration gas to
the GC. Inlet pressure of the Calibration gas delivered should be the
same as the Sample Pressure in order to supply a fixed amount of gas to
the column and detector.
COLUMN VENT
The Column Vent connection port is used to vent C1, the stripper
column. Compounds within the sample that are not being analyzed are
vented through this port. If the possibility of dangerous chemicals or
concentrations exists, this vent should be routed to a safe location.
SAMPLE BYPASS
The Sample Bypass connection Port is used to vent the sample loop. If
analyzing dangerous chemicals or concentrations this vent should be
routed to a safe location. Both calibration and sample gases will be
vented through this port depending on which stream is selected.
DETECTOR VENT
The detector vent is used to vent the FID. An FID may produce water
and potentially some dangerous chemicals. If the possibility of
dangerous chemicals or concentrations exists this vent should be routed
to a safe location, taking care that it will not fill with liquids.

WARNING:
Never attach a pressurized line to any of the instrument’s vents. Doing
so may cause permanent damage to certain instrument components.

1-8
 Overview and Installation

Installing the Analyzer

Unpacking
1. Remove the analyzer from the shipping box.
Inspect the pneumatic connections, front panel, and case, to verify that the
instrument was received in good condition. The analyzer kit contains the following
items:
• Series 8900 Gas Chromatograph
• User's Manual
• Power Cord
• Test report
• Null-Modem Cable
• Dongle
• SkyChrom installation CD
Be sure your kit is complete before proceeding.
2. Verify the serial and model number of the instrument.
Find the serial number tag (inside front door panel). Verify that the model number
and serial number on the tag match those listed in the appendix. If they do not match,
contact the factory before operating the analyzer.
3. Familiarize yourself with the front panel of the analyzer.
The front door panel features a vacuum fluorescent display, an on/off switch, and a
four-button keypad. The display is used in conjunction with the keypad to operate
the instrument and report analytical results.
4. Familiarize yourself with the back panel of the analyzer.
Gas ports and vents are located on the left side of the panel. Electrical connections
are on the right.
A 25-pin connector is provided for signal connections and a power receptacle for AC
power.

Installation Notes
The following instructions will guide the user through installation of the analyzer.
1. Evaluate the installation site.

The analyzer has an operating temperature range of 32-104oF (0-40oC). Verify that
the installation site will not exceed this range.
2. Verify that the installation site will provide sufficient clearance around the analyzer.
3. Locate all rear panel gas connections. Connect all gas lines as shown on your
plumbing diagram.

1-9
 Overview and Installation

A step-down regulator must be placed in pressurized gas streams to avoid damage to

the instruments internal gas manifold. Refer to the gas pressures table (located in the
appendix) to determine the correct inlet pressures for your analyzer.

Exhaust all vents at ambient pressure. Never attach a pressurized line to an analyzer
vent. Doing so will damage the analyzer.
Depending on the application, and the toxicity of the sample gas or gases, all vents
should be routed to a safe location. Flow rates and functions of vents are shown on
the plumbing diagram.
4. Connect the signal and alarm wiring.
The terminal strip provides connections for signal and logic outputs that can
interface with peripheral devices. These connections are documented in the
appendix.

Note that the event mapping for each relay and the analog output parameters is
defined using the SkyChrom software. (Refer to both this manual and the SkyChrom
manual Section 7, Method Relay Parameters Dialog, and Method Analog Output
Parameters Dialog, for detailed instructions.)

5. Attach the AC power cord.

AC power service needs to be (110VAC, 7amp 60Hz) minimum.

6. Once the installation is complete, proceed to Section 2 of this manual.

1-10
Section 2 – Instrument Operation
User Interface
The Series 8900 Gas Chromatograph is a microprocessor-based instrument that can be
controlled either by its internal system software, or with a PC and the use of SkyChrom.
SkyChrom is used to develop methods and sequences, and then load the method or
sequence into the instrument. Once a method has been installed, the 8900 can be run
with a PC or without in a stand-alone mode. In most cases, the 8900 has been pre-
programmed with a factory-optimized method specific to the application. See the
SkyChrom manual for information on developing methods and sequences.
WARNING:
Be sure you have completed the installation procedure described in Section 1 of
this manual prior to starting the analyzer. Improper installation of the analyzer
can cause damage to the instrument, and potentially endanger the safety of the
operator.

Description of the Front Panel Interface

The front panel interface consists of an on/off switch, a vacuum fluorescent display, and a
four-button keypad. The display is used in conjunction with the keypad to operate the
system. It consists of two lines of alphanumeric characters that communicate analytical
results, and provide the on-screen prompts necessary to guide you through the software
menus.

Home Screen
When the analyzer is turned on, the Home screen opens automatically. The primary
function of the Home screen is to display analytical results and alarms.

The Home screen is formatted so that the parameters monitored by the instrument are
reported clearly and consistently.

Figure 2-1. Home Screen

Instrument Status
On the left side of the Home screen below the heading ST, a brief string of characters
indicates the status of the gas chromatograph.
• SB Indicates that the instrument is in Stand-By mode.
• AN Indicates that the instrument is currently running an ANalysis
from the selected sample port
• CL Indicates that the instrument is currently CaLibrating.

2-1
 Instrument Operation

Peak and Port Messages

In the center of the Home Screen, under the heading PKPT the instrument displays the
current peak and port, 0201 refers to peak 2 from port 1

Alarm Messages
Also in the center of the Home Screen, under the heading AL the instrument displays any
alarm conditions.

• OK Indicates no alarm status

• BC Indicates a Bad Calibration where one or more of the
method’s recalibration thresholds have been exceeded
• C Indicates that one or more peak has exceeded the Caution
level
• W Indicates that one or more peak has exceeded the Warning
level.
• A Indicates that one or more peak has exceeded the Alarm level

System alarm flags are displayed in the upper right of the screen.

• TEMP Indicates the oven temperature is varying more than 10% from
the set point.
• H2 Indicates the hydrogen flow is varying more than 10% from
the set point.
• COMB Indicates the combustion air flow is varying more than 10%
from the set point.
• FLAMEOUT Indicates the detector flame is not lit.

Buttons in the Home Screen

The home screen can be in one of two states, Normal or Alarmed.

Home Screen in the Normal State

When the Home screen is in the Normal state, there are no active alarms.
In the Normal state, pressing either of the center two-keypad buttons opens the Options
menu. The Options menu is a top-level menu that allows you to initiate one of three
operational modes: Operations, Parameters or Information mode. These selections are
detailed in the Options Menu subsection coming up.

2-2
 Instrument Operation

Home Screen in the Alarmed State

When the Home screen is in the Alarmed state, a system alarm is active.
Whenever a system alarm is active, pressing one of the center two buttons in the Home
screen brings up the Alarm Reset screen where the software prompts you to reset the
active alarms. If you opt to reset the alarm, all alarm conditions would be acknowledged.
Following a reset, the Home screen reopens.

RE S E T A L A R MS ?
< < - NO Y E S - >

Figure 2-2. Reset Alarms Screen

Note: For more information on Alarms refer to the Method Concentration Alarm
Parameters Dialog in Section 7 of the SkyChrom manual.

Software Structure
The software receives its instructions from the front panel buttons. The function assigned
to each front panel button is indicated by a button title displayed on-screen directly over
the button. To navigate the software, press the front panel button corresponding to one of
the selections displayed on-screen. If enabled in the method, each time a pressed button is
detected the system will issue an audible beep. As you move through the software, the
button titles will update to indicate the choices available at that point in the software.
Button titles are called “soft” button titles because the software exclusively controls
them.

Except for the Home screen, all screens in the software tree use soft button titles to
communicate the options available to you at that point in the software.

2-3
 Instrument Operation

Figure 2-3. Main Software Tree

2-4
 Instrument Operation

Options Menu
Selections in the Options menu allow you to initiate one of three modes: Operation,
Parameters or Information mode.
OPER
OPER initiates the Operation Mode. In this mode, the user can start various types of
analyses, or initiate the manual mode.
• Start Analysis This command will be available if the instrument is in standby
mode. If “Start Analysis” is selected, the instrument will run
the assigned number of sample runs specified in the method.
If this parameter is set to “0”, the instrument will run
continuously.
Note: For more information on Methods see Creating a Method (Section 3) and
Method Sheet (Section 7) in the SkyChrom manual.
• Stop Analysis This command will be available if the instrument is currently
running a sample or calibration run. If “Stop Analysis” is
selected, the instrument will stop the current run and return to
standby mode.
• Manual Mode When this command is selected, the manual mode will be
initiated. For more information on the Manual Mode, see
section 3.
• Calibrate Now When this command is selected, the instrument will initiate an
unscheduled calibration run.
• Start Sequence Loop When this command is selected, the instrument will repeatedly
run the loaded sequence until the “Stop Analysis” command is
selected.
• Start Sequence When this command is selected, the instrument will run the
loaded sequence one time.
Note: For more information on creating Sequences see Sequence Menu Commands
(Section 5) and Sequence Settings Dialog (Section 7) in the SkyChrom manual.
Note: For more information on installing Sequences see Install Sequence Command
(Instrument Menu) (Section 5) in the SkyChrom manual.

PARAM
Pressing this button will show the current oven temperature and flow settings.
INFO
Initiates Information Mode where you can view system information.

2-5
 Instrument Operation

Instrument Startup
The steps documented in this subsection assume some familiarity with the operating
software and interface. If you are not familiar with the Home screen, alarm prompts, and
basic menu structure of the software, review the interface overview presented in the front
of this section prior to startup.

Startup Instructions (Stand-alone operation)

IMPORTANT WARNING:
Be sure you have completed the installation procedure described in Section 1 of this
manual prior to starting the analyzer. Improper installation of the analyzer can cause
damage to the instrument, and potentially endanger the safety of the operator.
1. Turn on the carrier, calibration and sample gas flows to the instrument. Verify that
the inlet pressures are adjusted correctly.
WARNING:
Operating the analyzer without support gases may cause permanent
damage to certain instrument components.
2. Press the Power button on the front panel of the analyzer to turn on instrument.
A cursor appears in the upper left corner of the display to indicate that the startup
sequence has been initiated. When the software initializes the software version is
briefly reported on screen. Following this screen, the Warm Up screen opens.
3. The Warm Up screen will typically last for 15-20 minutes if the analyzer is cold.
After the instrument is up to temperature, the Home Screen will open.
4. Verify the operating temperature in the Temperature screen.
5. Verify the correct gas pressures and flows. Adjust to factory recommended
pressures as described in the appendix (gas pressures) if necessary.
6. Calibrate the instrument. See Performing an Unscheduled Calibration (P. 2-8).
7. Following calibration, the instrument is ready to run in stand-alone mode.
8. Select “Start Analysis” from the operations menu to start a stand-alone analysis.
When operating in Stand-alone mode, there are five options.
Single Analysis – The device will perform a single analysis and output the data to the
analog outputs according to the loaded method. To set this mode the user should set the
Run # parameter in the method to 1. For more information on methods, see Section 3,
Creating a Method in the SkyChrom manual.
N Analyses – The device will perform an analysis output according to the loaded
method, and start another analysis. When the device completes N analyses (N is an
integer), it will automatically stop. To set this mode the user should set the Run #
parameter in the method to N.
Continuous Analyses – The device will perform an analysis output according to the
loaded method, and start another analysis. The device will repeat these steps until the
user selects the command OPER/STOP ANALYSIS?. To set this mode, the user should
set the Run # parameter in the method to 0.
Start Sequence – In this mode, the instrument will perform the number of analyses and
calibrations according to the loaded sequence and automatically stop. To start this mode,
select the menu commands OPER/START SEQUENCE?. To stop a sequence before

2-6
 Instrument Operation

the end of the last analysis select the menu command OPER/STOP SEQUENCE?.
Installing a new sequence does not change the current method; just as installing a new
method does not change the current sequence.
Start Sequence Loop – In this mode, the instrument will perform the current sequence
repeatedly until the menu command OPER/STOP SEQUENCE LOOP? is selected. To
start this mode use the menu command OPER/START SEQUENCE LOOP?.
For each type of start, the instrument will adjust the analog outputs according to the
method settings. The device will output the results through the COM1 port. An external
PC using an integration package can acquire this data.
Note: For more information on Methods see Creating a Method (Section 3) and
Method Sheet (Section 7) in the SkyChrom manual.
Note: For more information on creating Sequences see Sequence Menu Commands
(Section 5) and Sequence Settings Dialog (Section 7) in the SkyChrom manual.
Note: For more information on installing Sequences see Install Sequence Command
(Instrument Menu) (Section 5) in the SkyChrom manual.

Startup Instructions (Operation with SkyChrom)

See the SkyChrom manual for instructions on operating the 8900 PID GC using
SkyChrom Software.

Startup Instructions (Start from Digital Input)

See the SkyChrom manual Section 7 Method External Start Dialog for instructions on
operating the 8900 PID GC using a digital input.

2-7
 Instrument Operation

Performing an Unscheduled Calibration

Follow the procedure below to perform an unscheduled calibration. These instructions
assume the analyzer is properly connected to an appropriate source of calibration gas, and
that the method is set up correctly to integrate the peaks.
1. From the Home screen, press one of the center two buttons to enter the options
menu.
2. Press the key under OPR to enter the operations menu.
3. Scroll through the operations by pressing the arrow keys until “Calibrate Now” is
displayed. Press the key under “Yes”
4. This initiates a calibration run.
5. Return to the home screen by repeatedly pressing the far left button.
6. In the home screen on the bottom left corner the instrument should display “CL”.
7. After the calibration run is finished, the status indicator will briefly switch to “IN”,
and then to “SB”. This indicates that the calibration is finished.

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 Instrument Operation

Startup Trouble Shooting

If the analyzer continues to display an alarm prompt after a reasonable warm-up period,
follow the steps documented below for the active alarm.

TEMP Alarm
TEMP indicates that the unit has deviated from the current temperature setting.
1. Verify that the analyzer feels warm.
2. If the unit is warm, go into the Parameters mode and look at the current temperature
reported in the "TEMPERATURE?" screen. The analyzer will initiate an alarm
whenever the current temperature differs from the defined setup temperature
(reported in the appendix of this manual) by more than 10%.
3. The current temperature and instrument settings can also be checked using the
SkyChrom software package. Refer to the SkyChrom manual for instructions on
How to… Check Instrument Settings (Section 4).
4. If the analyzer does not feel warm, call Baseline Technical Support for assistance.

FLAMEOUT Alarm
FLAMEOUT indicates that the FID is not lit.
1. Verify the oven temperature has reached the current set point.
2. Verify the Hydrogen and Combustion Air inlet pressures are set according to the
appendix.
3. Verify the Hydrogen and Combustion Air Flows are set according to the appendix.

H2 Alarm
H2 indicates that the FID is not receiving Hydrogen. See the FLAMEOUT Alarm
troubleshooting list.

COMB Alarm
COMB indicates that the FID is not receiving Combustion Air. See the FLAMEOUT
Alarm troubleshooting list.

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 Instrument Operation

Shutdown Message

1. Press the I/O button on the front panel.

The analyzer will briefly display a Shutdown screen. If this screen displays, the setup
configurations have been successfully saved to memory. If the Shutdown screen does
not display, edits made to the setup configurations since the last normal shutdown
have not been saved.

Figure 2-4. Shutdown Screen

Power Switch Do’s and Don’ts

The 8900 is equipped with two power switches: the I/O button on the front panel, and a
switch on the power entry module (next to the power cord). In most situations, the I/O
button on the front panel should be used.
In the event that the 8900’s CPU locks up, it is equipped with a watchdog timer that will
restart the unit after 40 seconds.
WARNING:
After powering the 8900 down, wait a minimum of 30 seconds before re-starting
the instrument. This allows all the internal voltages to drop to zero, and then
start in the correct sequence to avoid damaging the CPU.
WARNING:
Never service the unit while it is connected to an AC power outlet. Before
accessing any internal components, unplug the power cord from the power inlet
module.

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 Instrument Operation

Accidental Power Loss

In the event of an accidental power, loss the 8900 is equipped with several features.
These features vary depending upon how the instrument was started.

While in Stand Alone Mode

If the 8900 looses power while in Stand Alone Mode the action that the instrument takes
depends upon the Run # parameter in the GC Program tab of the method, or if it is
running a sequence or not. See the SkyChrom manual Section 7, Method GC Program
Dialog.
0 = Run #
When the Run # is set to 0 this sets the instrument to a continuous run
mode. In the event of accidental power loss while the instrument is in
this mode, when power returns, the 8900 will automatically re-start,
warm-up, and begin analyzing in a continuous mode.
1…n =Run #
When the Run # is set to some integer, the 8900 runs a number of
analyses equal to that integer and then returns to the stand-by mode. In
the event of accidental power loss while the instrument is in this mode,
when power returns, the 8900 will automatically re-start, warm-up, and
enter the stand-by mode.
While Running a Sequence
While running a loaded Sequence, the instrument runs the specified
runs from the loaded Sequence and then returns to stand-by mode. In
the event of accidental power loss while the instrument is in this mode,
when power returns, the 8900 will automatically re-start, warm-up, and
enter the stand-by mode.
While Running a Sequence Loop
While running a Sequence Loop, the instrument repeatedly runs the
Sequence. In the event of accidental power loss while the instrument is
in this mode, when power returns, the 8900 will automatically re-start,
warm-up, and automatically restart the loaded sequence from the
beginning.

When Controlled by SkyChrom

If the 8900 looses power while being controlled by SkyChrom, the action the instrument
takes depends first upon if the PC controlling it looses power, and second, upon which
mode SkyChrom is controlling the instrument. The action taken by the 8900 in this case
is independent from the Run# in the method, but instead totally dependent upon whether
the current run was a single analysis, analysis sequence, or analysis sequence loop.
Single Analysis
When SkyChrom is running a single analysis, the 8900 runs the
specified number of runs set by the Run # parameter in the GC Program
tab of the Method, and returns to stand-by mode. In the event of an
accidental power loss (pending the PC does not loose power),

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 Instrument Operation

SkyChrom will remain open, showing a partial chromatogram. When

power returns to the instrument the instrument will automatically re-
start, warm up, and enter the stand-by mode. Clicking on the stop
button in SkyChrom will allow a single analysis to be re-started.
Analysis Sequence
When SkyChrom is running an analysis sequence, the 8900 runs the
specified sub-sequences, and then returns to the stand-by mode. In the
event of accidental power loss (pending the PC does not loose power),
SkyChrom will remain open, showing a partial chromatogram. When
power returns to the instrument the instrument will automatically
restart, warm up, and enter the stand-by mode. Clicking on the stop
button in SkyChrom will allow the sequence to be re-started.
Analysis Sequence Loop
When SkyChrom is running an analysis sequence loop, the 8900 runs
the current sequence repeatedly. In the event of accidental power loss
(pending the PC does not loose power), SkyChrom will remain open.
In this case, SkyChrom will timeout, and wait until the 8900 is in the
stand-by mode. When power returns, the 8900 will automatically
restart, warm up, and enter the stand-by mode. After the 8900 enters
the stand-by mode, SkyChrom will automatically restart the sequence
from the beginning. When SkyChrom restarts the sequence, it also
resets the analysis run count. If saving all chromatograms, this shows
the user the time and duration of power outages.

2-12
Section 3 – Manual Mode
General
The Manual Mode allows the user to manually control various operations for
troubleshooting and testing purposes. This allows the user to initiate single operations in
the GC program and check their operation. These operations should not be confused with
a method, which uses these commands in series to perform a chromatographic analysis.
To enter the Manual Mode, press either of the center two buttons on the front panel to
first enter the Options Menu. Next, press the key under “OPR” to enter the Operations
Menu. From here, use the arrow keys to scroll to the manual mode screen, and press the
button under “Yes”.

Figure 3-1. Manual Mode, Main Menu Structure

3-1
 Manual Mode

Options
Once in Manual mode, pressing the keys under ↑ or ↓ will scroll through a list of
commands. The top line of the menu indicates that the manual mode is active, shows the
program clock and the last executed command. The program timer in the manual mode is
reset to 00:00:00 when the CYCLE command is executed, and is started when any other
command is executed.

Manual Mode Commands

• CYCLE Resets the program counter, when executed from a method

this command will also start then next analysis, typically not
used in manual mode
• HALT Halt the program, typically not used in manual mode
• BLA_01 Baseline adjust analog signal 1 (adds offset to attain desired %
FS baseline)
• CBLA_01 Clear baseline adjust from analog signal 1 (removes offset
from analog signal 1 baseline)
• AT1_00 Sets the attenuation on analog output 1 to 20
• AT1_01 Sets the attenuation on analog output 1 to 21
• AT1_02 Sets the attenuation on analog output 1 to 22
• AT1_03 Sets the attenuation on analog output 1 to 23
• AT1_04 Sets the attenuation on analog output 1 to 24
• AT1_05 Sets the attenuation on analog output 1 to 25
• AT1_06 Sets the attenuation on analog output 1 to 26
• AT1_07 Sets the attenuation on analog output 1 to 27
• AT1_08 Sets the attenuation on analog output 1 to 28
• AT1_09 Sets the attenuation on analog output 1 to 29
• AT1_10 Sets the attenuation on analog output 1 to 210
• BLA_02 Baseline adjust analog signal 2 (adds offset to attain desired %
FS baseline)
• CBLA_02 Clear baseline adjust from analog signal 2 (removes offset
from analog signal 1 baseline)
• AT2_00 Sets the attenuation on analog output 2 to 20
• AT2_01 Sets the attenuation on analog output 2 to 21
• AT2_02 Sets the attenuation on analog output 2 to 22
• AT2_03 Sets the attenuation on analog output 2 to 23
• AT2_04 Sets the attenuation on analog output 2 to 24
• AT2_05 Sets the attenuation on analog output 2 to 25
• AT2_06 Sets the attenuation on analog output 2 to 26

3-2
 Manual Mode

• AT2_07 Sets the attenuation on analog output 2 to 27

• AT2_08 Sets the attenuation on analog output 2 to 28
• AT2_09 Sets the attenuation on analog output 2 to 29
• AT2_10 Sets the attenuation on analog output 2 to 210
• RESET Reset all active signals (valves, relays, etc…)
• INJ_1 Actuates the analytical valve to the inject position
• INJ_2 Turns valve 2 on (optional)
• LOAD_1 Actuates the analytical valve to the load position
• LOAD_2 Turns valve 2 off (optional)
• Gain_L Sets the electrometer gain to low
• Gain_M Sets the electrometer gain to medium
• Gain_H Sets the electrometer gain to high
• SS_ 01 Set signal 1 (activate relay 1)
• SS_ 02 Set signal 2 (activate relay 2)
• SS_ 03 Set signal 3 (activate relay 3)
• SS_ 04 Set signal 4 (activate relay 4)
• SS_ 05 Set signal 5 (activate relay 5)
• SS_ 06 Not used
• RS_ 01 Reset signal 1 (deactivate relay 1)
• RS_ 02 Reset signal 2 (deactivate relay 2)
• RS_ 03 Reset signal 3 (deactivate relay 3)
• RS_ 04 Reset signal 4 (deactivate relay 4)
• RS_ 05 Reset signal 5 (deactivate relay 5)
• RS_ 06 Not used

3-3
Section 4 – Information Mode
General
The Information Mode allows the user to view system information.
The user can easily view this information by navigating through the information features
diagramed in figure 5-1.

Figure 4-1. Information Mode, Main Menu Structure

4-1
 Serial Communications

System Information
The system information screens show the user how the instrument software has been
configured. This information includes the number of temperature zones, flow zones and
software v

Figure 4-2. System Information, Menu Structure

Reading the System Information

1. If not already engaged, initiate Information Mode.
2. Press either of the center two buttons in the Home screen to open the Options menu.
Press INFO in the Options menu to put the analyzer into Information mode.
3. Press YES in the System Information screen.
4. Press the Back key again to back-out of Info mode. Alternatively, press t h e <- or
the -> key to advance to the next information feature.

4-2