Thermo Scientific

Valve Oven
For TRACE GC Ultra
Operating Manual
PN 31709363, Revision May 2010

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Valve Oven Operating Manual
May 2010 Edition
Part Number 317 093 63
© 2007-2010 Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. All rights reserved.
Printed in Italy

Published by Thermo Fisher Scientific S.p.A., Strada Rivoltana, 20090 Rodano - Milan - Italy
Tel: +39 02 95059355 Fax: +39 02 95059388

Printing History: First Edition, released May 1999.

Second Edition, released July 2002
Third Edition, released May 2003
Fourth Edition, released April 2004
Fifth Edition, released, January 2005
Sixth Edition, released May 2007
Seventh Edition, released April 2009
Eighth Edition, released October 2009
Ninth Edition, released May 2010

Disclaimer
Technical Information contained in this publication is for reference purposes only and is subject to change without notice. Every effort has
been made to supply complete and accurate information; however, Thermo Fisher Scientific assumes no responsibility and will not be liable
for any errors, omissions, damage, or loss that might result from any use of this manual or the information contained therein (even if this
information is properly followed and problems still arise).

This publication is not part of the Agreement of Sale between Thermo Fisher Scientific and the purchaser of a TRACE™ GC Ultra system. In
the event of any conflict between the provisions of this document and those contained in Thermo Fisher Scientific’s Terms and Conditions,
the provisions of the Terms and Conditions shall govern.

Reference to System Configurations and Specifications supercede all previous information and are subject to change without notice.

Trademarks
TRACE™ GC Ultra is a trademark of Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., and its subsidiaries. Other brand and product names may be trademarks
or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
 Contents
About This Manual..................................................................................................................................v
Overview .................................................................................................................................... v
Conventions Used in This Manual............................................................................................vi
Instrument Markings and Symbols ..........................................................................................vii
Using the TRACE GC Ultra Document Set.............................................................................. ix

Chapter 1
Valve Oven Overview......................................................................................................................... 11
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 12
Options ........................................................................................................................ 13
Installation and Power Requirements....................................................................................... 14
Power Requirements and Voltage Selection............................................................... 15
Valve Oven Components ......................................................................................................... 16
Heated Section ............................................................................................................ 17
Unheated Section ........................................................................................................ 17
Valves.......................................................................................................................... 17
Column........................................................................................................................ 17

Chapter 2
Valve Installation................................................................................................................................ 19
Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 20
Opening the Valve Oven.......................................................................................................... 20
Installing Valves in the Heated Oven....................................................................................... 21
Installing Valves in the Unheated Compartment ..................................................................... 28
Installing Valves in the Valve Box .......................................................................................... 31
Valve Box for up to Six Valves .................................................................................. 31
Valve Box for up to Two Valves ................................................................................ 31
Configuring Valves .................................................................................................................. 32
Gas Sampling Valves .................................................................................................. 32
Switching Valves ........................................................................................................ 32

Chapter 3
Operation............................................................................................................................................ 35
Operating Valves Manually ..................................................................................................... 36
Operating Valves Automatically.............................................................................................. 38
Adding a Gas Sampling Valve Event to the Run Table.............................................. 38
Adding a Gas Switching Valve Event to the Run Table............................................. 40

Operating Manual iii

Contents

Chapter 4
Troubleshooting .................................................................................................................................43
Leak testing................................................................................................................. 43
Valve Switching ......................................................................................................... 44
Valve Plumbing .......................................................................................................... 45

Appendix A
Customer Communication ...............................................................................................................47
How To Contact Us ................................................................................................................. 47
Reader Survey............................................................................................................. 48

Glossary ................................................................................................................................................ 49

Index...................................................................................................................................................... 55

iv Operating Manual
 About This Manual
Overview
This Valve Oven Operating Manual contains information for operating the Valve
Oven, including Troubleshooting and ordering spare parts.

This manual is organized as follows:

Chapter 1, Valve Oven Overview, provides an overview to TRACE GC Ultra

Valve Oven features and components.

Chapter 2, Valve Installation, provides instructions for installing valves in the

TRACE GC Ultra Valve Oven.

Chapter 3, Operation, presents operating instructions for the TRACE GC Ultra

Valve Oven.

Chapter 4, Troubleshooting, has information to help you find and correct potential
problems when using the TRACE GC Ultra Valve Oven.

Appendix A, Customer Communication, has contact information for Thermo

Fisher Scientific offices worldwide. This appendix also contains a one-page
Reader Survey. Use this survey to give us feedback on this manual and help us
improve the quality of our documentation.

The Glossary is an alphabetical descriptive list of terms common to this industry.

This also includes abbreviations, acronyms, metric prefixes, and symbols.

The Index presents an alphabetical list of key terms and topics in this guide,
including cross references and the corresponding page numbers.

Operating Manual v
Conventions Used in This Manual
The following symbols and typographical conventions are used throughout this
manual.

Bold Bold text indicates names of windows, menus, dialog boxes,

buttons, and fields.
Italic Italic indicates cross references, first references to important
terms defined in the glossary, and special emphasis.
Monospace Monospace, or Courier, indicates filenames and file paths, or
text the user should enter with the keyboard.
Monospace Monospace Bold indicates messages or prompts displayed on
Bold the computer screen or on a digital display.
» This symbol illustrates menu paths to select, such as
File»Open….
KEY NAME Bold, uppercase sans serif font indicates the name of a key on
a keyboard or keypad, such as ENTER.
This symbol alerts you to an action or procedure that, if
CAUTION performed improperly, could damage the instrument.

This symbol alerts you to important information related to the

NOTE text in the previous paragraph.

This symbol alerts you to an action or procedure that, if

WARNING! performed improperly, could result in damage to the
instrument or possible physical harm to the user. This symbol
may be followed by icons indicating special precautions that
should be taken to avoid injury.

vi Operating Manual
Instrument Markings and Symbols
The following table explains the symbols used on Thermo Fisher Scientific
instruments. Not all of them are used on the TRACE GC Ultra gas chromatograph
and Valve Oven.

Symbol Description
Direct Current

Alternating Current

Both direct and alternating current

Three-phase alternating current

3

Earth (ground) terminal

Protective conductor terminal

Frame or chassis terminal

Equipotentiality

On (Supply)

Off (Supply)

Operating Manual vii

 Symbol Description
Equipment protected throughout by DOUBLE
INSULATION or REINFORCED INSULATION
(Equivalent to Class II of IEC 536)
Instruction manual symbol affixed to product. Indicates
that the user must refer to the manual for specific
Warning or Caution information to avoid personal
injury or damage to the product.
Caution, risk of electric shock

Caution, hot surface

Caution (refer to accompanying documents)

In-position of a bistable push control

Out-position of a bistable push control

viii Operating Manual

Using the TRACE GC Ultra Document Set
The TRACE GC Ultra Document Set (CD-Rom PN 317 095 00) includes all
manuals in electronic format, and serves as your library for information about the
TRACE hardware and software.
The TRACE GC Ultra Document Set (PN 317 093 00) as paper copy is also
available Furthermore, Thermo Fisher Scientific part numbers (PN) for the paper
copy manuals are provided for each book title.

Site Preparation and Installation Manual (PN 317 091 90)

This manual and diskette describes how to set up a workspace for the TRACE GC
and how to connect the TRACE GC Ultra to the gas supplies and peripheral
devices.

Acceptance Package (PN 317 092 20)

This folder contains required shipping documents and quality report forms.

Getting Started (PN 317 092 30)

This guide contains sequences for checking configuration, installing detectors,
and making a first analysis with the TRACE GC Ultra.

Operating Manual (PN 317 091 70)

This manual provides descriptions of the TRACE GC Ultra hardware and
software and instructions for their use.

UFM Ultra Fast Module Device (PN 317 093 98)

This manual provides descriptions of the TRACE GC Ultra equipped with the
UFM device. and instructions for it use.

Quick Reference Card (PN 317092 40)

This reference card contains guidelines for carrier gas use and injection
sequences.

K-Factor Quick Reference (P/N 317 092 41)

This reference card contains information to interpretate results from a Column
Evaluation.

Operating Manual ix
 Preventive Maintenance Schedule (PN 317 092 80)
This document provides a list of recommended scheduled maintenance and a
year-long log book to record maintenance, observations, supply lists, and service
records.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting Guide (PN 317 091 80)

This manual contains instructions for diagnosing and resolving operational
problems.

Standard Operating Procedures (PN 317 092 00)

This manual contains instructions, operating sequences, and test criteria for final
testing of the TRACE GC Ultra.

Spare Parts Catalog (PN 317 092 10)

This catalog contains a list of spare parts for the TRACE GC Ultra.

x Operating Manual
Valve Oven Overview
1
This chapter provides an overview to TRACE GC Ultra Valve Oven features and
components.

Chapter at a Glance...
Introduction ..........................................................................................................12
Installation and Power Requirements...................................................................14
Valve Oven Components ......................................................................................16

Operating Manual 11
Chapter 1
Valve Oven Overview Introduction

Introduction
The TRACE GC Ultra Valve Oven, shown in Figure 1-1, is a temperature
controlled enclosure for mounting up to six (four heated + two unheated)
sampling and/or switching valves, 1/8-inch OD packed columns and up to eight
needle valves and four pressure regulators.

A large number of applications require this additional space for a correct analysis
setup.

HEATED SAMPLE
TRANSFER LINE

HEATED SAMPLE
TRANSFER LINE

D H L

E I M

F J N

G K O

WARNING
USE ONLY THE ORIGINAL
POWER SUPPLY
FOR THIS INSTRUMENTS
AIR
POWER 800 kPa/120 psi Max

Front View Rear View

Figure 1-1. The Valve Oven

12 Operating Manual
 Chapter 1
Introduction Valve Oven Overview

Options
The type of valve enclosure can be selected among three different options
depending on the analytical requirements.

1. TRACE GC Ultra Valve Oven

It provides an additional isothermal heated zone to accommodate valves and
columns. It consists of an inner heated enclosure and an external unheated
area. The former is designed to house up to four heated valves, restrictors and
1/8-inch OD packed columns. The latter houses up to two valves and pressure
regulators. This option is therefore particularly suitable for applications such
as natural gas or refinery gas analyses where, together with the GC column
oven, an additional isothermally heated area is required for gas sampling,
column switching, storing or sample cutting valves. It can accommodate up to
four constant pressure regulators, up to eight needle valves, plus front and rear
sample and carrier gas inlets/outlets.

2. TRACE GC Ultra Valve Box for Up to Six Valves

This version is the same as previous option (TRACE GC Ultra Valve Oven)
but without heating elements. It provides an additional cold zone to
accommodate up to four gas sampling/switching valves, up to two valves for
liquid sampling, restrictors and 1/8-inch OD packed columns.
It is therefore particularly suitable for engineered applications that can be
exploited at ambient temperature, for which multi-column and/or multi-valve
configurations (sampling, switching, storing or heart-cutting) are required.
It can also accommodate up to four constant pressure regulators, up to eight
needle valves, plus front and rear sample and carrier gas inlets/outlets

3. TRACE GC Ultra Valve Box for Up to Two Valves

This version is the same as previous option (TRACE GC Ultra Valve Box for
Up to Six Valves) but can accommodate ONLY up to two valves, thus
providing a customized solution for not highly demanding engineered
applications. This version does not include any electronics; the drivers for the
two three-way-valves controlling the pneumatic actuators are installed on the
TRACE GC Ultra. It is able to accept restrictors and 1/8-inch OD packed
columns; it can also accommodate up to four constant pressure regulators, up
to eight needle valves, plus front and rear sample and carrier gas inlets/outlets.
When up to two Valco Purged valves are required (e.g. applications with
Pulsed Discharge Detector), this option has to be selected for their housing.

Operating Manual 13
Chapter 1
Valve Oven Overview Installation and Power Requirements

For more informations, refer to Valve Oven Components.

NOTE When any Valve box (heated or unheated) is configured with valves, these are factory
tested to verify actuation but are NOT plumbed.
Plumbing can be performed upon availability of plumbing diagrams.

Materials needed:
Shop air or bottled air at a pressure of 60–80 psi
Helium, Nitrogen, or other gas depending on your applications

Installation and Power Requirements

The Valve Oven is attached to TRACE GC Ultra and it is factory installed and
configured. On-site installation is related to the gas plumbing defined by the
customer’s application or accompanying diagram.

Power On Indicator

Figure 1-2. The Valve Oven and the TRACE GC Ultra

14 Operating Manual
 Chapter 1
Installation and Power Requirements Valve Oven Overview

Power Requirements and Voltage Selection

Valve ovens installed by the factory will contain the line voltage selected as noted
by the sales order, 115 V ac or 230 V ac. The line voltage selection can be
changed by relocating a jumper located behind the valve driver electronics (Figure
1-3).

CAUTION AC line voltage is applied to the valve oven when the main GC is turned on. Turn the
main GC power off before removing the valve oven heaters.

Valve oven power for the 24 V dc solenoid is supplied by an external power

module that plugs into the rear of the valve oven. This power module will accept
input voltage from 106 V ac to 240 V ac. A green light on the front of the valve
oven (Power On Indicator) indicates when the power module is plugged in
(Figure 1-2).

NOTE In case of using the TRACE GC Ultra Valve Box for up two valves, any power supply is
necessary since the solenoid valves are activated directly by the TRACE GC Ultra.

Operating Manual 15
Chapter 1
Valve Oven Overview Valve Oven Components

Valve Oven Components

The TRACE GC Ultra Valve Oven consists of four major components as shown
in Figure 1-3.
• Headed Enclosure
• Unheated Enclosure
• Valve
• Column

5
1

3 2

1. Heated Enclosure 4. Valve Driver Electronics

2. Unheated Enclosure 5. Columns
3. Valves
Figure 1-3. TRACE GC Ultra Valve Oven Components

16 Operating Manual
 Chapter 1
Valve Oven Components Valve Oven Overview

Heated Section
The heated enclosure is a temperature controlled (40 to 175 °C) isothermally
heated zone, able to contain the following:
• up to four (4) valves with associated sample loops
• up to fifty feet of 1/8” OD stainless steel column with associated clamp and
fixed unions
• up to eight (8) heated needle valves (restrictors) accessible from the front
• provisions for sample transfer directly into the heated zone from the front or
rear of the unit

Unheated Section
Unheated enclosures can contain the following:
• two unheated pneumatic Valco liquid or gas sample injection valves
• up to four pressure regulators installed on the front of the unit, and one
mounted internally
• up to six in and out connections for sample loading/vent/flow measurement

Valves
Your TRACE GC Ultra Valve Oven has the following available valves:
• standard pneumatic Valco rotary valves
• standard pneumatic Valco rotary valves with purged housing

Column
Although the type of column you use will vary depending on your application, the
TRACE GC Ultra Valve Oven typically uses packed columns. The column
mounting area can accommodate 1/8” OD columns.

Operating Manual 17
Chapter 1
Valve Oven Overview Valve Oven Components

18 Operating Manual
Valve Installation
2
This chapter provides instructions for installing and configuring valves in the
TRACE GC Ultra Valve Oven.

Chapter at a Glance
Introduction ..........................................................................................................20
Opening the Valve Oven.......................................................................................20
Installing Valves in the Heated Oven ...................................................................21
Installing Valves in the Unheated Compartment ..................................................28
Installing Valves in the Valve Box........................................................................31
Configuring Valves...............................................................................................32

Operating Manual 19
Chapter 2
Valve Installation Introduction

Introduction
NOTE Before starting, cool the Valve Oven to 50°C or cooler. Do not turn the GC off.

The heated section of the Valve Oven accepts standard Valco gas actuated valves
with 3-inch standoff. The unheated section will accommodate Valco gas actuated
valves without standoff.

CAUTION Be careful not to mix actuators with valves that have different numbers of ports, as
the actuator travel for each valve can be different.

Opening the Valve Oven

WARNING! The Valve Oven cover can be very hot. Use caution when removing the heated Valve
Oven cover.

1. Remove the top cover by releasing a single screw on the Valve Oven
compartment rear panel.

2. Slide the panel toward the rear about ½ inch and lift away. This exposes the
heated Valve Oven cover and valve pneumatics.

3. To remove the heated Valve Oven cover, locate the two thumb screws on the
lower edge of the heated Valve Oven cover.

4. Turn these screws counter clockwise (ccw) to release the cover. The cover can
be removed by lifting up and pulling out.

20 Operating Manual
 Chapter 2
Installing Valves in the Heated Oven Valve Installation

Installing Valves in the Heated Oven

Installing valves consists of the following steps:

Step 1. Installing the solenoid

Step 2. Disassembling the valve and actuator

Step 3. Installing the valve and standoff

Step 4. Connecting gas lines from the solenoid to the actuator

Step 5. Installing the actuator to the valve standoff

Step 6. Testing the valve

CAUTION Turn the actuator gas off before you start these procedures.

Step 1. Installing the Solenoid Valves

1. Locate the solenoid manifold in the rear floor of the valve compartment
(Figure 2-1). The space closest to the rear of the GC is reserved for
pneumatic valve 1, next is valve two, and so on. 
A total of 6 pneumatic valves can be installed (up to 4 in the upper
compartment and up to 2 in the lower).

2. Remove the rectangular shaped cap from the manifold using the #0 phillips
screwdriver.

3. Secure the solenoid valve to the underplate using the two screws supplied
with the valve.

CAUTION Tighten screws evenly, taking care that the solenoid gasket rests on all surfaces to
prevent leaks

Operating Manual 21
Chapter 2
Valve Installation Installing Valves in the Heated Oven

1 2 3 4
1. Time Event Output Jack 2. Solenoid Manifold
3. Valve 1 Position 4. Valve 2 Position

Figure 2-1. Timed Event Output Jacks, Solenoid Manifold, and Valve Positions

4. Connect the cable from the solenoid valve (Figure 2-4) to the proper timed
event output jack (Figure 2-2) located in the lower rear inside corner of the
valve compartment. 
Valve 1 is attached to timed event #8 (TE8), Valve 2 is attached to timed
event #7 (TE7), and so forth (Figure 2-2).

22 Operating Manual
 Chapter 2
Installing Valves in the Heated Oven Valve Installation

TE #1 TE #2 TE #3 TE #4 TE #5 TE #6 TE #7 TE #8 Sensor

Figure 2-2. Timed Event (TE) Output Jacks

Step 2. Disassembling the Valve and Actuator

NOTE Valves are usually installed starting from the mounting hole closest to the rear of the Valve
Oven.

1. Remove any insulation found in the valve mounting hole. The valve mounting
hole is located in the lower Valve Oven heater block.

2. Inspect the valve and actuator being sure the valve is in the counter clock wise
(ccw) position. The ccw position is when the mechanical stop is in the
position noted in Figure 2-3. If the valve is not in the ccw position, locate the
square nut on the opposite end of the actuator (Figure 2-5).

Operating Manual 23
Chapter 2
Valve Installation Installing Valves in the Heated Oven

yyyyy
@@


;; @@@


;;;
Clockwise (CW) Position Counterclockwise (CCW) Position

@@yyy


;;
yy @@@


;;;
Mechanical stop

Figure 2-3. Mechanical Stop Positions for both CW and CCW

3. Using a 5/16” or 8mm wrench, rotate the nut to the ccw position (Figure 2-5).

4. Once the valve is in the ccw position, separate the actuator from the valve and
standoff by loosening the allen screw in collar B (Figure 2-5).

CAUTION Be careful to pull the actuator away from the valve standoff by gripping the standoff
but without rotating the actuator or the valve.

NOTE Handle the valve and standoff with care so the two pieces do not separate.

5. Remove the collar attached to the valve standoff (collar A, Figure 2-5) by
loosening the screw that secures the collar to the valve standoff. This collar
mounts to the Valve Oven heater block.

Step 3. Installing the Valve and Standoff

1. Locate the desired valve position in the heater block and place the collar over
the hole in the heater block.

2. Secure the collar using two M 4 x10 mm screws. Be sure the 7/64” set screw
in the collar is accessible from the outer edge of the Valve Oven.

24 Operating Manual
 Chapter 2
Installing Valves in the Heated Oven Valve Installation

3. Grip the valve standoff by the standoff only, and slide it through the collar
allowing it to extend into the lower valve compartment.

Step 4. Connecting Gas Lines from the Solenoid Valve o the Actuator

NOTE Gas lines are much easier to connect to the actuator if the connection is made before the
actuator is assembled to the valve.

1. Locate the 1/8 in. nylon tubing supplied in the Valve Oven kit and cut it into
two equal 12” pieces.

2. Push one of the tube pieces into the lower fitting on the actuator assembly,
making sure it passes through the ferrule in the actuator fitting. Tighten the
nut and ferrule using a 3/8” open end wrench. Use a backup 3/8” open end
wrench on the mating piece that is screwed into the actuator.

3. Place the other end of the tubing into the valve solenoid fitting located on the
outside edge (Figure 2-4) of the solenoid by pushing the tubing firmly into the
fitting. It should automatically seal in place.

2
1. Inside Edge Solenoids 2. Outside Edge Solenoids
Figure 2-4. Solenoid Manifold Edges

4. Turn the actuator gas supply on. This line should now be pressurized.

Operating Manual 25
Chapter 2
Valve Installation Installing Valves in the Heated Oven

5. Verify there are no major leaks in the fittings.

NOTE Applying pressure to this side of the actuator will ensure that the actuator stays in the ccw
position.

6. Take the other 1/8” piece of nylon tubing and place it in the upper fitting on
the actuator. Be sure the tube passes through the ferrule in the fitting. Tighten
the fitting using the 3/8” open end backup wrench.

7. Connect the opposite end to the solenoid fitting.

NOTE The tubing can be released from the solenoid by pushing down on the solenoid fitting and
pulling out on the tubing at the same time.

Step 5. Installing the Actuator to the Valve Standoff

1. Carefully fit the actuator into the valve standoff being sure not to rotate the
valve.

2. Once the two square fittings on the actuator and valve are coupled, tighten the
collar on the valve. Be sure this fitting is very tight so the actuator will not
rotate on the valve standoff.

3. Slide the valve and actuator assembly up or down to the desired location and
tighten the upper collar to hold the valve and actuator in place.

26 Operating Manual
 Chapter 2
Installing Valves in the Heated Oven Valve Installation

1. Valve
1
2. Mechanical Stop Valve
2 3. Valve Standorf
3
4. M4 x 10 mm Screws
4 5
5. Collar “A”
6. Collar Set Screws
6 7. Heater Plate
7
8. Collar “B”
8
9. Actuator
10 Square Nut

10

Figure 2-5. Installing the actuator to the valve standoff

Step 6. Testing the Valve

1. Configure the valve and rotate it clockwise and counter-clockwise. Refer to

Chapter 3, Operation for more information.

2. Ensure that the valve moves freely in both directions.

3. Refer to Figure 2-3 and inspect the valve stop when the valve is in both
positions to ensure that the stop is at the travel limit on each side.

Operating Manual 27
Chapter 2
Valve Installation Installing Valves in the Unheated Compartment

Installing Valves in the Unheated Compartment

Unheated valves are installed in the area below the Valve Oven. Unheated valves
do not use a standoff. Valves and actuator assemblies are installed without
removing the actuator from the valve.

Installing valves in the unheated compartment consists of the following steps:

Step 1. Installing the Mounting Bracket

Step 2. Connecting gas lines from the solenoid to the actuator

Step 3. Installing the valve and bracket

CAUTION Turn the actuator gas off before you start these procedures.

Step 1. Installing the Mounting Bracket

Each unheated valve assembly will require a mounting bracket, included as part of
the liquid valve assembly.

1. Install the bracket to the lower portion of the actuator using two M4 x 10
screws (Figure 2-6).

2. Choose two mounting holes in the bracket that will allow the actuator and the
valve to be oriented in a favorable direction.

Step 2. Connecting Gas Lines from the Solenoid to the Actuator

NOTE Gas lines are much easier to connect to the actuator if the connection is made before the
valve/actuator and bracket are secured to the floor of the valve enclosure.

1. Locate the 1/8” nylon tubing supplied in the Valve Oven kit and cut it into
two equal 12” pieces.

2. Push one of the tube pieces into the lower fitting on the actuator assembly,
making sure it passes through the ferrule in the actuator fitting. Tighten the
nut and ferrule using a 3/8” open end wrench. Use a backup 3/8” open end
wrench on the mating piece that is screwed into the actuator.

28 Operating Manual
 Chapter 2
Installing Valves in the Unheated Compartment Valve Installation

3. Place the other end of the tubing into the valve solenoid fitting located on the
outside edge of the solenoid by pushing the tubing firmly into the fitting. It
should automatically seal in place.

4. Turn the actuator gas supply on. This line should now be pressurized.

5. Verify there are no noticeable leaks in the fittings.

NOTE Applying pressure to this side of the actuator will ensure that the valve and actuator rotates
to the ccw position.

6. Take the other 1/8 in piece of nylon tubing and place it in the upper fitting on
the actuator. Be sure the tube passes through the ferrule in the fitting. Tighten
using the 3/8” open end wrench with backup.

7. Connect the opposite end to the inside fitting on the solenoid.

Step 3. Installing the Valve Bracket

Once the gas lines are attached to the actuator and the valves, the actuator and
bracket are ready to be mounted inside the valve compartment.

1. Locate the three sets of mounting holes in the Valve Oven compartment floor.

2. Select the desired set of holes and secure the valve bracket to the holes using
M 4 x 10 screws (Figure 2-6).

NOTE Liquid sample valves should be mounted such that the C and P ports are next to the feed-
throughs in the Valve Oven.

Operating Manual 29
Chapter 2
Valve Installation Installing Valves in the Unheated Compartment

2
3

1. Valve 2. Valve Mechanical Stop

3. Collar “A” 4. Actuator

Figure 2-6. Installing an Unheated Compartment Valve

30 Operating Manual
 Chapter 2
Installing Valves in the Valve Box Valve Installation

Installing Valves in the Valve Box

This version of Valve Oven is used when any valves heating is required.

Valve Box for up to Six Valves

This option is analogous to the Valve Oven but without heating elements.
Hence, for the valves installation procedure, follows all the steps described
previously for the heated oven and unheated compartment.

Refer to:
• Installing Valves in the Heated Oven
• Installing Valves in the Unheated Compartment

Valve Box for up to Two Valves

This option does not contain any heating elements. Besides, it is designed to
accommodate only up to two valves.It does not include any electronics and the
solenoid valves controlling the valves actuators are driven by the TRACE GC
Ultra.
The solenoid valves are connected to the timed event output located on the Mother
Board of the TRACE GC Ultra.
— Sampling Valve 1 must be connected to J51
— Sampling Valve 2 must be connected to J52

Then, the valves installation follows the same procedure described previously for
the heated oven and unheated compartment.

Refer to:
• Installing Valves in the Heated Oven
• Installing Valves in the Unheated Compartment

Operating Manual 31
Chapter 2
Valve Installation Configuring Valves

Configuring Valves
The valves in the Valve Oven are gas-actuated. The valves are controlled by
solenoid valves that are turned on and off by timed events. Each solenoid valve
uses one timed event. Valve 1 will use timed event # 8, Valve 2 will use timed
event # 7, and so on. Once a valve occupies a timed event, this timed event is
removed from the list of external events that can be added to a run table.

You can configure a valve to be a gas sampling valve or a switching valve.

Gas Sampling Valves

Gas sampling valves have two positions—Load and Inject. These correspond to
the OFF and ON positions, respectively. Gas sampling valves are plumbed so that
counter-clockwise position is Load and the clockwise position is Inject

yyyyy
@@


;; @@@


;;;
Load (OFF) Position Inject (ON) Position

@@yyy


;;
yy @@@


;;;
Mechanical stop

Figure 2-7. Mechanical Stop Positions for Gas Valves

Switching Valves
Switching valves have two positions—On and Off. Switching valves are plumbed
so that the counter-clockwise position is Off and the clockwise position is On.

NOTE Typically, the valve nearest to the rear of the Valve Oven will be configured as valve 1.

1. Press CONFIG on the TRACE GC Ultra keypad.

32 Operating Manual
 Chapter 2
Configuring Valves Valve Installation

2. Scroll to Valves and press ENTER.

3. Select Valve #1 and press ENTER.

• If you want valve #1 to be a gas sampling valve, select Gas sampling.

• If you want valve #1 to be a switching valve, select Switching.

4. Press ENTER.

5. Press CLEAR to return to the Configure Valves menu.

6. Repeat as necessary for the remaining valves in the Valve Oven or valve
compartment.

yyyyy
@@


;; @@@


;;;
Clockwise (CW) Position Counterclockwise (CCW) Position

@@yyy


;;
yy @@@


;;;
Mechanical stop

Figure 2-8. Mechanical Stop Positions for Switching Valves

Operating Manual 33
Chapter 2
Valve Installation Configuring Valves

34 Operating Manual
Operation
3
This chapter presents operating instructions for the TRACE GC Ultra Valve
Oven. 
The valves can be operated manually using the keypad on the TRACE GC Ultra,
or automatically using the run table accessed on the TRACE GC Ultra keypad.

Chapter at a Glance...
Operating Valves Manually ..................................................................................36
Operating Valves Automatically...........................................................................38

Operating Manual 35
Chapter 3
Operation Operating Valves Manually

Operating Valves Manually

1. Press VALVES on the TRACE GC Ultra keypad.

Valves Key

Figure 3-1. The TRACE GC Ultra Keypad, Showing the Valves Key

2. Scroll to the valve you want to operate.

The display may look like this:

VALVES
Inlet Valves
#1 Gas Sample Load <
#2 Switching Off

• If the valve is a gas sampling valve, press On to place the valve in the
Inject position or Off to place the valve in the Load position.

36 Operating Manual
 Chapter 3
Operating Valves Manually Operation

• If the valve is a switching valve, press On to place the valve in the

clockwise (CW) position or Off to place the valve in counterclockwise
(CCW) position.

The display changes to reflect the current valve state.

• The default conditions of a switching valve determines which position

(ON or OFF) the valve is in after GC initialization and after a run is
completed. The default conditions can be changed by selecting Switch
vlv defaults from the VALVES menu.

VALVES
#2 Switching Off
#3 Gas Sample Load
Switch vlv defaults Off<

• Scroll to the switching valve you wish to change and press On or Off to
enter its new default condition.

Operating Manual 37
Chapter 3
Operation Operating Valves Automatically

Operating Valves Automatically

Press the RUN TABLE key to access the TRACE GC Ultra Run Table display.
You can automatically switch valves by adding the desired valve event to the run
table.

Run Table Key

Figure 3-2. The TRACE GC Ultra Keypad, Showing the Run Table Key

Adding a Gas Sampling Valve Event to the Run Table

1. On the TRACE GC Ultra keypad, press RUN TABLE.

RUN TIME EVENTS

<None>
Add run time event <
Ext. event defaults

38 Operating Manual
 Chapter 3
Operating Valves Automatically Operation

2. Scroll to Add Run Time Event and press ENTER.

SELECT EVENT to add

Signal
Valve <
External Event

3. Select Valve and press ENTER.

4. Scroll to the sampling valve that you want to add and press ENTER.

SELECT PARAM to Add

Valve #1 Sampling <
Valve #2 Switching
Valve #3 Sampling

The following screen appears:

RUN TIME EVENT

Valve #1 Sampling
Inject at 0.00
Inject for 0.00

The Inject at parameter is the time into the run that the sample is to be
injected. The Inject for parameter is the time that the valve remains into the
inject position. After that time, the valve returns to the Load position. If the
Inject for time exceeds the GC run time, the GC will automatically reset the
valve to the Load position at the end of the run.

5. Repeat as necessary for any remaining sampling valves. If you need to edit a
run table entry, select the entry to be edited and press ENTER.

NOTE To delete a run table entry, select it and press CLEAR. The TRACE GC Ultra will ask you if
you really want to delete the entry. Press YES.

Operating Manual 39
Chapter 3
Operation Operating Valves Automatically

6. Press CLEAR three times to exit to the Run Event table.

NOTE Pressing CLEAR within a run table entry will delete that entry. To use CLEAR to back out
of the menu, you must first be out of the run table entries themselves.

Adding a Gas Switching Valve Event to the Run Table

For switching valves, two run time entries are required—one to switch the valves
on and one to switch the valves off.

1. On the TRACE GC Ultra keypad, press RUN TABLE.

2. Scroll to Add run time event and press ENTER.

3. Select Valve and press ENTER.

SELECT PARAM to Add

Valve #1 Sampling
Valve #2 Switching <
Valve #3 Sampling

4. Scroll to the Switching valve that you want to add and press ENTER.

RUN TIME EVENT

Valve #2 Switching
Run time 0.00
Setpoint On (Off)

The Run time parameter is the time into the run when the valve switches to the
new position. The Setpoint parameter is the position that the valve will go to at
the selected time. The On value usually designates a clockwise switch and the Off
value designates a counterclockwise switch.

If you want the valve to switch back to its original position at the end of run, then
do not need enter a second run table entry.

40 Operating Manual
 Chapter 3
Operating Valves Automatically Operation

If you want the valve to switch back before the end of run, press CLEAR to return
to the SELECT PARAM to add menu and select the same valve again. Press
ENTER. Type the desired switching time and press ENTER. Select the position the
valve is to return to by selecting ON or OFF and press ENTER. With no run table
entries selected, press CLEAR multiple times to exit to the run event table.

OPERATING PROCEDURE
Heating the Valve Oven
1. On the TRACE GC Ultra keypad, press AUX.

2. Scroll to Temperature Zones and press ENTER.

AUXILIARY ZONE
Valve oven 43 175

current value target value

3. Enter the target temperature and press ENTER.

NOTE Press INFO to determine temperature limits.

Operating Manual 41
Chapter 3
Operation Operating Valves Automatically

42 Operating Manual
Troubleshooting
4
This chapter has information to help you to find and correct potential problems
when using the TRACE GC Ultra Valve Oven.

Chapter at a Glance…
Leak Testing ......................................................................................................... 43
Valve Switching....................................................................................................44
Valve Plumbing ....................................................................................................45

The most common problem associated with valves and plumbing are leaks, valves
not switching properly, and valves not plumbed correctly.

Leak testing
Leak testing requires studying plumbing diagrams and system configurations.

1. Identify all gas sources leading into the flow path to be leak tested. Determine
if the gas sources are either a common source or if they are at the same bottle
pressure.

2. Be sure all components in the sample path will withstand the pressure being
applied to the system.

3. Be sure all possible gas outlets are blocked. This will require knowing how to
identify the various flow paths throughout the valving system to be sure vents
are blocked or bypassed.

NOTE Leak should be detected using an electronic leak detector (Thermo Scientific GLD Pro, or
equivalent).

Operating Manual 43
Chapter 4
Troubleshooting

Refer to the TRACE operations manual, Chapter 4, Gases and Controls, for leak
test suggestions and the necessary hardware required to pressure check a
plumbing system.

Table 4-1. Leak Testing for Valves

Symptom Cause Remedy
Valve leaking between Defective rotor Replace rotor or valve
ports
Valve leaking around Valve rotor not seating Tighten rotor
rotor properly
Rotor Defective Replace Rotor in valve
Leaking out valve ports Ferrule not seating Replace ferrule

Valve Switching
Valco valves contain a rotor that is turned by the actuator. This rotor channels the
gas between the various ports of the valve. If the rotor is not being switched
properly, a flow path may be partially or fully blocked, or leaks may occur
between valve ports.

Each valve contains a mechanical stop that should reach an extreme when the
valve is rotated in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction. Close inspection
of the valve will indicate if the valve is being switched to its limits, Figure 2-4.
Actuator pressure should be 420 Kpa (60psig) to 630 Kpa (90 psig).

Table 4-2. Causes and Remedies for Improper Valve Switching

Cause Remedy
Low actuator line pressure Increase line pressure
Solenoid not actuating Verify timed event is set correctly
Check voltage at solenoid
Replace defective solenoid

44 Operating Manual
 Chapter 4
Troubleshooting

Table 4-2. Causes and Remedies for Improper Valve Switching (Continued)
Cause Remedy
Actuator leaking Replace actuator
Valve event not set correctly Check valve event configuration and
event in the run table

Valve Plumbing
Verify the valve and system plumbing conforms to the appropriate plumbing
diagram for your system setup (See Chapter 3). Trace the plumbing from port to
port to insure all connections are made properly

Operating Manual 45
Chapter 4
Troubleshooting

46 Operating Manual
Customer
A
Communication
Thermo Fisher Scientific provides comprehensive technical assistance worldwide
and is dedicated to the quality of our customer relationships and services.

This appendix also contains a one-page Reader Survey. Use this survey to give us
feedback on this manual and help us improve the quality of our documentation.ù

How To Contact Us
Use http://www.thermo.com/com/cda/resources/resource_detail/1,,12512,00.html
address for products information.

Use http://www.gc-gcms-customersupport.com/WebPage/Share/Default.aspx
address to contact your local Thermo Fisher Scientific office or affiliate GC-GC/
MS Customer Support.

Operating Manual 47
Customer Communication How To Contact Us

Reader Survey
Product: Valve Oven for TRACE GC Ultra 
Manual: Valve Oven Operating Manual
Part No.: 317 093 63

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48 Operating Manual
 Glossary
This section is an alphabetical descriptive list of terms common to this industry. This also includes
abbreviations, acronyms, metric prefixes, and symbols.

A
A ampere
ac alternating current
ADC analog-to-digital converter

B
b bit
B byte (8 b)
baud rate data transmission speed in events per second

C
ºC Celsius
CIP Carriage and Insurance Paid To
cm centimeter
CPU central processing unit (of a computer)
CSE Customer Service Engineer

D
d depth
DAC digital-to-analog converter
dc direct current
DS data system

Operating Manual 49
Glossary

E
ECD Electron Capture Detector
EMC electromagnetic compatibility
ESD electrostatic discharge

F
ºF Fahrenheit
FID Flame Ionization Detector
FOB Free on Board
FPD Flame Photometric Detector
ft foot

G
g gram
gain A measure of the ability of an electronic circuit or device to
increase the magnitude of an electronic input parameter.
GC gas chromatograph
GND electrical ground

H
h height
h hour
harmonic A high-frequency disturbance that appears as distortion of the
distortion fundamental sine wave.
HOT OC High Oven Temperature Cold On-Column Injector
HV high voltage

50 Operating Manual
 Glossary

Hz hertz (cycles per second)

I
ID inside diameter
IEC International Electrotechnical Commission
impulse See transient
in inch
I/O input/output

K
k kilo (103 or 1024)
K Kelvin
kg kilogram
kPa kilopascal

L
l length
l liter
LAN Local Area Network
lb pound
LED light-emitting diode
LVOCI Large Volume On-Column Injector
LVSL Large Volume Injector

M
m meter (or milli [10-3])
M mega (106)

Operating Manual 51
Glossary

µ micro (10-6)
MBq megabecquerel
mCi millicurie
meniscus The curved upper surface of a column of liquid.
min minute
mL milliliter
mm millimeter
m/z mass-to-charge ratio

N
n nano (10-9)
negative polarity The inverse of a detector signal polarity.
nm nanometer
NPD Nitrogen Phosphorous Detector

O
OCI On-Column Injector
OD outside diameter
 ohm

P
p pico (10-12)
Pa pascal
PCB printed circuit board
PDD Pulsed Discharge Detector
PID Photoionization Detector

52 Operating Manual
 Glossary

PKD Packed Column Injector

PN part number
PPKD Purged Packed Column Injector
psi pounds per square inch
PTV Programmable Temperature Vaporizing Injector

R
RAM random access memory
RF radio frequency
ROM read-only memory
RS-232 industry standard for serial communications

S
s second
S/SL Split/Splitless Injector
sag See surge
slow average A gradual, long-term change in average RMS voltage level,
with typical durations greater than 2 s.
SOP Standard Operating Procedures
source current The current needed to ignite a source, such as a detector
lamp.
surge A sudden change in average RMS voltage level, with typical
duration between 50 µs and 2 s.

T
TCD Thermal Conductivity Detector

Operating Manual 53
 transient A brief voltage surge of up to several thousand volts, with a
duration of less than 50 µs.

U
UFM Ultra Fast Module

V
V volt
V ac volts, alternating current
V dc volts, direct current
VGA Video Graphics Array

W
w Width
W Watt

The symbol for a compound unit that is a quotient (for example, degrees Celsius per minute or grams per liter) is
written with a negative exponent with the denominator. 
For example:
C min-1 instead of C/min 
g L-1 instead of g/L
 Index
C Troubleshooting 43
Column 17 Leak testing 43
Components 16 Valve plumbing 45
Configuring Valves 32 Valve switching 44

G U
Gas Sampling Valves 32 Unheated Enclosure 17
Installing valves 28
H
Heated Enclosure 17 V
Installing valves in 21 Valve positions 22
Valves 17
I Voltage Selection 15
Installation 14
Valves in the Heated Oven 21
Valves in the Unheated Compartment 28
Valves in the Valve Box 31
Installing 28
Installing an unheated compartment valve 30
Installing the actuator to the valve standoff 27

M
Mechanical Stop Positions 24
Mechanical Stop Positions for Switching Valves 33

O
Operation 35
Adding a Gas Sampling Valve Event to the Run
Table 38
Adding a Gas Switching Valve Event to the Run
Table 40
Heating the Valve Oven 41
Operating valves automatically 38
Operating valves manually 36
Overview 11

P
Power Requirements 15

S
Solenoid Manifold 22
Switching Valves 32

T
Timed Event Output Jacks 22, 23

Operating Manual 55
Index

56 Operating Manual
Figures
Figure 1-1. The Valve Oven............................................................................................................12
Figure 1-2. The Valve Oven and the TRACE GC Ultra .................................................................14
Figure 1-3. TRACE GC Ultra Valve Oven Components................................................................16
Figure 2-1. Timed Event Output Jacks, Solenoid Manifold, and Valve Positions ......................... 22
Figure 2-2. Timed Event (TE) Output Jacks ...................................................................................23
Figure 2-3. Mechanical Stop Positions for both CW and CCW .....................................................24
Figure 2-4. Solenoid Manifold Edges .............................................................................................25
Figure 2-5. Installing the actuator to the valve standoff .................................................................27
Figure 2-6. Installing an Unheated Compartment Valve ................................................................30
Figure 2-7. Mechanical Stop Positions for Gas Valves .................................................................. 32
Figure 2-8. Mechanical Stop Positions for Switching Valves ........................................................33
Figure 3-1. The TRACE GC Ultra Keypad, Showing the Valves Key...........................................36
Figure 3-2. The TRACE GC Ultra Keypad, Showing the Run Table Key ..................................... 38
Tables
Table 4-1. Leak Testing for Valves ...............................................................................................44
Table 4-2. Causes and Remedies for Improper Valve Switching .................................................. 44