SPS-5 Sample Preparation System

Contents

• Introduction
o Safety information
• Specifications
o Environmental conditions
o Power
o Weights and dimensions
• Installation
o Unpacking
o Installing the IEEE card
o Installing
o Checklist
o Power supply requirements
o Cabling
o Power connection
• Assembly
o Probe
o Fitting a fiber optic probe
o Fitting a low volume probe
o Aligning the probe
o Fitting the rinse vessel
o Sample racks
o Rack positioning
• Options
o Fitting the extension platform
o Fitting the cover
• Maintenance and spare parts
o Cleaning
o Checking fuses
o Spare parts

Introduction
The SPS-5 Autosampler is designed for use with several of Agilent's instruments:

• Cary UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometers

• Liberty ICP-OES spectrometers
• SpectrAA atomic absorption spectrometers

These instructions describe how to unpack and install the SPS-5 for use with your Cary. For
details on the SPS-5 software controls, refer to the relevant Help on the SPS-5 in your
application.

The SPS-5 can fit up to 500 samples, with the extension platform fitted and five type 10 racks.
Several different rack types are available. Three racks may be fitted on the standard unit. The
extension platform must be fitted to allow five racks to be used.

The SPS-5 features the automatic Agilent Magnetic Rack Recognition system. This means that
the SPS-5 knows which rack type is in each rack position. This is done with a magnetic
identification system.
A cover is available for use with corrosive or dangerous samples.

Moving the SPS-5 arm or probe arm of the SPS-5 during operation will cause a
loss of alignment. To realign, reset the SPS-5 as described in Aligning the probe.

Safety information
Before using this accessory, you must read the Safety Practices and Hazards.

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

Specifications
Environmental conditions
Your accessory is designed for indoor use. It is suitable for these categories:

The above model is Pollution degree 2 and Installation Category II.

The site should be selected to avoid dusty or corrosive atmospheres.

Extra maintenance may be required on the SPS-5 if it is operated in excessively

dusty or corrosive conditions.

Condition Altitude Temperature, t Humidity

(°C) (%RH)
non-
condensing
Non-operating (transport) 0-2133 m (0-7000 ft) 5-45 20-80
Operating within performance 0-853 m (0-2800 ft) 10-35 8-80
specifications
853-2133 m (2800-7000 10-25 8-80
ft)

Power

• Voltage: 100, 120, 220 or 240 V AC ± 10%; 230 +14% -6% V AC; 230 +6% -14% V AC
• Frequency: 50-60 Hz ± 1 Hz
• Consumption: ~ 80 VA

Electrical connections

• Mains inlet coupler: 6 A 250 V AC IEC type IEEE 488

• Accessory, diluter: 15 way D-range type
• Mains power cord connector:
Europe: 6 A 250 V AC, complies with CEE7 sheet vii or NFC61.303VA
USA: 10 A 125 V AC, complies with NEMA 5-15P
Australia: 10 A 250 V AC, complies with AS3112
Fuses

• T2AH250V IEC 127 sheet 5, 5 x 20 mm (220-240 V AC)

• T2.5AH250V IEC 127 sheet 5, 5 x 20 mm (100-120 V AC)

For safety reasons, any other internal fuse or circuit breaker is not operator
accessible, and should be replaced only by Agilent-authorized personnel.

Fuse information on the rear of the instrument is the most up-to-date.

Weights and dimensions

Weights

• Packed: 35 kg (77 lb)

• Unpacked: 19 kg (42 lb)

Dimensions (W x D x H)

Packed Unpacked
SPS-5 only 580 x 670 x 660 mm 530 x 450 x
(23 x 26 x 26 in) 600 mm
(21x18 x 24 in)
SPS-5 with rear rack extension (arm raised) 530 x 600 x
600 mm
(21 x 24 x 24 in)

Installation
Unpacking
A trolley is available for the SPS-5 (refer to Spare parts). Should you wish to fit the SPS-5 on a
bench next to the spectrometer, the bench must be capable of supporting the weight of the SPS-
5 as well as the spectrometer, computer, monitor, printer/plotter, and any accessories you
propose to use. A drain vessel must also be accommodated.

For the dimensions and weight of the SPS, refer to the Specifications section.

1. Place the box containing the SPS-5 on the floor.

Heavy Weight Hazard

The SPS-5 weighs 19 kg. To avoid injury to personnel, damage to the
sampler, or damage to other equipment, ALWAYS use at least two people
to lift it into position.

To avoid damage to the SPS-5, DO NOT lift the SPS-5 by holding the sample
 platform. ALWAYS lift the sampler from underneath the whole assembly.

Incorrect:

Correct:
Figure 1. The correct way to lift the SPS-5

Figure 2. The SPS-5 (note the Diluter is an optional extra -- refer to Parts and Supplies for more information
 2. You will already have removed the upper cardboard sheet. With a second person, lift the
SPS-5 onto a bench.
3. Cut the tape holding the SPS-5. Remove the tape, plastic bag and packing boxes. Place
the boxes to one side.
4. With a second person, lift the SPS-5 off the pallet and place it on the bench or trolley.

Installing the IEEE card

If you are supplying your own computer, you will need to ensure that an Agilent IEEE card is
installed in your computer to interface the computer and the instrument.

The components on the interface board and in the computer are highly static-
sensitive. To avoid damaging these components you MUST drain any static
charges from your body before installing the board, and prevent the generation of
any new static charges during the installation. This can be done by wearing an
ESD (electrostatic discharge) wrist strap attached to a grounding point. Agilent
recommends using either the 3M Portable Static-Dissipative Field Service kit or the
3M Disposable Grounding Wrist Strap.

To install the Agilent IEEE card:

1. Turn off and unplug the computer.

2. Remove the cover, following the instructions in the manual provided with the computer.

Figure 3. Removing the computer cover

3. Remove the blanking plate from one of the empty slots in the computer.
Figure 4. Remove a blanking plate

3. Remove the IEEE card from its static-shielded packaging.

4. Check that the jumper positions on the card are set as shown in Figure 5.

The LK4 jumper must be set to interrupt level 5 (IRQ5) to avoid possible conflict
with another device in your computer.

Figure 5. The configuration required for the IEEE-488 AT GPIB card

6. Hold the card over an empty slot in your computer.

 7. Press the card firmly into the slot and fasten it with the screw.

Figure 6. Pressing the card into the slot

8. Replace the computer cover.

Figure 7. Replacing the computer cover

8. The computer may now be turned on.

Installation
Checklist

To make the installation process easier, you may wish to follow this checklist:

Check that you have: Refer to section:

Provided the correct environment and site conditions for the SPS-5. Specifications
Unpacked the SPS-5 according to the instructions. Unpacking
Set the correct voltage on the SPS-5. Power supply requirements
Connected the SPS-5 to the instrument with an IEEE-488 cable. Cabling
Installed the correct fuses. Checking the fuses
Connected the correct power. Installation
Fitted the probe to the SPS-5. Assembling the SPS-5
Fitted the rinse vessel. Fitting the rinse vessel
Fitted the sample racks. Sample racks
Aligned the probe. Aligning the probe
Fitting the extension
Fitted the extension platform (optional).
platform
Fitted the cover (optional). Fitting the SPS-5 cover

Inspect all parts for damage. Any damage should be reported to Agilent
immediately. Refer to the sampler by part number and serial number.

Power supply requirements

Before connecting any part of the SPS-5 system to the mains power supply, check you have the
correct power supply. The power requirements are given in the Specifications section.

Electrical Shock and Fire Hazards

Application of the wrong supply voltage can create a fire hazard, or a
potentially serious shock hazard, and could seriously damage the
instrument and any attached ancillary equipment.
Do not connect the instrument to the mains power until you have made
sure that the instrument voltage is correctly set for the mains power
supply in the specific outlet in your laboratory to which the equipment
will be connected.
Selecting the voltage

When looking at the back of the SPS, the voltage selector switches are located on the lower right
side of the back panel.

Figure 8. The voltage selector on the SPS-5

Refer to the table immediately below the selector switches or consult the following table and set
the switches as required. For example, if the accessory is connected to 240 volts, the table tells
you that the switch setting should be 'AD'. This means the left switch should be up (position 'A')
and the right switch should be down (position 'D').

Voltage Switch setting Switch positions

Left Right
240 ± 10% AD Up Down
230 +14% -6% AD Up Down
230 + 6% - BD Down Down
14%
220 ± 10% BD Down Down
120 ± 10% AC Up Up
100 ± 10% BC Down Up

Cabling

When you are looking at the back of the SPS-5, you will see two sockets along the left side of the
back panel.

The top socket is a 15-pin socket for connecting the optional diluter module, and the lower
socket is an IEEE socket for connection to a computer or instrument.

Power connection

Before connecting the mains power for the first time, check each fuse as described in Checking
the fuses.

The power socket is at the top right of the back of the accessory.

Electrical power for the SPS-5 must be provided through a 3-wire outlet with ground connection.
The outlet must be rated for at least 80 VA.

Electrical Shock Hazard

Good grounding is essential to avoid a potentially serious shock hazard.
Make certain that power receptacles are earth-grounded at grounding pin.
Three power cables are supplied with the SPS-5. Select the correct one for your location. Ensure
that the accessory power switch is turned OFF, and then plug one end of the power cable into the
accessory, and the other into the mains power outlet.

When the SPS-5 is turned on, it will go through its initialization tests. The probe
will be driven to the alignment peg, then the rinse vessel where the probe will
perform the mixing action.

Assembly
Assembling and fitting the probe

See also:

• Fitting a fiber optic probe

• Fitting a low volume probe

The probe for the accessory must be assembled and fitted to the arm of the sampler.

Figure 9. Probe assembly diagram

1) PTFE tubing 2) Silicon rubber sleeve 3) Probe

6) Tubing
4) Probe arm 5) Conical probe arm holder
holders
7) SPS-5 arm

To assemble the probe:

1. The probe assembly consists of two parts: the probe arm and the probe. Remove the
probe arm, probe and tubing from their boxes.
2. Use a 2 mm hexagonal balldriver (one was supplied in the instrument tool kit) to loosen
the screw on top of the conical probe arm holder.
Figure 10. Loosening the screw on the top of the conical probe arm holder

3. Rotate the conical probe arm holder until its hole aligns with the hole inside.

Figure 11. Rotating the conical probe arm holder

4. Fit the probe arm through the hole in the conical probe arm holder. Push the probe arm
in until it protrudes approximately 15 mm on the other side. Tighten the screw in the
conical probe arm holder until the probe arm is not able to be pulled out of the hole.

Figure 12. Fitting the probe arm through the hole in the conical probe arm holder

5. Fit the probe through the probe arm. Push the probe through the holder until the silicon
rubber sleeve stops it from going any further.
Figure 13. Pushing down the probe. The sleeve must rest on probe the holder (1)

The silicon rubber sleeve controls the height of the probe. If the probe is hitting
the bottom of the test tubes, push the sleeve further down the probe.

6. Thread the PTFE tube and bung, attached to the probe, through the two tubing holders
on top of the primary arm.

Figure 14. Threading the PTFE tube and bung through the tubing holders on top of the primary arm

7. To join the probe's PTFE tubing to that of the spectrometer's sample delivery system, you
can either:

a. Replace the PTFE tubing on the spectrometer with the other length supplied with the
probe. This will have a bung attached to the end. You can then join the two bungs by
cutting a length of the PVC tubing supplied with the probe and fitting the two bungs into
it.
OR
b. Cut the bung off the end of the PTFE tubing attached to the probe. Use a suitable piece of
silicon rubber tubing to join the PTFE tubing attached to the probe to that attached to the
spectrometer.
Figure 15. Using silicon tubing (1) to join the PTFE tubing (2)

Ensure that the shortest possible length of SPS-5 tubing is used to connect the
SPS-5 to the SpectrAA. If you are using the Hi-vac capillary with the flared end,
DO NOT shorten this capillary.

Fitting a fiber optic probe

A fiber optic probe is available for use with the Cary series of spectrophotometers. It is sold as a
separate option and requires a special probe arm. Refer to Spare parts for further ordering
information. The optional cover for the SPS-5 must be fitted when using the fiber optic probe
with the Cary 100/300/400/500/500i. Refer to Spare parts for ordering details.

Figure 16. Probe and arm

3) T-
1) Fiber optic probe 2) Probe arm
piece
4) SPS-5 arm 5) Conical probe arm holder

To fit the fiber optic probe:

1. The probe assembly consists of two parts: the probe arm and the probe. Remove the
probe arm and fiber optic probe from their boxes.
2. Loosen the screw (use a 2 mm hexagonal balldriver) on top of the conical probe arm
holder.
Figure 17. Loosening the screw on top of the conical probe arm holder

3. Rotate the holder until its hole aligns with the hole inside.

Figure 18. Rotating the holder. The hole must align with the hole inside.

4. Fit the probe arm through the hole. Push it through until it protrudes approximately
15 mm on the other side. Tighten the screw until the probe arm is not able to be pulled
out.

Figure 19. Fitting the probe arm through the hole (left) and tightening the screw (right)

5. Press the fiber optic probe into the probe arm. Hold it in position and insert the T-piece
into the top of the probe arm. Push the T-piece all the way down (ensure the probe sits in
the groove in the T-piece).
Figure 20. Pressing the fiber optic probe into the probe arm

6. Fit the cover to the SPS-5 (you can ignore this step if using the Cary 50 and 60). Refer to
Fitting the SPS-5 cover. When fitting the rear section of the cover, thread the end of the
fiber optic probe through the hole in the rear of cover.
7. Attach the fiber optic probe to the Fiber Optic Coupler accessory (refer to the appropriate
Fiber Optic Coupler instructions for your instrument).

The SPS-5 should be directly in front of the Cary with the rear of the SPS-5 facing
the front of the Cary so the fiber optic probe can reach the Fiber Optic Coupler.

Tip
To prevent the probe from getting caught as the arm moves around, you will need to set
these parameters in the Cary WinUV software (refer to the Help for details):

• Probe height: 5 mm (minimum)

• Shake height: 95 mm

Fitting a low volume probe

Included in the probe kit is an attachment to allow the fitting of low volume probes. These
probes are available from Agilent in stainless steel or a corrosion resistant version.

To fit either of these probes, slide the sleeve insert supplied in the probe kit into the probe arm.
Then slide the low volume probe through this sleeve (refer to Figure 21). Align the probe as
described in the next section.
Figure 21. Low volume probe (1); sleeve insert (2)

Aligning the probe

With the probe in place, you need to align it in the correct position.

To align the probe:

1. Turn on the SPS-5.

2. Click the Setup menu and then the Accessories tab. Make sure that the Autosampler
on check box is selected.
3. Click the Align button.

If the SPS-5 arm or probe arm is moved during SPS-5 operation, alignment
accuracy will be lost. The unit can be realigned by either turning the SPS-5 off and
on again or by using the software 'Align' command, described above.

A vial of silicon grease is supplied with the probe. A very light coating of this can
be applied to the length of the probe to reduce carry-over, if desired.

Fitting the rinse vessel

The rectangular plastic vessel supplied with the SPS-5 is the rinse vessel.

The rinse vessel goes on the front right corner of the SPS-5.

To fit the rinse vessel:

1. Place the rinse vessel in the hollow in the front right corner of the sample platform, over
the two plastic pegs on the platform.
2. Fill the rinse vessel with water or an appropriate rinse solution.

Sample racks
A type 25 sample rack is included with the SPS-5. The rack is made of polypropylene so it will
resist most chemical spills.
Up to five racks of any configuration may be placed on the SPS-5. Note that the optional
extension platform is required if more than three racks are to be used. The following rack types
are available as options:

Type 10: (10 mL x 100 positions)

Type 25: (25 mL x 60 positions)

Type 50: (50 mL x 35 positions)

Type A: (100 mL x 12 positions)

Type B: (250 mL x 6 positions)

The rack positions on the SPS-5 are numbered as shown above. The rack type is automatically
recognized by the SPS-5's Magnetic Recognition System (MRS).

Rack positioning
To place a rack on the SPS-5 sample platform, fit the notches in the rack over the pegs on the
platform. Each rack can only go on one way.

Figure 22. SPS-5 rack positioning

Options
Fitting the extension platform
You may have purchased the optional extension platform. This enables you to fit up to five
sample racks on the SPS-5.

To install the extension platform:

1. There are four positioning pegs at the rear of the SPS-5.

2. Fit the key holes in the extension platform over the positioning pegs.
3. Push the platform downwards so that the pegs slot into position.
Fitting the cover
The tinted acrylic cover is available as two separate halves-a front half and a rear half. The front
half by itself can be used to prevent debris falling into the test tubes. When used in conjunction
with the rear half, the cover can be used to contain hazardous fumes.

You MUST have the extension platform fitted in order to fit the rear half of the
cover and use it for fume extraction. The front half of the cover can be used
without the extension rack.

It is recommended that you fit the rear half of the cover before you set up the SPS-5 for an
unattended run. The front half of the cover can be fitted at any time. All sample racks are
accessible by removing the front half of the cover.

To fit the cover:

1. Pick up the half of the cover which has the chimney. This piece covers the back half of
the SPS-5.
2. Standing behind the SPS-5, fit the cover, slotting the wheels on the cover into the tracks
in the edge of the sample platform.
3. Fit the PTFE tubing attached to the probe through the hole at the back of the rear half of
the cover.
4. If necessary, attach an extraction hose to the chimney of the cover. The hose should be
connected to your laboratory exhaust system.
5. Load the SPS-5 with your samples.
6. Fit the other half of the cover onto the front of the SPS-5. The front cover fits over the
rear cover.

Tip
For the Cary 100/300/400/500/500i, you may need to drape a dark cloth over the SPS-5
cover to shield the samples from as much light as possible.

Maintenance and spare parts

Cleaning
The SPS-5 can be wiped down with a soft cloth, dampened with distilled water.

Any corrosive liquids should be wiped off immediately.

The SPS-5 probe can be removed from the SPS-5 and placed in an ultrasonic bath for cleaning if
necessary. The Fiber optic probe should NOT be placed in an ultrasonic bath. It can be rinsed in
distilled water.

A rinse solution should always be pumped through the SPS-5 at the end of a run.

Checking the fuses

Fuses have a code marked on the cap (for example, T2AH250V). This refers to the fuse
characteristic ('T' - time lag, 'F' - fast acting), the current rating ('x' amperes), the breaking
capacity ('H' - heavy, 'L' - low), and the voltage rating ('y' volts).

Replace a blown fuse with one of the type and rating as indicated in the Specifications section.
 Always check the information printed on the back of the accessory for the correct
fuse type, since this is the most up-to-date.

Electrical Shock and Fire Hazards

To prevent reduced safety protection or unwanted fusing, always ensure
that the marking on the fuse matches the screening shown adjacent to
either the fuseholder or the voltage selector switches.

To check a fuse:

1. Disconnect the unit from the mains power supply.

2. Undo the fuse cap by pressing the cap and turning it counter-clockwise.
3. Pull the cap out carefully, the fuse should be held in the fuse-holder in the fuse cap.
4. Check that the fuse is the correct type and is not damaged. If necessary, replace the fuse
in the holder. (Refer to the Safety information section for fuse specifications).
5. Place the fuse into the cap, push the cap in, then turn the cap clockwise.
6. Reconnect the unit to the mains power supply.

Spare parts
These spare parts are available from Agilent. For ordering information please see the Agilent
website at www.agilent.com. Use only Agilent-supplied parts, unless otherwise specified.

Description
Probe kit
Stainless steel probe
Corrosion resistant probe
Sample racks:
Type 10 (10 mL x 100 positions)
Type 25 (25 mL x 60 positions)
Type 50 (50 mL x 35 positions)
Type A (100 mL x 12 positions)
Type B (250 mL x 6 positions)
Extension platform
Cover (front section)
Cover (rear section)
Trolley
Fuse - T2AH250V IEC 127 sheet 5, 5 x 20 mm
Fuse - T2.5A250V IEC 127 sheet 5, 5 x 20 mm
2 mm hexagonal balldriver