Hardware Setup Guide

Complete guide for setting up and configuring SIA-CE hardware components.

System Requirements

Computer Requirements

Minimum: - Windows 7 SP1 (64-bit) - 4 GB RAM - 2.0 GHz processor - 10 GB free disk space - 2 available USB/Serial ports

Recommended: - Windows 10/11 (64-bit) - 8 GB RAM or more - 3.0 GHz multi-core processor - 50 GB free disk space - Dedicated USB ports (not hub)

Software Requirements

Agilent ChemStation (version B.04.03 or higher)
Python 3.7+ (64-bit recommended)
Required Python packages (see installation guide)

CE System Setup

Agilent 7100 CE System

Initial Setup

Power Connection
Connect to appropriate voltage (100-240V)
Use surge protector
Ensure proper grounding
Communication
Connect USB cable to PC
Install ChemStation drivers
Configure in ChemStation
Capillary Installation
Use proper capillary cutting tool
Check window alignment
Verify detection path

Configuration in ChemStation

1. Open ChemStation
2. Go to Instrument → Configure
3. Select CE instrument
4. Set communication parameters:
   - Connection: USB
   - Timeout: 30 seconds
5. Test connection

Carousel Setup

Vial Positions: - Positions 1-48: Sample vials - Position 49: Replenishment parking - Position 50: Often used for waste

Vial Types: - 100 µL microvials (recommended for small volumes) - 1 mL polypropylene vials - 2 mL glass vials

Best Practices: - Use same vial type throughout analysis - Check vial seating in carousel - Replace damaged carousel positions

SIA System Setup

Syringe Pump Installation

Hamilton MVP Series

Physical Setup

- Mount on stable surface
- Level the pump
- Install syringe (finger-tight only)
- Connect valve assembly

Electrical Connection

- Connect power supply (12-24V DC)
- Connect RS-232 cable to PC
- Set DIP switches if required

Communication Settings

Port: COM3 (typical)
Baud: 9600
Data bits: 8
Stop bits: 1
Parity: None
Flow control: None

Syringe Selection

Volume Range	Syringe Size	Resolution	Best For
10-100 µL	100 µL	0.03 µL	Precise small volumes
50-500 µL	500 µL	0.17 µL	General use
100-1000 µL	1000 µL	0.33 µL	Standard operations
500-5000 µL	5000 µL	1.67 µL	Large volume prep

Valve Selector Installation

VICI/Valco Setup

Mounting

- Secure to stable platform
- Align ports horizontally
- Minimize tubing lengths

Port Connections

Port 1: Waste
Port 2: Air/Gas
Port 3: DI Water
Port 4: Transfer to CE
Port 5-8: Reagents/Solvents

Communication

Port: COM4 (typical)
Baud: 9600
Protocol: VICI standard

Tubing and Connections

Tubing Selection

Application	ID (mm)	Material	Length
Syringe-Valve	0.8	PTFE	< 10 cm
Valve-Ports	0.5	PEEK	< 30 cm
To CE	0.25	Fused Silica	< 50 cm
Waste	1.6	PTFE	As needed

Connection Best Practices

Cutting Tubing
Use sharp blade
Cut perpendicular
No burrs or deformation
Fittings
Finger-tight + 1/4 turn
Use appropriate ferrules
Check for leaks
Dead Volume
Minimize connection volume
Use zero-dead-volume fittings
Flush after installation

System Integration

Physical Layout

Recommended Setup:
┌─────────────┐     ┌──────────┐
│   CE System │     │ Computer │
│             │────>│          │
└─────────────┘     └──────────┘
       ^                  ^
       │                  │
┌──────┴─────┐     ┌─────┴────┐
│   Syringe  │────>│  Valve   │
│    Pump    │     │ Selector │
└────────────┘     └──────────┘

Communication Architecture

Serial Ports

# Find available ports
import serial.tools.list_ports

ports = serial.tools.list_ports.comports()
for port in ports:
    print(f"{port.device}: {port.description}")

Port Assignment
Use Device Manager to identify
Assign consistent port numbers
Document port mapping

Power Management

Power Sequence

1. Computer
2. CE System
3. Syringe Pump
4. Valve Selector

UPS Recommendations
Minimum 1000 VA
Include all components
Test monthly

Calibration and Testing

Syringe Pump Calibration

def calibrate_syringe_volume():
    """Calibrate syringe volume delivery."""

    # Initialize
    syringe.initialize()

    # Test volumes
    test_volumes = [100, 500, 900]

    for volume in test_volumes:
        # Dispense into tared vial
        syringe.aspirate(volume)
        input(f"Place tared vial at output. Press Enter...")
        syringe.dispense(volume)

        actual = float(input("Enter measured volume (µL): "))
        error = (actual - volume) / volume * 100
        print(f"Volume: {volume} µL, Error: {error:.2f}%")

Valve Position Verification

def verify_valve_positions():
    """Verify each valve position."""

    num_positions = 8

    for pos in range(1, num_positions + 1):
        valve.position(pos)
        input(f"Verify position {pos}. Press Enter...")

    print("Valve verification complete")

CE System Tests

Pressure Test

# Test pressure system
api.ce.apply_pressure_to_capillary(50, 10)  # 50 mbar, 10 sec
api.ce.apply_pressure_to_capillary(-50, 10)  # -50 mbar, 10 sec

Carousel Test

# Test all positions
for pos in range(1, 49):
    try:
        api.ce.load_vial_to_position(pos, "inlet")
        api.ce.unload_vial_from_position("inlet")
        print(f"Position {pos}: OK")
    except:
        print(f"Position {pos}: FAIL")

Maintenance Schedule

Daily

Check for leaks
Verify communication
Clean needle/transfer line

Weekly

Flush all lines
Check capillary condition
Calibrate if needed

Monthly

Deep clean system
Replace worn tubing
Check electrical connections

Annually

Service syringe pump
Replace seals
Full system validation

Troubleshooting

Communication Issues

Problem: COM port not found

Solution:
1. Check Device Manager
2. Reinstall drivers
3. Try different USB port
4. Use USB-Serial adapter if needed

Problem: Device not responding

# Test communication
try:
    syringe.send_command("?", get_response=True)
    print("Syringe communication OK")
except:
    print("Check connections and power")

Mechanical Issues

Problem: Syringe stalling

Causes:
- Overpressure
- Mechanical binding
- Wrong syringe size configured

Solutions:
- Check for blockages
- Reduce speed
- Verify syringe size setting

Problem: Valve not switching

Causes:
- Mechanical obstruction
- Communication error
- Power issue

Solutions:
- Manual rotation check
- Increase switching attempts
- Check power supply

System Integration Issues

Problem: Timing conflicts

# Add delays between operations
def safe_operation_sequence():
    valve.position(1)
    time.sleep(0.5)  # Allow valve to settle
    syringe.aspirate(500)
    time.sleep(0.2)  # Allow pressure to stabilize

Optimization Tips

Speed Optimization

Parallel Operations
Prepare next sample during CE run
Use continuous flow for same solvent
Minimize valve switches

Flow Rates

# Optimized speeds
SPEEDS = {
    'air': 5000,        # Fast
    'water': 3500,      # Medium-fast
    'organic': 2500,    # Medium
    'viscous': 1000,    # Slow
    'critical': 500     # Very slow
}

Volume Optimization

Minimize Dead Volume
Short tubing runs
Small ID tubing where possible
Zero-dead-volume fittings

Efficient Aspiration

# Aspirate in order of reactivity
# 1. Buffer/diluent (least reactive)
# 2. Sample (most reactive)
# 3. Air gap (separation)

Reliability Enhancement

Error Recovery

# Implement retry logic
def reliable_operation(func, retries=3):
    for attempt in range(retries):
        try:
            return func()
        except:
            if attempt == retries - 1:
                raise
            time.sleep(1)

State Monitoring

# Track system state
class SystemMonitor:
    def __init__(self):
        self.syringe_volume = 0
        self.valve_position = 1
        self.last_operation = None

Safety Considerations

Chemical Safety

Use fume hood for volatile solvents
Proper waste disposal
Material compatibility checks

Electrical Safety

Proper grounding
No liquid near electronics
Emergency stop procedures

Pressure Safety

Maximum 100 mbar for injection
Maximum 950 mbar for flushing
Pressure relief mechanisms

Validation Protocols

IQ/OQ/PQ

Installation Qualification (IQ)
Document all connections
Verify communication
Check safety features
Operational Qualification (OQ)
Test all functions
Verify accuracy
Document performance
Performance Qualification (PQ)
Run test methods
Verify reproducibility
Meet specifications

Setup Complete

With proper hardware setup, your SIA-CE system is ready for automated analysis!