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How to replace the sample needle on an ACQUITY Flow Through Needle (FTN) Sample Manager - WKB7319

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Article number: 7319

OBJECTIVE or GOAL

Replace the sample needle on an FTN.

ENVIRONMENT

  • ACQUITY UPLC H-Class Sample Manager FTN
  • ACQUITY UPLC H-Class Sample Manager FTN PLUS
  • ACQUITY UPLC I-Class Sample Manager FTN
  • ACQUITY UPLC I-Class Sample Manager FTN PLUS
  • ACQUITY Premier SM-FTN

PROCEDURE

  1. In the Console, select the Sample Manager-FTN from the system tree.
  2. Click Maintain > Replace > Needle.
  3. Open the sample compartment door.
  4. Using a T20 TORX driver, loosen the two captive screws that secure the access panel, and then remove the panel. 

FTN_Access_panel.PNG

  1. Remove the sample plate if a plate is loaded.
  2. Unscrew the needle assembly's fitting from injector port 4. 

Needle port.PNG

  1. Inside the sample compartment, open the needle-tubing guide cover, located on the roof of the compartment, by rotating clockwise. 

Needle Guide cover.PNG

  1. Push the needle latch back to release the needle mounting cylinder from its mounting cavity, and the needle tubing from its notches. 

Needle latch.PNG

  1. Lift the needle tip out of the needle guide at the bottom of the needle mechanism. 

needle guide.PNG

Warning: To avoid puncture wounds or damage to the end of the needle, do not touch or press the end of the sample needle. 

  1. Using a T10 TORX driver, loosen the screw on the needle-tubing clamp and remove the tubing. 

Needle clamp screw.PNG

  1. Using a T6 TORX driver, loosen the needle guide set screw, and then remove the needle guide. 

Needle Guide2.PNG

  1. Install the new needle guide and tighten the set screw. 
  2. Holding the new needle assembly with both hands to control its position within the sample compartment, secure the mounting sleeve in the opening of the tubing clamp, with the fitting oriented toward the valve. Caution: To avoid letting go of the needle assembly and possibly damaging the tip of the needle, do not tighten the clamp screw during this step of the procedure. 

FTN Needle Assay.PNG

FTN mounting sleeve.PNG

  1. From inside the sample compartment, take hold of the needle assembly tubing as it enters the compartment from above. 
  2. Ensure that the needle tubing is routed to the left side of the needle carriage's rails and is secured in the guide channel on the roof of the compartment. 

FTN guide channel.PNG

  1. Remove the protective cap from the needle tip.
  2. Insert the needle mounting cylinder into the mounting cavity. 

FTN mounting cavity.PNG

Caution: To avoid damaging the instrument, do not place the loose loop of tubing above the Z-flag. 

  1. Route the tubing through the two notches below the Z-flag.
  2. Push the needle latch forward to secure the needle assembly. 

FTN_notches_n_Needle_assy.PNG

  1. Using a T10 TORX driver, tighten the screw on the needle-tubing clamp.
  2. Insert the needle's tip into the needle guide at the bottom of the needle mechanism. 

FTN_insert needle tip.PNG

  1. Ensure that the needle tubing is fully inserted into port 4 on the injection valve, and then thread the fitting into the port. Install by tightening finger tight and then 3/4 turn with a wrench.
  2. Reinstall the access panel using the T20 TORX driver to tighten the two screws that secure it to the front of the unit. 

Requirement: Ensure that the seal port tube is routed under the gap on the side of the access panel. 

FTN access panel gap.PNG

  1. Close the sample compartment and fluidics compartment doors.
  2. Calibrate the needle's z axis (see the ACQUITY UPLC online Help).
  3. Characterize the needle seal (see the ACQUITY UPLC online Help).
  4. Perform the needle seal readiness test (see the ACQUITY UPLC online Help). 

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