Performing Manual Injection (LC) in Empower Environment - Technical Note

Importance of the Topic

Manual injection provides a reliable approach for laboratories using liquid chromatography systems without an autosampler. It ensures flexibility in method development, cost control, and precise sample handling in resource-limited settings. Integrating Agilent manual injectors with Waters Empower via the Instrument Control Framework enhances data consistency and streamlines instrument control across platforms.

Objectives and Overview

This technical note aims to guide users through the configuration and operation of Agilent G1328A-D and G5628A manual injectors within the Waters Empower environment. Key goals include verifying software and firmware compatibility, setting up instrument communication, and executing a repeatable manual injection sequence.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Installation and Preconfiguration

• Power down the Agilent LC system and connect the injector’s remote cable to the pump (APG cable for Firmware A/B, ERI cable for Firmware D).
• Ensure Waters ICF Support version 2.2 or higher and corresponding Agilent LC driver versions are installed.
• Use the Empower Configuration Manager’s Agilent PreConfiguration Utility to connect to the LAC/E box via its IP address and auto-detect LC modules.

Empower System Configuration

• Assign instrument IP and MAC addresses manually in the Empower DHCP settings under the node properties.
• Generate a new chromatographic system linked to the configured Agilent LC instrument.

Manual Injection Procedure

• Open the Run Samples screen in Empower and select or create an instrument method including injection volume and run time.
• Click Inject to download parameters to the LC; the system enters a 'Waiting for Injection' state.
• On the manual injector, switch the valve from load to inject to start the chromatographic run and data acquisition.

Main Results and Discussion

After configuration, Empower automatically displays all Agilent LC modules without needing an autosampler entry. Method download locks out pre-run balancing and transitions to waiting status. Valve actuation successfully initiates the run (status: Run) with real-time data collection, demonstrating robust communication between Empower and the manual injector.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

This workflow offers a cost-effective solution for manual sample introduction, ideal for QA/QC laboratories, research and development environments, and teaching facilities. It allows rapid deployment of manual injectors, maintains data integrity in Empower, and supports flexible method development without requiring an autosampler.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Future developments may include automated interfaces for manual injectors, cloud-based remote operation, and tighter integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Expanded bio-inert flow paths and enhanced firmware interoperability will further extend applications in biopharmaceutical and preparative chromatography.

Conclusion

Implementing Agilent manual injectors in the Waters Empower environment via the Agilent ICF Support framework is straightforward and dependable. Adhering to software and firmware prerequisites ensures stable operation. The described configuration and injection workflow enhance manual injection efficiency and broaden the versatility of LC systems in analytical laboratories.

References

Agilent InfinityLab LC Series Manual Injectors User Manual Edition 04/2020 (D0002338)