MSQ10LA

Directions for Use

LC/MS Nitrogen Generator

Document No. 031972 Revision 01 October 2003

MSQ10LA Nitrogen Generator Instructions for Use

2003 by Dionex Corporation All rights reserved worldwide. Printed in the United States of America.

This publication is protected by federal copyright law. No part of this publication may be copied or distributed, transmitted, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted into any human or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, manual, or otherwise, or disclosed to third parties without the express written permission of Dionex Corporation, 1228 Titan Way, Sunnyvale, California 94088-3603 U.S.A. The MSQ10LA Nitrogen Generator is manufactured for Dionex by: Peak Scientific Instruments Fountain Crescent Inchinnan Business Park Inchinnan, Renfrewshire PA4 9RE Scotland, UK
DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY AND LIMITED WARRANTY THIS PUBLICATION IS PROVIDED AS IS WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. DIONEX CORPORATION DOES NOT WARRANT, GUARANTEE, OR MAKE ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED REPRESENTATIONS REGARDING THE USE, OR THE RESULTS OF THE USE, OF THIS PUBLICATION IN TERMS OF CORRECTNESS, ACCURACY, RELIABILITY, CURRENTNESS, OR OTHERWISE. FURTHER, DIONEX CORPORATION RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REVISE THIS PUBLICATION AND TO MAKE CHANGES FROM TIME TO TIME IN THE CONTENT HEREINOF WITHOUT OBLIGATION OF DIONEX CORPORATION TO NOTIFY ANY PERSON OR ORGANIZATION OF SUCH REVISION OR CHANGES.

TRADEMARKS Molex is a registered trademark of Molex, Inc. Swagelok is a registered trademark of Swagelok Co. PRINTING HISTORY Revision 01, October 2003

The products of Dionex Corporation are produced under ISO 9001 accredited quality management systems.

Published by Technical Publications, Dionex Corporation, Sunnyvale, CA 94086. MSQ10LA issue 1

MSQ10LA Nitrogen Generator Instructions for Use

CONTENTS
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................................... 3 UNPACKING AND INSTALLATION................................................................................................... 3 ELECTRICAL CONNECTION.............................................................................................................. 3 AIR CONNECTION................................................................................................................................. 4 PRINCIPLE OF OPERATION ............................................................................................................... 4 COMMISSIONING.................................................................................................................................. 5 ROUTINE INSPECTION ........................................................................................................................ 6 TROUBLESHOOTING ........................................................................................................................... 8 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................... 10 PARTS LIST ........................................................................................................................................... 11

MAINTENANCE RECORD LOG ................................................................................................................. 14

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO USERS

These instructions must be read thoroughly and understood before installation and operation of your LC/MS Nitrogen Generator. Please follow the appropriate safety standards for handling gases as determined by the laws and regulations of your country. Please save the product packaging for storage or future shipment of the generator.

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MSQ10LA Nitrogen Generator Instructions for Use

1 Introduction
The MSQ10LA is a self-contained nitrogen generator designed specifically for use with Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS) analytical instruments as a source of carrier gas. The generator has been designed to operate totally independent of an external air supply and only requires an electrical supply to deliver high volume, high pressure, clean, dry, pure nitrogen.

2 Unpacking and Installation

Although every precaution has been taken for safe transit and packaging, it is advisable to fully inspect the unit for any sign of transit damage.

ANY DAMAGE SHOULD BE REPORTED IMMEDIATELY TO THE CARRIER AND DIONEX.

After unpacking and a visual inspection, the unit should be placed in a ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Care should be taken not to obstruct the ventilation holes on the sides of the unit or the fan outlet at the rear. The generator should be placed on a steady and level base. It has been designed to fit under most workbenches. Alternatively, the unit may be placed on the workbench adjacent to the machine or in any location convenient to the user. A guide for installation is included at the end of the document. Performance of the generator (as with any sophisticated equipment) is affected by ambient temperature. Continuous operation in ambient temperatures exceeding 25C will lead to a reduction in capacity and prolonged operation in temperatures exceeding 35C will shorten the life of the unit. Note should also be taken of the proximity of air conditioning outlets. These can sometimes give rise to pockets of air with high relative humidity. Operation of the generator within such a pocket could adversely affect its performance.

3 Electrical Connection
Important Electrical Notice
This unit is classified as SAFETY CLASS 1 equipment. THIS UNIT MUST BE EARTHED. Before connecting the unit to the mains supply, please check the information on the serial plate. The mains supply must be of the stated AC voltage and frequency.

EARTH/GROUND (E): LIVE (L): Neutral (N): Fuse

Green & Yellow Brown Blue

The generator protection fuse is in the pull-out drawer of the mains inlet IEC Euroconnector located on the bottom right-hand side of the cabinet, adjacent to the off/on switch. The fuse is rated at 230V 10% (50/60Hz ac). The drawer also holds a spare. Connect the generator to a single-phase supply using the power cord provided, or the power cord supplied with the equipment from Dionex for the country of use.

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MSQ10LA Nitrogen Generator Instructions for Use

4 Air Connection
The MSQ10LA generator has its own built-in air compressor and therefore does not require an external compressed air source. The generator has one bulkhead connection to the rear of the unit. This is supplied with a 6mm push-in fitting. This is the nitrogen outlet fitting and should be coupled to the application. There is no drain on this machine. Any moisture liberated by the filter-separator is discharged through the high capacity exhaust system, where the sudden reduction in pressure causes instant evaporation. The water vapor is safely removed from the unit by the ventilation system.

5 Principle of Operation
The MSQ10LA Nitrogen Generator utilizes a pressure swing adsorption (PSA) method to extract pure nitrogen from air. This is where unwanted gases can be selectively adsorbed from compressed air into a porous carbon molecular sieve material (CMS). Dionex instruments utilize a unique single-column system where the column is alternately pressurized and vented under a finely tuned timing cycle. The rates of pressurization and venting are accurately set, which guarantees higher purity than can be achieved with a similarly sized traditional 2-column system.
8.

13

7.

2. 9. 12

3.

Parts List 1. Compressor 2. Cooling Coil 3. Cooling Fan (if fitted) 4. Filter / Separator 5. Exhaust Valve 6. Exhaust Silencer 7. CMS Column 8. Non-return Valve 9. Nitrogen Storage Tank 10. Pressure Regulator 11. Internal Pressure Gauge 12. Flow Regulator 13. Front Panel Gauge 14. Bulkhead Connection 15. Internal Gauge Rail 16. Compressor Cooling Fan (if fitted)

10 15.

11

6.

5.

4.

Nitrogen Generator Standard System

1. 14 16. 16.

Air is drawn into the system by the compressor (1) and passed via the cooling coil (3) and the filter/separator (4) into the CMS column (7). Oxygen molecules in the air are trapped by the sieve. However, the molecules of nitrogen pass straight through and are collected in the nitrogen storage tank (9). After a time interval, the compressor is stopped and the exhaust valve (5) opens, allowing the sieve column to vent to atmosphere. The trapped oxygen is liberated and escapes to atmosphere via the exhaust valve (5) and the silencer (6). The generated nitrogen in the storage tank is then regulated to the correct pressure and flow rate. After another time interval, the exhaust valve shuts and the compressor starts. This cycle runs continuously.

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MSQ10LA Nitrogen Generator Instructions for Use

6 Commissioning
With the generator installed as described earlier, connect power to the unit and turn it on. Disconnect the nitrogen outlet connection to allow the generator to vent to atmosphere until the unit is stabilized. At Switch On, the exhaust valve will open and the generator will commence its Venting Cycle. This is to allow venting of any residual pressure in order that the compressor does not start against pressure. The Vent Cycle may last up to 90 seconds. At the end of the vent cycle, the compressor should be heard to run and the normal operating cycle will begin. Pressure should begin to build, and the gauge on the front panel should indicate 75 psig after approximately 10 minutes. The generator has been pre-set at the factory to give 10 liters ATP per minute at 85 psig. Once the pressure in the nitrogen receiver exceeds that setting, the generator will stabilize and produce pure nitrogen. Maximum purity will be achieved after around 45 minutes. At this time, the generator can be reconnected to the application. The generator is designed to deliver up to 10 liters of nitrogen at 85 psig with an oxygen content of 2% or less. Should the demand for nitrogen be less than 10 liters, or should the demand stop, the generator will continue to operate without any problems. The generator is protected from over-pressure and its normal operating cycle ensures frequent venting.

Timer Setting
The cycle timer has been set at the factory and should not require further adjustment. Adjusting the timer will affect the volume and purity of the delivered nitrogen; therefore, the timer should NEVER be adjusted without reference to the factory. The normal settings for this generator are 175 seconds ON, 85 seconds OFF. These settings may vary slightly between machines.

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MSQ10LA Nitrogen Generator Instructions for Use

7 Routine Inspection
Due to the simplicity of the design and the small number of moving parts, the MSQ10LA Nitrogen Generator will have a long and trouble-free life. However, as with all scientific and technical equipment, the generator should be regularly inspected by a competent person and the following points noted.

Every 12 Months
Note: All routine maintenance filter elements are contained in Dionex P/N 061492.

Compressor Inlet Filter Element 1. Switch the generator OFF and disconnect it from the electrical supply. Remove the fuse from
the Euro-socket to prevent the generator being inadvertently switched on by another person. 2. Remove the 5-off X-head screws securing the lower front panel. Remove the panel to expose the compressor.

3. The filter is located on top of the compressor and faces toward the rear, as shown below.
The cover is removed by twisting it onequarter turn and pulling clear. The element simply lifts out. Part Number 02-4187 Reassembly is the reverse procedure.
Inlet Filter

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MSQ10LA Nitrogen Generator Instructions for Use Coalescing Filter and Exhaust Silencer
1. Switch the generator OFF and disconnect it from the electrical supply. Remove the fuse from the Euro-socket to prevent the generator being inadvertently switched on by another person. 2. Pull the generator clear of the bench (if located under) to a place where access is possible to all four sides. 3. Remove the 8-off X-Head screws securing the lid. Remove the lid. 4. Remove the coalescing filter bowl shown below by holding down the black slide and twisting the bowl one-quarter turn. The element simply unscrews.

1. Fit new element and clean, and re-fit bowl. 2. Unscrew and remove the green plastic cover of the exhaust silencer. Remove the 10mm nut and prize off the element.

1. Fit new element and re-fit plastic cover. 2. Replace all covers and switch on. Allow 4 hours to recover purity before reconnecting to application.

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MSQ10LA Nitrogen Generator Instructions for Use

8 Troubleshooting
The PSA method for nitrogen production is the most reliable of the popular methods. Many thousands of PSA systems are currently operating worldwide and have given many years of trouble-free operation. Provided the CMS material is protected from oils and oxygen enrichment, the purity of the nitrogen produced will remain consistent over the lifetime of the machine. Problems associated with the generator will be confined to the compressed air or control systems and will probably show up through loss of capacity. Reference should be made to the following Fault Finding Chart.
No Insuficient N2 Flow Compressor Cycling On/Off Yes No Sieve Vents on Exhuast Cycle Check Timer Operating Ok Not Running Check Power Check Timer Operation Fit New Timer

Ok No Power

Repair Wiring Fault

Yes

Ok

Check Power out to Solenoid Valve Yes

No

Check Exhaust Valve

Replace Faulty Valve

Check Compressor Inlet Filter clean

Dirty Fit New Filter

Check Pressure @ Filter Bowl

< 100 psi

Check System for Leaks

Repair Leaks Yes

>110 psi

No

Service Compressor

Check Gauge Rail Pressure

>100 psi Adjust Pressure

< 100 psi Check Timer Settings

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MSQ10LA Nitrogen Generator Instructions for Use Compressor Requirements

The intake filter requires periodic replacement. Initial inspection should be after 500 hours operation. Most compressor-related problems can be prevented by keeping the filter clean. A dirty inlet filter will decrease compressor performance and may shorten its life. The compressor head surfaces and motor casing become very HOT during operation. Do not touch these parts until the unit has been switched off and allowed to cool. Switch the generator OFF and disconnect it from the electrical supply. Remove the fuse from the Euro-socket to prevent the generator being inadvertently switched on by another person. This is a non-lubricated compressor and should never be oiled. Oiling this compressor will cause damage. Compressor Replacement Remove the generator to a clean dry place with sufficient room to work.

1. Remove the lower front panel. 2. Disconnect the braided hose from cone fitting where it is secured to the right-hand side panel.
Take care not to disturb the fit between the cone fitting and the bracket assembly.

3. Disconnect the Molex connector at the front of the compressor. 4. Tip the generator onto its back and remove the 4-off nuts securing the compressor to the
base. Support the weight of the compressor with one hand while removing the last nut.

5. Lift the compressor clear of the generator. 6. Remove and clean all the fittings from the old compressor and reassemble onto the new
machine using PTEF tape and sealing compound. (Swagelok Teflon Free Pt No MS-TFS50) is recommended.) Reassembly is the reverse procedure.

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MSQ10LA Nitrogen Generator Instructions for Use

9 Technical Specifications
General Details
Minimum Operating Ambient Temperature Maximum Operating Ambient Temperature Inlet Conditions (Free of oil and bulk moisture) Minimum Air Inlet Pressure Maximum Air Inlet Pressure Minimum Air Inlet Flow Rate Outlet Gas Maximum Pressure Drop (Outlet-Inlet) P Maximum Gas Outlet Pressure Maximum Gas Outlet Flow for Specified Purity Pressure Dew point Start up time for Purity Particles O2 level (maximum)
o

5 C (41 F) 30 C (86 F)
o o

N/A N/A N/A

N/A 85 psig 10 Liters/min (ATP) -75 C (-103 F) (1.4ppm @ ATP) 45 minutes 0.01um 2.0%
o

Electrical Requirements @230V ac 10% (50/60Hz ac) Fuse (220V 50/60Hz ac) Electrical Connection Plug Type General Dimensions H x W x D cm (inches) Kg (lbs) Kg (lbs) 63 x 43 x 41 (24.6 x 17 x 16) 47.5 (104.5) 69 (152) 4.2 Amps 10 Amps IEC Euroconnector NEMA Code N6/15

Weight Shipping Weight

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MSQ10LA Nitrogen Generator Instructions for Use

10

Parts List

Recommended Spares
MSQ10LA Service Spares The following parts are in Dionex P/N 061492
Item 1 2 3 Description Compressor Inlet Filter Element Coalescing Filter Element Exhaust Element Interval 12 Months 12 Months 12 Months Part No. 02-4187 02-4509 02-4336 No. Off 1 1 1

MSQ10LA Maintenance Spares

Item 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Description Braided Hose Internal Gauge Exhaust Valve Non-Return Valve Timer Contactor Cooling / Ventilation Fan Flow Controller Pressure Regulator Panel Gauge Safety Valve Compressor Anti-vibe Mounts Compressor Back Pressure Relief Valve Part No. 02-1100 02-1021 02-4289 02-1135 04-1019 04-4439 04-1021 02-4209 02-1110 02-1020 02-4544 06-1020 06-5513 02-1213 No. Off 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 2 1 4 1 1

Additional parts can be ordered from: Peak Scientific Instruments Fountain Crescent Inchinnan Business Park Inchinnan, Renfrewshire PA4 9RE Scotland, UK

Contact information: +44-141-812-8100 +44-141-812-8200 fax info@peakscientific.com

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MSQ10LA Nitrogen Generator Instructions for Use

8.

13

7.

2. 9. 12

3.

Parts List 1. Compressor 2. Cooling Coil 3. Cooling Fan (if fitted) 4. Filter / Separator 5. Exhaust Valve 6. Exhaust Silencer 7. CMS Column 8. Non-return Valve 9. Nitrogen Storage Tank 10. Pressure Regulator 11. Internal Pressure Gauge 12. Flow Regulator 13. Front Panel Gauge 14. Bulkhead Connection 15. Internal Gauge Rail 16. Compressor Cooling Fan (if fitted)

10 15.

11

6.

5.

4.

Nitrogen Generator Standard System

1. 14 16. 16.

Switch

L NE

Fuse

Terminal Rail Timer Fan Motor(s) Valve Exhaust

Compressor MSQ10LA Electrical Diagram

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MSQ10LA issue 1
Clearance for Maintenance 410 mm 875 mm
I O

Nitrogen Pressure

110 mm

625 mm

Gap required for Power Cord

Power Outlet Position (Maximum Distance LHS) Power Outlet Position (Maximum Distance RHS)
80.00 mm

900 mm Rear Ventilation Gap

800 mm

Notes 1. Access is required through Front Panels & Lid for maintenance. 2. Plug Power Cord into a convenient outlet with sufficient slack to allow the unit to be pulled forwar for access. 3. Allow sufficient slack in the Gas Line to allow the generator to be pulled forward for maintenance

MSQ10LA Nitrogen Generator

Instructions for Use

MSQ10LA Installation Notes

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MSQ10LA Nitrogen Generator Instructions for Use

11 Maintenance Record Log

Model- MSQ10LA Serial Number:

Work Done

Remarks

Date Name

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