Step-by-Step Guide: Controlling Agilent 7890A GC and ChemStation Setup
1. GC Startup Procedure
1. Ensure hydrogen, air, helium, and nitrogen gas supplies are ON and regulators are set to
correct line pressures.
2. Power ON the Agilent 7890A GC using the front panel switch.
3. Allow the GC to initialize and reach ready status.
4. Launch Agilent ChemStation software on the connected PC.
2. Loading and Initializing a Method
1. In ChemStation, go to 'Method' > 'Load Method'.
2. Select the pre-configured method for RGA analysis (e.g., RGA_Method.m).
3. Click 'OK' to load and apply method parameters.
4. Check the instrument status window to verify method parameters have been transferred
to the GC.
3. EPC Pressure and Flow Control
1. From ChemStation, open the 'Instrument Control' panel.
2. Navigate to 'Pressure/Flow Settings' for each inlet or AUX channel.
3. Set the following target pressures (if in Pressure Control Mode):
• Front Inlet (He): 187 kPa
• EPC AUX 1 (He): up to 360 kPa (ramped)
• EPC AUX 2 (He): up to 360 kPa (ramped)
• EPC AUX 3 (N2): 340 kPa
4. For Flow Control Mode, enter target flows (e.g., 13.6–17.7 mL/min) and verify using
external flowmeter.
4. Programming Valve Events
1. In ChemStation, go to 'Method' > 'Edit Method'.
2. Select 'Time Events' or 'Valve Events' window.
3. Enter the following sequence after the 1-minute sampling valve phase:
• 0.00 min (GC Time): V1 ON – Inject sample
• 1.00 min: V4 ON – Direct flow to Column 3
• 2.00 min: V5 ON / V4 OFF – Trap on Column 4
• 5.00–6.00 min: V5 OFF – Release to Column 6
• 13.70–15.00 min: V2 OFF – Backflush hydrocarbons
• 19.00–20.00 min: All valves OFF – End of run
5. Detector Setup
1. Navigate to 'Detector Settings' in ChemStation.
2. Set FID temperature to 190°C and enable flame ignition.
3. Set TCD temperatures (Top and Left) to 150°C.
4. Adjust signal acquisition rates to 20 Hz for all detectors.
6. Running the Analysis
1. Load a calibration or sample vial into the autosampler (or manually inject sample).
2. Click 'Run Method' or 'Start' in ChemStation.
3. Monitor system status and detector baselines during runtime.
4. Wait for chromatogram to complete (typically 20 min).
7. Reviewing Results
1. After the run completes, open the Data Analysis window.
2. Use 'Signal Selection' to toggle between FID1A, TCD2B, and TCD3C.
3. Integrate peaks and confirm retention times.
4. Export report as PDF, Excel, or LIMS-compatible format.
8. Adjusting Flow in ChemStation
Depending on the configuration, Agilent 7890A GC allows control via either Pressure
Control Mode or Flow Control Mode. Here is how to access and adjust flow rates within
Agilent ChemStation:
1. Open ChemStation and select the 'Instrument Control' panel.
2. Click on 'Inlets' and choose the relevant inlet (e.g., Front Inlet, AUX EPC 1, AUX EPC 2, AUX
EPC 3).
3. In the control settings window, locate the following options:
• Mode: Select either 'Pressure Control' or 'Flow Control'
• Pressure [kPa]: If Pressure Control is selected, input the desired inlet pressure
• Flow [mL/min]: If Flow Control is selected, set the target flow rate directly
• Split Ratio / Split Flow: If applicable, configure for split or splitless injections
4. Press 'Apply' to save the changes and update the GC settings.
5. You should see the actual flow or pressure reading update in the live instrument panel.
Tips:
- Use an external digital flow meter (e.g., bubble meter or Gilibrator) to verify actual flow at
column outlet.
- For TCD operation, accurate flow balance between reference and sample sides is critical
for baseline stability.
- Set flow override in the method sequence if a flow rate ramp is required across the run.
