Agilent InfinityLab Online LC Solution - Site Preparation Checklist

Importance of the Topic

Proper site preparation is essential for the optimal operation, reliability, and safety of online liquid chromatography (LC) systems. By ensuring that space, utilities, environmental conditions, and software/hardware infrastructure meet manufacturer specifications, laboratories can minimize installation delays, prevent instrument downtime, and maintain data quality over the instrument’s lifetime.

Objectives and Overview of the Document

This checklist defines customer responsibilities and outlines all requirements—space allocation, environmental control, power, supply of solvents, waste handling, instrumentation layout, sample delivery connections, and software/hardware setup—required to install the Agilent InfinityLab Online LC Solution successfully and on schedule.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The online LC solution consists of two main modules: the 1260 Infinity II Online Sample Manager (G3167A) and the 1290 Infinity II Valve Drive with external valve head (G1170A). Key instrumentation details include:

• Physical dimensions and weights: the sample manager measures approximately 396×468×320 mm and weighs ~22 kg; the valve drive head measures 95×300×95 mm and weighs ~1.9 kg.
• Environmental requirements: operating temperatures between 4 °C and 40 °C (up to 55 °C for the valve drive), humidity below 95 % non-condensing, stable ambient conditions, and solvent vapor extraction.
• Power: universal 100–240 VAC, 50/60 Hz; maximum consumption 180 VA (sample manager) and 20 VA (valve drive).
• Operating supplies: HPLC-grade solvents (acetonitrile, isopropanol, water) with <1 ppm residue; consumables per Agilent supply catalogs.
• Waste and leak management: dedicated adapters for condensate and sample waste; special precautions when handling flammable refrigerant (R600a) in the sample thermostat.
• Sample delivery connections: ERI or APG electronic interfaces, Swagelok® 1/16" fittings, inert capillaries (ID ≥0.5 mm), and sample stream criteria (pressure <200 bar, flow <5 mL/min, particle-free, pH 1–12.5).
• Software and networking: OpenLab CDS v2.6 Workstation Plus, Windows 10 64-bit, .NET frameworks, 1600×900 px display, USB 2.0, 100 Mb/1 Gb LAN, isolated instrument network, and firewall port configuration.

Main Points and Discussion

Key discussion points include the need for precise bench space planning (including clearance for stacking modules), careful temperature and humidity control to avoid performance drift, and reliable solvent supply and waste handling systems. Early coordination with IT and facilities for network and power installation helps prevent last-minute delays. User presence during installation ensures proper training on operation, maintenance, and safety.

Benefits and Practical Applications

By adhering to this checklist, laboratories can achieve:

• Smooth and timely installation of online LC systems.
• Reduced risk of instrument failure or suboptimal chromatographic performance.
• Enhanced data integrity and reproducibility in routine analysis or high-throughput environments.
• Improved safety when handling solvents, refrigerants, and waste streams.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances in LC automation and real-time monitoring will increasingly integrate with laboratory informatics and smart-factory concepts. Future developments may include cloud-based analytics for predictive maintenance, expanded remote control interfaces, and seamless interconnection with upstream sample preparation and downstream data processing workflows.

Conclusion

This site preparation guide provides a structured framework to ready laboratory space, utilities, and IT infrastructure for Agilent InfinityLab Online LC installation. Diligent compliance with these requirements ensures reliable performance, operator safety, and maximum uptime.

Reference

• Agilent Technologies. Site Preparation Checklist for InfinityLab Online LC Solution, Rev. A.00, 15 Apr 2021, Document No. D0006634.