MIDAS

user’s manual

Version 1.5, April 2000

Part no. 0060.163-15

P.O.BOX 388, 7800 AJ EMMEN, THE NETHERLANDS, TEL. (31) 591 631700, FAX. (31) 591 630035, E-MAIL: SALES@SPARK.NL
 DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
We Spark Holland BV,
Pieter de Keyserstraat 8,
NL-7825 VE Emmen.

Declare that the product:

Autosampler “Midas”, type 830

is in conformity with the following documents:

• EEC directives 89/392 incl. 91/368 and 93/44 (machine safety) and EEC
directives 73/23 and 93/68 (low voltage safety), applied with the following
standard:

EN 61010-1 Safety requirements for laboratory equipment

(Class I, Installation cat. II, Pollution degree II)

Spark Holland will not accept any liability for damages directly or
indirectly caused by connecting this instrument to devices, which do not
meet relevant safety standards.
WARNING

• EEC directives 89/336 and 92/31 (EMC requirements, applied with the
following standards:

EN 50081-1 Generic emission standard

EN 50082-1 Generic immunity standard
EN 61000-3-2 Harmonic current emissions

Use shielded cables and connectors for all remote connections.

Emmen, October 1998. Rein van den Berg, QA manager.

 User manual Midas

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL

Please read this manual carefully before starting to use the Midas autosampler.

This manual describes the Spark Holland Midas autosampler.

• The Quick Start is a short guide how to operate the Midas autosampler.
• Chapter 1 is a short introduction of the Midas autosampler.
• In chapter 2 the various parts of the Midas autosampler will be indicated.
• In chapter 3 the three injection principles will be explained.
• Chapter 4 contains information how to install the Midas and connecting it to an
HPLC system and other components.
• In chapter 5 all programming utilities of the Midas are described.
• Chapter 6 gives information on Maintenance.
• Chapter 7 provides you with a lead to solve problems, which might appear
during the use of the Midas.

It is important that when you install the Midas for the first time, the System
Settings of the Midas are programmed according to your configuration.

Using the Midas not according these instructions may cause unsafe
operation!

If you have any comments or remarks on this manual, we will be pleased to receive them
at:

Spark Holland BV,

P.O.Box 388,
7800 AJ Emmen,
The Netherlands,
Tel. (31) 591 631700,
Fax (31) 591 630035,
E-mail: SALES@SPARK.NL

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SAFETY SYMBOLS ON THE MIDAS

The Midas contains the following safety symbols:

WARNING This sticker denotes that nearby are the sharp needle and the
moving needle arm of the Midas which, if not handled with
SHARP NEEDLE care, could result in injury or damage or destruction of these
AND MOVING PARTS
KEEP HANDS CLEAR parts of the Midas.

SIGNS AND PICTOGRAMS

Signs and pictograms used in this manual.

DANGER:
The "DANGER sign" denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a
procedure, practice or the like, which, if not correctly done or
adhered to, could results in injury or loss of life.
Do not proceed beyond a "DANGER sign" until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and met.

WARNING:
The "WARNING sign" denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a
procedure, practice or the like, which, if not correctly done or
adhered to, could result in severe injury or damage or destruction of
parts or all of the equipment.
WARNING Do not proceed beyond a "WARNING sign" until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and met.

CAUTION:
The "CAUTION sign" denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a
procedure, practice or the like, which, if not correctly done or
adhered to, could result in damage or destruction of parts or all of the
equipment.
CAUTION Do not proceed beyond a "CAUTION sign" until the indicated
conditions are fully understood and met.

ATTENTION:
The "ATTENTION sign" denotes relevant information.
Read this information first, it might be helpful or necessary before
continuing.

NOTE:
The "NOTE sign" denotes additional information.
It provides the user with advises and suggestions to ease the use of
the equipment.

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SAFETY PRACTICES

The following safety practices are intended to insure the safe operation of the equipment.

Electrical Hazards

1. Removal of some panels exposes potentially dangerous voltages.

Disconnect the instrument from all power sources before removing
protective panels.

2. Replace blown fuses with size and rating stipulated on the fuse panel or
holder, and in the manual where listed.

3. Replace or repair faulty or frayed insulation on power cords.

4. Check actual line voltage to confirm it is the value for which this
instrument is wired. Be sure power cords are plugged into correct voltage
sources.

General Precautions

1. Perform periodic leak checks on supply lines.

2. Do not allow flammable and/or toxic solvents to accumulate. Follow a

regulated, approved waste disposal program. Never dispose of such
products through the municipal sewage system.

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QUICK START MIDAS

This section of the manual is written, to make a quick start with your Midas autosampler.
Step by step from installation through running complete analysis. It makes Midas your
companion in the lab in a minimum of time.

INSTALLATION (For more detailed information, see section 4 of this manual)

• Allow the Midas to adopt ambient temperature for at least one hour
• Check Midas for visual damages due to transport, if this is the case, please contact
your distributor immediately.
• Preferably, place the Midas autosampler to the left-hand side of your HPLC system.
• Remove the safety screw on the right-hand side of the front cover.

Keep the keyboard front cover closed during operation.

• Check fuses and voltage settings on the rear side of the instrument.
• Connect the power cable
• After turning "ON" the power, the Ready screen appears displaying the firmware
revision number.
• Connect the drain tubing to the wash outlet on the lower front side of the
instrument.
• Fill the wash solvent bottle with distilled water/ 2-Propanol (80/20 v/v%) or mobile
phase. Only water/organic solvents should be used. Do not use any crystalline or
buffer solutions; these may block the system and cause severe damages. To avoid
air bubbles in the syringe degas the wash solvent.
• Fill the wash solvent tubing, syringe and buffer tubing by washing the system 2 or 3
times. This is done by pressing the <WASH> soft function key from the Ready
screen. Check if there are some air bubbles trapped in the syringe, they can be
removed by gently ticking to the syringe.
• Connect your HPLC pump to port 1 of the injection valve and the column (or
capillary) to port 6 of the injection valve. Check for leakage and let the system
equilibrate for at least 5 minutes.

SYSTEM SETTINGS (See section 5.5 of this manual)

Normally these settings are correctly installed, to check and set these (standard) settings,
proceed as follows:

Press keys: Description:

[System] Enter the System Settings
<GENERAL> Enter the General Settings
[0100] [Enter] Volume of installed loop: 100 µL.
[015] [Enter] Volume of tubing needle ↔ valve:015 µL
<250> [Enter] Syringe volume: 250 µL
<NORMAL> [Enter] Set Syringe speed to Normal.
<YES> [Enter] Skip missing vials.
<YES> [Enter] Air segment: use air segment
<YES> [Enter] Headspace pressure: On
Press [Escape] twice to go back to the Ready screen

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EXAMPLE 1: Performing a 10 µL partial loopfill injection from vial number 1.

Performing injection routines is easy with Midas. First you define a method such as the
injection, mix or wash method. These methods are stored in battery back up.
Subsequently a Run sequence or Series can be programmed in which those methods are
linked to the Series of vials. Midas will eventually execute those Series.

PROGRAMMING THE METHOD (See section 5.6 of this manual)

INJECTION PROGRAM:
Press keys: Description:
[Methods] [1] [Enter] Enter Method number 1.
<INJECTION> <PARTIAL> [Enter] Selecting partial loopfill injection program
[30] [Enter] Flush volume: e.g. 30 µL
[1] [Enter] Number of injections per vial: 1
[10] [Enter] Injection volume: 10 µL
[100] [Enter] Enter the analysis time e.g. 1 minute
Press [Escape] once to go up one level.

WASH PROGRAM:
Press keys: Description:
<WASH> Selecting wash program
<NONE> Disable the wash
Press [Escape] three times to go back to the Ready screen.

PROGRAMMING THE SERIES (See section 5.7 of this manual)

Press keys: Description:

[Series] [1] [Enter] Enter Series number 1.
[1] [Enter] Enter Method number:1
[1] [Enter] Enter First sample vial: 01
[1] [Enter] Enter Last sample vial: 01
Press [Escape] (twice) to go back to the Ready screen

RUNNING THE SERIES (See section 5.8.1 of this manual)

Put a sample vial in position 1. (If you can’t reach position 1, turn the tray manually).

Press keys: Description:

[Start/Stop]
[1] [Enter] Start at Series number:1
[1] [Enter] Stop after Series number: 01

If you press <START> Midas will start searching for vial 1 and perform a 10 µL injection.

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EXAMPLE 2: Performing three 10 µL injections from one vial without sample

loss using the µL Pick-up injection routine, followed by a wash routine
between each injection.

If the Air segment is set ON in System Settings, a small air segment will also be
injected into your HPLC system (For more detailed information, see section 5.5 of
this manual).

For switching OFF the air segment enter the System Settings and change the
setting for the air segment: from YES to NO.
This is done by pressing [System] <GENERAL> [Enter] [Enter] [Enter]
[Enter] [Enter] <NO> [Escape] [Escape]

PROGRAMMING THE METHOD (See section 5.6 of this manual)

INJECTION PROGRAM:
Press keys: Description:
[Methods] [1] [Enter] Enter Method number 1.
<INJECTION> <PICK UP> [Enter] Selecting µL pick-up injection program
[3] [Enter] Number of injections per vial: 3
[10] [Enter] Injection volume: 10 µL
[100] [Enter] Enter the analysis time e.g. 1 minute
Press [Escape] once to go up one level.

WASH PROGRAM:
Press keys: Description:
<WASH> Selecting wash program
<INJECTION> [ENTER} Perform a wash after each injection
[1] [Enter] Enter the number of syringe volumes to be used for
washing, e.g. 1 syringe volume.
Press [Escape] three times to go back to the Ready screen.

PROGRAMMING THE SERIES (See section 5.7 of this manual)

Press keys: Description:

[Series] [1] [Enter] Enter Series number 1.
[1] [Enter] Enter Method number:1
[1] [Enter] Enter First sample vial: 01
[1] [Enter] Enter Last sample vial: 01
Press [Escape] (twice) to go back to the Ready screen

RUNNING THE SERIES (See section 5.8.1 of this manual)

Put a sample vial in position 1 and a vial with transport solvent (mobile phase) in position
85.
Be sure the transport vial is filled correctly before starting a new Series.

Press keys: Description:

[Start/Stop]
[1] [Enter] Start at Series number:1
[1] [Enter] Stop after Series number: 1

If you press <START> Midas will start searching for the transport vial and perform 3
injections of 10 µL. After every injection the needle system will be washed with 1 syringe
volume.

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EXAMPLE 3: Performing a 1:10 dilution followed by a 10 µL partial loopfill

injection
The mix method will perform the following:
Transfer 360 µL from Reagent A to the destination vial, add 40 µL sample, mix 3 times
with 250 µL and subsequently inject 10 µL.

From the Ready screen:

PROGRAMMING THE METHOD (See section 5.6 of this manual)

INJECTION PROGRAM:
Press keys: Description:
[Methods] [1] [Enter] Enter Method number 1.
<INJECTION> <PARTIAL> [Enter] Selecting partial loopfill injection program
[30] [Enter] Flush volume: e.g. 30 µL
[1] [Enter] Number of injections per vial: 1
[10] [Enter] Injection volume: 10 µL
[100] [Enter] Enter the analysis time e.g. 1 minute
Press [Escape] once to go up one level.

WASH PROGRAM:
Press keys: Description:
<WASH> Selecting Wash program
<NONE> Disable the wash
Press [Escape] once to go up one level.

MIX PROGRAM: (See section 5.6.4 of this manual)

Press keys: Description:
<MIX> Selecting Mix program
<YES> Confirm the use of the Mix program
<INSERT> Insert the first Mix step:
<ADD> [180] [Enter] Add 180 µL Reagent–A to the Destination vial.
<REAG-A> [Enter]
<DESTINATION> [Enter]
<INSERT> Insert the second Mix step:
<ADD> [180] [Enter] Add another 180 µL Reagent–A to the Destination vial.
<REAG-A> [Enter]
<DESTINATION> [Enter]
<INSERT> Insert the third Mix step:
<ADD> [40] [Enter] Add 40 µL from the Sample vial to the Destination vial.
<SAMPLE>[Enter]
<DESTINATION> [Enter]
<INSERT> Insert the fourth Mix step:
<MIX> [3] [Enter] Mix the contents of the Destination vial 3 times with a
[250] [Enter] volume of 250 µL
Press [Escape] three times to go back to the Ready screen

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PROGRAMMING THE SERIES (See section 5.7 of this manual)

Press keys: Description:

[Series] [1] [Enter] Enter Series number 1.
[1] [Enter] Enter Method number:1
[1] [Enter] Enter First sample vial: 01
[1] [Enter] Enter Last sample vial: 01
[2] [Enter] Enter First destination vial: 02
Press [Escape] (twice) to go back to the Ready screen

RUNNING THE SERIES (See section 5.8.1 of this manual)

Put a sample vial in position 1, an empty sealed destination vial in position 2 and a filled
reagent vial in position 86. Be sure the reagent vial is filled correctly before starting a new
Series. (If you can’t reach one of the tray positions, turn the tray manually).

Press keys: Description:

[Start/Stop]
[1] [Enter] Start at Series number:1
[1] [Enter] Stop after Series number: 1

If you press <START> Midas will start searching for vial 86 and transport 180 µL to the
destination vial twice, subsequently 40 µL of sample will be added and after mixing 3
times a 10 µL injection will be performed.

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PROGRAMMING CHART

Ready screen
<WASH> <MAINTENANCE> <UTILS> <SERIAL> <TEMP> <SERVICE>

<COPY> <ERASE> <LOG> <OVEN> <TRAY COOL>1

Perform Maintenance Copy Erase Midas Serial Control Control Service

standard functions. methods methods logbook communication column oven sample tray mode
wash protocol temperature cooling

System Settings
[System]
<GENERAL> <METHOD> <TRAY> <IO> <SERIAL> <PREP>

Loop volume Use calibration Tray type Inject marker pulse length Device identifier Select Prep mode2
Needle volume vials Input edge next injection
Syringe volume Freeze input active
Syringe speed Reset outputs after last
Skip missing vials Series
Air segment
Headspace pressure

Method programming
[Methods]
<INJECTION> <WASH> <TIMED EV.> <MIX>

Injection type:
<FULL> <PARTIAL> <PICK-UP>

Wash volume Timed events program: Mix program:

Flush volume Flush volume No injections/vial Wash between: - 4 x AUX-1 - Add

No injections/vial No injections/vial Injection volume - Series - 4 x AUX-2 - Mix
Analysis time Injection volume Analysis time - Vials - INITIAL OVEN SETPOINT - Wait
Analysis time - Series - 2 x OVEN SETPOINT
- END TIME

[Series]
Method number
First sample vial
Last sample vial
Use calibration vials3
First calibration vial
Last calibration vial
Vials between calibration
First destination vial4

[Start/Stop] First Series

Last Series
<START> <REMOTE>

[Priority] Sample vial

[Hold/Cont.] Hold the analysis time of the Midas

1
Available when the optional tray cooling is installed.
2
When selecting the Prep mode, some system settings are no longer programmable, but set to a fixed value.
3
Depends on the System Settings.
4
In case Destination vials are used in the mix of the method.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

HOW TO USE THIS MANUAL I

SAFETY SYMBOLS ON THE MIDAS III
SIGNS AND PICTOGRAMS III
SAFETY PRACTICES IV
QUICK START MIDAS V
PROGRAMMING CHART X
SPECIFICATIONS XIII

1. ABOUT MIDAS 1

2. INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION 3

3. INJECTION PRINCIPLE 5
3.1 FULL LOOP INJECTIONS 5
3.2 PARTIAL LOOPFILL INJECTIONS 8
3.3 µL PICK-UP INJECTIONS 10

4. INSTALLATION 13
4.1 UNPACKING 13
4.2 LOCATION OF MIDAS 14
4.3 POWER CONNECTIONS 14
4.4 FLUID CONNECTIONS 15
4.4.1 HPLC CONNECTIONS 16
4.4.2 WASTE TUBING 16
4.4.3 WASH SOLVENT AND SYSTEM RINSE 17
4.4.4 SYRINGE 17
4.5 PREPARATION OF VIALS 18
4.5.1 VIAL DIMENSIONS 18
4.5.1.1 Chromacol standard sample vials 18
4.5.1.2 Chromacol reagent and transport liquid vial 20
4.5.1.3 Eppendorf micro centrifuge tubes 21
4.5.2 FILLING AND SEALING THE VIALS 21
4.5.3 LOADING THE SAMPLE TRAY 21
4.6 CONTROL I/O CONNECTIONS. 22
4.7 MULTILINK CONNECTOR 24

5. OPERATION 25
5.1 TYPOGRAPHIC CONVENTION 25
5.2 HOW TO USE THE KEYBOARD 25
5.3 HARD FUNCTION KEYS 26
5.4 DIRECT FUNCTIONS 27

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5.5 SYSTEM SETTINGS 31

5.5.1 GENERAL SYSTEM SETTINGS 31
5.5.2 METHOD SYSTEM SETTINGS 33
5.5.3 TRAY SETTINGS 33
5.5.4 I/O CONFIGURATION 34
5.5.5 SERIAL COMMUNICATION 34
5.5.6 PREP MODE SYSTEM SETTINGS 34
5.6 METHOD PROGRAMMING 36
5.6.1 INJECTION PROGRAM 37
5.6.2 WASH PROGRAM 38
5.6.3 TIMED EVENTS PROGRAM 39
5.6.4 MIX PROGRAM 41
5.7 PROGRAMMING THE RUN SEQUENCE; SERIES 43
5.8 RUNNING 45
5.8.1 START AND STOP 45
5.8.2 REMOTE CONTROL 46
5.8.3 PRIORITY SAMPLE 47
5.8.4 PROGRAMMING DURING RUN 48

6. MAINTENANCE 49
6.1 INJECTION VALVE 49
6.1.1 REPLACING THE INJECTION VALVE 49
®
6.1.2 VALCO CHEMINERT MODULE C2 VALVE 50
6.1.3 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR RHEODYNE MODEL 7739 VALVE 51
6.1.4 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR RHEODYNE MODEL 9740 VALVE 52
6.2 NEEDLE AND TUBING 53
6.3 SAMPLE NEEDLE 55
6.3.1 SAMPLE NEEDLE REPLACEMENT 55
6.3.2 AIR NEEDLE REPLACEMENT 55
6.3.3 SAMPLE NEEDLE PENETRATION DEPTH 56
6.4 SYRINGE 57

7. TROUBLESHOUTING 59
7.1 START UP PROBLEMS 59
7.2 ANALYTICAL PROBLEMS 60
7.2.1 NO INJECTION 61
7.2.2 BAD REPRODUCIBILITY 62

APPENDIX A: LIST OF ACCESSORIES 63

APPENDIX B: ERROR CODES 65

APPENDIX C: TEST PROCEDURE 67

APPENDIX D: MIDAS LOGBOOK 71

APPENDIX E: PREP MIDAS 77

INDEX 81

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SPECIFICATIONS

230/115 V VA 50/60 Hz
MODEL: YEAR: SERIAL NO.:

SPARK HOLLAND B.V.

7800 AJ EMMEN, THE NETHERLANDS

GENERAL
Sound pressure level LeAq <70 dB
Working temperature 10 - 40°C
Humidity 20 - 80% RH
Safety and EMC compatibility According to EC-directives.

SAMPLING
Sample capacity: Standard tray:
84 vials of 1.5 mL (Std) and
3 vials of 10 mL (LSV)
Vial dimensions (cap included): Maximum vial height: 47 mm
Minimum vial height: 32 mm
Loop volume 1 - 5000 µL
Dispenser syringe 250 µL (standard) or 1000 µL syringe
Vial detection Missing vial detection by vial sensor.
Headspace pressure Built-in compressor
Switching time injection valve Electrically <100 msec
Piercing precision needle ± 0.6 mm
Wash solvent External wash solvent bottle
® ®
Wetted parts in flow path SS316, PTFE, TEFZEL , VESPEL , Glass,
Teflon. Optional: PEEK

ANALYTICAL PERFORMANCE
Reproducibility RSD <= 0.3% for full loop injections
RSD <= 0.5% for partial loopfill injections, injection
volumes >10 µL
RSD <= 1.0% for µL pick-up injections, injection
volumes >10 µL
Memory effect < 0.05% with programmable needle wash
Column oven Built-in column thermostat
Range: (Tambient +5) - 60°C
Accuracy ± 1°C (measured in the center)
Dimensions: 25 mm x 25 mm x 300 mm
(W x D x L) 1” x 1” x 11.8”

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PROGRAMMING
Methods 9 programmable methods
Injection method Injection mode:
Full loop injection
Partial loopfill injection
µL pick-up injection
Injection volume 1 µL - 5000 µL, with 1 µL increment
Full loop injection: max. 5000 µL
Partial loopfill injection: max. 2500 µL
µL pick-up injection: max. 2477 µL
Injections per vial max. 9 injections
Analysis time max. 9 hr 59 min 59 sec
Wash Programmable:
Wash between injections
Wash between vials
Wash between Series
Mix max. 15 programmable steps
Timed events Programmable:
4 x AUX-1 ON/OFF
4 x AUX-2 ON/OFF
Initial oven setpoint
2 x new oven setpoint
Series 9 programmable Series
Priority sample Programmable

COMMUNICATION See section 4.5.1.

Outputs Inject marker (Relay & TTL)
2 Auxiliary outputs (Relay)
Alarm output (Relay)
Inputs Next injection input (TTL)
Freeze input (TTL)
Stop input (TTL)
Serial communication port RS232C

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PHYSICAL
Dimensions (W x D x H) 300 mm x 500 mm x 340 mm
11.8”. x 19.7” x 13.4”
Weight 19 kg (42 lb.)
21 kg (46 lb.) with cool option

ELECTRICAL
Power requirements 115/250 VAC; ±15%; 50 Hz / 60 Hz; 200 VA
Fuses For 115 VAC; two 5.0 AT-fuses
(slow, ¼” x 1¼”, UL/CSA)
For 250 VAC; two 2.5 AT-fuses
(slow, 5 x 20 mm, IEC 127)

OPTIONS (User installable)

Large capacity tray: 96 vials of 1.5 mL (STD, 12 mm OD)
Large volume tray: 24 vials of 10 mL (LSV, 22 mm OD)
Prep option Including software, large volume tray, 2.5 mL
syringe and large bore Valco injection valve with
10 mL loop.

®
PC Control: Microsoft Windows™ oriented software package.
Including installed interface software, application
running under Windows 95.

OPTIONS (Factory installed)

Sample tray cooling Built-in Peltier cooling
Range: 4°C - 15°C
Accuracy: ± 2°C (at temperature sensor)
(Temperature at relative humidity of 80% and ambient
temperature of 30°C)
Cooling 20°C below ambient.
capacity:

Bio-compatible valve Special PEEK injection valve, quick connect

mounting.

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1. ABOUT MIDAS
Midas has been designed to meet the challenge of the modern analytical laboratory:
robust, cost-effective and easy to implement. Column temperature control and sample
cooling are available for consistent results. High-resolution syringe control guarantees
superior precision for injection and reagent addition. And, for quick service, the entire
injection valve can be replaced in seconds! The use of these and many more features is
described in this manual to help you exploit the full potential of Midas.

PASA™, SPARK'S ROBUST INJECTION CONCEPT.

Loop injection with Pressure Assisted Sample Aspiration (PASA™) is a proven
concept that combines high precision with simplicity and reliability. No moving
around with the sample needle. Reduced risk for bubbles in the sample line. No
needle port that wears and contaminates. There is only intelligent valve switching
and highly accurate syringe control. Yet, three injection modes can be selected: full
loop, partial loop filling and µL Pick-up for maximum precision, maximum flexibility
and zero sample loss.

Air pressure

Figure 1-1: The PASA™ injection concept.

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SIDE-PORT NEEDLE: A GOOD POINT!

The strong side-port needle combines the optimum point style for piercing with a
minimum risk of blockage by septum particles.
COLUMN OVEN FOR CONSISTENT RESULTS.
A column oven is an integral part of Midas, because constant column temperature
is important for long-term stability of a chromatographic separation and may be
required by GLP directives.

INTEGRATED SAMPLE COOLING OPTION.

Thermo-electric sample cooling is available as a fully integrated option. No external
device is required and the efficient cooling concept does not restrict access to the
sample tray during operation.

REAGENT ADDITION MADE SIMPLE.

Internal Standard addition, sample dilution or derivatization can be programmed in
a very simple manner. A single-stage derivatization of a sample in a separate
(destination) vial requires no more than 4 program lines. Multi-reagent addition is
also possible: two large volume reagent vials are available on the sample tray.

PC-BASED CONTROL.
For communication with external computers, a serial interface and SparkLink
®
communication protocol are standard. A Microsoft Windows™ based software
package for Midas control from a PC greatly improves operation and programming
convenience and extends programming capabilities. A printout of all relevant
system parameters is another valuable plus when using PC control.

SERVICE FRIENDLY DESIGN.

Low instrument down time is accomplished by a high Mean Time Between Failure
and quick instrument service. Special attention has been paid to these aspects of
the concept, as is illustrated by the injection valve: if necessary, the entire injection
valve can be replaced in seconds with the unique Quick-fit valve mounting
mechanism.

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2. INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION

13
1

12

10 11 2

3
4
8 5
7 6
Figure 2-1: Midas autosampler exploded view.

1. Needle arm. 7. Wash and waste drain.

2. Injection valve. 8. Condensed water and leakage drain.
3. Oven compartment. 9. Tray fixation knob.
4. Tubing guide. 10. Sample tray.
5. Wash position. 11. Syringe dispenser.
6. Position for transport solvent and 12. Keyboard.
reagent vials. 13. Buffer tubing.

Placing the sample tray in the Midas:

• Place the sample tray in the Midas and rotate it till sinks into the slot, only one
position possible.
• Turn the tray fixation knob (9) clock-wise to fixate the tray.
• The Midas is now ready for use.

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Figure 2-2: Rear side of the Midas autosampler.

1. P2- I/O connector; Inputs, see section 4.6.

2. P1- I/O connector; Relays outputs, see section 4.6.
3. Mains switch.
4. Mains input.
5. Fuses and voltage selector.
6. CE-mark.
7. MultiLink communication interface connector.
8. Fan, only when tray-cooling option is installed.

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3. INJECTION PRINCIPLE
A unique sequence of valve switching and syringe dispenser controlled sample withdrawal
enables the Midas to inject sample volumes in a range from a few microliters to milliliters
in a simple and reproducible manner.

Therefore three different methods for injection can be selected:

• Full loop: The sample loop is completely (quantitatively)

filled with sample resulting in extremely good
reproducibility.

• Partial loopfill: The sample loop is partially filled with sample;

low sample loss and programmable injection
volumes.

• µL pick-up: After aspiration from the vial the sample volume

is transported into the loop with transport liquid
(mobile phase) from another vial; no sample
loss.

The Midas uses a syringe to aspirate the sample from a vial into the sample loop. To
prevent contamination of the syringe the Midas is equipped with a buffer tubing between
the syringe and the injection valve.
The wash solvent is used to remove the sample from the buffer tubing and sample needle
and rinse the buffer tubing and sample needle.

3.1 FULL LOOP INJECTIONS

The switching sequence for a full loop injection is schematically shown in the following
figures:

The Initial situation: the injection valve is

in the INJECT position. The sample
needle with air needle has entered the
vial. The headspace pressure, applied
through the outer air needle, ensures that
no air or vapor bubbles are formed during
sample aspiration.

Figure 3-1: Full loop injection: initial situation.

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The syringe dispenser aspirates the

“flush volume” from the sample vial to fill
the sample line with sample and remove
wash solvent.

Figure 3-2: Full loop injection: flushing sample

lines and needle.

The injection valve is switched into the

LOAD position, placing a distinct sample
front at the inlet of the sample loop.

Figure 3-3: Full loop injection: switch injection

valve to LOAD.

The sample loop is quantitatively filled by

transporting a number of times the loop
volume through the loop, depending on
the volume of the loop.
3x loop volumes for loops <= 100 µL
2x loop volumes for loops from 100 µL to 500 µL
1½x loop volumes for loops > 500 µL

Figure 3-4: Full loop injection: filling the sample

loop.

The injection valve switches into the

INJECT position. The sample loop is now
part of the HPLC mobile phase flow path:
sample is transported to the column. The
analysis starts.

Figure 3-5: Full loop injection: injecting sample.

If one injection is to be made out of each vial or a wash routine has to be performed after
every injection: the needle withdraws from the vial directly after the injection and, if
programmed, directly performs a wash. After the analysis time a new sequence is started.

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The next injection sequence will start with a flush of 50% of the programmed flush
volume, in case an injection from the same vial and no wash routine is programmed.
Otherwise it will start with a flush of the programmed flush volume. If the withdrawal of
sample for the next injection will exceed the total volume of the sample buffer tubing, the
buffer tubing is rinsed before the next injection. The next injection will start with the
programmed flush.

Air segment

An air segment can be used to reduce the amount of flush volume. This air segment is at
the front of the flush volume and will not be injected and therefore will not influence the
injection. The air segment may be selected in the system settings (ON/OFF, see section
5.5).

With a standard needle the flush volumes must be minimal 30 µL for injections with air
segment and 35 µL for injections without air segment. If the samples are highly viscous it
may be necessary to program larger flush volumes and reduce the syringe speed for
better performance.

Figure 3-6: Situation after filling the loop in case of Full loop injections with (A) or without air segment (B)

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3.2 PARTIAL LOOPFILL INJECTIONS

The switching sequence for a partial loopfill injection is schematically shown in the
following figures:

The Initial situation: the injection valve is

in the INJECT position. The sample
needle with air needle has entered the
vial. The headspace pressure, applied
through the outer air needle, ensures that
no air or vapor bubbles are formed during
sample aspiration.

Figure 3-7: Partial loopfill injection: initial

situation.
The syringe dispenser aspirates the
“flush volume” from the sample vial to fill
the sample line with sample and remove
wash solvent.

Figure 3-8: Partial loopfill injection: flushing

sample lines and needle.
The injection valve is switched into the
LOAD position, placing a distinct sample
front at the inlet of the sample loop.

Figure 3-9: Partial loopfill injection: switch

injection valve to LOAD.
The programmed injection volume is now
aspirated into the sample loop.

Figure 3-10: Partial loopfill injection: filling the

sample loop.

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The injection valve switches into the

INJECT position. The sample loop is now
part of the HPLC mobile phase flow path:
sample is transported to the column. The
analysis starts.

Figure 3-11: Partial loopfill injection: injecting

sample.

The next injection sequence will start with a flush of 50% of the programmed flush
volume, in case an injection from the same vial and no wash routine is programmed.
Otherwise it will start with a flush of the programmed flush volume. If the withdrawal of
sample for the next injection will exceed the total volume of the sample buffer tubing, the
buffer tubing is rinsed before the next injection. The next injection will start with the
programmed flush.

Air segment

An air segment can be used to reduce the amount of flush volume. This air segment is at
the front of the flush volume and will not be injected. The air segment can be selected in
system settings (ON/OFF, see section 5.5).

With a standard needle the flush volumes must be minimal 30 µL for injections with air
segment and 35 µL for injections without air segment. If the samples are highly viscous it
may be necessary to program larger flush volumes and reduce the syringe speed for
better performance.

Figure 3-12: Situation after filling the loop in case of Partial loopfill injections with (A) or without air segment (B)

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3.3 µL PICK-UP INJECTIONS

The switching sequence for a µL pick-up injection is schematically shown in the following
figures:

The Initial situation: the injection valve is

in the INJECT position. The sample
needle has entered the vial of transport
liquid (mobile phase, this to avoid
disturbance of the chromatogram with an
additional peak of the transport solvent).

Figure 3-13: µL pick-up injection: initial

situation.
For the first injection, after a wash or after
emptying of the buffer tubing. The syringe
dispenser aspirates transport liquids from
the transport vial to fill the sample line
with transport liquid and remove wash
solvents.

Figure 3-14: µL pick-up injection: filling sample

lines with transport liquid.
The needle moves from the transport vial
to the sample vial. The injection valve is
switched into the LOAD position.

Figure 3-15: µL pick-up injection: go to sample

vial and switch injection valve to LOAD.
The programmed injection volume is
aspirated from the sample vial.

Figure 3-16: µL pick-up injection: filling the

sample loop.

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The sample needle moves back to the

transport vial.
The sample is quantitatively transported
into the loop, with transport liquid (mobile
phase) from the transport vial.

Figure 3-17: µL pick-up injection: transporting

sample into the sample loop.
The injection valve switches into the
INJECT position. The sample loop is now
part of the HPLC mobile phase flow path:
sample is transported to the column. The
analysis starts.

Figure 3-18: µL pick-up injection: injecting

sample.

For the next sequence the first withdrawal of transport solvent is omitted, unless a wash
routine is performed or the Midas has emptied the buffer tubing into the waste. In those
cases the sequence is completely repeated.

Air segment

If an air segment has been programmed, it appears at the front of the first plug of
transport liquid and at the front of every sample plug. An air segment can be programmed
in the system settings (See section 5.5).

In the µL pick-up mode, the air segment at the front of the sample plug is injected
into the HPLC system.

Figure 3-19: Situation after filling the loop in case of µL pick-up injections with (A) or without air segment (B)

In case of µL pick-up injections, there will be no air pressure (headspace pressure)

on the vials, to avoid sample errors due to air expansion during vial exchange from
the sample vial to the transport solvent vial.

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4. INSTALLATION

4.1 UNPACKING
Inspect the Midas for indications of damage. Damage that occurs to the Midas in transit,
indicated by damaged containers, is the responsibility of the carrier and should be
reported to the carrier immediately. Shipping containers should be inspected by the carrier
if a claim is filed.

For contents of shipping containers see the packing list in container.

Before using the Midas allow the instrument to acclimatise for a period of 1 hour.

It is recommended to store the shipping container of the Midas. It has to be used if it

should be necessary to ship the Midas for service purposes.

Lift the Midas as shown below in Figure 4-1.

Lift the Midas with

both hands under
the instrument or
with one hand under
the front and the
other hand grasping
the rear top of the
Midas.

Figure 4-1: Midas lift instructions.

Do NOT lift the Midas at the front cover of the autosampler.

WARNING

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4.2 LOCATION OF MIDAS

The Midas needs approximately 30 cm (12 inches) of bench space and one power supply
(230 VAC or 115 VAC, 50/60 Hz).

The best place to put your Midas is at the left-hand side of your HPLC system, next to
your HPLC pump and detector. From the right-hand side you have the shortest connection
to the injection valve of the Midas.

Be sure that none of the ventilation holes are blocked. Blockage of the ventilation holes
can cause malfunctioning of the Midas autosampler or even damage the electronics
inside.

Do not install the Midas in areas subject to excessive dust, direct sunlight or shocks and
do not place it near any other source of heat, this will disturb the cooling of the tray when
installed.

4.3 POWER CONNECTIONS

Before plugging in the power cable, check voltage setting of the Midas at the input socket
on the rear-panel. Make sure that the voltage setting is identical with the voltage of your
local power supply, use only a supply appliance with protective grounding.

If the indicated voltage is not correct select the proper voltage by removing, inverting, and
then re–entering the voltage selector-cartridge.
Check if the right fuses are installed, if not replace them with the right fuses.

For 115 VAC ±15%, use two 5 AT-fuses (slow).

For 230 VAC ±15%, use two 2.5 AT-fuses (slow).

All fuses must be UL listed and CSA certified!

RISK OF FIRE,
REPLACE FUSES AS MARKED.
WARNING

When the voltage selection and fuses are correct for your power source, plug in the power
cable.

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4.4 FLUID CONNECTIONS

The Midas is factory installed with a 250 µL syringe, a 100 µL loop, a 500 µL buffer tubing
and a stainless steel sample needle.
A schematic presentation of all parts that have contact with any kind of fluid is shown
below. This sticker can be found on the inside of the front cover.
To get access to the fluidics, it is necessary to open the front cover of the Midas, therefore
remove the screw on the right-hand side of the Midas front cover.
See Table 1 for the dimension of the standard installed tubing.
To obtain an optimal performance of the Midas, a correct combination of syringe, loop and
buffer tubing should be installed, see also section 6.2.

Figure 4-2: Fluid connections of the Midas (sticker).

Table 1: Standard installed tubing of the Midas.

Tubing Material and dimensions Label

Standard sample needle and tubing. SS tubing; 70 mm x 0.65 mm OD x 0.25 mm ID 15 µL
Tefzel tubing; 155 mm x 1/16” OD x 0.25 mm ID
Buffer tubing from high-pressure PTFE tubing; 640 mm x 1/16” OD x 1.0 mm ID 500 µL
valve to syringe valve.
Tubing syringe valve to wash PTFE tubing; 300 mm x 1/16” OD x 1.0 mm ID
solvent bottle.
Tubing syringe valve to waste. PTFE tubing; 400 mm x 1/16” OD x 1.6 mm ID

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4.4.1 HPLC CONNECTIONS

To ensure reproducible injections the following connections to your HPLC system should
be made:

• Connect the HPLC pump to port 1 of the injection valve.

• Connect the HPLC column to port 6 of the injection valve.

The instrument has been flushed with Isopropanol: make sure that the mobile phase of
your HPLC system is miscible with Isopropanol. If not start up with an intermediate solvent
as mobile phase (disconnect the HPLC column)

It's essential that the contents of the sample loop are injected in back flush onto
the column, therefore: Do not exchange column and pump connections at the
injection valve.

4.4.2 WASTE TUBING

General waste: (See Figure 2-1, 7)
Connect the drain tubing (in the shipkit of the Midas) to the right-hand drain hose
connector of the Midas and put it in a bottle, which is placed on the floor. Through this
drain all the liquid dispensed into the wash position, is removed.

Sample, which is not injected, is also removed through this tubing.

Syringe waste: (See Figure 4-2)

Place the syringe waste tubing into a small bottle next to the Midas. If no injection
volumes are programmed that are larger than the buffer tubing can contain, the
syringe waste will only be wash solvent.

Condense water and leakage drain: (See Figure 2-1, 8)

Through the left-hand hose connector all leakage solvents and condensed water, in
case a Peltier cool option is installed, is drained.

If the optional Peltier tray cooling is installed, it is advisable to connect this hose
connector (in the shipkit of the Midas) to a waste container on the floor.

Be sure that the drain and waste tubing are not twisted and thereby
obstructing the flow path.

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4.4.3 WASH SOLVENT AND SYSTEM RINSE

Use a clean bottle for the wash solvent and place it at the left-hand side of the Midas.

v
It is recommended to use a mixture of distilled water / Isopropanol (80/20 /v%) or
mobile phase as wash solvent. Before using the wash solvent, degas the solvent
with Helium or an ultrasonic bath.
Do not use salts or buffer solutions; crystals may block or damage the system.

To fill the wash solvent tubing use the following procedure:

• Put the wash solvent tubing in the filled wash solvent bottle.
• Press <MAINTENANCE> to go to the Midas maintenance functions.
• Fill the tubing using the Midas soft-function keys <SYR END> and <SYR HOME>.
With <SYR END> a syringe volume of wash solvent is aspirated from the wash
solvent bottle and the wash solvent tubing is filled.
With <SYR HOME> the syringe contents will be dispensed to the syringe waste.
• Repeat this action until the wash solvent tubing and the syringe are completely
filled.
• Press [Escape] to leave the maintenance screen.

After the wash solvent tubing and the syringe are filled, press <WASH> to perform a
standard wash routine. All tubing connected to the syringe valve will be rinsed with wash
solvent.

4.4.4 SYRINGE
The Midas is factory equipped with a 250 µL syringe, but can also be equipped with a
1000 µL syringe, see section 6.4 how to replace the syringe.

The Midas will give the best results if all air is removed from the syringe.
Use <WASH> to remove air from the syringe, if this is not satisfactory, see
section 4.4.3 for more tips on removing air.

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4.5 PREPARATION OF VIALS

4.5.1 VIAL DIMENSIONS

The Midas is standard equipped with a tray which can contain 84 standard sample and
three large volume vials for reagents and transport liquid.

Vials used should meet the following dimensions:

Maximum vial height, including cap: 47 mm

Minimum vial height, including cap: 32 mm
Maximum vial diameter:
Standard sample vial: 12 mm
Reagent / transport liquid vials: 22 mm
Large sample volume vials: 22 mm

The following section contains examples of Chromacol vials witch can be used in the
Midas. See appendix A, List of accessories, for the corresponding Spark Holland article
numbers for the vials, seals and caps.

4.5.1.1 Chromacol standard sample vials

The following Chromacol vials can be used in the Midas. For each vial the Chromacol
reference number is given.

Figure 4-3: Standard sample vials.

Figure 4-4: Conical vials with support.

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Figure 4-5: Plastic vials.

To reduce the volume of standard vials use a Chromacol insert (02–MTV, 02–MTVWG or
03–MTV) in combination with the appropriate vial and support sleeve or spring.

Figure 4-6: Standard vial with insert.

Chromacol 2.5-CV vials

It is possible to use the Chromacol 2.5-CV vials in the Midas.

When used, this vial type must be programmed in the System Settings, see 5.5.

Midas uses two aspiration heights to aspirate liquid from the 2.5-CV vials.
Therefore the vials need to be full, when Midas is started.

When a vial is not full the Midas might aspirate air!

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4.5.1.2 Chromacol reagent and transport liquid vial

The following Chromacol vial can be used for Reagents and transport liquid, this vial can
also be used in the optional LSV tray.

Figure 4-7: Reagent and transport liquid vial.

Only use the following seal in combination with the 10-CV vials:

Chromacol: 20-ST101
CAUTION

together with one of the following caps:

Chromacol: 20-ACB (Blank aluminum cap)

20-MCB (Blank tinplate cap)

Do not use the 10-CV vials without being capped.

The Midas vial sensor will NOT detect uncapped vials!
CAUTION

Midas uses two aspiration heights to aspirate liquid from the reagent and transport
liquid vials.
Therefore the vials need to be full, when Midas is started.

When a vial is not full the Midas might aspirate air!

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4.5.1.3 Eppendorf micro centrifuge tubes

Eppendorf micro centrifuge tubes may be used instead of the standard vials.
To avoid cross-contamination prevent the air needle to make contact with the sample.

Figure 4-8: Eppendorf micro centrifuge tubes with support sleeve.

When using Eppendorf micro centrifuge tubes in the Midas do not leave open
spaces on the tray. The vial detection system may not always detect a missing
tube because of the shape of the tubes.

4.5.2 FILLING AND SEALING THE VIALS

The standard vials, as well as the conical vials, can best be filled by means of a narrow–
end pipette to allow air to escape when filling the vial.

Do not fill vials to the edge! In that case sample will be forced into the air needle, risking
extra cross-contamination of samples and fouling of the needle pair.

It is important that the seal is airtight, to maintain a pressure on the vial for air bubble
prevention and to prevent evaporation of volatile samples.

When using uncapped vials, the performance of the injections may not meet
the specifications anymore (precision).

Do not re-use a sample vial frequently without replacing its cap or septum.

Check seal after crimping: if the cap can be turned easily, the seal is not airtight (re-adjust
hand–crimper).

4.5.3 LOADING THE SAMPLE TRAY

Place vial in the tray and link them to methods in the Series, see section 5.7.
To get access the tray can be rotated manually when Midas is not Running.

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4.6 CONTROL I/O CONNECTIONS.

The Midas has standard three I/O connectors:
• RS232 connector for serial communication using the SparkLink protocol, see also
section 5.3.
• Contact closures output connector (P1)
• TTL input connector (P2)

The manufacturer will not accept any liability for damages directly or
indirectly caused by connecting this machine to instruments, which
do not meet relevant safety standard.
WARNING

Contact closure output connector (P1):

Table 2: Connector P1: Contact closure outputs.

Pin no: Description: Pin no: Description:
1 Inject marker 1 - Normally open 10 Alarm output - Normally open
2 Inject marker 1 - Common 11 Alarm output - Common
3 Inject marker 1 - Normally closed 12 Alarm output - Normally closed
4 Auxiliary 1 - Normally open 13 Auxiliary 2 - Normally open
5 Auxiliary 1 - Common 14 Auxiliary 2 - Common
6 Auxiliary 1 - Normally closed 15 Auxiliary 2 - Normally closed
7 Inject marker 2 - Normally open
8 Inject marker 2 - Common
9 Inject marker 2 - Normally closed

VMAX = 28 VDC / VAC , IMAX = 0.25 A

An Inject marker output (1 and 2) will be generated when the injection

valve switches from LOAD to INJECT.

The Alarm Output will be activated whenever an error occurs, see appendix B for
a description of the error codes of the Midas.

Figure 4-9: Contact closure output

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TTL input connector (P2):

This connector is an active high or active low TTL input, user definable in the System
Settings. The Next Injection Input can be used when the Midas works in Remote
Control. The Freeze Input and Stop Input can be used to control the Midas by other
devices.

Table 3: Connector P2: TTL inputs.

Pin no: Description:
1 Next Inject Input
2 Signal Ground
3 Freeze Input
4 Stop Input
5-9 Signal Ground

Autosampler Autosampler

Figure 4-10: TTL Input

Next Injection Input:

This input will start the next injection sequence when the Midas is started in Remote
Control. After finishing the injection sequence the Midas will wait for the Next Injection
Input.

From the Ready screen a Next Injection Input will start the latest programmed
Series. In this case the Midas will not wait for the Next Injection Input before
continuing with the next injection. The Midas will execute the complete Run as if it was
started with the [Start/Stop] key.

Freeze input:
The Midas will freeze the analysis time for the time this input is active. If the Freeze
Input is activated while the analysis time is not running, the Midas will perform all
programmed pre-injection sample handling (mix method and sample loop). But the
Midas will wait with injecting the sample until the Freeze Input is no longer active.

Stop Input:
With this input the run of the Midas is immediately aborted and return to the Ready
screen. In case the Midas is in Remote Control, the Run of the Midas is immediately
aborted but the Midas remains in Remote Control and can not be re-started with a
Next Injection Input, see also section 5.8.2.

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4.7 MULTILINK CONNECTOR

The MultiLink connector is used to make the Mistral communicate with the SparkLink
software.

Set the dipswitch S1 and S2 as follows to let the S1 S2

ON DIP ON DIP
communication work probably:

S1 1 2 3 4
ON
OFF
S2 1 2 3 4
ON
OUT IN
OFF
Figure 4-11: MultiLink board

Port Description
S1: OUT to next device
S2: IN to PC or previous device

Connections for 9 pin connector:

pin 2 TD Transmitted data to the computer.
pin 3 RD Received data from the computer.
pin 5 SG Signal ground (Also indicated as GND in some devices)

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5. OPERATION

5.1 TYPOGRAPHIC CONVENTION

KEYBOARD KEYS:
Hard function keys: Function keys are printed in the text between square
brackets.
[Start/Stop], [Hold/Cont.], [Priority], [Series], [Methods],
[System], [Escape], [Menu], [Clear] and [Enter].

Soft function keys: Soft function keys are printed in the text between pointed
brackets. Example: <WASH>, <SYR END>.

DISPLAY:
In the text a display is represented as follows:

[MENU]
READY (X.XX) OVEN:30°C
TRAY:10°C
<WASH> <MAINTENANCE> <SERIAL> <TEMP>

5.2 HOW TO USE THE KEYBOARD

Figure 5-1: Keyboard of the Midas.

The keyboard comprises 24 keys, which can be divided into three major groups:
1. Numeric keys: 0 to 9, the [Clear] key (CL) to erase a value and the [Enter] key (E)
to enter a value.
2. Hard function keys: Three keys to start and control the Midas during the run;
[Start/Stop], [Hold/Cont.], [Priority]. Four keys to program the Midas; [Series],
[Methods], [Menu], [System].
And the [Escape] key to leave programming or to go to a previous level or return to
the Ready screen (“Main” screen).
3. Soft function keys: Keys, which have different functions, depending on the status
of the Midas as indicated on the lower display line.

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5.3 HARD FUNCTION KEYS

Keyboard function Description

[Start/Stop] Start and stop automatic processing.

[Hold/Cont.] Hold or continue the countdown of the analysis time. The

analysis time is extended with the time that Hold is active.
Interrupt a sample run to process an emergency sample
[Priority]
prior to the next sample of the programmed sample
Series.
After the priority sample the sample run is continued.

[Series] Enter the Series programming mode. In the Series, vials

are linked to methods.

[Methods] Enter the Methods programming mode.

[Menu] The [Menu] key is only active when "[Menu]" appears in

the right top corner of the display. In that case there are
more than four soft function keys available. With the
[Menu] key it is possible to toggle between the soft
function keys.

[System] Enter the System Settings programming mode. In the

system settings the configuration of the Midas is defined.

[Escape] Return to the previous programming level when you are in

programming mode, the programmed parameters are
checked and stored in battery backup memory.

[CL] Clear; Removes the actual value of the active

programmable parameter. In some cases the value NONE
will be displayed.

[E] Enter; Store and check all values in a screen. If all values
are valid the next programming screen will be displayed.

0-9 Numeric keys; used to enter values for programming

parameters. The values are stored when going to the next
parameter with [Enter] or when leaving a programming
mode with [Escape].

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5.4 DIRECT FUNCTIONS

After power up, the Midas will run an initiation routine in which it performs a self-test and
everything is set to its default positions.

After that the Midas will return with the Ready screen:

[MENU]
READY (X.XX) OVEN:--°C
TRAY:--°C
<WASH> <MAINTENANCE> <SERIAL> <TEMP>

[Menu] :

[MENU]
READY (X.XX) OVEN:--°C
TRAY:--°C
<UTILS> <SERVICE>

In the Ready screen the Midas will display at the bottom line the soft functions which can
be used from this screen. With the [Menu] key it is possible to toggle between the
screens.

At the right-hand side of the screen one or two temperatures are shown, the oven
temperature and the tray temperature, when this option is installed.

DIRECT CONTROL FUNCTIONS:

<WASH>

Activates the manual wash of the Midas. All tubing, the needle and the syringe will
be rinsed.

<MAINTENANCE>

The maintenance screens will provide three functions to control the needle arm, the
syringe and the injection valve.

<NDL HOR>

This function is build-in to facilitate the replacement of the sample needle, air
needle and valve. See also section 6.3.1, for detailed information.

Press <NDL HOR> to move the needle arm horizontally above the inner
sample ring. When the needle arm reaches the front position. It will return to
its home position by pressing <NDL HOME>.

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<SYR END>

This function facilitates the exchange of syringes and filling of the wash
solvent tubing. See also section 6.4, for detailed information.

Press <SYR END> to move the syringe to its end position, thereby aspirating
wash solvent into the tubing and syringe. It stops from where it will return to
its home position by pressing <SYR HOME>, thereby dispensing the wash
solvent to waste.

After changing a syringe all tubing can be rinsed using <WASH> as

described above.

<VLV LOAD>

With this function the injection valve can be switched.

Press <VLV LOAD> to switch the valve from INJECT to LOAD.
When the valve is in the LOAD position it can be switched back to INJECT by
pressing <VLV INJ>.
It is not possible to leave this function when the valve is in the LOAD position,
first switch back by pressing <VLV INJ> and then press [Escape].

To leave the maintenance screen and return to the Ready screen press [Escape].

<SERIAL>

After pressing <SERIAL> the Midas enters the serial communication mode. From
this mode the Midas can be controlled from a personal computer using the RS232
interface and the SparkLink application software from Spark Holland (optional).
Refer to the SparkLink manual for operating instructions. This manual is available
on request as a separate document.

SERIAL MODE

<PANIC STOP> <EXIT>

After entering the serial mode only the following two soft function keys are available
on the Midas (the other keys are disabled):

<PANIC STOP> The Midas will immediately stop the run and leave the serial
communication mode and initialize.

<EXIT> The Midas will leave the serial communication mode and return
to the Ready screen. The Midas can be operated from the
keyboard again.

This soft-function key is NOT active when the Midas is

Running in the serial communication mode

After pressing the <PANIC STOP> soft function key, perform a wash routine to
ensure that all tubing are rinsed.

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<TEMP>

After pressing <TEMP> the Midas enters the temperature control screen for the
column thermostat and the sample tray cooling (optional).

PROGRAMMING TEMPERATURE SETTINGS

<OVEN> <TRAY-COOLING>

To program the column oven temperature press <OVEN>:

PROGRAMMING OVEN SETTINGS

OVEN: OFF SETPOINT: 20°C

<ON> <OFF>

Turn the column oven on by pressing <ON> and program the new setpoint. After
pressing [Enter] the new oven setpoint will be activated and the Midas returns to
the first temperature-programming screen.

Temperature range column thermostat: ( Tambient +5°C ) - 60°C

If the optional tray cooling is installed, it can be programmed after pressing

<TRAY-COOLING>:

PROGRAMMING COOL SETTINGS

COOLING: OFF SETPOINT: 04°C

<ON> <OFF>

Turn the tray cooling on by pressing <ON> and program the new setpoint. After
pressing [Enter] the new tray cooling setpoint will be activated and the Midas
returns to the first temperature-programming screen.

Temperature range tray cooling: 4°C - 15°C

Maximum cool capacity: 20°C below ambient temperature

After all values are programmed press [Escape] to return to the Ready screen.

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<UTILS>

After pressing <UTILS> the Midas offers three Utility soft functions:

<COPY> Copy a method.

<ERASE> Erase a method.

<LOG> Midas logbook, containing information on the number of

switching of the injection valve and the syringe valve and on
the number of movements of the syringe dispenser.

<SERVICE>

The service mode of the Midas can be entered after pressing <SERVICE> and
entering the service entry-code. This code is only known to authorized service
personnel.

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5.5 SYSTEM SETTINGS

After pressing [System] the Midas enters the System Settings, where all system
variables of the Midas can be set.

SYSTEM SETTINGS [MENU]

SELECT SETTINGS TO DEFINE

<GENERAL> <METHOD> <TRAY> <IO>

[Menu]

SYSTEM SETTINGS [MENU]

SELECT SETTINGS TO DEFINE

<SERIAL> <PREP>

The System Settings are divided in five sub-sections: to enter a sub-section, press the
corresponding soft function key. To step through a sub-section press the [Enter] key.
After all values are defined correctly within a sub-section, return the menu screen of the
System Settings by pressing [Escape]. Return to the Ready screen by pressing [Escape]
one more time. The values are stored in battery back up memory.

The following sections show the programmable system settings, with their ranges.

5.5.1 GENERAL SYSTEM SETTINGS

Press <GENERAL>:

GENERAL Range Comment

SYSTEM SETTINGS
Volume of installed loop: 0-5000 µL The volume of the installed loop.
The Midas uses this value for
calculations of injection volumes.
Volume of tubing 0-999 µL The volume of the tubing and needle
needle Ö valve: connected to the injection valve.
The Midas uses this value for
calculations of flush and transport
volumes.
Syringe volume: <250> The volume of the installed syringe.
<1000>
Syringe speed: <LOW> The aspirating and dispensing speed
<NORMAL> are programmable in three steps:
<HIGH> NORMAL for samples with a
viscosity almost equal to the viscosity
of water.
LOW for samples with a higher
viscosity and HIGH for samples with
a lower viscosity compared to water.
(See Table 4: Syringe speed.).

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Table 4: Syringe speed.

250 µL syringe 1000 µL syringe

Syringe speed: Aspirate Dispense Aspirate Dispense
LOW 0.31 mL/min 3.4 mL/min 1.25 mL/min 5.5 mL/min
NORMAL 0.62 mL/min 3.4 mL/min 2.50 mL/min 5.5 mL/min
HIGH 0.94 mL/min 3.4 mL/min 3.75 mL/min 5.5 mL/min
Wash syringe speed: 3.4 mL/min 13.7 mL/min

Range Comment
Skip missing vials: <YES> Define if the Midas has to stop if a
<NO> vial is not found or continue with
the next programmed vial.
Program <NO> to stop the Midas
in case a vial is not found.
Air segment: <YES> Inject a sample with or without an
<NO> air segment between the sample
and the wash solvent. If the air
segment is ON (YES) the Midas
will draw an air segment of 5 µL
before the flush volume prior to an
injection.
The air segment will not be
injected in the analytical system.
In case of µL pick-up the sample
will be preceded by an air
segment, which will be injected in
the analytical system. (see also
section 3.3)
Headspace pressure: <YES> The Midas normally uses
<NO> headspace pressure in
combination with the syringe to
transport sample in to the loop. If,
for some reason, no headspace
pressure is allowed, it can be
switched OFF (NO). The
compressor will always be used in
the wash position of the Midas.
The accuracy and reproducibility of
the Midas can decrease when NO
headspace pressure is used.

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5.5.2 METHOD SYSTEM SETTINGS

Press <METHOD>:

METHOD SYSTEM SETTINGS Range Comment

Use calibration vials: <ENABLED> Determine if calibration vials can
<DISABLED> be used in Series.

5.5.3 TRAY SETTINGS

Press <TRAY>:

TRAY SETTINGS Range Comment

Tray type: <84+3> Standard tray with 84 vials, 1.5 mL
and 3 vials of 10 mL for special
use.

Vials 85-87, will be used for

transport solvent for the µL pick-up
injections.
When the use of mix item is
enabled in the System Setting the
three 10 mL vials will be used as
follows:
vial 85: transport solvent
vial 86: Reagent A
vial 87: Reagent B
<96> Tray with 96 vials of 1.5 mL.
<24> Tray with 24 vials of 10 mL.
Vial type: <STANDARD> Standard vials are used.
(only when <84+3> or <96> is <2.5ml> only 2.5 mL vials are used.
selected) (Chromacol 2.5-CV, 12 X 40 mm)

Only with the standard <84+3> tray it is possible to perform a mix and to use the
µL pick-up injection mode.
With the other two trays both, the mix and the µL pick-up injection mode, will
automatically be disabled.

If 2.5 mL vials are used be sure to fill the vials completely before starting a RUN.
Midas

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5.5.4 I/O CONFIGURATION

Press <IO>:

I/O CONFIGURATION Range Comment See also section 4.5.1.

Injection marker pulse length: 0.0 - 2.0 sec. Define the length of the inject
marker pulse. Normally 1.0 sec.
Input edge next injection: <FALLING> Define the edge sensitivity of the
<RISING> next injection input.
Freeze input active: <LOW> Define the level to activate the
<HIGH> freeze function.

If the freeze input is set HIGH, the timebase will freeze if the input is not
connected to another device.
Consequently: the Midas will not start!

Reset outputs after last <YES> Define if the outputs should be

Series: <NO> reset to the default settings after
finishing the last Series.

5.5.5 SERIAL COMMUNICATION

Press <SERIAL>:

SERIAL COMMUNICATION Range Comment

Device identifier: 60-69 Device identifier used by the
SparkLink protocol

5.5.6 PREP MODE SYSTEM SETTINGS

Press <PREP>:

PREP SYSTEM SETTINGS Range Comment

Use Prep Mode: <YES> Define if the Midas is a standard
<NO> autosampler, or a Prep mode
autosampler.

When choosing for the Prep Mode, some System Settings are no longer
programmable, but set to a fixed value. See also appendix E.

In the Prep Mode the mix, the full loop and µL pick-up injection mode, will
automatically be disabled.

In the Prep Mode not all of the System Settings are programmable, see table below for an
overview.

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Table 5: Fixed System Settings in Prep Mode.

General System Settings

Volume of the installed loop 10000 µL
Syringe volume 2500 µL
Air segment <NO>
Method System Settings
Use of calibration vials <DISABLED>
Tray System settings
Tray type <24>

For information how to install the Prep option to a standard Midas see appendix E.

Injection volumes Prep Midas

Ensure that the programmed injection volume does not exceed the 50% of the
loop volume, otherwise the reproducibility and accuracy of the injection can not be
guaranteed.

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5.6 METHOD PROGRAMMING

The Midas offers nine programmable methods.
Depending on your needs a method may comprise:

• Injection program Containing information on the type of the injection

with the flush volume, injection volume, number of
injections per vial and the analysis time.
• Wash program Containing information on the wash of the Midas.
• Mix program Containing information on the sample handling of
the sample prior to the injection.
• Timed events program Containing information on the auxiliaries and the
temperature of the column oven during the analysis
of the sample.

A method is any combination of the above and is saved as combination under its method
number.

To enter the method programming mode press [Method].

After entering the method number the Midas will return with the main screen of method
programming:

PROGRAMMING METHOD NUMBER: 1 (I W M T)

SELECT SECTION TO PROGRAM

<INJECTION> <WASH> <MIX> <TIMED EV.>

From this screen the different sections can be programmed after pressing the
corresponding soft function key.
Existing programs in this method are displayed between brackets on the first line; I for the
injection program, W for the wash program, M for the mix program and T for the timed
events program.

After programming the method press [Escape] to leave the method programming.
The methods are stored in battery backup memory.

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5.6.1 INJECTION PROGRAM

After pressing <INJECTION> the Midas returns with the main screen of injection
programming.

METHOD NUMBER: 1 SECTION: INJECTION

INJECTION MODE: PARTIAL LOOPFILL

<FULL> <PARTIAL> <PICK-UP> <NONE>

Select the mode of injection to be used or select <NONE> if no injection is required in this
method, see chapter 3 for an explanation of the different injection principles.

<FULL> Full loop injection mode, see section 3.1

<PARTIAL> Partial loopfill injection mode, see section 3.2
<PICK-UP> µL Pick-up injection mode, see section 3.3
<NONE> No injection program in this method.

Depending on the injection mode selected the Midas will ask for a Series of parameters:

Parameter: Range:
Flush volume: 0-9999 µL The amount of sample used to fill
the needle plus tubing connection
to the injection valve (not the
loop-fill volume). Only for full loop
and partial loopfill injections.
Number of injections per vial: 1-9 Number of injections taken from
the same vial.
Injection volume: 0-2500 µL Only for partial loopfill and µL
pick-up injections
Analysis time: Max. 9:59:59 Analysis time starting at the
moment of switching the injection
valve from LOAD to INJECT.

Flush volumes smaller than twice the volume of the needle plus tubing between
needle and injection valve may result in a decrease of performance!

The maximum programmable injection volumes are:

Full loop: Not programmable, is equal to the loop volume but needs more
sample to fill the loop completely:
3 x loop volume for loops <= 100 µL
2 x loop volume for loops from 100 µL to 500 µL
1½ x loop volume for loops > 500 µL
Partial loopfill: 50% of the programmed loop volumes.
µL pick-up: Max. injection volume = ½ x loop volume - 1½ x needle tubing

After all parameters are programmed, return to the main screen of method programming
by pressing [Escape].

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5.6.2 WASH PROGRAM

After pressing <WASH> the Midas returns with the main screen of wash program.

METHOD NUMBER: 1 SECTION: WASH

WASH BETWEEN: INJECTION

<INJECTION> <VIALS> <SERIES> <NONE>

A wash comprises two parameters:

Parameter: Range:
Wash between: <INJECTION> Wash the needle and tubing
directly after every injection.
<VIALS> Wash the needle and tubing
directly after every vial.
<SERIES> Wash the needle and tubing
directly after every Series.
<NONE> Remove the wash item from the
method.
Number of syringe volumes: 0-9 Wash volume in number of syringe
volumes.

If the wash program is the only program used in a method, program a wash
between Series, otherwise the Series with this method will not be executed!

After all parameters are programmed, return to the main screen of method programming
by pressing [Escape].

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5.6.3 TIMED EVENTS PROGRAM

After pressing <TIMED EV.> the Midas will ask if the timed events program must be used
in this method if <YES> is pressed Midas returns with the first screen of timed events
programming.

If <NO> is pressed the timed events program is not used in this method and the
Midas returns to the previous screen. The content of the timed events program is
NOT removed and will be available if the next time <YES> is pressed.

METHOD NUMBER: 1 SECTION: TIMED EVENTS

1. AUX-1 ON AT TIME: 0:00:00

<AUX-1> <AUX-2> <OVEN> <END>

The timed events program is a list of 20 programmable events to control other devices via
the two auxiliaries (contact closures) or to activate a new oven setpoint. Each event can
be programmed on a time base, which starts at the moment of injection.
Press [Clear] to remove the programmed time, the display will show the value: NONE.
A complete list is shown in Table 6, to step through the list use the [ENTER] key or one of
the soft function keys to step direct to the first line of an other section.

Table 6: Timed events programming lines as they appear on screen.

<AUX-1> 1. AUX-1 ON AT TIME: 0:00:00

1. AUX-1 OFF AT TIME: 0:00:00
2. AUX-1 ON AT TIME: 0:00:00
2. AUX-1 OFF AT TIME: 0:00:00
3. AUX-1 ON AT TIME: 0:00:00
3. AUX-1 OFF AT TIME: 0:00:00
4. AUX-1 ON AT TIME: 0:00:00
4. AUX-1 OFF AT TIME: 0:00:00
<AUX-2> 1. AUX-2 ON AT TIME: 0:00:00
1. AUX-2 OFF AT TIME: 0:00:00
2. AUX-2 ON AT TIME: 0:00:00
2. AUX-2 OFF AT TIME: 0:00:00
3. AUX-2 ON AT TIME: 0:00:00
3. AUX-2 OFF AT TIME: 0:00:00
4. AUX-2 ON AT TIME: 0:00:00
4. AUX-2 OFF AT TIME: 0:00:00
<OVEN> INITIAL OVEN SETPOINT: 00°C
1. OVEN SETPOINT: 00°C AT TIME: 0:00:00
2. OVEN SETPOINT: 00°C AT TIME: 0:00:00
<END> END OF TIMED EVENTS AT: 0:00:00

Although it is possible to program setpoints from 0°C to 60°C, the Midas oven can
only control the temperature at ambient temperature + 5°C and up.

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If the oven is set ON from the Ready screen (See section 5.4). The oven will be
switched OFF if NO initial oven setpoint is programmed.

If the oven is OFF and an initial setpoint is programmed, the oven will be
activated. Midas will wait before continuing with the Series until the initial setpoint
± 2 °C is reached.
After the Series the oven will be turned OFF again if the end of the last Series is
encountered or the next Series does not contain an initial setpoint.

If NO initial setpoint is programmed the lines with additional setpoint changes will
not be displayed.

If the END time exceeds the programmed analysis time, this END time overrules
the analysis time.
The next injection will be started as soon as the timed events program has
finished!

It is possible to program events after the END time, but these events are not
executed during the RUN.

After all parameters are programmed, return to the main screen of method programming
by pressing [Escape].

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5.6.4 MIX PROGRAM

After pressing <MIX> the Midas will ask if the mix program must be used in this method if
<YES> is pressed Midas returns with the first screen of the mix programming.

If <NO> is pressed the mix program is not used in this method and the Midas
returns to the previous screen. The content of the mix program is NOT removed
and will be available if the next time <YES> is pressed.

METHOD NUMBER: 1 SECTION: MIX LINE:01

END OF MIX

<DOWN> <UP> <INSERT> <DELETE>

The mix method can contain a maximum of 15 programmable lines (including the END
OF MIX).

To scroll through the program steps use the <DOWN> and <UP> soft function keys.

Press <DELETE> to delete the displayed step.

Press [Enter] to edit the displayed step.

Press <INSERT> to insert a step before the displayed step.

METHOD NUMBER: 1 SECTION: MIX STEP:01

SELECT ACTION:

<ADD> <MIX> <WAIT>

Three types of actions can be programmed <ADD>, <MIX> and <WAIT>:

<ADD>: xxx µL from <SAMPLE> to <SAMPLE>

<REAG-A> <DESTINATION>
<REAG-B>
<WASH>

Aspirate a programmed amount of xxx µL (max.= the syringe volume) from the
sample vial, <SAMPLE>, a reagent vial, <REAG-A> or <REAG-B> or from the
wash solvent bottle, <WASH>, and dispense it into the sample vial, <SAMPLE>,
or the destination vial, <DESTINATION>.

To prevent cross contamination the Midas will aspirate an additional volume of

25% of the programmed volume to flush the tubing and needle.
The aspirate and dispense speed depends on the selected syringe and syringe
speeds; programmed in the System Settings, see section 5.5.

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If the mix is programmed the reagents and transport solvent are positioned
on the following places on the tray:

Transport solvent: vial 85

Reagent A: vial 86
Reagent B: vial 87

Example: ADD 200 µL from Reagent A to Destination.

This will result in the following actions:
• Aspirate an air segment of 5 µL, to separate the wash solvent in the
buffer tubing from Reagent A.
• Aspirate 50 µL Reagent A; to flush the tubing and needle.
• Unload the syringe to the syringe-waste position.
• Aspirate 200 µL Reagent A and dispense it to the destination vial.
• Rinse buffer tubing and needle with wash solvent.

<MIX>: x times with xxx µL

Program a mix step: aspirate and dispense a number (x) of times a

programmed amount (xxx µL) from the destination vial. If no destination vial is
used the mix is performed in the sample vial.

Example: MIX 3 times with 250 µL.

This will result in the following actions:
• Aspirate an air segment of 50 µL, to separate the wash solvent in the
buffer tubing from solvent to be mixed.
• Unload the syringe to the syringe-waste position.
• Aspirate 250 µL the solvent and dispense it back into the vial.
• Repeat the last action two times.
• Rinse buffer tubing and needle with wash solvent.

<WAIT>: x:xx:xx

Wait a programmed period of time before continuing with the next step (reaction
time).

After all parameters are programmed, return to the main screen of method programming
by pressing [Escape].

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5.7 PROGRAMMING THE RUN SEQUENCE; SERIES

In a Series or Run sequence, methods are linked to vials.

To enter Series programming press [Series].

PROGRAMMING SERIES
SERIES NUMBER: 1

Key in a number (1-9) and press [Enter].

The first parameter of a Series is a method number. Depending on the contents of this
method and the System Settings the Midas will return with a number of questions. Press
[Enter] to step through the questions.

Each time a value has to be entered key in a number (1-9) or press [Clear] or 0 to select
NONE and press [Enter] to go to the next screen.

• Method number: 1-9 or NONE

The value <NONE> can be used for empty Series, when programmed, the Series
will be skipped during the Run of the Midas.
This is an easy way to remove a Series or leave the possibility to add Series
during the Run, see section 5.8.4, Programming during Run.

Should a method consist of only the wash and/or a timed events program, no
more questions will be asked.

When the use of calibration vials is enabled in the System Settings (see section 5.5) and
the method does not contain a mix, the Midas will ask the following questions:

Use calibration vials (see Figure 5-2) <YES> <NO>

<YES>:
• First calibration vial:
• Last calibration vial
• No of samples between calibrations:

The range of sample vials:

• First sample vial

• Last sample vial

When the method contains a mix item in which destination vials are used, the Midas will
ask for the first position of the destination vials. The last destination vial is calculated
based on the sample vial range:

• First destination vial:

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Figure 5-2: Run sequence with 3 calibration vials between every 5 vials (First calibration vial: 1, last calibration
vial: 3 and number of samples between calibrations: 5).

Sample vials and destination vials must be placed sequentially.

Sample vial and destination vial ranges must not overlap.

After all parameters are programmed return to the Series programming screen by
pressing [Escape], where an other Series can be programmed. If all Series are
programmed, return to the Ready screen by pressing [Escape].

Series are not stored in battery backup memory.

After switching ON the Series are empty (method: <NONE> ).

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5.8 RUNNING

5.8.1 START AND STOP

To start a Run of the Midas press [Start/Stop] at the Ready screen.

The Midas will ask for the Series number to start with and the last Series number.
Enter each number and press [Enter] to step to the next screen.

EXECUTE SERIES 1

<START> <REMOTE>

Midas can be started directly by pressing <START> or in Remote Control by pressing

<REMOTE>, see section 5.8.2.

If a Mix or µL Pick-up injection method is used in any Series, be sure the

transport liquid vials and/or reagent vials are filled completely.
If not the Midas might aspirate air into the loop (See also section 4.5.1.2).

To return to the Ready screen without starting the Midas, press [Escape].

During the Run the Midas shows the following information:

STATUS: RUNNING TIME: 0:00:00

SERIES:01 SAMPLE:01 INJ: 1/1 OVEN:--°C
METHOD:01 TRAY:--°C
AUX: 12

The first line shows the status and the elapsed analysis time.
The second line shows the Series number, the sample vial number, the current injection
number, the total number of injections and the actual oven temperature; “- -“ indicates the
oven is OFF.
The third line shows the method number of the current used method, this will also be the
method used when a priority sample is programmed, see section 5.8.3. When the tray
cooling is installed the actual tray cooling temperature is displayed; “- -“ indicates the tray
cooling is OFF.
The fourth line shows information on the auxiliaries, when timed events are programmed
in a method. When the number is displayed behind “AUX:”, this indicates that the auxiliary
is active.

Series are always executed in numerical order!

Empty Series will be skipped!

Pressing [Start/Stop] can stop the Run. The Midas will execute a shutdown sequence by
removing all the sample from the buffer tubing and performing a standard wash routine.

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5.8.2 REMOTE CONTROL

After programming the range of Series to be Run, as described in the previous section.
Press <REMOTE> to start the Midas in Remote Control mode,

The Midas will now operate as slave of another device and can be controlled with the
Next Injection Input.

With the Next Injection Input Midas will start the next injection in the Series. If the Series
was completed, it starts the next injection from the next Series, until all Series have been
completed.

During the Run, Midas shows the following information:

STATUS: RUNNING TIME: 0:00:00

SERIES:01 SAMPLE:01 INJ: 1/1 OVEN:--°C
METHOD:01 TRAY:--°C
r AUX: 12

A blinking “r” in the lower left corner of the Run screen, indicates the Midas is running in
Remote Control mode.

After completion of all Series the Midas will display the following screen:

SERIES COMPLETED VIA REMOTE CONTROL

To return to the Ready screen press [Escape]. From the Ready screen the Midas can be
re-started by pressing the [Start/Stop] key.

As long as the previous screen is displayed, it is not possible to re-start the Midas
with a Next Injection Input.

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5.8.3 PRIORITY SAMPLE

For an emergency sample, Midas offers the possibility to analyze it immediately without
stopping the current Run.

Press [Priority], to enter the priority-programming mode.

Enter the position of the priority sample.

PROGRAMMING PRIORITY
PRIORITY SAMPLE: 12

Return to the Run screen by pressing [Escape], the priority sample will be processed
after the current sample has finished, with the method, which is running at the moment of
entering the vial number.

STATUS: RUNNING TIME: 0:00:00

SERIES:01 SAMPLE:01 INJ: 1/1 OVEN:--°C
METHOD:01 TRAY:--°C
p AUX: 12

To indicate the priority sample has been activated, a blinking “p” is displayed in the Run
screen.

As long as the “p” is blinking it is possible to change or remove the priority

sample.

The priority mode is only available during the execution of a Series with a method,
which does NOT contain a Mix.

If calibration vials are used in the current Series, the priority sample is included in
the calibration interval!

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5.8.4 PROGRAMMING DURING RUN

During Run of the Midas it is possible to program Series and Methods:
Press [Series] or [Methods].
The programming possibilities are the same as described in sections 5.6, Method
programming and section 5.7, Programming the Run sequence; Series.

If a Series or Method is changed, the new values are active for Series after the
current Series.
The current Series is NOT affected by changes.

It is not possible to add Series to the Run, but you can program empty Series between the
first and last Series in a Run. As long as the empty Series have not been executed, they
can be (re-) programmed. In this way Series with vials can be added later to the Run.

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6. MAINTENANCE

6.1 INJECTION VALVE

Midas is equipped with a Valco or Rheodyne valve with quick connect mounting, or with
the biocompatible valve with quick connect mounting. The next section describes how to
®
exchange the valve assembly and contains the Valco Technical Note 810: “Cheminert
Module C2 Cleaning and Rotor Replacement”, the Rheodyne “Operating Instructions for
Model 7739 Valve” and “Operating Instructions for Model 9740 Valve”.

6.1.1 REPLACING THE INJECTION VALVE

The Midas is equipped with quick connect mounting to simplify the exchange of valves.

To remove the valve proceed as follows (see Figure 6.1):

• Disconnect all tubing from the valve. A

Only the loop can stay in place.

• Place the needle arm in the front

position, press <MAINTENANCE>
<NDL HRZ>, see section 5.4.

• Push the pushers A backward to

release the valve.
A
• Pull the valve out of the instrument
while turning the valve counter-
clockwise.
Figure 6.1: Valve removal procedure.

To re-insert the valve proceed as follows (see Figure 6.2):

• Hold the valve for the mounting with

the port 1 position facing to the top.

• Push the valve into the mounting and

turn the valve clockwise till it clicks in
the fitting.

• Re-connect all tubing to the valve

facing to the top.

• Insure that the valve is in the

INJECT position. Switching the
Midas OFF and ON can do this, all
Series will be reset. Figure 6.2: Re-inserting the valve.

• Perform a standard wash.

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6.1.2 VALCO CHEMINERT® MODULE C2 VALVE

Cleaning and Rotor Replacement
(Technical Note 810, Valco Instrument Co. Inc.)

Cleaning a valve can often be accomplished by flushing all lines with appropriate solvents.

Do not disassemble the valve unless system malfunction is definitely

isolated to the valve.

Disassembly
DRIVER
See Figure 6.3, exploded view.
ROTOR
1. Use a 9/16 hex driver to remove
the socket head screws, which
CAP
secure the cap on the valve.

2. To insure that the sealing

surface of the cap is not
damaged, rest it on the outer
face. Or, if the tubing is still
connected, leave it suspended
by the tubing.

3. With your fingers or small tool, Figure 6.3: Exploded view of the valve.
gently pry the rotor away from
the driver.

4. Examine the rotor sealing surface for scratches. If scratches are visible to the
naked eye, the rotor must be replaced. If no scratches are visible, clean all the
parts thoroughly with an appropriate solvent, taking care that no surfaces get
scratched. (The most common problem in HPLC is the formation of buffer crystals,
which are usually water-soluble) It is not necessary to dry the rotor.

Reassembly
1. Replace the rotor in the driver, making sure that the rotor sealing surface with its
engraved flow passages is facing out. The pattern is asymmetrical to prevent
improper placement.

2. Replace the cap. Insert the two socket head screws and tighten them gently until
both are snug. Do not over-tighten them - the screws simply hold the assembly
together and do not affect sealing force, which is automatically set as the screws
close the cap against the valve body.

3. Test the valve by pressurizing the system. If it doesn’t hold pressure, the valve
should be returned to Valco for repair.

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6.1.3 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR RHEODYNE MODEL 7739 VALVE

Copy of Rheodyne Operating Instructions paper.
Description 2 2
1 1
Model 7739 is a two-position, six port stainless steel
valve. Figure 6.4 shows the flow diagram of the valve. 3 3

The six small circles represent the ports in the valve 6 6

stator. The slots are the connecting passages in the 4 4

rotor seal. Rotation of the valve 60° switches the 5 5

valve from one position to another. Shaft Assembly

R ota ted
Shaft Assembly
R ota ted
C lockwise C ounterclockwise

Specifications Figure 6.4: Flow diagram of Model 7739

• Maximum temperature is 100°C. as viewed from stator.
• The valve is set to hold 345 bar (5000 psi).
• The wetted surfaces are stainless steel and an inert polymer.
Maintenance
With normal use the valve will give many tens of thousands of cycles without trouble. The
main cause of early failure, which is seen as a leak in the valve, is abrasive particles in the
sample and/or mobile phase, which can scratch the rotor seal.
Following is the procedure for changing the rotor seal and isolation seal.
Refer to Figure 6.5 and proceed:

a) Remove the three stator screws with the 9/16” hex key.
b) Remove the stator and stator ring from the valve body.
c) Pull the rotor seal off the pins.
d) Remove the isolation seal.
e) Mount the new isolation seal with the spring
side facing away from the rotor seal. Shaft Assembly

f) Mount the new rotor seal. The three pins on

the shaft assembly fit into the mating holes
in the rotor seal only one way. Mount the
seal with the grooves facing the stator. Body

g) Replace the stator ring so that the body

locating pin in the stator ring enters the Rotor Pins
mating hole in the body.
Isolation Seal
h) Mount the stator on the valve so the stator
locating pin in the stator ring enters the
mating hole in the stator. Rotor Seal
i) Replace the three stator screws. Tighten
each an equal amount until the screws are Stator Ring
tight.
Stator
Location Pin

Stator

Stator Screws

Figure 6.5: Exploded view of Model 7739.

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6.1.4 OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS FOR RHEODYNE MODEL 9740 VALVE

Copy of Rheodyne Operating Instructions paper.
Description
Model 9740 is a two-position, six port PEEK valve. 2 2
Figure 6-6 shows the flow diagram of the valve. The 1 1

six small circles represent the ports in the valve 3 3

stator. The slots are the connecting passages in the 6 6

rotor seal. Rotation of the valve 60°switches the valve

4 4
from one position to another. 5 5

Specifications
Shaft Assembly Shaft Assembly
R ota ted R ota ted
C lockwise C ounterclockwise
• Maximum temperature is 50°C.
Figure 6-6: Flow diagram of model 9740
• The valve is set to hold 345 bar (5000 psi). as viewed from stator.
• The wetted surfaces are PEEK alumina ceramic,
and an inert polymer.

Important Safety Notices Caution:

Use only plastic ferrules in the stator ports. Metal ferrules can cause
irreparable damage to the plastic stator.
CAUTION

Maintenance
With normal use the valve will give many tens of thousands of cycles without trouble. The
main cause of early failure, which is seen as a leak in the valve, is abrasive particles in the
sample and/or mobile phase, which can scratch the rotor seal.
Following is the procedure for changing the rotor seal, stator face assembly, and isolation
seal. Refer to Figure 6-7 and proceed:

a) Remove the three stator screws with a 9/64 inch hex key.
b) Remove the stator, stator face assembly and stator ring from the valve body.
c) Pull the rotor seal off the pins.
d) Remove the isolation seal.
e) Mount the new isolation seal with the spring side facing away from the rotor seal.
f) Mount the new rotor seal. The three pins on the
shaft assembly fit into the mating holes in the
rotor seal only one way. Mount the seal with the
grooves facing the stator. Body
g) Replace the stator ring so that the body locating
pin in the stator ring enters the mating hole in Shaft Assembly
Isolation Seal
the body.
Rotor Seal
h) Put the new stator face assembly on the stator. Body Location Pin
The three pins on the assembly fit the mating
Stator Ring
holes in the stator only one way.
Stator Location Pin
i) Mount the stator and stator face assembly on
Stator Face
the valve so the stator locating pin in the stator Assembly
ring enters the mating hole in the stator.
Stator
j) Replace the three stator screws. Tighten each
an equal amount until the screws are tight. Stator Support
Ring

Stator Screws (3)

Figure 6-7: Exploded view of Model
9740.

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6.2 NEEDLE AND TUBING

Two sizes of syringes are available for the dispenser: 250 and 1000 µL

The 250 µL syringe is the standard syringe; combined with the standard 500 µL buffer and
the standard 100 µL sample loop, the following injection volume range is available for the
various injection modes:

• Full loop : 100 µL

• Partial loopfill : 1 - 50 µL
• µL pick-up : 1 - 27 µL

The maximum injection volumes are calculated with the following formulas:

• Full loop : injection volume = loop volume

• Partial loopfill : max. inj. volume = ½ x of loop volume
• µL pick- up : max. inj. volume = ½ x loop volume - 1½ × needle volume

Note that:

Full loop gives maximum possible reproducibility, but not maximum accuracy, since
loop volume is specified with an accuracy of ± 10%.
Minimum sample loss = 230 µL (2 x loop overfill + flush volume for needle).

Partial loopfill gives maximum accuracy (dependent on syringe accuracy) plus

reproducibility better than 0.5% RSD for injection volumes > 10 µL
Minimum sample loss (Flush volume) = 30 µL
30 µL is the recommended minimum flush volume, smaller flush volumes can be
programmed, but will result in decreasing performance.

µL Pick-up offers zero sample loss, maximum accuracy (same as partial loop fill), but
slightly less reproducibility: RSD better than 1% for injection volumes > 10 µL.
5 µL of AIR is injected together with the sample, in case an air segment is selected in
the System Settings.

Sometimes other combinations of syringe, loop and/or buffer are advised:

Injection volumes smaller than 5 µL:

Partial loopfill:
Preferably install a 20 µL sample loop to avoid loss of accuracy due to expansion of
the loop content when switching from inject to load position prior to sample loading.
Especially when working with high pressure (200 bar), this loss may be in the order of
0.1 - 0.5 µL for a 100 µL loop.
Note that the minimum sample loss in partial loop fill mode is 30 µL (recommended
minimum flush volume) for the first injection and an additional 15 (always half the
programmed flush volume) for additional injections from the same vial. If a wash
between injections has been programmed, sample loss is 30 µL for every injection. For
zero sample loss injections, use the µL-pick injection mode.

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µL Pick-up:
Do not install a smaller sample loop!
The sample plug is transported into the loop, preceded by a programmable air
segment of 5 µL, with a plug of transport liquid, which equals 2.5 times the
programmed needle tubing volume. The 20 µL loop is too small to guarantee
quantitative injection.

Injection volumes up to twice the standard:

With the standard 250 µL syringe, standard needle with tubing (15 µL) and standard
500 µL buffer, but with a 200 µL sample loop, the maximum injection volumes are:

Full loop: 200 µL Sample loss remains 230 µL since loops > 100 µL
need only one loop volume overfill
Partial loopfill: 100 µL
µL Pick-up: 77 µL

Smaller volumes than 10 µL may be injected, but reproducibility and accuracy

may not be < 0.5% for partial loop fill or < 1% for µL pick-up!

For volumes larger than 200 µL:

Install the 2000 µL buffer, install the appropriate sample loop size and the appropriate
syringe: Syringe volume > 2 x injection volume. Injection volumes larger than 500 µL
are possible, but the sample may contaminate the syringe. Program sufficient wash
after use!

Buffer tubing:

Table 7: Syringe and buffer tubing.

Syringe Buffer tubing
250 µL 500 µL buffer tubing
1000 µL 2000 µL buffer tubing

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6.3 SAMPLE NEEDLE

1. Ferrule
2. Nut
3. Tefzel tubing
4. Needle connection
nut
5. Ferrule (PTFE)
6. Conical ring
7. Sample needle
8. Silicon air seal
9. Needle holder
10. Air needle
11. Vial sensor
12. Needle penetration
depth adjustment
screw
13. Air tubing to provide
headspace pressure

Figure 6-8: Sample needle

6.3.1 SAMPLE NEEDLE REPLACEMENT

To replace the sample needle proceed as follows (see Figure 6-8):

• Open keyboard cover.

• Place the sample needle in the front position, press <MAINTENANCE>, <NDL-HOR>.
• Loosen needle connection nut (4) that fixates the sample needle (7).
• Loosen the nut (1) that connects the PTFE tubing (3) to the injection valve.
• Remove sample needle by pulling it out of its fitting with the PTFE tubing that usually
sticks to the needle.
• Put in a new needle assembly, watch the air seal (6) is around the needle.
• Tighten the needle assembly with needle connection nut (4),
• Connect loose end of needle connection tubing to port 4 of injection valve.

Do not tighten excessively; it may block the tubing!.

• Place the sample needle back in the home position and leave the maintenance mode,
press <NDL HOME> and [Escape].
• Check the needle penetration depth, see section 6.3.3 and adjust if necessary.
• Perform a wash routine to clean the new needle by pressing <WASH>

6.3.2 AIR NEEDLE REPLACEMENT

To replace the air needle proceed as follows (see Figure 6-8):

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• Remove sample needle as described in section 6.3.1.

• Remove air needle (10) and install new air needle.
• Reinstall sample needle as described in section 6.3.1.

6.3.3 SAMPLE NEEDLE PENETRATION DEPTH

To keep rest volume small, the sample needle should stop close to the bottom of the
sample vial. If the needle penetration depth needs adjustment, proceed as follows (see
Figure 6-8):

• Open keyboard cover.

• Place an uncapped sample vial in position 2 of the tray.
• Lower the sample needle in the vial, therefore:
Program a method with a full loop injection and an analysis time of at least 10
seconds.
Program a Series with the programmed method and vial 2 as first and last vial.
Start the Series.
As soon as the sample needle has entered the vial, switch of the power supply.
• Loosen adjustment screw one turn (counterclockwise).
• Use the needle connection nut (4) as a grip, adjust needle penetration depth.
Needle should stop not less than 1 mm above the bottom of a standard vial and not
less than 2 mm above the bottom of a conical vial.
• Fasten adjustment screw (clockwise).
• Re-apply the power, the Midas will initialize and is ready for use.

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6.4 SYRINGE
The Midas is factory equipped with a 250 µL
syringe, but can also be equipped with a 1000 µL
syringe.

To install another syringe proceed as follows:

Do not disconnect the power

supply of the Midas, it is
needed to move the syringe.

• Press <MAINTENANCE> to get access to the

maintenance function for moving the syringe

• Move the syringe to the end position by

pressing <SYR END>.

• Unscrew the syringe from syringe valve, be

sure that the Luer connector in the valve
remains in place.

• Disconnect the plunger from the syringe drive.

• Fill the new syringe with wash solvent, be sure

most air bubbles are removed from the
syringe.

• Connect the plunger of the filled syringe to the

syringe drive and connect the syringe with the
Luer connector at the syringe valve.

• Screw the syringe firmly into the Luer

connector.

• Remove the air from the syringe by pressing

<SYR HOME>. The syringe will move to its
HOME position and dispense its contents to
the syringe waste.

• If some air remains in the syringe press

<SYR END> again. The syringe is filled with
wash solvent.
Figure 6-9: Changing the syringe
Press <SYR HOME> to dispense the wash
solvent to waste. If there is still air in the
syringe, repeat the previous action and tick
softly against the syringe as the wash solvent
is dispensed to the syringe waste.

• Leave the maintenance screen by pressing [Escape] and press <WASH> to perform a
standard wash routine. All tubing connected to the syringe valve will be refilled and
flushed.

The Midas is now ready for use

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7. TROUBLESHOUTING

7.1 START UP PROBLEMS

Start up
problems

The instrument
Power cord
would not operate Plugin/ replace
unplugged or Yes
after turning the power cord
faulty
power on

No

Blown fuse Yes Replace fuse

No

Call your
Defective service
Yes
electronics representative

The instrument is Diplay Call your

working, but diplay component(s) service
doesn't work failure representative

No response from Keyboard Call your

keyboard but component(s) service
display works failure representative

Error code is Check Appendix B,

indicated on the to locate error
display message

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7.2 ANALYTICAL PROBLEMS

In cases of analytical problems the best thing to start with is to determine, if the cause for
the problem is in the autosampler, or in the rest of the system.

Quick check!
Replace the valve by a manual injection valve to discriminate between valve
problems and other problems.

Perform some manual Full loop injections. If the results are fine the fault has to be
found in the autosampler, if not the HPLC system should be checked.

Buffer Tubing

Syringe Valve

Syringe
Injection Valve

Needle arm
Air Needle
Injection Needle

Figure 7-1: Troubleshooting: Midas flowpath.

In the diagrams on the next pages it is assumed that the unit is working without
Errors.

Please keep in mind that analytical also might be caused by external influences,
like temperature and or light sensitive samples. For this reason it is important to
be sure the application was running without problems before and nothing is
changed.

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7.2.1 NO INJECTION

NO Blockage Disconnect
INJECTION in Flow needle from
Path Valve

Start Solvent
Check
manual flowing out of Yes
needle
wash inj. port

No

Disconnect
Buffer tubing
from valve

Start Solvent
Check rotor
manual out of open Yes
seal
wash end

No

Disconnect
Buffer tubing
from Syringe
valve

Start Solvent Check

manual out of syringe Yes buffer
wash valve tubing

No
Leakage inside
Injection Valve Check for over tightened
connections in the entire
Flow Path &
Check the syringe valve

Disconnect the needle tubing

and the buffer tubing.
Observe
Check rotor
ports 3 and 4 Yes
Connect port 1 to an HPLC pump seal
for leakage
Block port 6.
Start the pump at a low flow
No

Recheck with manual valve

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7.2.2 BAD REPRODUCIBILITY

BAD
REPRODUCIBILITY

Air in Flow Path Start manual wash

Remove Syringe and fill

Air in Syringe
manually with wash solvent

Replace plunger tip or

Leaking Syringe
Syringe

Leaking Syringe
Replace Valve
Valve

Replace seal
Rotor seal worn out
Check Stator

Dead volumes in Redo connections with new

tubing connections Ferrules and nuts

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APPENDIX A: LIST OF ACCESSORIES

Article no. Description

0830.834 Large capacity tray option, 96 position for 1.5 mL vials (12 mm OD)

0830.835 Large volume tray option, 24 position for 10 mL vials (22 mm OD),
with 1 mL syringe and LSV needle
0830.836 Prep option (field installable), including software, large capacity tray,
2.5 mL syringe and large bore Valco injection valve with 10 mL
sample loop
0830.766 SparkLink Midas PC control, including CD-ROM, hardware
protection key and PC serial interface cable.

0700.010 Flanged-tube fitting 1/8” (pck/5)

0700.011 Flanged-tube fitting 1/16” (pck/5)
0830.718 Air needle (incl. seal)
0830.303 Sample needle
0830.304 Serum sample needle
0830.318 Silc/steel sample needle
0830.711 Air needle for serum needle
0900.710 Buffer tubing 500 µL
0900.711 Buffer tubing 2000 µL
0900.712 Syringe waste tubing
0900.713 Syringe wash tubing
0830.811 Inject marker cable

0830.733 Valco injection valve, stainless steel version,

C2-2006 SPHMI, incl. bayonet pins.
0830.734 Valco injection valve, PEEK version,
C2-2346 SPHMI, incl. bayonet pins.
3796.043 Valco rotor seal for injection valve C2-2006
3796.044 Valco stator for injection valve C2-2006
3796.048 Valco rotor seal PEEK for injection valve C2-2346
3796.087 Valco PEEK stator for injection valve C2-2346

0700.004 Valco Ferrule (pck/10)

0700.005 Valco Nut (pck/10)
3796.046 Valco loop 5 µL with fittings
3796.029 Valco loop 20 µL with fittings
3796.030 Valco loop 200 µL with fittings
3796.086 Valco loop 100 µL with fittings
3796.031 Valco loop 500 µL with fittings
3796.088 Valco loop 20 µL PEEK with fittings
3796.085 Valco loop 100 µL PEEK with fittings
3796.083 Valco fingertight nut PEEK
3796.084 Valco Ferrule PEEK

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Article no. Description

0830.731 Rheodyne 7739 injection valve,

stainless steel version, incl. bayonet pins.
0830.732 Rheodyne 9740 injection valve,
PEEK/ceramic version, incl. bayonet pins.

3796.035 Rheodyne loop 5 µL

3796.009 Rheodyne loop 10 µL
3796.010 Rheodyne loop 20 µL
3796.011 Rheodyne loop 50 µL
3796.012 Rheodyne loop 100 µL
3796.013 Rheodyne loop 200 µL
3796.014 Rheodyne loop 500 µL
3796.015 Rheodyne loop 1000 µL
3796.076 Rheodyne loop 20 µL PEEK
3796.016 Rheodyne loop 100 µL PEEK
3796.091 Stator for Rheodyne 7739 injection valve
3796.092 Vespel rotor seal for Rheodyne 7739 injection valve
3796.093 Tefzel rotor seal for Rheodyne 7739 injection valve
3796.095 PEEK stator for Rheodyne 9740 injection valve
3796.096 Ceramic stator face for Rheodyne 9740 injection valve
3796.097 PEEK rotor seal for Rheodyne 9740 injection valve

3796.045 Socket wrench for 1/16”nut

2140.151 Syringe valve

2140.160 Luer lock connector syringe valve
4400.250 250 µL syringe
4400.000 1000 µL syringe
0900.742 Plunger replacement tip for 250 µL syringe (pck/10)
0700.019 Plunger replacement kit for 1000 µL syringe (pck/10)

Vials, seals and caps

0788.751 Standard clear crimptop 2-CV vial (pck/200)
0788.752 Crimpcap for standard 2-CV and 1.1-CTVG vials. (pck/1000)
0788.756 Chromacol 1.1-CTVG conical vial with crimptop. (pck/100)
0788.757 Chromacol TTS-312 supports for 1.1-CTVG vial. (pck/100)
0788.761 Standard screwtop 2-SV vial. (pck/100)
0788.762 Screwcap for standard 2-SV vial. (pck/100)
0788.763 Septum for standard 2-SV vial. (pck/100)
0900.750 Chromacol 10-CV, 10 mL vial. (pck/125)
0900.751 Chromacol 20-ACB crimpcap for 10-CV vial. (pck/125)
0900.752 Chromacol 20-ST101 seal for 10-CV vial. (pck/125)

3760.403 Handcrimper 11 mm OD vials (standard).

3760.411 Handcrimper 20 mm OD vials.

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APPENDIX B: ERROR CODES

ERROR CODE CAUSE

Injection valve
ERROR 211 Injection valve is not in a valid position.
ERROR 212 The injection valve did not switch within 1.5 seconds.
ERROR 213 The switching time of the injection valve exceeds 500 msec

Syringe dispenser unit

ERROR 221 The syringe valve did not switch.
ERROR 222 The syringe did not reach the home position within time.
ERROR 223 The syringe spindle did not make the correct number of rotations.
ERROR 224 The spindle does not rotate.
ERROR 225 The syringe valve did not find a valid position.

Injection needle unit

ERROR 230 The sample needle arm did not reach or leave the home position
(vertical).
ERROR 231 The sample needle arm is in an invalid horizontal position while
moving down.
ERROR 232 The sample needle arm did not reach its destination within a
certain time (horizontal).
ERROR 233 Too many or not enough steps needed to reach destination of
horizontal needle movement.
ERROR 234 Sample needle arm not in vertical home position while moving
horizontally.
ERROR 235 The sample needle arm is at an invalid horizontal position
ERROR 237 The sample tray is not at a valid position while moving the sample
needle arm down.
ERROR 239 Vial sensor sticks.

Tray unit
ERROR 251 Incorrect tray rotation
ERROR 252 No sample tray positioned in the Midas.
ERROR 253 The sample needle arm is not in the home position while rotating
the tray.

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ERROR CODE CAUSE

Vials
ERROR 260 Missing vial. Only available when Skip Missing Vial is
set to NO in the System Settings (see
section 5.5) and during the execution of
the Mix of a method.
ERROR 262 Missing transport Only available when Skip Missing Vial is
vial. set to NO in the System Settings (see
section 5.5).
ERROR 264 Missing vial for reagent A
ERROR 265 Missing vial for reagent B
ERROR 268 Missing destination vial.
ERROR 269 Not enough transport liquid available due to missing transport
vials.
ERROR 270 Not enough reagent A available.
ERROR 271 Not enough reagent B available.

Electronics
ERROR 275 Error occurred during initialization, the Midas can not start.

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APPENDIX C: TEST PROCEDURE

The Midas is factory tested for reproducibility, carry over and mixing according the
following test procedure.

Analytical parameters:
Pump: Flow: 1.5 mL/min
Eluent: distilled water
Detector: Wave length: 254 nm
Sample: Uracil in distilled water (50 ppm)

PUMP
1.5 ml/min

UV-Detector
Integrator
254 nm
10 mtr SS-tubing (0.25 mm ID),
for peak modelling.
Appendix figure 1: Configuration analytical system.

Relative standard deviation (RSD%)

The formula’s necessary for calculating the Relative Standard Deviation (RSD%) are
printed below:

Peak area =
∑ Peak area
n

∑ ( Peak area ) 2
− Peak area
σ n −1 =
n −1
σ n −1
RSD% = × 100%
Peak area

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Reproducibility and carry over test.

Seven vials are placed in the Midas tray, vial 1 and vials 3 till 7 are filled with sample
(Uracil 50 ppm) and vial 2 is filled with eluent.
The wash solvent bottle is filled with 80% H2O / 20% Isopropanol.

The vials are run with the following method:

Injection
Injection mode: Partial loopfill
Flush volume: 30 µL
No of inj./vial: 3
Injection volume: 10 µL
Analysis time: 0:01:00
Wash
Wash between: None

An example chromatogram of the reproducibility test is printed below.

0.06

0.05

0.04

0.03

0.02

0.01

0
0 4 8 12 16 20 24 28

Time (min)

Appendix figure 2: Example test chromatogram.

From the integration results the Relative Standard Deviation (RSD%) and the carry
over can be calculated.
Peak number Area
1 206342
For this example the results are: 2 204773
3 205425
RSD% = 0.25% 4 -
5 -
6 -
Carry over < 0.5% 7 205203
8 205566
9 205568
10 206156
11 206174
12 205956
13 206165
14 205765
14 205960
16 206296
17 205617
18 205619
19 205648
20 206141
21 207070

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Mix test:
For the mix test one sample vial (50 ppm Uracil), one empty vial and the full Reagent-A
vial, filled with eluent, are placed in the Midas tray. A 1:10 dilution of the sample will be
made in the empty destination vial. After the dilution from both vials (sample and
destination) 10 µL will be injected.
The wash solvent bottle is filled with 80% H2O / 20 % Isopropanol.

The vials are run with the following methods:

Method 1:
Injection
Injection mode: Partial loopfill
Flush volume: 30 µL
No of inj./vial: 3
Injection volume: 10 µL
Analysis time: 0:01:00
Wash
Wash between: None
Mix
1. ADD 180 µL REAG-A to DESTINATION
2. ADD 180 µL REAG-A to DESTINATION
3. ADD 40 µL SAMPLE to DESTINATION
4. MIX 3 times with 250 µL
5. END OF MIX METHOD

Method 2:
Injection
Injection mode: Partial loopfill
Flush volume: 30 µL
No of inj./vial: 3
Injection volume: 10 µL
Analysis time: 0:01:00
Wash
Wash between: None

Program the following Series:

Series 1 Series 2
Method: 1 Method: 2
First vial: 01 First vial: 01
Last vial: 01 Last vial: 01
Destination vial: 02

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An example chromatogram of the mixing test is printed below.

0.12

0.10

0.08

0.06

0.04

0.02

0.00
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Time
Appendix figure 3: Example chromatogram of the mixing test.

From the integration results the Relative Standard Deviation (RSD%) for the two vials
can be calculated.

For this example the results are:

Peak number Area
RSD% (vial 1, 1:10 dilution) = 0.37% 1 38802
RSD% (vial 2, sample) = 0.15% 2 38968
1:10 dilution = 1 : 10.13 3 39088
4 395258
5 394090
6 394471

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APPENDIX D: MIDAS LOGBOOK

Customer information:
Name of user
Company
Department
Address

Telephone
Fax

Midas information:
Serial number
Firmware revision
Purchase date
Installed options

Local Dealer
Service Engineer
Address

Telephone
Fax

The following pages contain tables that can be used to make your own Midas
logbook.
Keep a record of your System Settings and programmed methods. Therefore
make copies of the following pages (before filling in the forms).

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SYSTEM SETTINGS:
GENERAL:
Loop volume: µL
Needle volume: µL
Syringe volume: 250-µL syringe
1000-µL syringe
Syringe speed: Low
Normal
High
Skip missing vials: Yes
No
Air segment: Yes
No
Headspace pressure: Yes
No

METHOD:
Use calibration vials: Enabled
Disabled

TRAY:
Tray type: <84+3>, standard tray.
<96>, tray with 96 standard vials
<24>, large volume tray.
Vial type: <STANDARD>, standard 1.8 mL vials.
(only when <84+3> or <96> is <2.5 mL>, 2.5 mL vials.
selected)

I/O CONFIGURATION
Inject marker pulse length: sec.
Input edge next injection: Falling
Rising
Freeze input active: Low
High
Reset outputs after last Series: Yes
No

SERIAL COMMUNICATION
Device identifier:

PREP MODE:
Use Prep Mode: Enabled
Disabled

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METHOD: No:

INJECTION WASH
Injection Type: Full loop Wash: between injections
Partial loopfill between vials
µL Pick-up between Series
None None
Flush volume: µL Wash volume: X syringe volume.
Injection / vial:
Injection volume: µL
Analysis time:

TIMED EVENTS
1. AUX-1 ON AT TIME:
1. AUX-1 OFF AT TIME:
2. AUX-1 ON AT TIME:
2. AUX-1 OFF AT TIME:
3. AUX-1 ON AT TIME:
3. AUX-1 OFF AT TIME:
4. AUX-1 ON AT TIME:
4. AUX-1 OFF AT TIME:
1. AUX-2 ON AT TIME:
1. AUX-2 OFF AT TIME:
2. AUX-2 ON AT TIME:
2. AUX-2 OFF AT TIME:
3. AUX-2 ON AT TIME:
3. AUX-2 OFF AT TIME:
4. AUX-2 ON AT TIME:
4. AUX-2 OFF AT TIME:
INITIAL OVEN SETPOINT: °C
1. OVEN SETPOINT: °C AT TIME:
2. OVEN SETPOINT: °C AT TIME:
END OF TIMED EVENTS AT:

MIX
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

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APPENDIX E: PREP MIDAS

By just choosing PREP in your system settings, you can use the Midas to inject all of your
sample into a Preparative LC system or in other areas where large injection volumes are
required. Also in combination with the PROSPEKT On-line Solid Phase Extraction
System, the Midas can be your ideal autosampler.

The combination of large sample vials (10 mL) a large sample volume needle and a
2.5 mL syringe enable you to inject large volumes very reproducible with high speeds and
only 45 µL of sample loss. The installed large bore valve (0.75 mm) with 10 mL sample
loop enables you to inject from microliters to milliliters with the same autosampler. Flow
rates up to 200 mL per minute are no problem for the Midas autosampler, used in Prep
mode.

If the Prep option is factory installed the part on installation can be skipped.
If the Prep option is bought as a kit, carry out the installation instructions.

Specifications Prep Midas

The Specifications of the Prep Midas differ in some ways from the standard Midas
autosampler. The different specifications are listed below.

SAMPLING
Sample capacity LSV tray: 24 vials of 10 mL (LSV)
Loop volume Not programmable, injection volume determines
the aspirated sample volume
Dispenser syringe 2500 µL syringe

ANALYTICAL PERFORMANCE
Reproducibility RSD <= 1.0% for partial loopfill injections, injection
volumes >10 µL up to 50% of the
installed sample loop.
Memory effect < 0.1% with programmable needle wash

PROGRAMMING
Methods 9 programmable methods
Injection method Partial loopfill only
Injection volume 1 µL – 19,999 µL, with 1 µL increment
Mix Not available

OPTIONS
Bio-compatible valve Not available

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Installation Prep Midas

To install the Prep option on the standard Midas perform the following installation steps:

• When the Firmware revision is lower than V2.00, then first replace the EPROM with
the one supplied in the shipkit before you continue with the next steps, see section
Firmware replacement

• Replace the standard injection valve with the special Midas Prep valve (VALCO #C2-
3006 SPHMI); see section 6.1.1 for detailed information.

• Replace standard sample needle, air needle and buffer tubing with the ones supplied
in the Midas Prep kit. See section 6.3 for detailed information.

• Re-connect all tubing to the injection valve as described in section 4.4 Fluid
connections.

• Replace standard Syringe with the 2500 µL syringe; see section 6.4 for detailed
information.

• Install the 24 vials (LSV) tray, see section 2 INSTRUMENT DESCRIPTION, for
detailed information how to place the sample tray in the Midas autosampler.

• Choose Prep Mode in system settings, see section 5.5.6 Prep Mode System Settings.

Table 8: Tubing of the Midas Prep option.

Tubing Material and dimensions Label

LSV sample needle and tubing. SS tubing; 70 mm x 0.81 mm OD x 0.51 mm ID 45 µL
Tefzel tubing; 155 mm x 1/16” OD x 0.50 mm ID
Buffer tubing from high-pressure PTFE tubing; 2550 mm x 1/16” OD x 1.0 mm ID 2000 µL
valve to syringe valve.

Injecting with the Prep Midas

The injection routine differs from the standard Midas autosampler. The Prep Midas has
only the Partial loopfill injection routine, which differs from the partial loopfill injection
routine of the standard autosampler.
Therefore some remarks, which explain the difference and make sure your have the best
injection performance.

Ensure that the programmed injection volume does not exceed the 50% of the
loop volume, otherwise the reproducibility and accuracy of the injection can not be
guaranteed.
The software does not check the injection volume with the installed loop volume. It
is therefore possible to program injection volumes larger than 50% of the loop
volume.
The preflush is no longer executed, expansion of the liquid in the sample loop will
remove sample from the sample tubing and needle when switching from INJECT
to LOAD. To compensate for the volume of the needle and tubing, an additional
amount of the sample, equal to the programmed sample needle – tubing volume
(default 45 µL) is aspirated in the sample loop together with the programmed
sample volume.

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Firmware replacement
The firmware of the Midas is stored in an EPROM, which is located on the CPU Board.

ATTENTION:
The EPROM is highly sensitive for Electro Static Discharges.
Observe precautions for handling Electro Static Discharge
sensitive devices.

For replacement of this EPROM proceed as follows:

A A

• Make a notice of all the programmed

Methods, Series and System Settings

• Turn main power OFF

• Remove the 4 screws marked (A). A A

• Open the rear panel

EPROM

• Remove the old EPROM and place

the new EPROM on the CPU Board.

Make sure all pins of the EPROM

are placed in the IC-socket.

• Check all System Settings after

placing the new EPROM

NOTE: The little notch on the top of the EPROM should be facing the same way
as the notch on the IC-socket.

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INDEX

A G
Air needle 56 General System Settings 31
Air segment 32
Alarm output
Analysis time
22
37
H
Auxiliary 22
Hard function keys 26

B
[CL], Clear 26
[E], Enter 26
[Escape] 26
[Hold/Cont.] 26
Buffer tubing 54 [Menu] 26
[Methods] 26

C [Priority]
[Series]
[Start/Stop]
26
26
26
[System] 26
Calibration vials 43 Headspace pressure 32
Column thermostat 29 HPLC connections 16
Contact closure output connector (P1)

I
Alarm output 22
Auxiliary 22
Inject marker output 22
Control I/O connections 22–23
Contact closure output connector (P1) 22 I/O Configuration 34
RS232 connector 22 Inject marker output 22
TTL input connector (P2) 23 Injection marker pulse length 34
Copy a method 30 Injection mode 53
µl Pick-up injection 37

D Full loop injection

Partial loopfill injection
37
37
Injection principle 5
Destination vials 43 µl Pick-up injections 9–11
Device identifier 34 Full loop injections 5–7
Partial loopfill injections 7–9
Direct control functions Injection program 36, 37
Maintenance 27
Analysis time 37
Manual wash 27
Flush volume 37
Needle arm movement 27
Injection volume 37
Serial communication mode 28
Number of injections per vial 37
Service mode 30
Syringe exchange 28 Injection valve (Valco) 49
Temperature control 29 Injection valve replacement 49
Utilities 30 Injection volume 37, 53
Direct Control functions 27 Input edge next injection 34
Direct functions 27 Instrument description
Exploded view of Midas 3
E Rear side of Midas 4

Erase a method 30 K
Error codes 65
Keyboard 25
F Hard function keys
Numeric keys
Soft function keys
25
25
25
Fluid connections 15
HPLC connections
Syringe
16
17
L
Wash solvent 17
Waste tubing 16 List of accessories 63
Flush volume 37 Loading the sample tray 21
Freeze input 23
Freeze input active 34
Full loop injection 37, 53
Fuses 14

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M S
Maintenance 27 Safety practice
Manual injection valve switching 28 Electrical hazards iv
General precautions iv
Manual wash 27
Method programming 36 Safety symbols iii
Method System Settings 33 Sample needle 55
Midas logbook 30, 71 Sample needle penetration depth 56
Mix program 36, 41 Sample tray cooling 29
Add 41 Sample vials 43
Delete step 41 Serial communication mode 28
Insert step 41 Panic stop 28
Mix 42 Serial Communication System Settings 34
Wait 42
Series 43
Signs and pictograms
N Attention
Caution
iii
iii
Danger iii
Needle arm movement 27 Note iii
Next injection input 23, 46 Warning iii
Number of injections per vial 37 Skip missing vials 32
Specifications
O Analytical performance
Analytical performance (Prep Midas)
Communication
xiii
77
xiv
Electrical xv
Oven setpoint 29 Factory installable options xv
Physical xv
P Programming
Programming (Prep Midas)
xiv
77
Sampling xiii
Partial loopfill injection 37, 53 Sampling (Prep Midas) 77
User installable options xv
PASA™ 1
Start a Run 45
Pick-up injection 37, 53, 54
Stop a Run 45
Power connections 14
Stop input 23
Prep Mode System Settings 34
Switch the oven on 29
Priority sample 47
Switch the tray cooling on 29
Programming chart x
Syringe 17, 53, 57
Programming Series 43
Calibration vials 43 Syringe exchange 28
Destination vials 43 Syringe speed 31
Method number 43 Syringe volume 31
Sample vials 43 System Settings 31
Air segment 32
Q Device identifier
Freeze input active
34
34
Headspace pressure 32
Quick connection mounting 49 Injection marker pulse length 34
Input edge next injection 34
Quick start v–ix Reset outputs after last Series 34
Skip missing vials 32
R Syringe speed
Syringe volume
31
31
Tray type 33
Remote Control 23, 45, 46 Use calibration vials 33
Use Prep mode 34
Replace air needle 56 Vial type 33
Replacing the sample needle 55 Volume of installed loop 31
Replacing the syringe 57
Reset outputs after last Series 34
Rheodyne Model 7739 valve 51
Rheodyne Model 9740 valve 52
Run screen information 45
Run sequence 43

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T V
Vial type 33
Temperature control Vials 18–21
Column thermostat 29
Eppendorf micro centrifuge tubes 21
Sample tray cooling 29
Filling and sealing vials 21
Test procedure 68, 69 Reagent vials 20
Timed events program 36, 39 Standard vials 18
Auxiliaries 39 Transport vials 20
Change oven setpoint 39 Vial dimensions 18
End of timed events 39 Volume of installed loop 31
Tray cooling setpoint 29 Volume of tubing needle Ö valve 31
Tray System Settings 33
Tray type
TTL input connector (P2)
33
W
Freeze input 23
Next inject input 23 Wash program 36, 38
Remote Control 23 Wash between injections 38
Stop input 23 Wash between series 38
Typographic conventions Wash between vials 38
Display 25 Wash solvent 17
Keyboard keys 25 Waste tubing 16
Condense water and leakage drain 16
U General waste
Syringe waste
16
16

Use calibration vials 33

Use Prep mode 34

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