Agilent 7890A Network Gas

Chromatograph
Data Sheet

Chromatographic
Performance*
Retention time repeatability
< 0.008% or < 0.0008 min
Area repeatability < 1%RSD
The Agilent 7890A is a state-of-the-art
gas chromatograph that provides superior performance for all applications.
Key to its performance is the use of
advanced electronic pneumatic control
(EPC) modules and high performance
GC oven temperature control. Each EPC
unit is optimized for its intended use
with a specific inlet and detector
option.
GC oven temperature control of the
7890A oven allows for fast and precise
temperature ramping. Overall thermal
performance provides optimal chromatography including peak symmetry,
retention time repeatability, and retention index accuracy.
The combination of precise pneumatic
and temperature control leads to
*Using 7890A with EPC (splitless), ALS and Agilent Data
System for analysis of tetradecane (2 ng to the column).
Results may vary with other samples and conditions.

extremely precise retention time reproducibility, which is the basis for all
chromatographic measurement.
Agilents proprietary Capillary Flow
Technology provides a new dimension
in chromatography with reliable, leakfree, in-oven capillary connections that
stand up to repeated GC oven cycling
over time. The 7890A GC has enhanced
firmware to extend Capillary Flow capabilities and enhanced datasystem software to simplify set-up and operation of
backflush. These new tools make it
easier to analyze complex matrices and
unknowns, and provide gains in productivity and data integrity for routine
analyses via 2-dimensional heart cutting, detector splitting, and column
backflushing.
The 7890A GC has advanced built-in
capabilities to monitor system
resources (counters, electronic logs and
diagnostics). Agilent GC systems are
known for their reliability, ruggedness,
and long life. The Agilent 10-year use

guarantee provides greater assurance

for a low-cost of ownership throughout
the GCs life.

System Capabilities
Supports simultaneously:
- Two inlets
- Three detectors (third detector
as TCD)
- Four detector signals
State-of-the-art detector electronics
and the full-range digital data path
enable peaks to be quantified over
the entire concentration range of the
detector (107 for the FID) in a single
run.
Full EPC is available for all inlets and
detectors. Control range and resolution are optimized for the specific
inlet or detector module.
Up to six EPC modules can be
installed, providing control of up to
16 channels of EPC.

 Pressure setpoint and contol precision to 0.001 psi provides more

retention time locking precision for
low-pressure applications.

A run time deviation log is created

for each analysis to ensure that all
method parameters were achieved
and maintained.

EPC with capillary columns provides

four column flow control modes:
constant pressure, ramped pressure
(3 ramps), constant flow, or ramped
flow (3 ramps). Column average linear velocity is calculated.

A full array of traditional gas sampling and column switching valves

are available

Atmospheric pressure and temperature compensation is standard, so

results do not change, even when
the laboratory environment does.

Context-sensitive online help

550 timed events

Display of all GC and ALS setpoints
at the GC or data system.

Column Oven
Dimensions: 28 31 16 cm.
Accommodates up to two 105 m
0.530 mm id capillary columns or two
10-ft glass packed columns (9 in. coil
diameter, 1/4 in. od), or two 20-ft
stainless steel packed columns
(1/8 in. od).

Low Thermal Mass (LTM) system

can be added to achieve fastest
cycle times via rapid LTM capillary
column module heating and cooling.
The LAN interface allows real-time
monitoring of the GC when it is connected with Lab Monitor &
Diagnostic Software, even when
also connected to a data system.

Operating temperature range suitable for all columns and chromatographic separations. Ambient temperature +4 C to 450 C.

One-button access to maintenance

and service modes from the keyboard

- With LN2 cryogenic cooling:

80 to 450 C.

Preprogrammed leak tests

Automatic Liquid Sampling is fully
integrated into mainframe control.
Setpoint and automation control can
be done from the local keyboard or
via a networked data system. Clocktime programming can be initiated
from the front panel to initiate
events (on/off, method start, etc.) at
a future date and time.

50 to 70
70 to 115
115 to 175
175 to 300
300 to 450

120 V Oven*
rates (C/min)

Ambient rejection: < 0.01 C per

1 C.

Electronic Pneumatics
Control (EPC)
Compensation for barometric pressure and ambient temperature
changes is standard.
Pressure setpoints may be adjusted
by increments of 0.001 psi, with typical control 0.001 for the range
0.000 to 99.999 psi; 0.01 psi for the
range 100.00 psi to 150.00 psi
User may select pressure units as
psi, kPa, or bar.
Pressure/flow ramps: Three
maximum.
Carrier and makeup gas settings
selectable for He, H2, N2, and
argon/methane.
Flow or pressure setpoints for each
inlet or detector parameter with both
Agilent 7890A and Agilent
ChemStations.

Supports 20 oven ramps with 21

plateaus. Negative ramps are
allowed.

Constant flow mode is available

when capillary column dimensions
are entered into the 7890A.

Maximum achievable temperature

ramp rate: 120 C/min (120 V units
are limited to 75 C/min, see
Table 1).

Split/splitless, Multimode, and PTV

inlets have flow sensors for the control of split ratio.

Fast ramp rates** (C/min)

Dual-Channel
Single-Channel***

75
45
40
30
20

Oven cool down (22 C ambient) 450

to 50 C in 4.0 min (3.5 min with
oven insert accessory).

- With CO2 cryogenic cooling:

40 to 450 C.
Temperature setpoint resolution:
0.1 C.

Table 1. Typical 7890A GC Oven Ramp Rates

Temperature
range (C)

Maximum run time: 999.99 min

(16.7 h).

120
95
65
45
35

120
120
110
80
65

Inlet modules
Pressure sensors: Accuracy:
< 2% full scale, Repeatability:
< 0.05 psi, Temperature coefficient: < 0.01 psi/C, Drift:
< 0.1 psi/6 months.
Flow sensors: Accuracy: < 5%
depending on carrier gas,
Repeatability: < 0.35% of setpoint,

* Results obtained with line voltage maintained at 120V

** Fast ramp rates require power > 200 volts at > 15 Amps.
***Requires G2646-60500 oven insert accessory.

Temperature Coefficient
< 0.20 mL/min (NTP)* per C for
He or H2; < 0.05 mL/min NTP per
C for N2 or Ar/CH4.
Detector modules:
Accuracy: < 3 mL/min NTP or 7%
of setpoint, Repeatability:
< 0.35% of setpoint
*NTP = 25 C and 1 atmosphere

Inlets
Maximum of two inlets installed
EPC compensated for atmospheric
pressure and temperature variation
Inlets available:
- Packed purged injection port
(PPIP)
- Split/splitless capillary inlet
(S/SL)
- Multimode inlet
- Temperature-programmable cool
on-column (PCOC)
- Programmable temperature vaporizer (PTV)
- Volatiles inlet (VI)
S/SL
Suitable for all capillary columns
(50 m to 530 m id).
Split ratios up to 7,500:1 to avoid
column overload. Setting split ratios
(particularly low split ratios) is limited by column parameters and control of system flows (particularly low
system flows).
Splitless mode for trace analysis.
Pressure-pulsed splitless is easily
accessible for best performance.
Maximum temperature: 400 C.
EPC available in two pressure
ranges: 0 to 100 psig (0 to 680 kPa)
for best control for columns
0.200 mm diameter; 0 to 150 psig
for columns < 0.200 mm diameter.

Gas saver mode to reduce

gas consumption without
compromising performance.

Electronic septum purge flow control

Electronic septum purge flow control to eliminate ghost peaks.

Compatible with Merlin Microseal

septum

Total flow setting range:

0 to 200 mL/min N2
0 to 1,250 mL/min H2 or He

Setup of parameters facilitated with

Agilent Solvent Elimination
Calculator

Turn top inlet sealing system is built

in standard with each 7890A S/SL
inlet for quick, easy, injector liner
changes

Total flow setting range:

Multimode Inlet
Provides the flexibility of a standard
Agilent split/splitless inlet, combined with temperature programmable capabilities which allow for
large volume injection. Also supports cool injections for improved
signal response.
Temperature control: LN2 (to
160 C), LCO2 (to 70 C), air cooling (to ambient +10 C with oven
temperature < 50 C) (due to high
consumption, air cooling with cylinders is not advised). Temperature
programming of up to 10 ramps at
up to 900 C/min. Maximum temperature: 450 C.
Injection modes:
- Hot or cold split/splitless
- Pulsed split/splitless
- Solvent vent

accessible for improved performance.

- 0 to 200 mL / min N2
- 0 to 1,250 ml/min H2 or He
Turn-top inlet sealing system is built
in standard with each 7890A
Multimode inlet for quick, easy injector liner changes
PCOC
Direct injection onto cool capillary
column ensures quantitative sample
transfer with no thermal degradation.
Automatic liquid injection supported directly onto columns
0.250 mm id.
Maximum temperature: 450 C.
Temperature programming in
3 ramps or tracking oven.
Subambient control to 40 C
is optional.
Electronic pressure control range:
0 to 100 psig.
Electronic septum purge flow control.
Optional solvent vapor exit for largevolume injections.

- Direct
Suitable for all capillary columns
(50 m to 530 m)
EPC pressure range (psig): 0 to
100 psig
Split ratio: up to 7500 to 1 to avoid
column overload. Setting split
ratios (particularly low split ratios)
is limited by column parameters
and control of system flows (particularly low system flows).
Splitless mode for trace analysis.
Pressure pulsed splitless is easily
3

- Electronically controlled, inert,

three-way valve allows solvent
venting.
- Includes software for method
optimization.
- Preassembled retention gaps/vent
line/analytical column for easy
installation.

PPIP
Direct injection onto packed and
wide-bore capillary columns.
Electronic flow/pressure control:
0 to 100 psig pressure range, 0.0 to
200.0 mL/min flow range. Ranges
are chosen to provide optimum performance over normal packed column setpoint ranges.
Electronic septum purge flow control.
400 C maximum operating
temperature.
Adapters included for 1/4-in. and
1/8-in. packed columns, and
0.530-mm capillary columns.
PTV
Supports hot/cold split and splitless
modes as well as large volume injections.
Temperature control: either LN2 (to
160 C) or LCO2 (to 65 C) cooling.
Temperature programming of up to
3 ramps at up to 720 C/min.
Maximum temperature: 450 C.
EPC pressure range 0 to 100 psig.
Split ratio up to 7,500:1. Setting split
ratios (particularly low split ratios) is
limited by column parameters and
control of system flows (particularly
low system flows).
Electronic septum purge flow control.
Choice of Gerstel septumless head
or Merlin Microseal septum head.
450 C maximum operating
temperature.
Total flow setting range:

headspace, purge and trap, or thermal desorption samplers.

Three modes for optimized sample
introduction: split (up to 100:1 split
ratio), splitless, and direct.

450 C maximum operating temperature

Optimized EPC (H2 or He carrier,

0.00 to 100 psig pressure control,
0.0 to 100 mL/min flow control).

TCD
Thermal conductivity detector (TCD),
a universal detector that responds to
all compounds, excluding the carrier
gas.

Electronic septum purge flow control.

Silcosteel treated flow path provides inert surface for minimum
component adsorption.

Minimum detectable level: 400 pg

tridecane/mL with He carrier. (This
value may be affected by laboratory
environment).

Maximum temperature: 400 C.

Linear dynamic range: > 105 5%

Detectors

Unique fluidic switching design provides rapid stabilization from turnon, low-drift performance.

Electronic pneumatics control and

electronic on/off for all detector
gases.
EPC compensated for atmospheric
pressure and temperature variation.
Detectors available:
FID
Flame ionization detector (FID) that
responds to most organic compounds.
Minimum detectable level (for tridecane): < 1.5 pg C/s
Linear dynamic range: >107 ( 10%).
Full-range digital data path enables
peaks to be quantified over the
entire 107 concentration range in a
single run.
Data rates up to 500 Hz accommodate peaks as narrow as 10 msec at
half height.
Standard electronic pneumatic control for three gases:

- 0 to 200 mL/min N2

- Air: 0 to 800 mL/min

- 0 to 1,250 mL/min H2 or He

- H2 : 0 to 100 mL/min

VI
Very low volume (32 L) interface
suitable for gas or prevaporized samples. Recommended for use with

Flameout detection and automatic

reignition

- Makeup gas (N2 or He): 0 to

100 mL/min
Available in two versions: capillary
column optimized or adaptable for
either packed or capillary columns.

Signal polarity can be run-programmed for components having

higher thermal conductivity than the
carrier gas.
Maximum temperature: 400 C
Standard EPC for 2 gases (He, H2, or
N2 matched to carrier gas type)
Make-up gas: 0 to 12 mL/min
Reference gas: 0 to 100 mL/min
The 7890A GC can accommodate a
third detector as TCD located on the
left-hand side of the GC.
Micro-ECD
Micro-electron capture detector
(micro-ECD), a very sensitive detector for electrophilic compounds such
as halogenated organic compounds.
Minimum detectable level:
< 5.5 fg/mL lindane
At standard checkout conditions,
with a detector temperature of
300 C and flow to the detector
(makeup plus column) of
30 mL/min, this is equivalent to
5.5 fg/sec.
Proprietary signal linearization.
Linear dynamic range: > 5 104 with
lindane
Data acquisition rate: up to 50 Hz

- H2: 0 to 30 mL/min

Uses emission of < 15 mCi 63Ni as

the electron source.

- Makeup gas: 0 to 100 mL/min

Unique micro-cell design minimizes

contamination and optimizes sensitivity.

Available for packed/capillary

columns or optimized for capillary
columns

400 C maximum operating temperature

400 C maximum operating temperature

Standard EPC makeup gas types:

argon/5% methane or nitrogen;
0 to 150 mL/min
NPD
Nitrogen-phosphorus detector
(NPD), a detector specific to nitrogen or phosphorus-containing compounds.
NPD available with one of two
beads, Blos (glass) bead or white
ceramic bead (legacy offering)
Compared to the legacy white
ceramic bead, the Blos bead offers:
- Longer lifetime

FPD
Single-wavelength flame photometric detector (FPD), or dual-wavelength flame photometric detector
(DFPD) a sensitive, specific detector to sulfur- or phosphorus-containing compounds.
MDL: < 60 fg P/s, < 3.6 pg S/s with
methylparathion
Dynamic range: > 103 S, 104 P with
methylparathion
Selectivity: 106 g S/g C, 106 g P/g C
Data acquisition rate: up to 200 Hz
Standard EPC for three gases:

- More stable operation during the

beads lifetime
MDL: < 0.1 pg N/s, < 0.03 pg P/s
with azobenzene/malathion/
octadecane mixture with Blos bead
MDL: < 0.4 pg N/s, < 0.2 pg P/s
with azobenzene/malathion/
octadecane mixture with white
ceramic bead

Standard EPC for three gases:

- Air: 0 to 200 mL/min

MSD
See 5975 Series MSD specifications.
See 7000A Triple Quadrupole GC/MS
specifications.
Specialized detectors are available
through Agilent Channel Partners
including: atomic emission, helium
onization, and pulsed discharge
ionization.

Auxiliary EPC Devices

The 7890A GC has two positions for
auxilary EPC devices located on the
back of the GC. Each position can be
any combination of auxiliary EPC or
pneumatics control module.

Available in single- or dual-wavelength versions.

250 C maximum operating temperature

SCD (Model 355)

Highest sensitivity and selectivity for
sulfur-containing compounds.

Data acquisition rate: up to

200 Hz

See Agilent Sulfur Chemiluminescence

Detector and Nitrogen Chemiluminescence Detector Specification Guide
for additional information regarding performance and physical and environmental specifications.

- Makeup gas: 0 to 130 mL/min

Selectivity: 25,000 to 1 g N/g C,

200,000 to 1 g P/g C with azobenzene/malathion/octadecane mixture
with Blos bead
Selectivity: 25,000 to 1 g N/g C,
75,000 to 1 g P/g C with azobenzene/malathion/octadecane mixture
with white ceramic bead

Selectivity: > 2 x 107 g N/g C (selectivity in nitrosamine mode is matrix

dependent)

- H2: 0 to 250 mL/min

N, >
P
Dynamic range: >
with azobenzene/malathion mixture
with Blos or white ceramic bead

105

Linear dynamic range: > 104

- Air: 0 to 200 mL/min

Agilent 7890A GCs ability to handle

4 signals allows simultaneous use of
DFPD, top-mounted GC detector, and
TCD.

105

MDL: < 3 pg N/s, in both N and

nitrosamine modes, 25 ppm N as
nitrobenzene in toluene

MDL: Typical < 0.5 pg/s, dimethyl

sulfide in toluene
Linear dynamic range: > 104
Selectivity: > 2 x 107 g S/g C
NCD (Model 255)
High selectivity for nitrogencontaining compounds.

Note: The communication for a third

detector as TCD EPC module (located
on the left side of the GC) interfaces via
one of these auxiliary EPC module positions. If a third detector (TCD) is
installed, one of these auxiliary positions is thus taken.
Auxiliary EPC Module
Three channels of pressure
control
EPC compensated for atmospheric
pressure and temperature variation
when connected to a user-defined
capillary column
Psig (gauge) and psia (absolute)
pressure control

 Forward pressure regulated

Maximum of 2 auxiliary EPC modules per GC
Pneumatics Control Module (PCM)
2 channels for operation
EPC compensated for atmospheric
pressure and temperature variation
when connected to a user-defined
capillary column
First channel:

in the sample path for inertness

All of the following purged Capillary
Flow devices require one channel from
an auxiliary EPC or PCM module.
Purged capillary flow devices, such as
the Deans switch, purged effluent splitters, and QuickSwap, introduce an additional flow in the sample stream. For
detectors that operate at low flow
rates, like the MSD and TCD, some
decrease in sensitivity will occur.

- Pressure or flow control

- Psig (gauge) and psia (absolute)
pressure control
- Forward pressure regulated
Second channel:
- Pressure control
- Psig (gauge) and psia (absolute)
pressure control
- Forward pressure or back pressure
regulated
PCM can be located in either/both
inlet EPC positions, and in
either/both auxiliary positions on
the back of the 7890A GC
Maximum of 3 PCMs per GC

Capillary Flow Technology

Agilents proprietary Capillary Flow
Technology provides devices with reliable, leak-free, in-oven capillary connections to help analyze complex samples and provide gains in productivity.
Devices feature:
Photolithographic chemical milling
for low dead volume flow pathways

Deans Switch
Deans switching provides additional
selectivity using 2-dimensional GC
analysis. Peaks of interest that may be
coeluting on one column are diverted to
a separate column of different stationary phase. This technique can also
reduce maintenance costs by having
troublesome solvents or other components bypass detectors or columns.
Dimensions:
65 mm x 31 mm x 1 mm
(65 mm x 31 mm x 11 mm, including
weldment connectors with tubing to
reach through top of oven.)
Weight: 30 grams, not including connector tubing.
Purged Effluent Splitters
A 3-way purged effluent splitter sends
column effluent to three detectors,
even an MSD. More information can be
obtained in a single run to help locate
target peaks in unknowns. A 2-way
purged effluent splitter version is also
available.

Credit card profile for fast thermal

response

Dimensions:
65 mm x 31 mm x 1 mm
(65 mm x 31 mm x 11 mm, including
weldment connectors with tubing to
reach through top of oven.)

Projection welded connections for

leak-tight fittings

Weight: 26 grams, not including connector tubing.

Diffusion bonding to form a single

flow plate

Deactivation of all internal surfaces

QuickSwap
The QuickSwap device, for GC/MS,
allows you to change a column or perform inlet maintenance without venting
the MSD, saving a considerable
amount of downtime.
Dimensions:
31 mm x 16 mm x 1 mm
(31 mm x 16 mm x 22 mm, including
weldment connectors)
Weight: 10 grams, not including connector tubing.
Backflush
Each of the above purged Capillary
Flow devices also provides the ability
to backflush. By reversing column flow
immediately after the last compound of
interest has eluted, you can eliminate
long bake-out times for highly retained
(or high-boiling) contaminants, thereby
shortening cycle times and protecting
the column and detector. As backflush
occurs after peaks of interest have
eluted, the chromatographic method
for peaks of interest does not need to
change. Backflush is available when
the column is attached to a split/splitless, volatiles interface, Multimode, or
PTV inlet.
The 7890A GC firmware has been optimized for backflush operation:
Displays positive and negative flows
Inlet/outlet pressures settable to
the limits of the controlling EPC
devices.
EPC can be introduced at any column or restrictor connection
Capillary Flow configuration of up to
six columns/restrictors
Agilent GC Multitechnique
ChemStation, EZChrom Elite data system, and GC/MSD ChemStation now
include user-interface screens to simplify backflush set-up and operation
with the 7890A GC.

ALS Interface Module

7693A ALS Interface standard.
Provides power and communications
for up to two 7693A automatic injectors, one automatic sampler tray,
and one heater/mixer/bar code
reader.
7683 ALS Interface standard.
Provides power and communications
for up to two 7683 automatic injectors, one automatic sampler tray,
and one bar code reader.

operation after delivery and long-term

usage. See http//www.chem.agilent.
com/cag/aboutapg/aboutQuality.html
for further information and typical
product testing.
Ambient operating temperature:
15 C to 35 C

- Valves 5 to 6, 24 V DC 100 mA
unheated, for low power valve
applications

Data Communications

Keyboard control of the Agilent

Automatic Liquid Sampler (ALS)
Storage of 10 methods
Storage of five ALS sequences
Binary-coded decimal input for a
stream selection valve

Maintenance and Support

Services
Remote diagnostics
Performance verification
services

Environmental
Conditions/Safety and
Regulatory Certifications
The instrument is designed and manufactured under a quality system registered to ISO 9001. The instrument complies with international regulatory, safety, and electromagnetic compatibility
requirements. The specifications are
more conservative than actual test conditions. In addition, further testing was
done under Agilent standards to ensure

Support for up to 8 valves.

Storage extremes: 40 C to
70 C

Conforms to the following safety

standards:

Remote start/stop

550 timed events via data system.

50 timed events via GC keyboard.
- Valves 1 to 4, 12V DC 13 watt in
a heated valve box

Line voltage requirements:

10% of nominal

Two analog output channels

(1-mV, 1-V, and 10-V output available) as standard

Two on/off contact closures

(48 V, 250 mA max)

Ambient operating humidity:

5% to 95%

Injector and tray install easily without the need for alignment.

LAN

Two external 24-volt connections (up

to 150 mA)

- Canadian Standards Association

(CSA): C22.2 No. 1010
- CSA/Nationally Recognized Test
Laboratory (NRTL): UL 3101
- International Electrotechnical
Commission (IEC): 61010-1
- EuroNorm (EN): 61010-1
Conforms to the following
regulations on Electromagnetic
Compatibility (EMC) and Radio
Frequency Interference (RFI):
- CISPR 11/EN 55011: Group 1
Class A
- IEC/EN 61326
Designed and manufactured under
a quality system registered to ISO
9001, Declaration of Conformity
available.

Other Specifications
Height: 49 cm (19.2 in.)
Width: 58 cm (22.9 in.) with EPC
inlet and detectors; 68 cm
(26.8 in.) with third detector as TCD
or with certain valving options
mounted on left-hand side of GC
Depth: 51 cm (20.2 in.)
Typical weight: 49 kg (108 lb)
Four internal 24-volt connections
(up to 150 mA)
7

- Valves 7 to 8, externally powered

as a remote event from separate
contact closure
Independent heated zones, not
including oven: six (two inlets, two
detectors, and two auxillary). Third
detector as TCD can utilize any available zone from inlet or auxillary
zones.
Maximum operating teperatures for
auxiliary zones: 400 C

References
1. A Guide to Interpreting Detector
Specifications for Gas
Chromatography. Agilent
Technologies, publication
5989-3423EN
2. The Importance of Area and
Retention Time Precision in Gas
Chromatography. Agilent
Technologies, publication
5989-3425EN

For More Information

For more information on our products
and services, visit our Web site at
www.agilent.com/chem.

www.agilent.com/chem
Silcosteel is a registered trademark of the Restek
Corporation.
Merlin Microseal is a registered trademark of Gerstel
GmbH & Co. KG
Agilent shall not be liable for errors contained herein or
for incidental or consequential damages in connection
with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
Information, descriptions, and specifications in this
publication are subject to change without notice.

Agilent Technologies, Inc., 2011

Printed in the USA
December 1, 2011
5989-6317EN