Valco Instruments Co. Inc.

Pulsed Discharge
Detector Models
D-3-I-HP and
D-3-I-7890
Instruction Manual

Rev 1/15

North America, South America, and Australia/Oceania contact: Europe, Asia, and Africa contact::
Valco Instruments Co. Inc. VICI AG International
800 · 367· 8424 sales Schenkon, Switzerland
713 · 688· 9345 tech Int + 41 · 41 · 925· 6200 phone
713 · 688· 8106 fax Int + 41 · 41 · 925· 6201 fax
valco@vici.com info@vici.ch
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Description and Operating Principles ............................................................ 1
Safety Notes and Information ........................................................................ 2
Symbols
Installation Category
Safety
Components of the Detector System ............................................................. 3
System Requirements
Components not Included with the Detector System ..................................... 4
System Purity ................................................................................................ 4
Gas Specifications ......................................................................................... 5
Installation
General Precautions ...................................................................................... 6
Checking the Firmware Version
Agilent 6890 GC ..................................................................................... 6
Agilent 7890 GC ..................................................................................... 6
Mounting the Detector .................................................................................... 6
Installing and Configuring the FID Logic Board
Agilent 6890 GC ..................................................................................... 8
Agilent 7890 GC ..................................................................................... 8
Gas Connections .......................................................................................... 11
Installing and Purging the Gas Regulator ...............................................11
Installing and Purging the Helium Purifier .............................................. 12
Connecting the Discharge Gas to the Detector ......................................12
Initial Power-Up ............................................................................................. 13
Capillary Column Connection ........................................................................ 14
Packed Column Connection ..........................................................................14
Testing for Leaks ........................................................................................... 15
Mode Selection and Setup
Helium Ionization Mode ................................................................................. 16
Selective Photoionization Mode ....................................................................16
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................... 18
Warranty ............................................................................................................. 20
Detector Performance Log ...................................................................................21
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 1

Introduction
Description and Operating Principle
The D3 is a non-radioactive pulsed discharge ionization detector (PDID), with
models available for “plug and play” installation on the Agilent 6890 or 7890
GC. A schematic representation of the detector is shown in Figure 1.
The D3 utilizes a stable, low power, pulsed DC discharge in helium as the
ionization source. Elutants from the column, flowing counter to the flow of
helium from the discharge zone, are ionized by photons from the helium
discharge above. Resulting electrons are focused toward the collector
electrode by the two bias electrodes.
The principal mode of ionization is photoionization by radiation arising from
1 +
the transition of diatomic helium He2(A ∑ u ) to the dissociative 2He(1S1)
ground state. This is the well-known Hopfield emission. The photon energy
from the He2 continuum is in the range of 13.5 eV to 17.7 eV.
The D3 is essentially non-destructive (0.01 - 0.1% ionization) and highly
sensitive. The response to organic compounds is linear over five orders
of magnitude with minimum detectable quantities (MDQs) in the low
picogram range. The response to fixed gases is positive (the standing
current increases), with MDQs in the low ppb range.
Detector response is universal except for neon, which has an ionization
potential of 21.56 eV. Since this potential is close to the energy of the
He* metastable (19.8 eV) but greater than the photon energy from the
He2 continuum, neon exhibits a low ionization efficiency and low detector
response.
When a dopant is added to the discharge gas, the D3 also functions as a
selective photoionization detector. (Suitable dopants include Ar for organic
compounds, Kr for unsaturated compounds, or Xe for polynuclear aromatics.)

GROUND PIN

DISCHARGE REGION

HIGH VOLTAGE
HELIUM INLET

SAPPHIRE INSULATORS

CAPILLARY COLUMN

COLLECTOR ELECTRODE
VENT

COLUMN INLET

Figure 1: Schematic of the D-3 detector

Introduction
2

Safety Notes and Information

Symbols

ATTENTION
Refer to the manual.

Installation Category
This equipment has been designed for installation category (overvoltage
category) II, pollution degree 2. It has been approved for use only in heavy
industrial environments and may not be used in the residential, commercial,
or light-industrial environment.

Safety
This instrument left the factory in a safe condition. This instruction manual
contains important information and warnings which must be followed by the
user to insure safe operation and to retain the instrument in a safe condition.
Use only with an approved mains supply cord having a rating of 2A, 250V, or
greater. Do not use this equipment in a manner not specified herein.

CAUTION: During normal operation, the detector

produces ultraviolet energy (UVA, UVB), some of
which may be emitted. Do not watch the arc without
eye protection.
 Introduction
3

Components of the Detector System

Components of the detector system are listed in Table 1 below. Check the
contents of the packages to verify that everything is present. Contact the
factory if anything is missing or damaged. (NOTE: damaged shipments
must remain with the original packaging for freight company inspection.)

   

  

 
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Introduction
4

System Requirements

Components Not Included with the Detector System

• Helium (99.999% purity) and other support gases
• Ultra high purity grade gas pressure regulator with stainless steel
diaphragm
• Any special adapters required for connection to the gas regulator
• SS tubing to go from gas supply to GC
• Flow measuring device

System Purity
Discharge/Carrier Gas Considerations
The performance of the detector is adversely affected by the presence
of any impurities in the gas streams (carrier, discharge, or dopant). We
recommend that a quality grade of helium 5.0 (99.999% pure or better)
be used at all times. Major gas suppliers offer research grade helium
(99.9999% pure) which is particularly low in fixed gas impurities and should
give good results in a clean system, but even the highest quality carrier
gas may contain some water vapor and fixed gas impurities; hence a
helium purifier is included as part of the detector system. The discharge
gas should always be run through the helium purifier.
Whenever a new batch of discharge gas is received, we recommend
performing a blank GC analysis of the gas in the PDHID mode to detect
and identify the presence of any impurities. Gas purity requirements
are specified on the next page.
Tubing
Standards of cleanliness that are suitable for many GC applications may
be totally inadequate for the sensitive PDHID/PDPID work. All surfaces that
contact the gas stream must be glass or stainless steel. Do not use copper
tubing or brass fittings. All tubes must be thoroughly cleaned and baked
before use.
Flow Controllers
The use of valves or flow controllers in which the gas stream is exposed
to any polymer-based packing or lubricating material is to be particularly
avoided.
Pressure Regulators
We recommend commercial “ultra-pure” grade regulators with stainless
steel diaphragms. Regulators with diaphragms made of neoprene or other
elastomers should never be used.
 Introduction
5

Gas Specifications

Detector Mode

PDHID Ar-PDPID Kr-PDPID Xe-PDPID

Discharge gas Helium 2% Ar in He 1.5% Kr in He 0.8% Xe in He

Carrier gas Helium * ** **

** Any gas including He which has an ionization potential greater than 12 eV

** Any gas including He which has an ionization potential greater than 11 eV
Purity Specifications
• Helium (discharge and carrier gas) must have a minimum purity of
99.999%, with < 20 ppm Ne impurity. For trace analysis of fixed gases,
we strongly recomment 99.9999% purity He with < 0.5 ppm Ne.
• Ar-PDPID mode: 2% ± 0.2% Ar in 99.999% He balance
• Kr-PDPID mode: 1.5% ± 0.1% Kr in 99.999% He balance
• Xe-PDPID mode: 0.8% ± 0.2% Xe in 99.999% He balance
 6

Installation

General Precautions
• Do not use plastic/polymer or copper tubes for gas handling and
interconnectons. Use only stainless steel tubing with Valco gold-plated
ferrules.
• Do not turn the discharge power on until the helium discharge gas is
flowing through the detector.
• Do not shut off or disconnect the discharge gas when the detector is hot,
even if the GC is turned off.
• Do not turn on the GC during detector installation.

Checking the Firmware Version

Agilent 6890 GC
1. Push <Options> and scroll down to select Diagnostics. Press <Enter>.
2. Select Instrument status, and press <Enter>.
3. Scroll down to read Version A.0x 0x.
Successful operation of the D3-I-HP requires either 6890 firmware version
A.02.12 or higher or the GC’s FID pneumatic control (EPC). If the EPC is
used, all it does is provide the detector title, which remains FID.

Agilent 7890 GC
When the GC is first powered on, the display will read:
Agilent 7890 GC
A.0x.0x
Power on successful
If the instrument is already on and displaying other information, push
<Status> and then <Clear> to display the message shown above.
How do they know if they The second line is the firmware version. Successful operation of the
have a problem related to D3 requires 7890 firmware version A.01.05 or higher. If you experience
firmware version? Will problems, contact Agilent technical support and request a firmware version
they get some message compatible with Channel Partner detectors.
about incompatibility? If you are running ChemStation, please check with Agilent to determine that
your version is compatible with Channel Partner detectors. A software
upgrade may be required.

Mounting the Detector

1. Place the D3 on the top of the GC in either the front or back detector
position (Figure 2), and tighten the four captive Torx T-20 screws in the
detector pallet. (Figure 3)
2. Connect the high voltage cable to the pulser module. The electrometer and
heater cables will be connected after the FID logic board is installed.
 Installation
7

s
logie
chno
MODEL D3 nt Te
Agile Syste
m
GC
DETECTOR 7890
A

Figure 2: A D3 detector in the “Back” position on a 7890A

CAPTIVE SCREWS (4)

DISCHARGE GAS INLET

(30 mL/min@60 psi)

VENT HEATER/SENSOR
CABLE
TO D3
PULSER
MODULE (PD-M2)

HIGH VOLTAGE
CABLE

ELECROMETER
COLUMN INLET RIBBON CABLE

CAPILLARY COLUMN
ADAPTER
(Packed column adapter
shown on page10)
TO FID
LOGIC BOARD

Figure 3: Mounting and connecting the detector

Installation
8

CAUTION: A D-3-I-HP will not work on a 7890 GC, and a

D-3-I-7890 will not work on a 6890. If you are not sure
which model you have, call the VICI detector department
with the detector serial number.

Installing and Configuring the FID Logic Board

Agilent 6890 GC (units without EPC)
HEATER/SENSOR
The D3 uses the electrometer portion of CABLE CONNECTOR
the Agilent FID logic board, which must be
configured to ignore the ignitor circuit.
1. Plug the FID logic board into the GC FID BOARD
main board at the location corresponding SCREW
to the detector mounting position (front
or rear) which you intend for the D3. FID LOGIC
BOARD
(Refer to the GC manual as required.)
Tighten the detector card screw.
(Figure 4) ELECTROMETER
CABLE
2. Connect the heater/sensor cable to the CONNECTOR
main board and the electrometer cable
to the interface board.
3. Push <Config> and scroll down to
select Instrument. Press <Enter>.
4. Select F det: FID (for front position) or
R det: FID (for rear position) and push
<.><.><Mode/Type>.
5. Select Electrometer and press Figure 4:
<Enter>. 6890 FID board
To switch back to standard FID mode, repeat the procedure and slect FID on
the last step.

Agilent 7890 GC
1. Refer to the GC manual for instructions on removing access panels.
Install the FID logic board as illustrated in Figure 5, at the location
corresponding to the detector mounting position (front or back). Secure
the thumb screw at the top right corner.
2. Connect the heater/sensor cable and the electrometer ribbon cable to the
FID logic board as shown in Figure 5 .
3. Connect the appropriate F-DET (front) or B-DET (back) cable to the logic
board. The AUX DET1 cable is not be used with the VICI D3 detector.
4. Press <Options>, and use the scroll keys to select Keyboard & Display
and press <Enter>.
5. Scroll to select Hard Configuration Lock. Set it to OFF by pressing the
<Off/No> key.
 Installation
9

MODEL D3 IN
BACK POSITION

FRONT OF 7890

HEATER CABLE
CONNECTIONS

THUMBSCREW

FID LOGIC BOARD

FOR FRONT POSITION ELECTROMETER CABLE
CONNECTIONS

FID LOGIC BOARD

FOR BACK POSITION

B-DET CABLE
F-DET CABLE CONNECTION
CONNECTION

B-DET
ET
F-D

Figure 5: 7890 FID logic board

6. Press the <Config> key, then press <Back det> or <Front Det>, corre-
sponding to the location where the PDD will be installed. For this example
we will select Back Det. The display will read:
Configured (or Unconfigured)
Ignore ready = False
[B-DET] = (Signal) (FID)
7. Press <Mode/Type>. The display will read:
CONFIGURE BACK DETECTOR
Remove Module < (cursor is here)
8. Press <Enter> to clear the existing configuration. The display will read:
CAUTION: Instrument power must be turned off
and back on for set point to take effect.
9. Do not turn off the GC; instead press <Enter>. The display will read:
CONFIGURE BACK DETECTOR
Unconfigured: < (cursor is here)
[B-Det] = (Signal) (FID)
[EPC4] Not Found
[A-Det2] Not Found
10. Press <Mode/Type>. The display will read:
CONFIGURE BACK DETECTOR
CPDET FID, No Htr, No EPC < (cursor is here)
CPDET FID, Htr, No EPC
Installation
10

11. Scroll to select the second line and press <Enter>. The display will read:
CAUTION: Instrument power must be turned off
and back on for set point to take effect.
12. Do not turn off the GC; instead press <Enter>. The display should read:
CONFIGURE BACK DETECTOR
Configured: Channel Partner
Ignore Ready = False
[B-det] = (Signal) (FID)
13. Turn off the GC and power it back up. Verify the configuration by
pressing <Back Det>. The display should read:
Back detector (CP)
Temperature xx. .x
Output xxxx
 Installation
11

Gas Connections
Remember these three points discussed earlier: (1) all surfaces that contact
the gas stream must be glass or stainless steel; (2) do not use copper tubing
or brass fittings; and (3) all tubes must be thoroughly cleaned and baked
before use. The installation instructions below assume that the detector
discharge gas will be supplied from a nearby cylinder of helium
of the proper purity. If your installation is different, you may need to modify
the instructions appropriately. A number of Valco fittings have been supplied
in the fittings kit to handle different situations. Since the distance from the
helium supply to the GC varies from installation to installation, we do not
supply tubing to go from that point to the GC.
Figure 6 illustrates gas connections for the PD-D3-I detector system. Since
the distance from the helium supply to the GC varies from installation to
installation, we do not supply tubing for that purpose.

TEE
(ZT1)
HELIUM
PURIFIER
TGA-R-30F60P
RESTRICTOR
(30 mL/min minimum)
DISCHARGE GAS
(99.999% He)
DISCHARGE GAS
INLET

VENT ELECTRONIC
EPC PNEUMATIC
CONTROL

VICI
HPM MINIATURE
HELIUM
COLUMN PURIFER
INLET

COLUMN INJECTOR
GAS CHROMATOGRAPH

Figure 6: Gas connections for a PD-D3-I system

Installing and Purging the Gas Regulator

1. Make sure the on/off valve on the helium cylinder is completely closed.
Screw the CGA fitting nut of the regulator into the helium cylinder. Go
beyond finger-tight, but do not tighten the nut all the way – some leakage
is required for the purging operation.
2. Turn the output pressure regulating knob completely counterclockwise.
3. Open the cylinder on/off valve slightly and quickly close it again.
4. Adjust the tightness of the regulator connecting nut to allow a pressure
reduction of ~690 kPa/sec (100 psi/sec). With a new bottle, the gauge
should start out at about 14 MPa (2000 psi).
5. When the pressure drops into the 1.4 - 3.4 MPa (200 - 500 psi) range,
open the cylinder on/off valve slightly and quickly close it again.
6. Repeat Step 5 eight or ten times to be certain that all the air is purged.
On the final purge, tighten the regulator connecting nut very securely as
the pressure approaches the 2.1 - 3.4 MPa (300 - 500 psi) range.
Installation
12

7. Open the cylinder valve to pressurize the regulator once again. Close the
valve and observe the needle of the high pressure gauge for 15 minutes.
If it doesn’t move, there is no critical leak on the high pressure side of the
regulator.

CAUTION: Never use leak detecting fluids on any part

of this system.

Installing and Purging the Helium Purifier

1. If the pressure regulator has a 1/8" male cone-type outlet port, install
the Valco 1/8" external to 1/16" internal reducer (EZR21); if it has a
1/4" male cone-type outlet port, install the Valco 1/4" external to 1/16"
internal reducer (EZR41). For other regulator outlet fittings, a wide
variety of Valco adapters is available.
2. Remove the cap from the inlet tube of the Valco helium purifier and insert
the tube fitting into the 1/16" reducer port. (Keep the outlet tube capped.)
Use a 1/4" wrench to turn the nut one-quarter turn past the point where
the ferrule first starts to grab the tubing. Do not remove the fitting. When
made up properly, it should be leak-tight.
3. Turn the output pressure regulating knob clockwise until the gauge
registers 345 KPA (50 psi).
4. Allow five minutes for equilibration, then turn the regulating knob all the
way counterclockwise.
5. Observe the needle of the output pressure gauge for 15 minutes. There
will be a slight initial drop, but if it doesn’t move after that, consider that all
the connections are tight.
6. If necessary, use an electronic leak detector to locate any leaks. If a
leak detector is not available, tighten all the fittings (including the output
pressure guage), and repressurize the system for another test.

CAUTION: Never use leak detecting fluids on any

part of this system.

7. Upcap the outlet tube of the purifier and purge the system for
15 to 30 minutes at 60 - 80 mL/min to eliminate air from the purifier
getter material.

Connecting the Discharge Gas to the Detector

1. Connect the discharge gas source to restrictor TGA-R-30F60P, and
connect the restrictor to the detector inlet.
2. Connect a flow measuring device to the vent and adjust the helium
pressure to obtain a flow of ~30 mL/min.
 Installation
13

Initial Power-Up

CAUTION: Always make sure that discharge gas is

flowing before heating and powering up the detector.

1. Before installing the column, set the gas flow to 30 ml/min (measured at
the detector vent). Let it flow for 15 minutes so that all air is purged from
the helium purifiers.
2. Plug in the helium purifiers and turn on the GC.
3. Set the detector temperature to 100°C and allow time for the detector and
helium purifiers to reach the set temperature.
4. Plug the 24 VDC output from the power supply (I-23569-1) into the pulser
module (PD-M2).
5. Plug the power supply cord to a 100 - 250 VAC source, and look through
the hole in the detector housing to see if the discharge is on.

CAUTION: During normal operation, the detector pro-

duces ultraviolet energy (UVA, UVB), some of which may
be emitted. Do not watch the arc without eye protection.

6. Check the standing/background current, and record it in the Detector

Performance Log on the last page of this manual. Optimum range is
600 - 2000 pA at 100°C. Lower current indicates a clean, leak-free system.
7. The recommended detector temperature is 20°C above the column
temperature, with a minimum of 100°C. Set the detector to the operating
temperature required for the intended analysis. When the detector has
reached the set temperature, read and record the standing current.
8. Install the column as illustrated on page 11, leaving the oven at ambient
temperature. Start carrier flow, then read and record the standing current.
The difference between this reading and the one previous is the ionization
of the combined impurities in and eluting with the carrier gas. The smaller
the difference, the better the quality of the gas exiting the column.
9. Set the column oven to the temperature required for the intended
analysis. When the oven reaches the set temperature, read and record
the standing current.
The difference with the previous reading is the ionization of the column
bleed. The smaller the difference, the better the column is conditioned.
NOTE: Some stationary phases will have a higher bleed than others, but
are still suitable for this detector. However, the lower the bleed, the lower
the chances of contaminating the detector cell.
From this point, the standing current should be observed and logged after
any system change. In addition, logging the standing current (with and
without the column) on a regular basis is an effective monitor of system
integrity (leaktightness and cleanliness). We also recommend tracking the
internal standard (quantity on column/area count) for sensitivity continuity.
Installation
14

Capillary Column Connection

If the capillary column adapter is installed in the column inlet:
1. Make a mark on the column 10.3 cm from the end.
COLUMN
INLET 2. Remove the knurled nut and plug from the capillary column adapter in the
column inlet at the bottom of the detector. (Figure 3) Slide the nut over
CAPILLARY
COLUMN the end of the column, followed by the appropriate column ferrule (FS.4 or
ADAPTER
(IZERA1.5) FS.5, or ZF.5V for megabore).
3. Seat the ferrule in the detail of the column adapter and begin sliding the
COLUMN
10.3 cm
FERRULE
column through the capillary column adapter and into the column inlet.
NUT 4. Get the nut started on the threads and tighten it until you feel it contact
CAPILLARY the ferrule, then back off half a turn. Slide the column into the column
COLUMN
inlet until the mark is flush with the surface of the knurled nut, and secure
the column in the adapter by tightening the knurled nut finger tight only.
If the capillary column adapter has been removed, reinstall it:
1. Unscrew the liner as far as it will go, then screw the fitting body into the
column inlet fingertight.
2. While using a 1/8" wrench to prevent rotation of the liner (the part with the
seat for the column ferrule), use a 1/4" wrench to tighten the body of the
adapter until the ferrule has sealed. The liner will deform if it rotates.
3. Proceed to Step 1 above.

Packed Column Connection

To prevent detector contamination, we strongly

recommend disconnecting the column from the
COLUMN detector during column bakeout procedures.
INLET

The D3 is optimized for packed columns. The column tubing must be

thoroughly cleaned and baked before the column is packed. Even when
the best care is taken in column tubing cleaning and in the support and
8.7 cm stationary phase selection, a new column will often bleed compounds,
PACKED
COLUMN resulting in a considerable increase in the detector baseline. This initial
ADAPTER
(I-23642-D3) bleed will usually be reduced to acceptable levels after the column is
conditioned with clean carrier gas flow for several hours at the
recommended bakeout temperature.
1. Loosen and remove the knurled nut and plug of the capillary column
adapter, (or remove the column ferrule and the column if one has been
installed).
2. Use a 1/8" wrench to hold the liner – that part of the adapter in which the
PACKED
COLUMN column ferrule sits. While the 1/8" wrench keeps the liner from rotating,
use a 1/4" wrench on the fitting body to loosen the adapter 1/2 turn.
 Installation
15

3. Set aside the 1/8" wrench and completely remove the adapter from the
column inlet.
4. Screw the packed column adapter into the column inlet by hand. Exercise
caution, as the tip of the adapter is very fragile. Then tighten the adapter
with a 1/4" wrench, using an additional wrench on the flats of the column
inlet to support the detector.
5. Connect the 1/8" column to the packed column adapter with the EZRU21
reducing union supplied in the fittings kit.

Testing for Leaks

It is critical for the system to be leak-tight, and an additional check at this
point can save many headaches later on. To test for leaks:
1. Cap the tube and pressurize the entire system with helium to 138 kPa
(20 psi).
2. If the system does not hold pressure, check all the fittings with an
electronic helium leak detector. DO NOT use leak detecting liquids.
3. Tighten fittings as required.
16

Mode Selection and Setup

Helium Ionization Mode

Since the PDHID mode provides a better indication of the cleanliness and
the integrity (leak tightness) of the system, that mode is utilized for initial
testing and startup. If the system is operating according to the parameters
described thus far, it is ready for operation in the PDHID mode.

Selective Photoionization Mode

To maximize detector lifetime, turn off the discharge

power when the GC is not actually analyzing samples.
This is especially important in the Ar/Kr PID mode.

Since the pulsed discharge detector is essentially a windowless helium

photoionization detector, changing the discharge gas from pure helium
to helium doped with argon, krypton, or xenon changes the discharge
emission profile. This results in a change in the photon energy due to
additional resonance atomic emissions and diatomic emissions from the
rare gas added. Thus a single detector can be operated in any of the
three photoionization detector (PID) modes: Ar-, Kr-, or Xe-PID.
Doped helium is used rather than other pure gases in order to retain the
benefits of the helium: namely, its transparency for Ar, Kr, an Xe resonance
radiation and its efficient cooling of the electrodes. Any problems associated
with the presence of a window between the photon source and the ionization
chamber are eliminated. In most applications involving current commercial
PIDs, analyte condensation and decomposition on the window attenuate the
lamp energy, necessitating frequent cleaning and recalibration.
Custom gas blends for the pulsed discharge detector are available from
leading gas suppliers at special prices. Alternatively, they may be form-
ulated on the spot by using appropriate fixed restrictors to mix appropriate
amounts of pure helium and pure dopant through a tee. Since all gas
streams must pass through a Valco purifier, the second option requires an
additional purifier for each dopant. This may still be more cost effective than
requesting a custom blend of the more expensive Kr or Xe; since the typical
flow rate required for the pure dopant rare gas is about 0.3 - 1 mL/min,
a small lecture bottle can last for a long time. In either case, the total
discharge gas flow rate should be the same as specified in “Connecting
the Discharge Gas to the Detector” on page 12.
 Mode Selection and Setup
17

Ar-PDPID
Changing the discharge gas from helium to a mixture of 2% argon in
helium changes the photon energy level from the 17 - 13.5 eV range to the
11.8 - 9.8 eV range. The argon emission consists of resonance radiation
at 11.8 eV and 11.6 eV and the diatomic Ar2 emission in the range of
9.2 - 10.3 eV. Except for fixed gases and a few organic compounds like
CH4 (IP = 12.5 eV), CH3CN (IP = 12.2 eV) and some fluro-chloro hydro-
carbons, the majority of organic compounds have ionization potentials
lower than 11.8 eV. Thus the Ar-PDPID is nearly universal, like the flame
ionization detector, but without the risks associated with the presence of
an open flame and hydrogen.
Kr-PDPID
The recommended proportion is 1.4% Kr in He as the discharge gas.
The krypton emission consists principally of resonance lines at 10.6 eV
and 10.1 eV. The Kr-PDPID can detect compounds with IP < 10.6 eV,
which includes unsaturated and cyclic hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes,
organic acids, esters, etc.
Xe-PDPID
The recommended proportion is 0.8% Xe in He as the discharge gas. The
xenon emission consists principally of resonance lines at 9.6 eV and 8.4 eV,
and can detect compounds with IP < 9.6, like aromatics, ethers, alcohols,
aldehydes, etc.
In addition to the specific compounds named in the three paragraphs
above, certain important inorganic compounds like ammonia, hydrogen
peroxide, arsenic trichloride, hydrogen sulfide, arsine, phosphine, nitric
oxide, carbon disulfide etc. can be selectively detected using the
appropriate photoionization mode.
Each dopant gas requires an additional helium purifier, which must be
purged and conditioned in the same manner as the purifier installed on
the discharge gas supply. If you are using more than one dopant, we
recommend use of a Valco multiposition stream selection valve so that no
fittings have to be disconnected. Not only is this convenient, it keeps the
system closed, minimizing chances of contamination. When changing from
one dopant to another, allow at least one hour for the old gas to be purged
from the system.
18

Troubleshooting

High Background Current

Baseline current falls to
normal range (< 2000 pA)
Baseline current falls to The detector isn’t leaking.
normal range (< 2000 pA) Check for column bleed
and/or leaks in the GC setup.
Disconnect the column Baseline current is still high Consult
and cap the column inlet (> 2000 pA) Valco
Baseline current is still high
Pink (> 2000 pA)
Baseline current falls to
normal range (< 2000 pA)
Check Purple/ Do a hydrogen leak test Leaks in the fittings of the
discharge Tighten leaking fittings
blue (described on next page) PDD plumbing
color Baseline current is still high Consult
(> 2000 pA) Valco
Leaks inside the detector Consult
cell itself Valco
Baseline current falls to
normal range (< 2000 pA)
Possible bad carrier gas or
No detectable leaks. empty He bottle. Install a new
bottle.
Baseline current is still high Consult
(> 2000 pA) Valco

Low Sensitivity

Check background current

with column removed and
column inlet plugged Sensitivity is in
acceptable range

Remove column and

Background current Sensitivity is still
condition it, then run
remains high too low
a sample
High background current Normal background current
(> 2000 pA) (£ 2000 pA)
Background current Check column inlet for Background current Run Sensitivity is in
increases leaks. Tighten fittings. drops to normal range a sample acceptable range
Refer to “Troubleshooting: Reinstall column and check
High Background Current” background current
Check column position
Background current Sensitivity is in Sensitivity is still
according to drawing on
remains in normal range acceptable range too low
p. 14, and run a sample.
Remove column and
Sensitivity is still bake detector at Sensitivity is in
too low 300°C for four hours. acceptable range
Install column and run
a sample.

Sensitivity is still
too low

Consult
Valco

No Peaks
If the background current is stable but there are no peaks:
1. Check column flow.
2. Check the column insertion position (10.3 cm for capillary columns,
8.7 cm for packed columns).
3. If there are still no peaks, check to make sure that the GC is actually making
an injection.
4. If there are still no peaks, consult Valco.
 Troubleshooting
19

High Noise Level

If the noise lievel is high:
1. See if it improves with the GC fan turned off.
2. Check the column insertion position (10.3 cm for capillary columns,
8.7 cm for packed columns.)
3. If the noise level is still high, do a hydrogen leak test, described below.
4. If there are no leaks found, or leaks are found and repaired and the noise
level is still high, consult Valco.

Performing a Hydrogen Leak Test

A hydrogen leak test allows you to pinpoint loose fittings and leaks inside
the detector.
1. Connect a length of plastic tubing to a regulated hydrogen bottle.
Establish a flow of 5-10 ml/min.
2. Hold the hydrogen outlet tube at a fitting connection for ten seconds while
monitoring the baseline.
3. Tighten the fitting and test it again, repeating as necessary until every
connection has passed the ten second test.
4. Hold the hydrogen outlet close to the detector. (Do not insert the tube into
any detector holes.) If a leak in the detector is indicated, contact Valco.
20

Warranty
This Limited Warranty gives the Buyer specific legal rights, and a Buyer
may also have other rights that vary from state to state. For a period of 365
calendar days from the date of shipment, Valco Instruments Company, Inc.
(hereinafter Seller) warrants the goods to be free from defect in material
and workmanship to the original purchaser. During the warranty period,
Seller agrees to repair or replace defective and/or nonconforming goods or
parts without charge for material or labor, or, at the Seller’s option, demand
return of the goods and tender repayment of the price. Buyer’s exclusive
remedy is repair or replacement of defective and nonconforming goods, or,
at Seller’s option, the repayment of the price.
Seller excludes and disclaims any liability for lost profits, personal
injury, interruption of service, or for consequential incidental or
special damages arising out of, resuiting from, or relating in any
manner to these goods
This Limited Warranty does not cover defects, damage, or nonconformity
resulting from abuse, misuse, neglect, lack of reasonable care, modification,
or the attachment of improper devices to the goods. This Limited Warranty
does not cover expendable items. This warranty is VOID when repairs are
performed by a nonauthorized service center or representative. For infor-
mation about authorized service centers or representatives, write Customer
Repairs, Valco Instruments Company, Inc, P.O. Box 55603, Houston, Texas
77255, or phone (713) 688-9345. At Seller’s option, repairs or replacements
will be made on site or at the factory. If repairs or replacements are to be
made at the factory, Buyer shall return the goods prepaid and bear all the
risks of loss until delivered to the factory. If Seller returns the goods, they
will be delivered prepaid and Seller will bear all risks of loss until delivery to
Buyer. Buyer and Seller agree that this Limited Warranty shall be governed
by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas.
The warranties contained in this agreement are in lieu of all
other warranties expressed or implied, including the warranties
of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
This Limited Warranty supercedes all prior proposals or representations oral
or written and constitutes the entire understanding regarding the warranties
made by Seller to Buyer. This Limited Warranty may not be expanded or
modified except in writing signed by the parties hereto.
 21

Detector Performance Log

In addition to the occasions indicated in the Comments area of the table below (see Initial Power-Up,
page 13), the standing current should be observed and logged after any system change. Logging
the standing current (with and without the column) on a regular basis is also an effective monitor of
system integrity (leaktightness and cleanliness). To check sensitivity continuity, we recommend
tracking the internal standard (quantity on column/area count). Additional log pages can be down-
loaded from the support/manuals section of www.vici.com.

Detector Model: D-3-I- Serial Number: Date of purchase:

Date Operator Comments Column Detector Noise Sample Standing

temp temp level current
(°C) (°C) (pA)
Initial power-up (IPU) — 100 —
IPU, detector to analysis temp — —
IPU, column installed Ambient —
IPU, column to analysis temp —