HN-2015-1228jpm

Resetting Needle Heights for

Sample Processors in MagIC Net

General

The following is a help note to aid in resetting or adjusting the proper vertical work heights (z-axis) for Sample
Processors using the MagIC Net software. This help note will not aid in determining the proper values for the
settings, only the assignment of the settings. Use HN-2015-1231jpm-Optimizing Needle Heights for Sample
Processors in MagIC Net to assist with determining the proper values for lift position settings if proper values
are not known. The procedure described herein may be necessary if these settings have been altered or are
lost due to power outages, a new installation, and/or if previous settings having been overwritten. This
procedure can be used when the assignments for these settings need to be adjusted or altered, or for new
applications that may require different vertical movements of the sample needle. This Help Note is intended for
internal or external use.

Procedure

1. After opening the MagIC Net software, navigate to Configuration, and then to the proper device in
the Devices portion of the screen.

2. Now select the proper device in the device table. This will most likely be referenced as the 858
Professional Sample Processor as above, but be aware that if multiple autosamplers are connected to
the instrument, there could be others, and each would be differentiated by a numerical designation as
seen above. If in doubt of absolute identification, simply utilize Manual to definitively identify the
sampler.

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3. Once the proper device has been selected, right click on the selection and select Properties. Then
select the tab labeled Rack. Finally select the radio button for Rack Data.

4. To address the height of the autosampler needle during various movements, select the tab labeled Lift
positions. In the example below, the sample processor has only one tower. If the sample processor in
question has two towers, then the appropriate steps may need to be carried out for each individual
tower. Within the Lift positions tab, the current assignments for the various positions can be found.

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5. The four positions that can be assigned in this portion of the software are defined as follows:
Work Position-Usually defined as the position at which the autosampler is in a position to
aspirate sample and/or solutions from sample tubes or beakers. Understand that the Work
Position may be used to define a position in a rinse beaker as well. If this is the case, then the
Rinse Position may be 0 mm as in the example above. The value for any defined position is
simply a value of measurement along the z axis at which the vertical movement of the needle
assembly will align to. Any of the assigned positions can be utilized for any function necessary
via the Time Program of the method.
Rinse Position-Usually defined as the position which is to be used for the needle rinsing
stations/beakers, and/or for any external positions defined on the rack. Can be defined as the
same value as used for the Work Position, but may differ slightly dependent upon desired
depth in rinse station.
Shift Position-Usually defined as 0mm. Most often used as the vertical position at which the
needle resides in order to allow free rotational movement of the sample rack.
Special Position-Just as the name indicates, this position can be assigned for various
functionalities dependent upon the application. It is often used when a different work or rinse
height is needed for a special beaker.

6. As can be seen in the above example, the typical Work Position for the 858 Sample Processor when
using 11mL Metrohm sample vials (6.2743.050 or 6.2743.057) is in the range of 120-125mm. This
value can be optimized for various applications (See Help Note- HN-2015-1231jpm-Optimizing Needle
Heights for Sample Processors in MagIC Net), but must not push the needle too far into the conical vial
such that it bottoms out. At no point should the sample needle come into contact with the vial!
7. In the above example, the Rinse Position is assigned as 0mm. This is due to the fact that the Work
Position is being used to call the position for the actual rinsing protocol in the method. This is the case
in many instances, but often times the Rinse Position will be assigned its own individual value which
may be very similar to the Work Position. The values of 115-120mm are typical if the Rinse Position is
being used for either Special Beakers, or for External Positions. The actual value can be optimized if
needed (See Help Note- HN-2015-1231jpm-Optimizing Needle Heights for Sample Processors in
MagIC Net). At no point should a Rinse Position be set that would cause the sample needle to come
into contact with the rinse beaker or the external vessel!
8. Above, the Shift Position is assigned as 0mm. This is an actual assignment, and is indicating that the
needle is in its furthest vertical position (0mm) to allow for rotational movement of the sample rack.
Under very rare circumstances should this value be anything other than 0.
9. The Special Position in the above example is set to 0. This value can span the range of movement for
the needle, and is dependent upon its intended destination and use.
10. The preferred value for any of these positions can be entered into the corresponding field, and changes
saved by simply selecting OK.
11. Understand that even though a particular position may be assigned for Work, Rinse, Shift, or
Special, the time program used in the method can call to a particular lift position that will override any
assigned positions.

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Troubleshooting

1. A further check that the values have been saved for the various lift positions can be performed
by selecting Manual and toggling through the various lift positions by use of the pulldown
menu. Each position can be selected, and then checked by selecting the Start button. Always
ensure that the Rack Position chosen is available for the needle to be inserted into!

2. Once the functions have been checked via manual control it is best practice to initialize the rack to
ensure that everything is in the home position prior to beginning an analysis.

3. If unsure as to the proper value for any of the lift positions, please see the document: HN-2015-
1231jpm-Optimizing Needle Heights for Sample Processors in MagIC Net. Alternately, call Metrohm
USA Technical Support Group at 1-866-METROHM (638-7646) and select Option 3 when prompted.

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