Agilent 6890N — Network Gas Chromatograph

The Agilent 6890N is a high-performance gas chromatograph built for precise, repeatable separations across environmental, petrochemical, pharmaceutical and research workflows. Its strengths lie in advanced electronic pneumatic control (EPC) and robust oven thermal stability, which together produce tight retention-time repeatability, excellent peak shape, and reliable retention-index accuracy. The dual-channel architecture (two inlets + two detectors) lets you run simultaneous or complementary analyses and mix multiple inlet/detector combinations without swapping hardware.

At HiTechTrader we refurbish and validate 6890N systems so laboratories can access that same proven performance at a fraction of the cost of new instruments. Every unit we sell is inspected, serviced, and performance-tested to confirm EPC response, oven programming and detector operation, and is backed by our standard evaluation period and limited warranty. That makes the 6890N an economical, low-risk option when you need dependable chromatography for routine QC, trace-level analysis, or method development.

Key Benefits

1. Dual-channel flexibility for multi-detection workflows.
2. Precise EPC and gas control for reproducible chromatography.
3. Wide oven temperature range and fast ramping for complex separations.
4. Cost savings and tested reliability through HiTechTrader refurbishment.

System Capabilities (at a glance)

1. Dual-channel design: Two inlets and two detectors for simultaneous or staggered analyses.
2. Digital data output: Wide dynamic range, quantitate very small and very large peaks in one run.
3. EPC (inlets & detectors): Module-optimized pneumatic control with pressure/flow ramping.
4. Column flow modes: Constant pressure, ramped pressure (≤3 ramps), constant flow, or ramped flow (≤3 ramps). Column average linear velocity auto-calculated.
5. Environmental compensation: Built-in atmospheric pressure and temperature compensation for stable results.
6. Automation & control: Integrated ALS control, clock-time programming, run deviation logging, front-panel and network control.
7. Connectivity: LAN and RS-232-C, remote start/stop, analog outputs, and open protocols for third-party integration.

Column Oven

1. Dimensions / capacity: 28 × 31 × 16 cm, accepts up to two 105 m × 0.530 mm capillary columns (or two 10 ft glass packed / two 20 ft SS packed).
2. Temperature range: Ambient +4 °C to 450 °C. With LN₂ cryo: −80 to 450 °C. With CO₂ cryo: −40 to 450 °C.
3. Programming: Up to 6 ramps and 7 plateaus (negative ramps allowed).
4. Max ramp rate: Up to 120 °C/min (120 V units limited to 75 °C/min).
5. Max run time: 999.99 min (~16.7 hours).
6. Cool-down: ~300 °C → 50 °C in ≈4.5 minutes (at 22 °C ambient).
7. Valves & zones: Supports up to 8 valves; six independent heated zones (two inlets, two detectors, two auxiliary, auxiliary zones rated to 400 °C).

Electronic Pneumatic Control (EPC)

1. Precision: Pressure adjustable in 0.01 psi increments; atmospheric compensation standard.
2. Carrier/makeup gases: He, H₂, N₂, Ar/CH₄ selectable.
3. Automation: Pressure/flow ramps (up to three); automated carrier constant-flow mode when column dimensions are entered.
4. Sensors & performance: 
1. Pressure sensors: < ±2% F.S. accuracy; repeatability < ±0.05 psi; drift < ±0.1 psi / 6 months.
2. Flow sensors: typically < ±5% accuracy (gas dependent); repeatability < ±0.35% of setpoint.
3. Detector flow modules: < ±3 mL/min NTP or 7% of setpoint accuracy; repeatability < ±0.35%.

Inlets (up to two)

Available inlet types and highlights:

1. S/SL (Split/Splitless): Capillary use; split ratios to 7,500:1; splitless for trace work; to 400 °C.
2. PPIP (Packed Purged Injection Port): For packed columns and certain sample types.
3. PTV (Programmable Temp. Vaporizer): Large-volume and cold injections; LN₂ cooling to −160 °C (or LCO₂ to −65 °C); programmable ramps (up to 3) at rates to 720 °C/min; to 450 °C; split ratios to 1,000:1.
4. PCOC (Programmable Cool On-Column): Direct cool injection onto capillaries (≥0.250 mm i.d.) to avoid thermal degradation; to 450 °C.
5. VI (Volatiles Inlet): Very low dead-volume (~32 µL) for headspace, purge-and-trap, thermal desorption; Silcosteel® treated flow path; to 400 °C.
6. Flow capability: Total flow up to 200 mL/min (N₂) or up to 1,000 mL/min (H₂/He); gas-saver modes available.

Detectors (examples & highlights)

All detectors include EPC control and electronic on/off for detector gases; two-channel electronic bleed compensation standard.

1. FID (Flame Ionization Detector): Universal for organics; MDL (tridecane) < 1.8 pg C/s; linear range > 10⁷; data rates to 200 Hz; to 450 °C.
2. TCD (Thermal Conductivity Detector): Universal (except carrier); MDL ≈ 400 pg propane/mL (He carrier); linear range > 10⁵; to 400 °C.
3. micro-ECD (Electron Capture): Ultra-sensitive for electronegative species; MDL < 6 fg/mL (lindane); dynamic range > 5×10⁵; to 400 °C.
4. NPD (Nitrogen-Phosphorus): Selective for N or P compounds; MDL < 0.4 pg N/s; dynamic range > 10⁵; to 400 °C.
5. FPD (Flame Photometric): Sulfur/phosphorus sensitivity; MDL < 60 fg P/s; data rates to 200 Hz; single/dual wavelength options (typical max temp 250 °C).
6. MSD (Mass Selective Detector): Supported via Agilent MSD modules (see specific MSD specs).
7. Specialized detectors (atomic emission, HI, S-chemiluminescence, pulsed discharge ionization, etc.) available via partners.

ALS Interface & Data Handling

1. ALS support: Standard 7683 ALS interface; supports up to two 7683 autosamplers, one sample tray, and one barcode reader.
2. Method & sequence storage: Multiple methods and ALS sequences; clock-time programming; front-panel ALS control.
3. Communications: LAN and RS-232-C, remote start/stop, analog outputs (1 mV, 1 V, 10 V ranges, two channels; six outputs total).
4. Run logging: Run deviation log stored with files to document any setpoint deviations.
5. External control: Supports external events (valves, contacts) and open connectivity for 3rd-party systems.

Maintenance, Safety & Certifications

1. Support resources: Service manuals, parts diagrams, remote diagnostics and performance verification available.
2. Operating conditions: Ambient 15–35 °C; humidity 5–95%; storage −40 to 65 °C.
3. Electrical: Line voltage within ±5% of nominal, confirm local mains compatibility.
4. Standards: Built under ISO 9001 practices; conforms to CSA C22.2 No.1010, UL 3101, IEC/EN 61010-1; EMC/RFI per CISPR 11/EN 55011 and IEC/EN 61326.
5. Safety: Conservative factory testing and specifications for long-term reliable operation.

Dimensions & Power

1. Height: ~50 cm (19.7 in)
2. Width: ~58 cm (22.8 in) with EPC inlet/detectors; ~68 cm (26.8 in) with manual inlets, optional gauges or detectors
3. Depth: ~54 cm (21.6 in)
4. Weight: ≈49 kg (108 lb)
5. Power: Typical draw varies by configuration, verify local mains voltage and VA capacity for system + peripherals.

Typical Applications

1. Environmental monitoring (air, water, soil)
2. Petrochemical and hydrocarbon profiling
3. Pharmaceutical QC and impurity analysis
4. Forensic toxicology and trace analysis
5. Food & flavor testing
6. R&D and method development across analytical chemistry

Why buy a 6890N from HiTechTrader?

When you choose the Agilent 6890N from HiTechTrader, you're not just buying a used instrument, you're investing in a system that's been carefully refurbished, serviced, and performance-tested to meet demanding lab standards. Our units deliver the same reliability as new models, but at a fraction of the cost, making them an economical choice for labs of any size. Every system is backed by a 30-day evaluation period and limited warranty, giving you the confidence to run critical analyses without risk. From configuring the right inlet and detector setup to ensuring smooth delivery and international shipping support, our team is here to make sure your 6890N is ready to perform the moment it reaches your lab.