Agilent Technologies 1290 Infinity User Manual page 156

3
LC Injector HTC/HTS Description and Installation
Troubleshooting
Tube Not Cut Square
Any tube has to be cut absolutely square. Any deviation from square causes a
dead volume which yields carry-over and other chromatographic effects. This
is valid for stainless steel, PEEK or Polymer tubing. The material is not
decisive, but using the correct tool for each material when cutting a tube is.
• Stainless steel tubes are often cut by using pliers. Often, an egg-shaped
• Polymer tubes, such as PEEK, Teflon, PFA, etc., are soft and entice the user
The best, very common way to cut tubing of any material is by using a
cutter with an adjustable blade.
1 Carry out the initial turns.
2 Readjust the blade a very little.
3 Turn once more.
4 Adjust again until approx. half of the tubing wall is cut.
5 Hold the tube on the two sides of the cut with flat-nose pliers.
6 Twist the tube until it breaks.
For polymer tubing, the same can be done by replacing flat-nose pliers with tweezers with a
N O T E
flat tip.
156
profile will result, which will no longer seal and will cause dead volume.
Dedicated pliers for HPLC tubing are available on the market; nevertheless,
it is recommended to use precut tubing which is cut smooth, clean and
passivated.
into cutting with any handy tool. Commercially available tubing cutters
from many manufacturer are available. If the blade does not provide a
clean, right-angle cut, use a different technique.
Agilent 1290 Infinity LC Injectors HTC/HTS User Manual