Algae Growth In Hplc Systems - Agilent Technologies 1290 Infinity User Manual

Algae Growth in HPLC Systems

The presence of algae in HPLC systems can cause a variety of problems that
may be incorrectly diagnosed as instrument or application problems. Algae
grow in aqueous media, preferably in a pH range of 4-8. Their growth is
accelerated by buffers, for example phosphate or acetate. Since algae grow
through photosynthesis, light will also stimulate their growth. Even in distilled
water small-sized algae grow after some time.
Instrumental Problems Associated With Algae
Algae deposit and grow everywhere within the HPLC system, causing the
followng problems:
• Blocked solvent filters, or deposits on inlet or outlet valves, resulting in
• Plugging of small-pore, high-pressure solvent filters, usually placed before
• Blockage of PTFE frits, leading to increased system pressure.
• Plugging of column filters, giving high system pressure.
• Dirty flow cell windows of detectors, resulting in higher noise levels (since
How to Prevent and-or Reduce the Algae Problem
• Always use freshly prepared solvents, especially use demineralized water
• Never leave mobile phase in the instrument for several days without flow.
• Always discard old mobile phase.
• Use the amber solvent bottle ( Solvent bottle, amber, 1000 mL (9301-6526))
• If possible add a few mg/L sodium azide or a few percent organic solvent to
1290 Infinity Quaternary Pump User Manual
unstable flow, composition or gradient problems, or a complete failure of
the pump.
the injector, resulting in high system pressure.
the detector is the last module in the flow path, this problem is less
common).
which was filtered through 0.2 μm filters.
supplied with the instrument for your aqueous mobile phase.
the aqueous mobile phase.
Using the Module
Algae Growth in HPLC Systems
4
89