Thermo Scientific Dionex UltiMate 3000 Series Operating Instructions Manual page 14

UltiMate 3000 Series:
Fluorescence Detectors FLD-3100 and FLD-3400RS
Electrostatic discharge
•
Discharge of electrostatic energy may lead to sparking and can constitute a fire hazard.
Keep in mind that liquid flowing through capillaries can generate static electricity. This
effect is particularly pronounced in insulating capillaries and with non-conductive
solvents (for example, pure acetonitrile).
Take appropriate measures to prevent the generation of static electricity near the HPLC
system. For example, make sure that the air humidity level in the laboratory is
sufficiently high and provide proper ventilation, wear anti-static clothing or shoes,
prevent accumulation of air bubbles in waste lines, and use grounded waste containers.
Use only non-conductive capillaries to direct solvents into the waste container. With
electrically conductive capillaries, make sure that they are properly grounded.
• Self-ignition of solvents
Do not use solvents for which the self-ignition temperature is below 150 °C. In case of
leakage, these solvents may self-ignite on a hot surface.
Capillaries, capillary connections, open connections
•
♦ Capillaries, especially non-metallic capillaries may burst, slip out of their fittings or
may not be screwed in. This may result in substances spraying out of the open
connections.
♦ In an UltiMate 3000 system, some components are made of PEEK™. This polymer
has superb chemical resistance to most organic solvents. However, it tends to swell
when in contact with trichlormethane (CHCl3), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), or
tetrahydrofuran (THF). In addition, it is attacked by concentrated acids, such as,
sulfuric acid and nitric acid or a mixture of hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. In
both cases, capillaries may start leaking or they can burst. Swelling or attack by
concentrated acids is not a problem with brief flushing procedures.
♦ Do not use tubing that is stressed, bent, kinked, or damaged.
♦ Capillary connections can be contaminated by harmful substances or harmful
substances can escape from open connections.
♦ Always wear safety glasses when handling fused silica tubing, for example, during
installation or when cutting capillaries to the length.
Hot surfaces
•
♦ During operation, the lamps and the surrounding parts become extremely hot and
remain so for some time after the detector is turned off. To avoid possible injury,
allow sufficient time for the lamp to cool down after turning off the detector. Only
then start with the maintenance and repair work.
♦ Flow cells can become extremely hot during operation. To avoid possible injury,
allow sufficient time for the flow cell to cool down before replacing the cell.
• Disconnect the detector from all power sources before removing the panels. When the
panels are removed, dangerous electrical connections will be exposed. The enclosure
must be opened only by Thermo Fisher Scientific service personnel.
Page 6 Operating Instructions