Hints For Successful Use Of The Quaternary Pump - Agilent Technologies 1200 Series Reference Manual

2 Optimizing Performance

Hints for Successful Use of the Quaternary Pump

• Always place the solvent cabinet with the solvent bottles on top of the
• When using salt solutions and organic solvents in the Agilent 1200 Series
• Before operating the quaternary pump flush the vacuum degasser with at
• Prevent blocking of solvent inlet filters (never use the pump without solvent
• Check purge valve frit and column frit in regular time intervals. A blocked
• When using the quaternary pump at low flow rates (for example,
• Whenever exchanging the pump seals the purge valve frit should be
• When using buffer solutions, flush the system with water before switching
• Check the pump plungers for scratches when changing the plunger seals.
• Pressurize the system according to the wear in procedure after changing
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quaternary pump (or at a higher level).
Quaternary Pump it is recommended to connect the salt solution to one of
the bottom gradient valve ports and the organic solvent to one of the upper
gradient valve ports. It is best to have the organic channel directly above the
salt solution channel. Regular flushing with water of all MCGV channels is
recommended to remove all possible salt deposits in the valve ports.
least two volumes (30 ml), especially when turned off for a certain length of
time (for example, during the night) and volatile solvent mixtures are used
in the channels (see
inlet filter). Growth of algae should be avoided (see
Solvent Filters" on page 34).
purge valve frit can be identified by black or yellow layers on its surface or
by a pressure greater than 10 bar, when pumping distilled water at a rate of
5 ml/min with an open purge valve.
0.2 ml/min) check all 1/16-inch fittings for any signs of leaks.
exchanged, too.
it off. The seal wash option should be used when buffer concentrations of
0.1 Molar or higher will be used for long time periods.
Scratched plungers will lead to micro leaks and will decrease the lifetime of
the seal.
the plunger seals (see
Procedure" on page 109).
"Priming and Purging the System"
"Exchanging the Pump Seals and Seal Wear-in
on page 27).
"Prevent Blocking of
1200 Series QP Reference Manual