Preventing Leaks; Installing Tubing And Fittings - Waters ACQUITY UPLC M-Class System Manual

Figure 2–2: SEM image showing particulate matter accumulation on a column inlet
because of basic mobile phase

2.6 Preventing leaks

Preventing leaks ensures that the system maintains adequate pressure and sample integrity
throughout the analysis.
Leaks can occur at any tubing connection, gasket, or seal, but are most common at tubing
connections. Low-pressure leaks, those on the intake side of the solvent manager's pump, cause
solvent loss and air introduction during the intake cycle. Leaks at high-pressure fittings
downstream of the intake valves can leak solvent, but do not introduce air.
To prevent leaks, follow Waters recommendations for the proper tightening of system fittings.
Note specifically that different techniques apply to retightening fittings versus installing them for
the first time. See the user documentation for the specific system modules for leak detection
techniques.

2.6.1 Installing tubing and fittings

Warning:
and direct the tubing end away from you.
Requirement:
Important:
After connecting both ends of the tubing, whenever the downstream portion of the
new tubing is subject to blocking by a valve or other device, perform the set-pressure diagnostic
test to determine whether leaks are present. (See the online Help for the ACQUITY UPLC M-
Class system for information about the set-pressure diagnostic test.)
Notice:
running the set-pressure diagnostic.
To avoid eye injury when flushing the tubing, always wear safety glasses
Use eye protection when performing this procedure.
To ensure that the leak rates are accurate, autozero the flow controllers before
November 26, 2019, 715003588 Revision C
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