Hints For Successful Use Of The Pump - Agilent Technologies InfinityLab LC Series User Manual

3 Using the Pump

Hints for Successful Use of the Pump

Hints for Successful Use of the Pump

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Agilent InfinityLab LC Series 1260 Infinity II Isocratic and Quaternary Pumps User Manual
Always place the solvent cabinet with the solvent bottles on top of the
quaternary pump (or at a higher level).
When using salt solutions and organic solvents in the 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 of all MCGV channels with water is recommended to remove
all possible salt deposits in the valve ports.
Before operating the quaternary pump, flush the pump and vacuum degasser.
This is especially recommended if it has been turned off for some time (for
example, overnight) and volatile solvent mixtures are used in the channels.
Prevent blocking of solvent inlet filters. Never use the pump without solvent
inlet filter. Prevent the growth of algae, see
Filters" on page 75).
Regularly check the purge valve frit and column frit. A blocked purge valve frit
can be identified by a black or yellow surface, deposits or by a pressure
greater than 10 bar, when pumping distilled water at a rate of 5 mL/min with
an open purge valve.
When using the quaternary pump at low flow rates (for example, 0.2 mL/min)
check all 1/16-inch fittings for any signs of leaks.
Whenever exchanging the pump seals the purge valve frit should be
exchanged, too.
When using buffers or other salt solutions, flush the system with water before
switching it off. The seal wash option should be used when salt
concentrations of 0.1 M or higher will be used for long time periods.
Check the pump pistons for scratches when changing the piston seals.
Scratched pistons will cause micro leaks and will decrease the lifetime of the
seal.
Pressurize the system according to the wear in procedure after changing the
piston seals (see "Maintenance of a Pump Head Without Seal Wash
Option" on page 143).
Consider recommendations given in the solvent information section, see
"Solvent Information"
"Prevent Blocking of Solvent
on page 65.
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