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Optimizing Performance
Hints for Successful Use of the Quaternary Pump
Hints for Successful Use of the Quaternary
Pump
• 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 Agilent 1100
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.
• Before operating the quaternary pump flush the vacuum degasser with at
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 “Priming and Purging the System” on page 28).
• Prevent blocking of solvent inlet filters (never use the pump without
solvent inlet filter). Growth of algae should be avoided (see “Prevent
Blocking of Solvent Filters” on page 35).
• Check purge valve frit and column frit in regular time intervals. A blocked
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.
• 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 buffer solutions, flush the system with water before switching
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.
• Check the pump plungers for scratches when changing the plunger seals.
Scratched plungers will lead to micro leaks and will decrease the lifetime
of the seal.
• Pressurize the system according to the wear in procedure after changing
the plunger seals (see “Exchanging the Pump Seals and Seal Wear-in