50 1200 Series Quarternary Pump User Manual
4 Using the Quaternary Pump
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 1200 Series
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 44).
• 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 52).
• 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
Procedure” on page 89).
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