CETAC ASXPRESS PLUS - Flushing the Rinse Station and Flow Path

ASXPRESS PLUS Rapid Sample Introduction System Operator’s Manual
Chapter 10: Using the Rapid Sample Introduction System
112
Flushing the Rinse Station and Flow Path
The rinse station and flow path should be flushed in the following
circumstances:
 Initial startup
Flushing the rinse system during initial startup of the ASX
PRESS PLUS
Rapid Sample Introduction System removes any contaminants that
could cause interference during sample analysis.
 After using strong rinse agents
Flushing the rinse system after using strong rinse agents prolongs the
life of the flow path components.
 After samples containing solids which may build up (such as proteins)
Flushing the rinse system after such samples prolongs the life of the
flow path components, including pumps and the 6-port valve.
To flush the rinse station and flow path, complete the following steps:
1 Insert the rinse uptake tubing (autosampler sample probe) and the ICP/ICP-
MS Peristaltic pump uptake tubing into a deionized water source.
2 With the autosampler/ ASXPRESS PLUS system powered on, open the Xpress
Config software, utilizing the time settings for Loop Load, Probe Wash, and
Rinse Station Fill that are normal operating parameters specific to your own
process.
3 Click on the “Connect to ASXpress+” button, and then click on the “Manual
Cycle” button. This will run the ASX
PRESS PLUS system through a complete cycle
of operation, including “load” and “inject” modes.
4 Allow the host instrument Peristaltic pump to run throughout this process.
Doing so will rinse the “inject” flow path.
5 Repeat this process three to five times to ensure a complete flushing of the
system.
6 Return all systems to normal configuration.
NOTE
If you are flushing the rinse system during initial startup, first use a 2% nitric
acid solution as the rinse agent, followed by deionized water.
Once you flush the rinse system, you can proceed with the sampling sequence,
as dictated by your specific laboratory circumstance/method, or drain the
rinse system as part of the shutdown procedure. For information about
running the sampling sequence, see “Starting the System” on page 110. For
more information about draining the rinse system, see the previous section,
“Shutting Down the System” on page 111.