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Using the Piston Wash system
The use of buffers or solutions which crystallize when exposed to air can lead to abrasion of the piston seal.
Optos pumps have a built-in wash chamber. The wash system is designed to flush the back end of the primary
piston seal. By using the wash system, you can significantly extend the life of the piston seal (particularly when
pumping salt solutions). Your choice of a wash solution depends on the nature of the fluid being pumped
(usually a mixture of water with 20% methanol is suggested).
The pump cylinder has two barbed fittings installed. Usually, the lower fitting is used as the wash inlet and the
upper fitting is used as the wash outlet. Attach 1/8” ID tubing to the inlet and outlet ports of the wash system. A
common means of employing the wash system is to use a syringe attached to the wash outlet tubing to pull fluid
into the wash chamber (when fluid comes out the outlet port, you know you have filled the wash chamber). We
recommend flushing the wash chamber periodically to minimize piston seal abrasion.. Alternatively, you could
deliver fluid continuously through the wash system by circulating the wash solution with a pump.
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