Priming the Pump 31
3.2 Priming the Pump
Priming is necessary to ensure proper pump operation. Priming involves:
• Initiating flow
• Drawing off eluent
• Purging air from the pump heads
When to Prime
Prime the pump when:
• Starting up the system for the first time
• Adding fresh eluent to the system
• Changing eluent
Considerations
Consider the following when priming the 600E pump.
• The optional 225 µL pump heads usually do not require priming once eluent has
been introduced to the draw-off valve. With some eluents, however, the standard
100 µL pump heads may require additional priming after you introduce eluent into
the inlet manifold.
• You must prime with a suitable syringe (such as the one available from Waters).
During priming, do not apply excessive force to the syringe by injecting eluent more
quickly than the pumps can accept.
Venting the Eluent
Before you can prime the pump, you must vent the eluent at some point in the flow path
before the column. Use one of the following procedures to vent the eluent.
Note: For the first two procedures, place a small glass beaker under the open tubing or
injection port to catch the vented eluent.
• Open the reference valve (mounted on the pump, above the pump heads).
Caution: Always follow safe laboratory practices when handling eluents. Know the
physical and chemical properties of the eluents. See the Material Safety Data Sheets for
the eluents in use.
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