102 Error Messages, Diagnostics, and Test Procedures
5.4 Advanced 600E Pump Testing
There are two procedures for testing the 600E pump:
• Check valve test
• Gradient proportioning valve pair test
5.4.1 Testing the Check Valves
Use the following procedure to locate specific check valve problems with the 600E pump:
1. Connect a 10-mV chart recorder to the Pressure terminals on the 600 controller (see
Section 3.5.5, Connecting a Chart Recorder). Set chart recorder speed between 0.50
and 1.0 inch/min (10 to 25 mm/min).
2. Open the reference valve to release pressure in the system, or allow pressure to
decay to zero.
3. Flush the 600E pump with an eluent that is miscible with methanol (used in step 7).
To remove any buffers, flush with water, followed by methanol.
4. Disconnect the pump outlet from the junction/transducer (see Figure 4-1).
5. Insert a fitting plug into the junction/transducer.
6. To check the right pump head, disconnect the left pump head outlet from the outlet
check valve. Place a tissue under the disconnected left pump head outlet tubing.
7. Enter the following pump setup parameters on the Pump Setup screen:
• Set the high-pressure limit on the Pump Setup screen to 6000 psi.
• Set the flow rate to 0.3 mL/min.
In either the Isocratic or Direct Control screen, run the pump with 100% methanol.
8. Allow the pump to reach the high-pressure limit. The pump should shut off and
maintain high pressure for approximately 30 seconds.
If pressure does not build up or hold under these conditions (due to a check valve
problem), gradually increase the flow rate until pressure builds up.
If the check valve is sticking, repeat step 8 another two times to clear the check
valve.
Caution: When handling eluents or operating the 600E system, always
observe good laboratory practices. Know the physical and chemical
properties of the eluents. Refer to the Material Safety Data Sheets for the
eluents in use.
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