Waters ACQUITY - Connecting and Disconnecting the External Source Exhaust Valve Assembly (KAB)

Warning: Peroxide contaminants in THF can spontaneously and destructively explode
when you partially or completely evaporate the THF.
Warning: Hexane is a neurotoxin, and THF can irritate eyes, skin, and mucous
membranes and cause harmful neurological effects. If you use either or both of these
volatile solvents, locate your system inside a fume hood or walk-in chamber to minimize
exposure to harmful solvent vapors.
• THF, hexane, ethyl acetate, and acetone can be used as the mobile-phase in ACQUITY
UPLC H-Class systems. However, as with many nonaqueous solvents, they can shorten
system and instrument life compared with equipment running typical reversed-phase solvents.
If you routinely use THF, hexane, ethyl acetate, or acetone, Waters recommends you install
the Hexane/THF Compatibility Kit.
• When using unstabilized THF, ensure that your solvent is freshly prepared. Previously opened
bottles contain peroxide contaminants, which cause baseline drift.
• Chloroform, methylene chloride, halogenated solvents, and toluene are generally not
recommended for use in ACQUITY UPLC H-Class systems. Nevertheless, you can use these
solvents in weak dilutions (<5%) as additives, sample diluents, or modifiers.
• Contact your Waters sales representative or local technical support organization to determine
whether a specific method is suitable to use with the system instruments and components.
• When using THF or hexane, install stainless steel tubing, and minimize the use of PEEK
components.
• Aqueous solvents must not remain in a shut-down system because they serve as a substrate
for microbial colonies. Microbes can clog system filters and capillary lines. To prevent their
proliferation, add a small amount (~10%) of an organic solvent such as acetonitrile or
methanol.
• Methanesulfonic acid is not recommended for use in ACQUITY UPLC H-Class systems.
B.12
Quaternary solvent manager recommendations
• The seal wash system must never run dry, particularly during separations that use a polar
mobile phase.
• Isopropyl alcohol or mixtures of methanol and water, like 20% methanol/water, are effective
seal wash solvents for THF solvent mixtures.
• For reversed-phase applications, use aqueous seal wash solutions with a weak organic
component (for example 1:9 methanol/water).
• Do not use 100% organic seal wash solutions.
August 8, 2016, 715005049 Rev. C
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