Damian O'Neill
Carlos VargasThis Information Applies To: Agilent 1260 Isocratic (G1310B) quaternary (G1311B) pump modules
Issue:
The seal wear in procedure is important as it acts to "bed-in" the seals to ensure a leak free and pressure-tight pump head.
Required when:
- The PTFE (black) piston seals have been replaced in the pump head.
See: How to change seals in a 1260 Infinity Binary, Quaternary, or Isocratic Pump without Seal Wash Option
Tools Required:
- 0100-1847 - Adapter AIV to solvent inlet tubes
- 5022-2159 - Restriction capillary
- LC-grade isopropanol
Parts Required:
- 5063-6589 - Piston seal, PTFE (2/pk)
Warning: This procedure risks exposure to hazardous, toxic, or flammable solvents and reagents. When working with these substances observe safety procedures (for example by wearing protective goggles, suitable safety gloves, and protective clothing) as described in the material handling and safety data sheet supplied by the chemical vendor, and always follow good laboratory practice.
Caution: Seal Damage - This procedure is required for black PTFE seals (for standard applications p/n 5063-6589), but it will damage the yellow PE seals (for normal phase applications p/n 0905-1420). Do not run this seal wear-in procedure if PE seals are installed in the pump head.
Before replacing your solvent with isopropanol or replacing isopropanol with your solvent, consider solvent miscibility. For example, do not directly switch from buffers to isopropanol and vice versa.
1. Place a bottle with 100 mL of isopropanol in the solvent cabinet and put a tubing (including bottle head assembly) into the bottle.
2. If an active inlet valve (AIV) is installed, screw the PEEK adapter (0100-1847) to the AIV and connect the inlet tube from the bottle head directly to it. If a Passive Inlet valve (PIV) is installed then connect the solvent line directly to the PIV. See Figure 1 for an illustration of each valve.
Figure 1. Active Inlet Valve (left) and Passive Inlet Valve (right)
3. Connect the Restriction Capillary (5022-2159) to the purge valve. Connect the other end of the capillary to a suitable waste container.
4. Open the purge valve and purge the system for 5 mins with LC-grade isopropanol at a flow rate of 2 ml/min.
5. Close the purge valve and set the flow to a rate adequate to achieve a pressure of 350 bar. Pump for 15 mins at this pressure to wear in the seals. The pressure can be monitored using your instrument control software.
6. Turn OFF the pump, slowly open the purge valve to release pressure from the system.
7. Disconnect the restriction capillary and reinstall the bottle with the solvent for your application.
8. Rinse your system with the solvent used for your next application.
9. Replace the purge valve frit. See: How to replace the PTFE frit of the Purge Valve in LC Pumps
