SSI America BINARY SOLVENT DELIVERY MODULE 90-2581 REV B - Manual (Page 20)

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5. MAINTENANCE
Cleaning and minor repairs of the Binary pump can be performed
as outlined below.
NOTE: Lower than normal pressure, pressure variations, or
leaks in the pumping system can all indicate possible
problems with the piston seal, piston, or check valves.
Piston seal replacement could be necessary after 1,000
hours of running time. See Section 5.2.3.
5.1 Filter Replacement
5.1.1 Inlet Filters
Inlet filters should be checked periodically to ensure that they are
clean and not restricting flow. A restriction could cause cavitation and
flow loss in the pump. Two problems that can plug an inlet filter are
microbial growth and impure solvents. To prevent microbial growth,
use at least 10-20% organic solvent in the mobile phase or add a
growth-inhibiting compound. If you pump 100% water or an aqueous
solution without any inhibitors, microbes will grow in the inlet filter
over time, even if you make fresh solution every day. Always use well
filtered, HPLC grade solvents for your mobile phase.
5.2 Changing Pump Heads
5.2.1 Removing a Pump Head
CAUTION: The sapphire piston is fragile. Twisting the
pump head during removal can cause the piston to break.
Closely follow instructions during head removal and
replacement to avoid breakage.
As a guide to pump head assembly, the standard pump heads are
shown in Figures 5-1 through 5-4. All of the Binary pump heads have
a similar arrangement.
1. Turn OFF the power to the Binary pump.
2. Remove the inlet line and filter from the mobile phase reservoir. Be
careful not to damage the inlet filter or crimp the Teflon™ tubing.