Bio-Rad ChromLab™ Software - Manual (Page 34)

2 | The NGC Instrument
32 | NGC Chromatography Systems and ChromLab Software
Piston Wash System
The pumps on the NGC system automatically rinse behind the piston with a
constant low flow of 20% ethanol. This prolongs the working lifetime of the seal by
keeping the seal wetted and preventing salt crystals from depositing onto the
pistons.
When the pumps are running, the pistons and the check valve located in each
chamber automatically pump the rinse fluid, which circulates through the system.
The tube holders on the side of the instrument hold two conical rinsing solution
reservoirs, one for the system pumps and one for the sample pump (if present). The
inlet and outlet tubing for the system pumps piston wash housing is immersed in
one of the rinsing solution reservoirs. The inlet and outlet tubing for the sample
pump is immersed in the second rinsing solution reservoir. The tubing connects to
the wash housing ports at the back of the pump heads.
Important: Change the rinse fluid weekly. Place the washing system reservoir
at the same height or above the level of the pump heads to avoid siphoning of
the solution back to the reservoir. Ensure that the inlet tubing reaches the very
bottom of the rinsing solution reservoir.