Bio-Rad BioLogic Signal Import Module (SIM) - Manual (Page 195)

MAINTENANCE MAINTENANCE AND TROUBLESHOOTING
11-2
11.3 CARE AND MAINTENANCE OF THE WORKSTATION PUMPS
The following three sections describe the procedures for system priming and periodic maintenance of the
Workstation pumps.
11.3.1 Priming the Workstation Pumps and Removing Trapped Air Bubbles
Warning: Do not run the Workstation pumps dry (without buffers in line), as this may result in damage to
the pumpheads.
Care should be taken when setting up the DuoFlow system to ensure air does not get trapped in the pumps.
Air trapped in the pumps can lead to erratic flow rates and poor gradient performance. To reduce the
likelihood of bubbles getting into the pumps all buffers should be thoroughly degassed.
1. Ensure that all inlet tube fittings are securely fastened to the Workstation, Maximizer and valve
inlets. Use the fittings tightener, supplied with the fittings kit, to tighten the fittings, if needed.
2. Immerse the Workstation pump A and B or Maximizer A1, A2, B1 and B2 inlet lines into filtered,
degassed buffer.
3. Remove air from the inlet buffer lines and the pumps.
a. Place the 10 ml luer syringe (supplied with the fittings kit) in the priming port of pumphead A. If
a Maximizer is connected, select Inlet A1.
b. Turn the priming port counter-clockwise to open the port and gently draw buffer into the syringe
from the pumphead.
c. Repeat this operation until no air bubbles are visible in the inlet tubing.
4. Remove air trapped behind the pump heads. This procedure should also be done as part of the
instruments daily maintenance and anytime there are pressure fluctuations greater than ± 10%.
a. Disconnect the pumphead outlet tube and hold an empty beaker up to the outlet port.
b. With the syringe connected as described in step 3, inject buffer into the priming port using
several short pulses to dislodge any trapped air and to push the air out of the pump head.
c. Once all the bubbles have been dislodge, close the priming port and reconnect the pumphead
outlet tube.
5. Repeat this priming procedure for the pump B inlet or inlets A2, B1 and B2, if a Maximizer is
connected.
Pumping 200 ml of 100% methanol (MeOH) through each pumphead at 5 ml/min can greatly reduce air
bubbles. Immerse inlet lines from both pumps into the methanol and pump at 50% B with the 40 psi
backpressure regulator in place.
11.3.2 Daily Maintenance
The pumpheads should be washed daily with water when high salt buffers are used. This can be automated
through the use of an SVT3-2 valve connected between the high salt buffer (buffer B) and pumphead B. Use
one of the valve inlet ports to run the buffer and use the other inlet port to run water through the pumphead.
If the system is configured with a Maximizer (non-blending mode) use the B1 and B2 inlet valves to run
water (B1) or buffer (B2) through the pumphead.
Washing behind the piston seal extends seal life. Insert a 10 ml syringe filled with deionized water in the
hole at the top of the pumphead. A 10 ml syringe is provided in the Fittings kit. Each pumphead should get a
10 ml washout at the end of the day’s operation. Run off water exits through the washout drain between the
two pumpheads. It can be collected in a small beaker.