How to clean switching valves - WKB117828

OBJECTIVE or GOAL

Remove salt buildup from inside valve cartridge. A clogged cartridge can cause the following errors:

• Vent valve h/w fault c
• Error changing column position
• Injection valve home HW fault
• Injection valve move HW fault
• Left valve move h/w fault
• Right valve move h/w fault
• Right valve home h/w fault

ENVIRONMENT

• ACQUITY UPLC
• ACQUITY Arc
• Alliance Series Column Heater
• Alliance Series Column Heater/Cooler

PROCEDURE

1. Reset the unit (it may not initialize properly on first attempt). It may be necessary to wait about one hour.
2. Prime all solvent lines thoroughly with pure water.
3. Disconnect all except one fitting from the clogged valve. Set a small water flow and let the fluid drip freely. Increase the flow to eliminate the obstruction.
4. Clean all valve positions in the same way, changing the water inlet position to clean all flow paths inside the cartridge.
5. When pressure is unable to decrease, change the flow direction.
6. When the paths inside the cartridge are cleaned, connect all capillaries to the valve and flush the entire system.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Cleaning switching valves with water is usually an efficient and permanent solution. It should be performed before cartridge replacement.