AQCUITY shows slow and steady pressure increase - WKB118499

SYMPTOMS

• Low delta
• Steady pressure increase

ENVIRONMENT

• ACQUITY UPLC
• ACQUITY H-Class
• ACQUITY I-Class

CAUSE

Unknown

Suspected: Contamination in mobile phase and system, causing column/system to slowly clog.

FIX or WORKAROUND

1. Remove column and install a union.
2. Place all solvent lines in a single mobile phase reservoir that contains equal parts methanol, water, acetonitrile, and isopropyl alcohol.
3. Prime each solvent line for 5 minutes, and then set a flow to flush the system. Flush system for en extended period of time—overnight is best.
4. After flushing, move solvent lines to 100% water, prime each line for 5 minutes, and then move the solvent lines back to their respective mobile phases and prime the system.
5. Back-flush the suspected column, and then reinstall the column in the proper flow direction as indicated on the column.
6. Set flow to the system and test the system pressure.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION