Pump overpressure with ACQUITY UPLC SM-FTN (blockage on SM-FTN) - WKB62360

SYMPTOMS

• ACQUITY UPLC pump overpressure

ENVIRONMENT

• ACQUITY UPLC I-Class FTN
• ACQUITY UPLC H-Class FTN
• ACQUITY UPLC H-Class FTN Bio
• ACQUITY UPLC ARC FTN
• ACQUITY PREMIER

CAUSE

Blockage in the flow path on the SM-FTN side causes the ACQUITY UPLC pump overpressure.

FIX or WORKAROUND

Depending on where the blockage is, replace one or more of the following:

I-Class Parts;

• Injection valve cartridge (part number 700006057)
• Needle for I-Class FTN (part number for 15ul Textured: 700011628 (see link for more options))
• Vespel seat (part number 405011492)
• Seat port tubing for I-Class (part number 700006056) 
• 205000894 sold as ACQ. I-Class APH, SS, 12.5 LG, .003 ID
• Welded Tube Assy, SS, .003 ID X 14.5 LG (# 700008869)

H-Class FTN Parts;

• Assy. Cartridge, Inject Valve (part number 700005236)
• Assy, Needle 15uL, with guide and seat (part number 700005215)
• Seat, Vespel w/ anti-rot (part number 405011492)
• Seat Port Assembly (part number 700005234)
• Welded Tube Assy, SST, 14.5 LG, HP (# 700005476)

H-Class FTN Bio Parts;

• Assy. Cartridge, Inject Valve, H-Class Bio (part number 700005407)
• Sample Needle Kit, 15µL, H-Class Bio (part number 700005421)
• Seat, Vespel w/ anti-rot (part number 405011492)
• Seat Port Assembly, H-Class Bio (part number 700005682)
• Welded Tube Assy, MP35N, 14.5 LG, HP (# 700005481)

ARC FTN Parts;

• Assy. Cartridge, Inject Valve (part number 700005236)
• Assy, Needle 30uL, with guide and seat (part number 700005279)
• Seat, Vespel w/ anti-rot (part number 405011492)
• Seat port tubing for ARC (part number 700010726) 

ACQUITY PREMIER

• Injection Valve Cartridge (Part Number 700005407)
• Sample Needle Kit, 15-uL, HPS, Textured (standard) (Part Number 700012820)
• Vespel Seat w/Anti-Rot (Part Number 405011492)
• Seat Port Assembly, HPS (Part Number 700012823)

Also check inside the PEEK wash housing assembly for any signs of obstruction caused by solid residue left over after injections. This can removed with tweezers if possible.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

To check if the blockage is in the FTN:

1. Set low flow 0.1 mL/min and while the pressure is rising reset the FTN.
2. If the pressure drops, the blockage is in needle or vespel seat/seat port.

Pressure diagnostics to pinpoint the blockage on the SM-FTN:

1. Disconnect the tubing from pump to inject valve port 5, set some flow, ensure that there is no overpressure and that liquid is coming out of the tubing.
2. Reconnect the tubing from pump to inject valve port 5, disconnect the tubing in inject valve port 4, set some flow, ensure that there is no overpressure and that liquid is coming out of the tubing. (Ensure that the inject valve is in the inject position; if needed, adjust this in the interactive display in the console.) If overpressure, the inject valve is blocked. If no overpressure the blockage could be on needle, needle seal or seat port.
3. Replace the components clogged and test system to see if the overpressure is solved.
4. Perform the needle seal readiness test.
5. Do injections to check the stability of the pressure in the normal flow path.