Low or erratic pressure or loss of prime related to check valves on ACQUITY Arc QSM-R - WKB81802

SYMPTOMS

• Low (or zero) pressure
• Erratic pressure
• Loss of prime resulting in no solvent flow

ENVIRONMENT

• ACQUITY Arc
• ACQUITY Arc Bio
• ACQUITY Arc QSM-R
• ACQUITY Arc Bio QSM-R

CAUSE

The check valves are blocked, clogged, or have residues that prevent efficient operation.

The issue generally affects the primary check valve but may also affect the accumulator check valve.

FIX or WORKAROUND

1. Sonicate or replace the affected check valves.
2. Perform a dynamic leak test of the pump to confirm fluidics integrity.

Part numbers of check valves to replace:

Primary check valve (standard):       700010664

Primary check valve (Bio):                700010642

Primary check valve (THF/Hexane): 700011074

Accumulator DBS check valve (standard):        700005164

Accumulator DBS check valve (Bio):                 700005415

Accumulator DBS check valve (THF/Hexane):  700005273

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

These issues are predominantly caused by use in applications that employ relatively high concentrations of nonvolatile buffer salts in the mobile phases—typically applications taken from pharmacopeias (USP/Ph.Eur./JP, etc.).

When using such procedures, it is recommended that the system be flushed and cleaned regularly to remove excess buildup of buffer salts, which can result in pressure issues at various locations within the system.

If this issue is observed in situations where pharmacopeial applications are being used with buffered mobile phases, please add any available application details to the CIT record. Such information is beneficial in determining causes of failures and driving product improvements.

ACQUITY Arc, ACQUITY Arc Bio, and Arc HPLC Quaternary Solvent Manager-R Overview and Maintenance Guide