ACQUITY PDA flow cell leaking - WKB99126

SYMPTOMS

Leak observed in the optics bench found to be caused by the internal red PEEK tubing of the flow cell being unattached.        

ENVIRONMENT

ACQUITY PDA

CAUSE

High pressure downstream of the flow cell caused the red PEEK tubing to pop out of the fitting resulting in a leak.

FIX or WORKAROUND

1. Find the root cause of the high pressure and correct it. 
2. Confirm that the back-pressure regulator is giving 250 psi and replace if necessary.
3. Reverse flush the flow cell with 50:50 water/methanol to dislodge any potential blockages potentially caused by precipitated buffer salts.
4. Reattach the red PEEK tubing on the flow cell, taking care to avoid any voids and over-tightening.
5. Assess the pressure of the flow cell in the console and inspect for any leaks while the flow cell is removed.
6. Assess the chromatography paying particular attention to peak tailing.
7. You may need to replace the flow cell if pressure and chromatography cannot be resolved by the above steps.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION