Hello Everyone,
I'm working with Agilent 1220 LC system. The openlab software shows that the pump is idle but its shows the pressure is zero. It looks like pump is not building pressure. Can anyone please help.
Thanks,
Sachin
First of all, make sure you have sufficient solvent in the solvent bottle. Prime the system by running with the purge valve open for several minutes.
When primed, remove the HPLC column and close the purge valve. Point the capillary tubing at a beaker to verify that solvent is being pumped through. Assuming this is working, pause the flow, reconnect the column and test the pressure.
If you are not getting solvent flow there is a significant air bubble or a leak. The purge should have removed the air bubble, but further purging (with an organic solvent as well to reduce bubble formation) should remove it. If there is no flow, this may mean that there is a pump problem, such as failed piston seals (as Trivikram states), purge valve, check valves, or even a broken piston or piston driver. Check also that the solvent line from the reservoir (and degasser if fitted) is not blocked and that solvent can get to the pump.
If you did get flow at the first check but the system is still not building up pressure, fit a blanking plug instead of the column and try to build up pressure. Each time you do not get pressure, move the blanking plug towards the pump, missing out sections of tubing (eg missing out column oven, missing out autosampler etc) until the blanking plug is on the pump outlet. In this way you can trace the source of any leak. If the pump is still not building up pressure, then again it is likely to be a failed seal, valve or piston.
I hope you can get this working again soon
Richard
Hi Sachin
First, you have to check the pump seals and then change the PTFE frit. If the problem is again encountered do the following
-Check the flow using a union instead of a column. Flow was not correct as per program then change the ball valve in the pump.
-Try with different columns.
-Check for any leakage between pump and column.
Hi!
It is possible, some air bubbles are in the system. In my opinion, You should to ask technician who is responsible for this device or You can destroy the machine.
First of all, make sure you have sufficient solvent in the solvent bottle. Prime the system by running with the purge valve open for several minutes.
When primed, remove the HPLC column and close the purge valve. Point the capillary tubing at a beaker to verify that solvent is being pumped through. Assuming this is working, pause the flow, reconnect the column and test the pressure.
If you are not getting solvent flow there is a significant air bubble or a leak. The purge should have removed the air bubble, but further purging (with an organic solvent as well to reduce bubble formation) should remove it. If there is no flow, this may mean that there is a pump problem, such as failed piston seals (as Trivikram states), purge valve, check valves, or even a broken piston or piston driver. Check also that the solvent line from the reservoir (and degasser if fitted) is not blocked and that solvent can get to the pump.
If you did get flow at the first check but the system is still not building up pressure, fit a blanking plug instead of the column and try to build up pressure. Each time you do not get pressure, move the blanking plug towards the pump, missing out sections of tubing (eg missing out column oven, missing out autosampler etc) until the blanking plug is on the pump outlet. In this way you can trace the source of any leak. If the pump is still not building up pressure, then again it is likely to be a failed seal, valve or piston.
I hope you can get this working again soon
Richard
Prime the pump, as Richard suggests above. If the pump is full of air, the pump will not be able to move liquid through. Disconnect the column and run the outlet line to waste (or use your prime purge valve line) and visually verify you have flow.
Next, get some basic training in how to use this HPLC system before you move on. Most Universities have a person in charge of the instruments who also provides basic training to students in their correct use. Contact this person for assistance.
Happened to me on Agilent 1260 just last night. Agilent rep was very helpful over the phone. The bubbles just went back & forth an inch in the purge line when valve was opened. Switching out lines showed the problem was neither in the degasser nor in that ABCD proportioning valve. It was in the pump. Removed the inlet & outlet check valves and sonicated in IPA. Replaced. Pumped hot DI water thru system. Seems OK. Dodged a bullet for now. Word to wise: dont merely take care of your column. Get buffers out of the lines when leaving for the weekend.
i agree with Richard and others...priming the pump is key. Ensuring all connections are tight and no air bubbles.
I found this thread helpful. Thanks all.
In my case, the pump inlet valve had clogged. Matthew's tip to remove and clean this by sonicating alternately in isopropyl alcohol and in DI water worked nicely.
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