PC: Evolve Columns Operating Manual v2
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6. Troubleshooting
Note: Refer to the ‘Maintenance’ section before undertaking any procedure advised below.
Leakage from Adjuster Seal
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Ensure that the adjuster seal is not damaged or twisted. If the seal is damaged, replace.
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Ensure no media or other foreign material is trapped between the seal and sealing faces on
the acrylic column tube, flow cell and seal setting ring.
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Ensure sealing faces on the flow cell are undamaged. If damage is evident, replace the flow
cell.
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Ensure the adjuster seal is wetted with buffer or other suitable liquid prior to assembly.
This helps ‘lubricate’ the seal to ensure correct seating.
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Try relaxing and resetting the seal.
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If the column is under pressure do not adjust the seal actuation knob.
Leakage from Fixed Bed Support Seal
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Check using a torque wrench that fixed end fixings are set at the correct torque.
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If the column is being operated under cold room conditions, or with cold process fluids
retighten all bolts.
•
If possible empty the column and removed the fixed cell assembly. Remove the fixed bed
support with integral seal and inspect.
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Ensure that the seal is not damaged. If damage is evident, replace.
•
Ensure no media or other foreign material is trapped between the seal and sealing faces on
the acrylic column tube and flow cell.
•
Ensure sealing faces on flow cell are undamaged. If damage is present, replace the flow
cell.
Leakage from Inlet or Outlet
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Ensure that the flow tubes are installed correctly, and all flow tube seals have been
installed.
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Inspect all flow tube seals for damage or over compression. Replace if damaged.
•
Ensure the flow tube connectors are not damaged. If so, replace.
Excessive Column Back Pressure
Excessive back pressure in chromatography can result from many different areas such as; problems
with the chromatography system (e.g. partial valve failure), the media packed bed (e.g. over
compression or bed fouling), the process fluid, or problems with the column. Only issues relating to
the column are dealt with in this section: