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trickle of helium during solvent use. Some users blanket the reservoir with helium after sparging (pressurize
reservoirs to about 3 psi with helium).
Solvent Filtration
You must filter your solvents. We recommend you install a 10 micron sintered stainless steel filter (P/N 5776)
on the inlet line. When you wish to avoid metal, a 10 micron plastic filter is available (P/N 1279).
Attaching Inlet Tubing
Most Optos pumps come supplied with a fittings kit, which includes inlet tubing, as well as inlet and outlet nuts
and ferrules. Attach the 1/8” Teflon tubing to the inlet valve. Hand tighten the nut onto the valve.
Optos stainless steel pumps with ¼” diameter pistons use 1/8” Swagelok® fittings on the inlet and outlet valves
and use 1/8” tubing (not supplied) and require a 7/16” wrench to tighten the fittings and a ½” wrench to tighten
the valves.
Priming the Pump
After you attach the inlet tubing to the pump, place the other end of the tubing in a reservoir of the liquid you
will be pumping. Be certain you completely submerge the end of the tubing (or the filter) in the liquid. Insert
the syringe into the outlet (top) valve opening. You should exercise care when handling the syringe. Improper
use can cause the syringe to break off in the valve (and you will have to install a new valve).
Turn the power switch to ON, set a flow rate (usually, for priming, an elevated flow is desireable) and press the
run key. Manually draw a few milliliters of fluid into the syringe. Remove the syringe and look at the valve
opening. There should not be traces of air bubbles. If the air bubbles persist, turn off the pump, check the liquid
level in the reservoir and the tightness of the inlet fitting. If the inlet tubing is above the surface of the liquid, or
if the inlet fitting is loose, you will need to correct the condition and repeat the priming procedure. When the
pump is primed, press the stop key.
Attach Outlet Tubing to Pump (if required)
With a ¼” wrench, attach 1/16” tubing (not supplied) to the outlet (top) valve using the tube nut and ferrule. Do
not set the ferrule in the valve, since doing so may compress and damage the valve components. Instead, set the
ferrule onto the tubing in a column or similar non-compressible fixture. Always stabilize the valve housing with
a ½” wrench when attaching fittings. Never tighten fittings to beyond 40 in./lbs., or the point where no leakage
occurs. Excessive force in tightening fittings can result in valve compression and damage. On PEEK® pumps,
the fitting on the outlet valve is hand tightened.
Optos stainless steel pumps with ¼” pistons use
1/8” Swagelok® fittings on the inlet and outlet
valves and use 1/8” tubing (not supplied) and
require a 7/16” wrench to tighten the fittings and
a ½” wrench to tight the valves.
Pulse Damper Use (optional
damper on Optos pumps with
.093 or .125 pistons)
Optos pumps provided with a pulse damper
have a line already connected between the pump
outlet and the damper inlet. Priming the system
is achieved in the same way as outlined above,
except the syringe is attached to the outlet port
of the damper.
Attaching outlet tubing to the outlet port of the
damper is achieved in the same way as outlined
above. Excessive force in tightening fittings can
damage the damper, which is expensive to
replace.
Figure 2.2: Liquid End Assembly
Wash Ports
Inlet Valve
Outlet Valve