7
Troubleshooting
Introduction
This chapter provides information to assist users and service personnel to identify and
correct problems that may occur when operating BioProcess LPLC and MPLC columns.
The following guide presents a series of questions to direct the operator to the cause of
the problem.
If the problem persists or cannot be resolved using this guide, contact your GE Healthcare
representative for advice.
High back-pressure
•
Is the pressure gauge showing correct values?
•
Are all the valves between the pump and collection vessel open?
•
Are all the valves clean and free from internal blockage?
•
Has the correct valve for the flow rate been selected?
•
Are the column bed supports blocked? Air may be trapped in the bed support. Always
wet before use.
•
Is there any equipment in use, either before or after the column, which could generate
back-pressure? For example, is an adequate size of flow cell being used?
•
Are there differences in internal diameter between the tubing on the column, the
tubing from the pump, or anywhere else in the system?
•
Do the gaskets and tubing have the same internal diameter?
•
Are the sample and collection vessels at approximately the same level as the pump
or are they higher?
•
Has the media been packed too hard?
•
Could there be tightly bound sample material in the chromatography media?
Leakage
•
Are the connections to and from the pump correct and tightened?
•
Is the adapter properly positioned with respect to the column tube?
LPLC and MPLC Columns Operating Instructions 28-9638-66 AC
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7 Troubleshooting