LC Packings SWITCHOS II, User Manual

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Installation and Getting Started
2-14
D850R3
User’s Manual Switchos
2.7 Routine Operation of the System
2.7.1 Sample and Mobile Phase Considerations
The Switchos Advanced Microcolumn Switching Unit is used in an HPLC system
and the “standard” operating precautions for HPLC should be employed:
• Ensure that samples and mobile phases do not contain particulate matter. All
samples and mobile phases should be filtered through a 0.22 µm membrane
filter. If organic solvents are used, make sure that extractable materials are
not present in the filter.
•
The sample should be soluble in the mobile phase. If a gradient is used, make
certain that the sample is soluble in the mobile phase at all mobile phase
compositions to be used in the separation.
•
After you have finished using the system, flush it with a water/methanol or
water/acetonitrile mobile phase before shutting it down.
•
Solvent should be degassed by sparging with Helium.
• Make certain that the sample and the buffer are soluble in all compositions of
the mobile phase that will be used in the separation. This test should be run
in a beaker or test tube so that particulate matter does not enter the system.
If any cloudiness is observed in the test, the gradient should be adjusted and
repeated.
CAUTION
Caution: It is strongly recommend that only bottled HPLC water and solvent be
used. If water from water purification systems is used, polymeric contamination
may seriously damage the column and the flow cell. This is especially true if
sample pre-concentration or 2D separations are performed. This polymeric
contamination may also seriously damage the flow cell (e.g. coating of the
capillary walls).