Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
5-LV-1-4 8/3/11
LV1 User Manual
5-1
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting
Monitoring the Pressure
An initial pressure check of the system will establish a reference point. This can be done by doing
the following:
1.
Power up the system, and set the pressure to a static pressure of 33,000 psi (10% above
required for dynamic setting).
2.
While in "Jog" mode, fill the piston volume by retracting a full 6 ml of priming fluid (water
if possible).
3.
Switch to "Run" mode and push and hold the Extend button for 2 seconds as soon as the
"Ready" light comes on, reading the pressure gage after the 2 seconds has expired.
4.
Record this pressure and reference it for future pressure check of the same interaction
chamber.
NOTE:
Testing should always be done under identical, ambient conditions. Remember, other
factors such as partial plugging, temperature, and formulation change may cause flow rate
change. As a general recommendation, irrespective of flow rate, if you are able to
maintain sufficient process pressure to result in acceptable product processing, the
interaction chamber may still be used.
Unplugging the Chamber
If the interaction chamber becomes plugged, it may be cleared by reversing the fluid flow as
follows:
1.
Refer to drawings #801.00115 and #801.00429, Inlet Outlet Piping Assembly LV1 on the CD.
Disconnect the outlet plumbing, consisting of the valve tube (5) and syringe (1) connected
to the outlet of the chamber.
2.
Disconnect the interaction chamber by unscrewing it from the liquid end body (item 4 or
drawing #801.00429).
3.
Re-attach the interaction chamber using the adapter from the tool kit, part #25.6029,
after rotating it so that the flow opposes the previous direction.
4.
Run the unit at maximum process pressure if necessary until the interaction chamber is
unplugged. For a stubborn plug, sonicating the chamber in a solvent bath may help clear
the blockage. If you are unable to clear the chamber, contact the Customer Service
Department at Microfluidics at 1-800-370-5452.
5.
Reverse steps 1 through 4 to return the unit back to normal operation.
