PerkinElmer OilExpress 4, User Manual

Page: 96 / 152

96 . OilExpress 4 System User's Guide
Flow Cell Maintenance
NOTE: The addition of the OilExpress 4 System Liquid Additive to the system liquid has been
found to reduce soot build-up on the flow cell windows when analyzing engine oils
with high soot contents (>0.5%). Refer to
OilExpress 4 System Liquid Additive
on
page 32.
The Cell Contamination System Check can be used to check the build-up of soot and other
contaminants on the cell windows. Refer to
System Checks
on page 93.
During an analysis the flow cell is cleaned and air dried between samples. This should minimize
soot build-up for most samples. If you require additional cleaning, you can use the cleaning
utilities in OilExpress 4 software. Refer to
Cleaning Using OilExpress 4 Software
below.
If, however, the flow cell does become contaminated, it can be carefully dismantled to
enable cleaning of the windows using lens tissues and heptane. Refer to
Disassembling the
Flow Cell for Deep Cleaning
on page 103.
Cleaning Using OilExpress 4 Software
If you frequently run samples with high soot values, you can use the options on the
Autosampler Control screen to
Flush
the fluid lines and flow cell(s) with additional solvent
(Figure 52). Alternatively, you can
Load
a cleaning solution into the flow cell(s) and leave it
in contact with the windows.
Figure 52 Flush and Load options on the Autosampler Control screen
If you have a DUO system and have selected
Both flow cells
, the same sample will be
loaded into two disposable tips (compensating for sampling height). When you want to
remove the sample, you have the option to simply air dry the cell, flush the cell with system
liquid, or rinse the cell with other liquids. Refer to the topic
Autosampler Control
in the
OilExpress 4 on-screen Help for more information.
If after trying these procedures the flow cell is still contaminated, then dismantle the flow cell
to clean the windows. Refer to
Disassembling the Flow Cell for Deep Cleaning
on page 103.