Thermo Scientific Accela UV/Vis Plus, Hardware Manual

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3
Routine Maintenance
LightPipe Flow Cell Maintenance
Thermo Scientific Accela UV/Vis Detector Hardware Manual 45
8. Carefully remove the LightPipe from the mounting assembly without touching the ends
of the LightPipe flow cell.
Storing the LightPipe Flow Cell
 To store the LightPipe flow cell
1. Remove the fingertight fittings and any attached tubing.
2. Immediately replace the protective end caps on the ends of the LightPipe to protect the
sensitive fiber optics (see Figure 47 ).
Figure 47. LightPipe flow cell with protective end caps
3. Place the LightPipe flow cell back in the box it was shipped in.
Cleaning the LightPipe Flow Cell
The exterior and interior surfaces of the LightPipe flow cell can become contaminated.
Flow cell contamination is usually caused by precipitation or by solubility problems, such as
when the quality of your mobile phase varies or the cleanliness of your samples varies. Signs of
a contaminated flow cell are increased baseline noise, signal spiking, erratic or drifting
baselines, low light intensity, or increased backpressure.
To clean the LightPipe flow cell, follow these procedures:
• Cleaning the LightPipe Flow Cell with Organic Solvents
• Cleaning the LightPipe Flow Cell with Nitric Acid
CAUTION Avoid touching the ends of the LightPipe flow cell, as touching the ends of
the flow cell could damage the sensitive fiber optics. If you must grasp the ends of the
LightPipe flow cell to remove it from the assembly, use clean, talc-free gloves.
CAUTION Do not disassemble the LightPipe flow cell housing or tighten the screws on
the housing. Doing so will damage the LightPipe flow cell. Thermo Fisher Scientific
cannot be held responsible for any damage to the LightPipe flow cell caused by attempts
to disassemble the housing or to tighten the screws. Contact your Thermo Fisher
Scientific field service engineer with any questions about LightPipe flow cell maintenance
or service.