Thermo Scientific SRD-3200, Operating Instructions Manual

Page: 30 / 64

UltiMate 3000 Series:
SRD-3x00 Solvent Racks
Page 24 Operating Instructions
4.3 Solvent Reservoirs
All Solvent Racks are shipped with solvent reservoirs and appropriate tubing, including frit
holders with filter frits.
4.3.1 General Notes
When connecting the solvent reservoirs, observe the following general precautions:
• Observe the precautions for solvent selection ( → page 29).
• Before using the solvent reservoirs for the first time, rinse them thoroughly by using
high-purity solvents.
• Always install filter frits on the solvent supply line filters. This prevents contaminants
from reaching the HPLC system that may increase wear and cause damage to the system.
• Regularly check the filter frits for permeability. This is especially important when using
aqueous solvents. Aqueous solvents may contaminate the filters with algae and other
microorganisms that deposit on the filter frits. Therefore, use fresh solvents at regular
intervals. Clean the reservoirs thoroughly before refilling them and replace the filter frits
as necessary.
• As a standard, filter holders with stainless steel frits are provided in the accessories kit of
the Solvent Rack. Do not use these frits if the system includes a biocompatible pump, and
NCS-3500RS or an NCP-3200RS. In this case, replace the stainless steel frits with the
frits from the accessories kit of the module.
Open the filter holder and remove the filter frit. When placing the new filter frit into the
bottom part, make sure that the frit is in a level position (avoid tilting the frit).
• Make sure that the tubing connecting the pump to the degasser is as short as possible and
locate the solvent reservoirs as close as possible to the pump. To avoid formation of air
bubbles in the reservoirs and reformation of air bubbles in the solvent, make sure that the
reservoirs are on the same level or higher as the pump. Therefore, stack the rack onto the
pump as shown in Fig. 4 ( → page 19).
• Normal phase eluents usually show only a low concentration of dissolved gases.
Therefore, it is normally not required to use a degasser with these eluents.
• Before connecting the solvent supply lines, make sure that the connectors are free of
contaminants. Even minute particles can allow air to enter the degasser, and thus reduce
the degassing effectiveness.