YL Instruments YL9100 HPLC, User Manual

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YL9170 RI Detector
4-5. Checking and cleaning the flow cell
In some cases it might be necessary to clean the flow cell inside the YL9170 RI detector. You should try to
wash away possible contaminations by purging both chambers of the flow cell with fresh mobile phase.
Possible reasons to open the optical bench for checking the flow cell:
1) Drop of the sum voltage below 4500mV. Make sure that your sample chamber is washed and
filled with distilled water before checking the sum voltage.
2) Noise baseline
3) Constant drift of the baseline
4) To check the flow cell inside detector follow the steps listed below:
5) Switch off the instrument and unplug the power cable. Open the detector housing.
6) Open the outer housing of the optical bench.
7) Remov the heat insulation on top of the optical bench.
8) Open the inner(black) housing.
9) Loosen the two hex-screws holding the slit aperture 2 and remove the aperture carefully.
10) Use a flash light to check the flow cell for contaminants or damages. Mke sure that no bubbles
are inside the flow cell.
11) If there are contaminants in the flow cell purge it with a suitable solvent. If you are working with
aqueous systems distilled water is convenient. If you use organic solvent try solvents like
acetone, tetrahydrofurane or chloroform. After purging the cell with solvent to clean for a longer
time you should purge it with your mobile phase.
NOTE
In the case of dangerous solvents make sure that they are disposed correctly.
NOTE
In the case of aqueous solvents it is possible that algae grow inside your system. For that reason
it is not recommended to store the detector for a long time wit aqueous solvents inside. For long
time storage it is recommended to purge the flow cell with ethanol followed by air.
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