6.4
Performing a column leakage test
A leakage test shall be performed with liquid only in the column, i.e. no medium.
WARNING
A leakage test shall not be carried out with air present in the col-
umn. This is to avoid any potential explosion of the column tube
caused by compression of the air.
Leakage test for the hydraulic
chamber
1
Close the hydraulic chamber inlet with a stop plug.
2
Fill the column with liquid.
3
Assemble the adapter and top plate assembly onto the column (see Fitting the top
plate and adapter, on page 41).
4
Ensure that one of the mobile phase inlet/outlet is open and the other closed.
5
Insert a syringe into the vent valve and open the valve.
6
Pump liquid into the hydraulic chamber through the hydraulic chamber outlet.
Observe that liquid shall be pumped in through the hydraulic chamber
outlet when performing a leakage test for the hydraulic chamber. Other-
wise, the correct pressure is not registered during measurement by the
check valve at the hydraulic chamber inlet.
Note:
7
Close the hydraulic chamber vent valve when only liquid escapes the valve.
8
The adapter moves down. Stop the pump when the adapter is at a suitable height.
Water should be seen emerging from the open mobile phase inlet/outlet.
9
Close the open mobile phase inlet/ outlet.
10 Pump liquid into the hydraulic chamber at a low liquid flow rate monitoring the
pressure. Stop the pump when pressure is equal to maximum packing pressure (See
Section 3.2 Primary specifications, on page 22).
In order for the pressure to continue to be registered on an ÄKTA system
when the pump has stopped, the flow must be set to zero (Flow = 0). If
Pause or Stop are used to stop the flow, this will cause the registration of
pressure to cease.
Note:
11 Wait about 15 minutes until pressure is stable.
AxiChrom 50, 70 and 100 columns Operating instructions 28-9331-08 AG
143
6 Maintenance and service
6.4 Performing a column leakage test
