User manual

Bio-inert Quaternary Pump User Manual 51
Using the Pump
4
Solvent Information
Solvent Information
Solvent Information
Observe the following recommendations on the use of solvents.
Follow recommendations for avoiding the growth of algae, see “Algae
Growth in HPLC Systems” on page 50
Small particles can permanently block capillaries and valves. Therefore
always filter solvents through 0.4 µm filters.
Avoid or minimize the use of solvents, which may corrode parts in the flow
path. Consider specifications for the pH range given for different materials
like flow cells, valve materials etc. and recommendations in subsequent
sections.
Solvent information for parts of the 1260 Infinity Bio-inert LC
system
For the Agilent 1260 Infinity Bio-inert LC system, Agilent Technologies uses
highest quality materials (see “Bio-inert Materials” on page 17) in the flow
path (also referred to as wetted parts), which are widely accepted by life
scientists, as they are known for optimum inertness towards biological
samples and ensure best compatibility to common samples and solvents over a
wide pH range. Explicitly, the complete flow path is free of stainless steel and
free of other alloys containing metals like iron, nickel, cobalt, chromium,
molybdenum or copper, which can interfere with biological samples. The flow
downstream of the sample introduction does not contain metals at all.
However there are no materials, which combine suitability for versatile HPLC
instrumentation (valves, capillaries, springs, pump heads, flow cells etc.) with
complete compatibility to all possible chemicals and application conditions.
This section gives recommendations, which solvents should be preferred.
Chemicals which are known to cause issues should be avoided or exposure
should be minimized, e.g. for short term cleaning procedures. After using
potentially aggressive chemicals, the system should be flushed with
compatible standard HPLC solvents.