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To prevent system errors, replace the flow cell any time it appears dirty, contaminated, or clogged.
See also: Controlling Contamination in LC/MS Systems (715001307).
Required tools and materials
1/4-inch flat-blade screwdriver
Chemical-resistant, powder-free gloves
Note:
To avoid contaminating the flow cell, wear clean, chemical-resistant, powder-free gloves when handling, removing, or replacing it.
To avoid damaging the flow cell, handle it with care. Do not disassemble the flow cell.
To replace the flow cell:
Note: To avoid damaging electrical components and circuitry, do not disconnect an electrical assembly while electrical power is applied to a module. To completely interrupt power, set the on/off switch to the "off" position, and then disconnect the power cord from the ac source. Wait 10 seconds before disconnecting an assembly.
Power-off the system, and then disconnect the power cord.
Open the detector door, gently pulling its right-hand edge toward you.
Disconnect the detector’s inlet and outlet tubing.
Figure 1: Flow cell location in the detector (front door opened)
Outlet tubing
Flow cell assembly
Flow cell handle
Three thumbscrews
Inlet tubing
Remove the flow cell:
Using a 1/4-inch, flat-blade screwdriver, loosen the three thumbscrews on the flow cell assembly’s front plate.
Grasp the handle and gently pull the assembly toward you.
Note: To avoid damaging the capillary tubing, do not touch it.
Unpack and inspect the new flow cell, ensuring that the flow cell type is correct for your application.
Note: When replacing the flow cell, replace the flow cell inlet tubing with the tubing included with the new flow cell.
Align the flow cell assembly with the front of the opening, and then insert it slowly so that the guides on the front part of the cell flange engage the rails in the sample cell compartment.
Figure 2: Installing the flow cell assembly
Dowel pin
Rail
Guide
Flow cell handle
After the flange and rails are engaged, continue inserting the flow cell until the dowel pins on the instrument engage the corresponding holes on the cell holder.
Continue to insert the flow cell until the three thumbscrews align with their holes in the bulkhead.
Hand tighten the thumbscrews. Verify that the screws are secure using a screwdriver.
Connect the inlet tubing to the main column connection and flow cell inlet, and then connect the outlet tubing to the flow cell outlet.
Before you power-on the detector, ensure that the flow cell is filled with degassed, transparent solvent (acetonitrile or water) and free of air bubbles.
Detector maintenance procedures
