User manual

Agilent 1260 Infinity High Performance Autosampler User Manual 49

Using the Module

Preparing the Autosampler

For best performance of the autosampler

• When using the Autosampler in a system with a vacuum degassing unit,

shortly degas your samples before using them in the autosampler.

• Filter samples before use in 1260 system. Use High pressure filter kit

(5067- 4638) for inline filtering.

• When using buffer solutions, flush the system with water before

switching it off.

• Check the autosampler plungers for scratches, grooves and dents when

changing the piston seal. Damaged plungers cause micro leaks and will

decrease the lifetime of the seal.

• Solvent Information - Observe recommendations on the use of solvents.

• Always filter solvents through 0.4 µm filters. Small particles can

permanently block the capillaries and valves. Avoid the use of the

following steel- corrosive solvents:

• Solutions of alkali halides and their respective acids (for example,

lithium iodide, potassium chloride, and so on).

• High concentrations of inorganic acids like sulfuric and nitric acid,

especially at higher temperatures (replace, if your chromatography

method allows, by phosphoric acid or phosphate buffer which are

less corrosive to stainless steel).

• Halogenated solvents or mixtures which form radicals and/or

acids, for example:

2CHCl

+ O

→ 2COCl

+ 2HCl

This reaction, in which stainless steel probably acts as a catalyst,

occurs quickly with dried chloroform if the drying process

removed the stabilizing alcohol.

• Chromatographic grade ethers, which can contain peroxides (for

example, THF, dioxane, di- isopropylether). Such ethers should be

filtered through dry aluminium oxide which adsorbs the peroxides.

• Solvents containing strong complexing agents (e.g. EDTA).

• Mixtures of carbon tetrachloride with 2- propanol or THF dissolve

stainless steel.