How to Troubleshoot an Agilent Leaking Purge Valve

Agilent Technologies is a company that manufactures and distributes life and chemical analysis products, such as DNA microarrays, mass spectrometers and chromatographs. The Agilent liquid chromatograph is an instrument that separates and analyzes compounds. Over time, the purge valve on the instrument can become damaged, causing the valve to leak internally. When this happens, the plunger seal, also known as frit, inside the purge valve must be replaced. When done properly, the process of replacing a corroded frit should take less than five minutes to complete.

Things You'll Need

• 1/4-inch wrench
• 14-millimeter wrench
• Toothpick
• Replacement frit

Instructions

1. Disconnect the pump outlet capillary from the purge valve using a 1/4-inch wrench. Once you have loosened the capillary, use your fingers to pull it away from the purge valve.

2. Disconnect the waste tube by pulling it gently away from the purge valve. Pull the waste tube out slowly to avoid solvents leaking from the tube.

3. Loosen the purge valve using a 14-millimeter wrench. Unscrew the valve and disconnect it from the purge valve holder.

4. Inspect the purge valve. Notice it is covered by a plastic cap. Remove this cap and set it aside in a safe place.

5. Remove the white-colored frit located inside the purge valve with a toothpick. Simply spear the frit and pull it out of the purge valve. Discard the frit. Replace the old frit with a new one.

6. Inspect the plastic cap for damage. Replace the plastic cap on top of the purge valve. Apply pressure on the cap to secure the cap to the valve.

7. Place the purge valve back into the purge valve holder. Turn the valve clockwise to secure it in place. Tighten the purge valve using a 14-millimeter wrench.

8. Attach the waste tube to the purge valve. Attach the pump outlet capillary to the purge valve. Tighten the capillary using a 1/4-inch wrench.

References

• Agilent Technologies: Agilent 1100 Series HPLC Value System User’s Guide
• Agilent Technologies: Exchanging the Purge Valve Frit or the Purge Valve
• Agilent Technologies: Exchanging the Purge Valve Frit or the Purge Valve
• Agilent Technologies: Purge Valve Supplies
• Agilent Technologies: Maintaining Your Agilent 1100 Series HPLC System