You can configure (plumb) the divert/inject valve as a loop injector or as a divert valve. The loop injector configuration is used for flow injection analysis.

The following table provides details on the loop injector configuration.

Loop Injector Configuration

Description

In the first position (also known as the load position), the following occurs:

  1. A sample loop is installed between ports 1 and 4 and is isolated from the solvent stream.
  2. The solvent flow from the LC pump enters the valve through port 5, exits port 6, then flows to the API source.
  3. When you load the sample into the inlet port, it fills the sample loop.
  4. As you overfill the sample loop, the excess sample exits the valve through port 3 and flows to waste.

In the second position (also known as the inject position), the following occurs:

  1. The valve rotates clockwise one position and places the sample loop inline with the solvent stream.
  2. The solvent flow from the LC pump enters the valve through port 5 and flushes sample out of the sample loop, then flows to the API source.

NOTE If you load sample into the inlet port when the valve is in the inject position, the sample flows to waste.

 

When using the divert valve configuration, you can switch the solvent front, gradient endpoint, or any portion of the LC run to flow to waste.

The following table provides details on the divert valve configuration.

Divert Valve Configuration

Description

In the first position (also known as the detector position), the flow from the LC pump enters the valve through port 2, exits port 1, and flows to the API source.

In the second position (also known as the waste position), the following occurs:

  1. The valve rotates clockwise one position and diverts the flow to waste.
  2. The solvent flow from the LC pump enters the valve through port 2, exits port 3, and flows to waste.

NOTE

For more information on the various sample introduction techniques and plumbing, see To Connect the Inlet Plumbing.