CAUTION

Explosion Hazard or Damage to the Detector

When using tetrahydrofuran (THF), the use of air as supplied gas may pose an explosion hazard. This can pose a safety and health risk and damage the detector.

Always use nitrogen with tetrahydrofuran or other highly combustible solvents.

CAUTION

Excessive Gas Supply Pressure

An improper or excessive gas supply pressure can lead to an overpressure in the detector that can cause the safety valve in the detector to release gas. In extreme cases, the excessive pressure can cause the gas filters to rupture. This can pose a health and safety risk.

  • Observe the gas supply pressure range that is specified for the detector. Do not exceed the maximum gas supply pressure.
  • If you use high-pressure gas cylinders as gas supply, double-check the regulator outlet pressure to ensure that it is within the gas supply specifications of the detector. This is especially important when attaching the gas bottle for the first time and when changing gas bottles.
  • If the overpressure relief valve is releasing gas as a result of an overpressure in the detector during operation, turn off the detector immediately. Remedy the situation as described in Resolving Gas Supply Overpressure.

CAUTION

Gas Filter Rupture upon Excessive Gas Supply Pressure

An excessive supply gas pressure can lead to an overpressure in the detector and can cause the gas filters to rupture. This can pose a health and safety risk.

  • Turn on the gas supply only when the gas filters are properly connected to the detector and the protective cover is properly installed.
  • Observe the gas supply pressure range that is specified for the detector. Do not exceed the maximum gas supply pressure.
  • Before you start the replacement of the gas filter assembly, make sure that the gas supply and the detector gas flow are turned off.
  • Observe the gas supply requirements. See Gas Supply Requirements.

NOTICE

Gas Specifications

The requirements and specifications for the gas supplied to the detector have major impact on the detector performance. Observe the following notes:

  • If the gas supply pressure is varying or dropping below the specified pressure range, it can impair the performance of the detector or even damage the detector.
  • Non-volatile hydrocarbons, such as compressor oils, in the gas supplied to the detector can cause permanent damage to the detector.
  • If the supply gas is contaminated with particles, water vapor or other non-volatile substances, it can impair the performance or even damage the detector.
  • Observe all requirements and specifications for the supply gas in this manual to avoid damage to the detector.

Make sure that the location fulfils the following requirements for the gas supply:

  • The gas supply and the gas supply pressure for the detector must meet the gas specifications. See Performance Specifications.

  • Make sure that the gas supply is regulated to a stable gas pressure that is within the specified gas pressure range.

  • The gas supplied to the detector must be either air or nitrogen. Do not use helium or other supply gases.

  • Nitrogen gas (typically ≥ 95% nitrogen purity) is recommended for most applications. Air may be used when working with mobile phases of low combustibility.

  • With highly combustible mobile phases, such as tetrahydrofuran (THF) and other ethers or ketones, use only nitrogen as supply gas.

  • The use of a non-bottled gas source is recommended, such as

    • A nitrogen generator with suitable air compressor or with a suitable in-house air source

    • Medical-grade nitrogen from an in-house liquid nitrogen source

  • TIP

    Use of smaller compressed nitrogen cylinders or liquid nitrogen containers may be a quick and easy source of nitrogen during installation. However, it is not recommended for routine operation.

  • The gas consumption of the detector is typically ≤ 4 L/min.

  • The supply gas must be free from water vapor, free from particles, and must not contain non-volatile hydrocarbons, such as compressor oils.

    If necessary, use a sub-micron particle filter or carbon filter in combination with a water condensation trap located close to the gas source.

  • Make sure that the gas supply is ready for operation. Follow the instructions in the User Documentation for the gas supply.