This section gives information on any additional steps that are required to prepare the device for operation and sample analysis.

Before Operating the Device for the First Time

Prepare the device for the first-time operation, observing the following:

NOTICE

Flush the system flow path thoroughly before operating the device for the first time:

  • When you install devices or components to the system, always flush them to waste before connecting them in the system flow path. To flush the Vanquish modules, follow the instructions in the Vanquish System Operating Manual.
  • Some components of the device are filled with isopropanol when the device is shipped from the manufacturing site. When operating the device for the first time, use solvents that are miscible with isopropanol. If they are not, use an appropriate intermediate solvent.

  • To remove the isopropanol from the device components:

    • Verify that the flow cell and the column are not connected in the flow path.

    • Purge the pump and then have the pump deliver flow for a short time.

Before Starting Sample Analysis

Before starting an analysis:

  • Check the liquid level in the solvent reservoirs. Verify that the amount of solvent is sufficient for the analysis.

  • Close the doors of all modules in the Vanquish system, if not already done.

NOTICE

During pumping cycle keep the pump doors closed. Otherwise, functionality may be adversely impacted.

    • Make sure that the chromatography system is properly equilibrated (see further down).

    System Equilibration

    System equilibration should include the following operations:

    • Purging the pump (all channels, including those not used for the application)

    • Flushing the entire chromatography system with the starting solvent to rinse out any solvent from a previous analysis run

    • Warming up (or cooling down) all temperature-controlled devices in the system to the starting temperature. Temperature-controlled devices can be, for example

      • Column compartment and post-column cooler

      • Sample compartment thermostatting in the autosampler

      • Flow cell in a fluorescence detector

      • Evaporation tube in a charged aerosol detector

    • Turning on the lamp (or lamps) in the UV/VIS detector

    • Monitoring the pump pressure and pressure ripple and checking that the pressure is stable and the ripple within reasonable limits for the application

    • Monitoring the detector signal and checking whether the detector signal is stable so that the drift and signal noise are within reasonable limits for the application

    • Performing an autozero of the detector baseline

    TIP

    The Chromeleon software supports procedures for automatically starting a chromatography system in the software (Smart Startup). The startup procedure includes the operations for system equilibration. For details, refer to the Chromeleon Help.