Solvent System Services & Support

Refilling columns requires lab down time.

It is less expensive, $950 per set of 2.

You will have to remove and empty and ship the columns to our Nashua NH location.  We will process them and ship them up via freight to ensure safe transit and get them back to you. 

Please see how to safely remove and replace your columns HERE 

You will need to Provide list of Solvents and handle color assignments to PPT

Replacements $1450 per set of two

With replacement columns, there is no Lab downtime, you can receive new columns ready to go at your convenience and you can return the old columns to PPT in the shipping container you received your new columns with the return shipping label provided.

For either case, please provide list of Solvents and handle color assignments to PPT

What type of Solvents are needed for the system to produce the best results possible?

We don’t have a preferred vendor list, we recommend using HPLC or ACS grade with < 100 PPM of water content (unstabilized) noting some solvents have specific requirements

For DCM, we do recommend JT Baker Cat #9315-03 which is DCM quality DCM stabilized with Cyclohexene

Seal/Leak: Check Kegs for rust, contamination and leaks-you can try replacing the o-ring/seal, the lid, or you may need to replace the keg.

Rusted Keg: The keg for dichloroethane appears to be rusting, and the keg lid no longer seals properly, causing argon to leak from the keg. I am writing to inquire about replacements for the lid, and possibly the keg if necessary

Empty and clean the keg using 409 or Simple Green and a scour pad. If you can send us some pictures of the keg we can assess it for you.  Unfortunately, DCM is known to cause corrosion due to the HCL gas produced from it.  If the keg cannot be saved, we can quote a 316L Keg and recommend JT Baker DCM# 9315-03 stabilized with Cyclohexane, that will work best to prevent corrosion if that can work for your chemistry.

If you are noticing that your solvents are wet, you need to wait at least 48hrs after saturating the columns. Purge about a flask’s volume before testing.  

If you are noticing a decrease in the pressure of restricted flow of your solvent dispensing, Check the pressure gauge from your Argon tank to the system.

Reminder, with DCM you need to put a little more pressure on the system, around 12psi should work, and it can be bumped up to 13. Do not go above 14psi. 

Another checkpoint is making sure you are closing the bottom valve on the back column when not in use.  If not, solvents may be draining back into the keg and causing issues.

If you are noting a decrease in the pressure:

1. Remove and clean/replace the final filter
2. Blow compressed air through backwards
3. Sonicate it and put it back in

Additionally, leaks at the keg can impact flow.  If you have recently filed the keg, check that the o-ring is still good and that you have a tight seal.  Confirm you follow the proper procedure