Maximise your AKTA Avant performance by incorporating regular maintenance checks to your operating procedures. Minor issues, like kinked tubing or a blocked inline filter, can adversely affect instrument performance.
In addition to the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) guidelines, we have developed a checklist to support routine inspections:
Daily (before use)
- Calibrate the pH monitor prior to use. Use two different buffers and follow the unicorn on-screen instructions which can be found via System Control, select Calibrate and choose pH from the drop-down menu.
- Inspect the drip tray for liquid, which may indicate a potential leak. If a leak is suspected, check rinse and flow system connections.
- Perform system wash & cleaning methods before and after use and store in 20% ethanol.
- Inspect peek tubing for kinks, as these can impact results and lead to increased back pressure within the system.
Weekly
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Replace the rinse solution to prevent bacterial growth, using 20% ethanol. Fill the rinse tube with approximately 50ml and monitor the volume when changing the solution each week. A noticeable drop in volume may indicate a sealing issue which will need to be investigated further.
- Check the tubing connections for a build-up of salt deposits. Excessive accumulation may indicate a leak, which, if left, could lead to a connector snapping during future disassembly.
- Verify the pressure monitors. Disconnect the tubing connected to the relevant monitor and confirm the zero-pressure reading is within ±0.02MPa. If the reading is outside this range calibration is required which can be performed via the Calibrate tab in unicorn and selecting the required sensor from the drop-down menu.
- Replace the inline filters (Cytiva part number – 18102711).
- Inspect & clean the built-in fraction collector. Move the fraction collector to the cleaning position via System Control, Manual menu and click Execute Manual Instructions. Remove the cassettes and waste funnel and wash thoroughly with water and a mild cleaning agent. Check the fraction collector chamber for any excess liquid build-up, and wipe it down with 20% ethanol. Any excessive fluid accumulation may highlight blocked or poorly sited waste tubing.
- Clean the fraction collector sensors using 20% ethanol and allow to dry before use.
- Wipe down the exterior of the instrument, paying attention to the tubing connection points and pumps.
Monthly
- Verify & adjust the flow restrictor according to instructions found on page 265 of the AKTA Avant User Manual.
- Check the pump flow restrictor function. Start by priming the inlet lines of each pump with water, then disconnect ports 2A, 2B, and 2S individually. Observe whether a steady flow of water exits from each port. A constant flow known as siphoning, suggests that the flow restrictors may require cleaning or replacement.
6 Monthly
- Clean the UV flow cell. Use 10% detergent solution and fill the flow cell. Leave for 20 minutes and then flush with distilled water.
- Replace the pH electrode and calibrate before use.
- Inspect & clean the built-in fraction collector door seal. Clean the door seal and visually inspect for signs of wear and damage. If any damage is observed, the seal should be replaced to prevent potential internal leakage, which could cause further damage to the instrument’s components.
- Consider performing a system test & a built-in fraction collector test every six months to verify the pumps, monitors and fraction collector are functioning within specification.
12 Monthly
Annual Preventive Maintenance (PM) is recommended and should include some of the following items:
- Pump seal kit replacement
- Mixer O-ring replacement
- Filter replacement
- UV & conductivity verification
- Performance tests
As with other AKTA instruments, you can use automated maintenance notifications in UNICORN to set reminders for any of the checks listed. Instructions for setting up these reminders can be found on page 251 of the AKTA Avant User Manual. You may also add additional inspections and tests to your Preventive Maintenance (PM) schedule, or perform these checks more frequently if needed. To determine the appropriate maintenance level and frequency for your instrument, consider the following factors:
- Instrument Use - Is your instrument in use 5+ days a week? Are there prolonged periods of down time?
- Process Criticality - What is the potential impact and cost implication if your instrument fails during operation?
- Compliance - Is your instrument compliant and maintained accordingly to satisfy (OEM) recommendations?
At Service Lab, we offer customised maintenance solutions for your AKTA Avant instrument. Feel free to contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
The provided publication 'ÄKTA Avant User Manual' is for information purposes only. © Copyright Cytiva – Reproduced by permission of the owner.
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