Regular maintenance checks improve ÄKTA Prime Plus performance and help prevent breakdowns. Minor issues can impact reliability and operational efficiency.
Please use this simple checklist for guidance to perform routine inspections:
Daily (before use)
- Perform a system wash before and after use. When the system is not in use, store in 20% ethanol.
- Inspect the peek tubing. Twisted or kinked tubing can induce additional back pressure within the system.
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Calibrate the pH monitor (if installed) following the procedure described in the ÄKTA Prime Plus User Manual (page 141).
Weekly
- Clean the fraction collector sensor. Using a cloth or swab soaked in 20% ethanol, gently wipe down the sensor and allow to dry before use.
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Visually inspect the tubing connections for a build-up of deposits. Substantial build-up may indicate a leak, and can potentially lead to a snapped connector when removed at a later occasion.
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Clean the inlet filters (replace if necessary). Remove and soak in 1M NaOH for up to 20 minutes. Rinse with deionised water before refitting.
- Clean the instrument, paying attention to tubing connections and pump head.
Monthly
- Check the UV monitor. Select check - lamp intensity and confirm the lamp intensity values are greater than the specified limits.
- 254 nm = R>300mV
- 280 nm = R>150mV
- 214 nm = R>150mV
Refer to the table below for lamp run time hour limits. Replace the lamp If the values fall outside the stated limits.
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Verify the flow restrictor following instructions found on page 121 of the AKTA Prime Plus User Manual.
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Verify and calibrate the pressure sensor. Disconnect the tubing connected to the pressure sensor and confirm the zero-pressure reading is within ±0.02MPa. If needed, perform zero pressure calibration via the Setup and calibration menu and select Set zero pressure to calibration.
6 Monthly
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Perform pump calibration (optional). Purge the pump with deionised water. In the Setup and Calibration menu select Start Pump Calibration and enter a flow rate ideally in the range of 25ml/min. Measure the collected volume and enter the value on the screen.
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Clean the UV flow cell. Fill the flow cell with a 10% detergent solution and let it sit for 20 minutes. Rinse the flow cell with distilled water.
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Consider performing a system test to confirm the system is operating within specifications.
12 Monthly
Annual Preventive Maintenance (PM) should consist of the following checks and tests,
- Pump seal kit replacement
- Replacement drive sleeve (if required)
- Pump Calibration
- Monitor verification
- Performance test
Maintenance Intervals
| System component | Interval |
|---|---|
| Pump seals | 2000 hrs or every 12 months |
| Buffer & Injection valves | 50,000 valve shifts |
| Hg Lamp (280nm) | 7000 hrs (room temerature), 2000 hrs (coldroom temperature) |
| Hg Lamp (254nm) | 3500 hrs (room temerature) |
| Zn lamp (214nm) | 2000 hrs (room temperature) |
| UV Filter (280nm) | 4000 hrs |
Depending on system usage, checks may need to be performed more or less frequently. We provide customized maintenance solutions, repairs, and replacement parts for ÄKTA Prime Plus systems. Contact us today to discuss your requirements.
The provided publication 'ÄKTA Prime Plus User Manual' is for information purposes only. © Copyright Cytiva – Reproduced by permission of the owner.
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