I've been having trouble with my guard columns leaking on my 492 Procise
for sometime now. Whenever I replace a guard column, I must replace the
guard column seals (the newer, dark-colored ones) at the same time or
I'll always get a leak. When I change the seals and guard column
together, they usually hold at first (and I check it constantly for
leaks) but... sure as the sun will shine, over time the leak returns (as
indicated by white crusty build-up in the seam of the guard column
holder). The column pressure on my system reads normal so I don't think
it's column back pressure causing the leak. I have tried many ways to
fix it. I've replaced the guard column holder about 5 times with no
success (as recommended by tech support & service engineers). I've
tried different lots of seals. I've tried some of the older white
seals. I've tried different lots of guard columns and, while I may get
a temporary fix, it seems over the course of a few weeks to 2 months the
leak comes back. I thought maybe I was replacing seals incorrectly, but
my service engineers have replaced them on several occassions with the
same results -eventually a leak. I believe this weak spot is the
source of erratic dips that I see in my baseline which is especially
problematic for low level samples. I have not been able to resolve this
problem for about a year. I'm wondering if anyone has any helpful hints
regarding this frustrating problem. Thanks.
--Margie
Margie Whitton
Parke-Davis Pharmaceutical
Division of Warner-Lambert
Ann Arbor, MI
Margie.Whitton@wl.com
734-622-2807