Cannot Prime/Purge My IC Pump (No Flow)

Issue

Cannot prime and/or purge the IC pump. There is no flow seen on the system. 

Environment

Ion Chromatography; All Pump Models

Resolution

1.     To begin, place several paper towels under the pump to catch any eluent that may drain as you troubleshoot.

2.     Open the purge valve and remove the purge waste line (see Figure 1, circled in red):

     Figure 1:           

                 3000/5000/6000 Series                        1100/1600/2000/2100 Integrated Series

3.       Using the software, attempt to purge/prime the pump. 

(Note: Observe the drip rate coming out of the pump. A consistent drip rate of a few drops per second should be seen.) 

4.     If the drip rate seen is inconsistent; check the eluent bottle on the system for a white eluent filter.  If this filter is found on the line, remove and discard it.

(Note: Thermo does not recommend these eluent filters to be used when running with water only, due to the high opportunity for microbial growth.)

5.     Repeat steps 2 and 3.

 

6.     If still no flow is seen (or there is still an inconsistent drip rate), place a (tan colored) union on the system to bridge the degasser connections together (see Figure 2, blue circled areas,  in the pump photos seen below). 

7.     Repeat steps 2 and 3.

(Note: This is done to take the degasser chamber out of the flow path.  See tan colored union here:  )

 

8.     If there is still no flow seen (or there is still an inconsistent drip rate), place another (tan colored) union on the system to bridge the eluent shutoff solenoid valve (see Figure 2, red circled areas, in the pump photos seen below).

9.     Repeat steps 2 and 3.

(Note: When system pressure does increase, and flow returns to the system with the unions in place, remove the union(s) and purge/prime the system again.)

 

Figure 2: IC pump types

1100/1600/2000/2100

Integrion:

3000/5000/6000:

Analysis

An inconsistency in the drip rate indicates three possible problems: i. There is air in the system.   ii. The degasser chambers are clogged and/or leaking.   iii. There is a bad eluent shutoff solenoid valve.

Cause

Air, Clogged degasser chambers, leaking degasser, bad eluent shutoff/solenoid valve, pistons are not seated on magnet, valves may be installed upside down, leaking pump seals.