Prepare the flow-through cell for sampling
This section explains how to connect the flow-through transmission cell for manual operation using a syringe to fill the cell.
Materials required:
- Small volume of heptane or isooctane
- Clean 10 ml Luer-Lok syringe (latex and silicone-oil free)
- Powder-free nitrile gloves
- Safety glasses
Figure 1-1: Plumbing for flow-through manual operation
The stainless steel cell has an internal volume of about 0.2 ml and is pressure rated to 100 psi.
The following table gives the labels on the items shown in the preceding illustration. Tubes labeled “Long” can be used in place of the regular tube if greater length is desired.
| Description (all tubing is 1/8 in OD; 1/6 in ID) | Label |
| 6-inch tube | Syringe to cell |
| 20-inch tube | Syringe to cell (long) |
| 28-inch tube, beveled end | Cell to waste |
| 60-inch tube, beveled end | Cell to waste (long) |
| Luer-Lok adapter | Fittings |
| 10 ml Luer-Lok™ Syringes (latex and silicone-oil free) | 10 ml BD-™ Luer-Lok™ syringe2 |
BD is either a trademark or a registered trademark of Becton, Dickonson and Company in the United States and/or other countries.
To connect the cell tubing for manual operation
- Connect one end of the 6-in (or 20-in) tubing to the desired cell inlet port (top or side). Tighten the connector finger tight.
- Insert the sealed plug (provided) into the unused inlet port and tighten it finger tight.
The plug has three components that fit together to provide a leak-proof seal. Make sure the flat end of the pin and the flat end of the ferrule face out as shown below.
Figure 1-2: Flow-through cell plug components
| A | Body |
| B | Pin (flat end faces out) |
| C | Ferrule (flat end faces out) |
- Screw the wide end of a Luer-Lok tube-to-syringe (white) adapter to the other end of the inlet tubing and tighten the adapter finger-tight. The narrow end of the adapter fits the 10 ml Luer-Lok syringes.
Figure 1-3: FTRN accessory ports
| A | Slide inlet port |
| B | Cell outlet port |
| C | Top inlet port |
| D | Tube-to-syringe adapter |
- Screw the adapter end of the 28-in (or 60-in) tubing to the cell outlet port and tighten it finger tight.
- Route the free (beveled) end of the outlet tubing to your waste receptacle.
- Fill a clean 10 ml Luer-Lok syringe with about 2 ml of heptane or isooctane and use it to leak test the cell plumbing.
 |
Splash hazard. Avoid applying excessive pressure to the flow-through cell (via the syringe). Sudden leaks can cause a splash hazard for skin and eyes. |
Screw the end of the syringe into the Luer-Lok adapter on the flow cell inlet tubing and slowly inject enough liquid to fill the cell. Continue injecting until the liquid starts to flow into the outlet tubing.
Tighten any connections that are leaking fluid. All connections should be finger tight.
If the plug leaks, refer to the previous section for a diagram of how the plug components fit together.
- If desired, inject a syringe full of air through the cell to remove the heptane.