BUCHI SpeedExtractor E-916 - Manual (Page 88)

8 Troubleshooting
88 SpeedExtractor E-916/E-914 Operation Manual, Version D
8.2.4 Inspecting the lines (flow test)
Go to SERVICE FUNCTIONS  FLOW. Define the parameters
using the selection knob. Press START to start with the flow
test.
• Place empty extraction cells (no sand, no expansion element,
no plug screw) into the heating block and empty vials in the
collection rack (see section 6.4.1). Close the cell and vial
lift manually (see section 8.2.5). Use the same solvent as
used during the extraction when the blockage occurred.
Note the value after the system runs stably, i.e. typically after
30 – 60 s.
• The pump runs at 50 mL/min and generates a certain
back pressure. If the position is not blocked, the max.
pressure will be 8 bar. If the position of the tested part of
the SpeedExtractor is blocked, the pressure will increase
and it will be necessary to release the pressure manually,
see section 8.1.3. Depending on the blocked part of the
SpeedExtractor it is necessary to perform several flow tests.
Proceed according to the following scheme to locate the
blocked part.
Test 1: Into vials with septa. If no pressure is built up, the
blockage during extraction was caused by the cell containing
the sample. If pressure builds up, a part inside the SpeedEx-
tractor is blocked. Release the pressure manually and continue
with test 2.
Test 2: Into vial without septa. If no pressure is built up, the
blockage is located between the vial and exhaust. The following
parts can be blocked: needles, tube from needle to exhaust,
or exhaust tube outside the unit. The needles or the exhaust
tube outside the SpeedExtractor can be exchanged following
the instruction in section 7.2.3. The tube from the needle to the
exhaust must be exchanged or cleaned by a service technician.
A leak test must be carried out to ensure the tightness of the
SpeedExtractor.
If pressure builds up, a part inside the SpeedExtractor is
blocked. Release the pressure manually and continue with
test 3.
Test 3: Into waste. If no pressure built up, the blockage is lo-
cated between outlet valve and vial. The following parts can be
blocked: outlet valve, capillaries, needles. The needles can be
exchanged by the operator (see section 7.2.3). The outlet valve
and the capillaries must be exchanged or cleaned by a service
technician. A leak test must be carried out to ensure the tight-
ness of the SpeedExtractor.
If pressure builds up, a part inside the SpeedExtractor is
blocked. Release the pressure manually and continue with
test 4.