Purging a Shimadzu Pump: A Step-by-Step Guide (2023)

Today, we're diving into the exciting world of lab consumables and equipment, specifically focusing on the Shimadzu HPLC pump. If you've ever wondered how to purge this piece of equipment, you're in the right place. So, let's get started and purge away any confusion!

Purging, in the context of lab equipment, is the process of flushing a lot of mobile phase through the system. This is crucial to get rid of any pesky bubbles that might be lurking in your system, causing a noisy baseline. And let's be honest, nobody likes a noisy baseline, right?

There are two main ways to purge your Shimadzu HPLC pump: the manual method and the software-based method. Let's break them down.

Manual Purging: The Hands-On Approach

In the manual method, you'll need to get up close and personal with your pump. Locate the drain valve - it's your first stop. Twist it to open it up. Now, the mobile phase can enter through the pump, ascend through the check valves, and make its way into the drain head. If the drain valve is open (which it should be if you're following along), the mobile phase will exit through the side and head off to waste.

To kickstart the purge, there's a button labeled "purge" on the pump. Give it a press, and the purge begins. Want to stop the purge? Just press the button again. It's as simple as that!

Software-Based Purging: The Tech-Savvy Method

If you're more of a tech enthusiast, the software-based method might be more up your alley. In this method, you don't usually need to open the drain valve as the purge happens through the auto sampler.

Navigate to the "auto purge" tab in the data acquisition section of the software. Here, you can select which mobile phases to use and set the purge time. You can also choose to purge the auto sampler and specify a warm-up time. Once you've set these parameters, save them as part of the method file. Now, every time you run your sample, these settings will be applied.

Batch Purging and Quick Shortcuts

The video also shows how to set up an auto purge for a batch within the real-time batch wizard. And for those who love a good shortcut, there are quick options for purging the auto sampler directly from the data acquisition section.

And there you have it! A comprehensive guide to purging your Shimadzu auto sampler and pump. Whether you're a hands-on lab tech or a software whiz, there's a method for you. So, go ahead and purge away, and say goodbye to those annoying bubbles and noisy baselines!

Remember, a well-maintained lab is a happy lab. Until next time, keep experimenting and exploring!