Replacing the TUV detector's flow cell

To prevent system errors, replace the TUV detector's flow cell any time it appears dirty, contaminated, or clogged.

Required tools and materials

• Chemical-resistant, powder-free gloves
• 1/4-inch flat-blade screwdriver
• HPLC-grade methanol
• HPLC-grade water
• Replacement flow cell

To replace the TUV detector's flow cell:

1. Open the TUV detector's door, gently pulling its right-hand edge toward you.
2. Disconnect the TUV detector’s inlet and outlet tubing.

   

   

   Outlet tubing

   

   Flow cell assembly

   

   Flow cell handle

   

   Thumbscrews (3)

   

   Inlet tubing

3. Remove and then, prior to storing, flush the flow cell:
   1. Using the screwdriver, loosen the three thumbscrews on the flow cell assembly’s front plate.
   2. Remove the flow cell by grasping its handle and gently pulling the assembly toward you.
   3. Before putting it into storage, Waters recommends that you flush the old flow cell. Select a solvent compatible with the samples and mobile phases that you have been using. If you have been using buffers, flush the cell with 10 mL of HPLC-grade water and then flush with 10 mL of a low-surface-tension solvent, such as methanol.
      Requirement: Ensure that the solvent used is miscible with the previous mobile phase.
4. Unpack and inspect the new flow cell, ensuring that the flow cell type is correct for your application.
   Note: When replacing the flow cell, replace the flow cell inlet tubing with the tubing included with the new flow cell.
5. Install the new flow cell:
   1. Align the flow cell assembly with the front of the opening, and then insert it slowly so that its two alignment receptacles (on the rear face of the front part of the cell flange) engage the pins in the cell compartment.
      Tip: As you insert the cell, its drip tray helps ensure proper alignment of the compartment's pins and the cell flange's receptacles.

      

      

      Thumbscrew (3)

      

      Flow cell handle (label underneath will differ depending on cell type)

      

      Compartment alignment pin (2)

      

      Cell flange alignment receptacle (2)

      

      Flow cell ID chip

      

      Drip tray

      

      Thumbscrew (3, rear view)

   2. Continue inserting the flow cell until the three thumbscrews align with their holes in the bulkhead.
   3. Hand tighten the thumbscrews, and then verify that the screws are secure using the screwdriver.
6. Connect the inlet tubing to the main column connection and flow cell inlet, and then connect the outlet tubing to the flow cell outlet.
7. Ensure that the flow cell is filled with degassed, transparent solvent (acetonitrile or water) that is free of air bubbles.
8. Power-cycle the system.
9. After the system is powered-on, on its touchscreen, tap Maintain > Calibrate Detector > Verify Calibration.
   Note: If verification fails, troubleshoot and reattempt verification. If verification still fails, tap Maintain > Calibrate Detector > Calibrate Wavelengths.