Replacing solvent bottle filters

Replace solvent bottle filters when unexpected results caused by contamination are observed.

Solvent filters are critical clean parts that protect your system from contamination. A clogged solvent bottle filter can cause weak or intermittent loss of prime, a bad gradient profile, retention time shifts, and broad peaks. A contaminated solvent bottle filter can cause a contamination peak.

Required tools and materials

• Chemical-resistant, powder-free gloves
• Protective eyewear
• Solvent bottle filters, 6-pack (700013884)

To replace the solvent bottle filters:

1. Remove the filtered end of the solvent tubing from the solvent bottle.
2. Remove the old filter from the short piece of fluoropolymer tubing.
   Note: Do not remove the solvent tubing from the solvent bottle cap.
3. Insert the new filter into the fluoropolymer tubing, pushing until it contacts the solvent tubing.
   Notes:

   • Titanium solvent filters are identified by "Ti" on the top surface of the filter.
   • Titanium is subject to corrosion in anhydrous methanol, which you can avoid by adding a small amount of water (approximately 3%). Slight corrosion is possible when ammonia is >10%. If using an Alliance iS Bio HPLC system, you can alternatively remove the titanium filter sinkers (the system loses its first line of protection from particulates) or replace them with stainless steel sinkers if your analysis is unaffected by biocompatibility considerations.
4. Insert the filtered end of the solvent tubing into the solvent bottle.
5. Shake the solvent tubing to remove any air from the filter.
6. Submerge the entire filter in the solvent.
7. Prime the pump. See Priming the pump.