Incorporating regular maintenance checks into your operating procedures can significantly enhance your ÄKTA Go performance and reduce the risk of breakdowns. Minor, manageable issues can have significant impact on your systems performance.
Along with OEM recommendations we’ve compiled a simple checklist for routine inspections:
Daily (before use)
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Calibrate the pH monitor (if installed) before use. Use two different buffers and follow the unicorn on-screen instructions which are found via the System tab, select Calibrate and pH from the drop-down menu.
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Inspect the drip tray for fluid, which highlights a potential leak. Check the rinse and flow system connections If a leak is suspected.
- Check the peek tubing for kinks, which can contribute to additional back pressure within the system flow path and lead to inconsistent results.
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Perform a system clean before and after use. Store in 20% ethanol if the instrument is not used for an extended period.
Weekly
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Replace the rinse solution with 20% ethanol to inhibit bacterial growth. Replenish the rinse tube with approximately 50ml. Observe the volume when changing the solution each week. A considerable drop in volume highlights a possible sealing issue which will require further investigation.
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Check the tubing connections for a build-up of deposits. Excessive build-up indicates a leak, and if left will potentially lead to a snapped connector when disconnected at a later occasion.
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Verify and calibrate the pressure monitors. Disconnect the tubing connected to the appropriate monitor and confirm the zero-pressure reading is within ±0.02MPa. Calibration is required for values outside this range, this can be performed via the Calibrate tab in unicorn and selecting the required sensor from the drop-down menu.
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Replace the inline filter (Cytiva part number – 18102711). Remove and install a new filter, and if necessary, clean or replace the support net.
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Clean the fraction collector & sensor (if equipped). Wipe down the covers and sensor with 20% ethanol, allow to dry before use.
Monthly
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Check the flow restrictor and adjust accordingly following instructions found on page 144 of the AKTA Go User Manual.
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Clean the instrument, paying attention to tubing connection points and pumps.
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Clean the mixer membrane. Remove the membrane from the mixer housing and sonicate in an ultrasonic bath with 20% ethanol for up to 10 minutes. Rinse with distilled water before re-installing.
- Verify the pump flow restrictor. Prime the inlet lines of each pump with water and disconnect port 2. Observe if a steady flow of water exits from the port. A constant flow (siphoning), indicates that the flow restrictor requires cleaning or replacing.
6 Monthly
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Clean the UV flow cell. Flush the flow cell with 10% detergent solution and allow the solution to sit in the flow cell for 20 minutes. Rinse the flow cell with distilled water afterwards.
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Replace the pH electrode and calibrate before use.
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Consider performing a system and mixer test every six months to verify the system components are functioning within specification.
12 Monthly
Annual Preventive Maintenance (PM) is advised and should consist of the following items,
- Pump seal kit replacement
- Mixer O-ring replacement & membrane cleaning
- Filter replacement
- UV & conductivity verification
- Performance tests
Additional inspections and tests can be included into your preventive maintenance (PM) schedule or conducted more frequently if needed, depending on instrument usage and process criticality. For example, an instrument used occasionally will require less frequent service checks compared to one used in a production environment. The latter may necessitate more frequent service intervals beyond an annual PM. To help determine the appropriate level of maintenance and frequency for your AKTA Go system, the following factors should be considered:
- Usage - Is your system in use 5+ days a week? Are there prolonged periods of down time?
- Process Criticality - What is the potential impact to the process and cost implication if your instrument fails during operation?
- Compliance - Is your instrument compliant and maintained accordingly?
At Service Lab, we provide customized maintenance solutions for your AKTA Go instrument. Contact today to discuss your requirements.
The provided publication 'ÄKTA Go User Manual' is for information purposes only. © Copyright Cytiva – Reproduced by permission of the owner.
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