Pump Leak Rate Test
The Pump Leak Rate Test is a diagnostic test to check the integrity and tightness of the pump components. The test is started from the Services & Diagnostics section in the Agilent Lab Advisor Software. The test is first evaluating the tightness from the outlet valve downstream to the purge valve. First, the pistons are positioned; afterwards, the purge valve is switched to the closed position. By moving the secondary piston into the pump chamber, the system is pressurized to 1000 bar (or 800 bar for G7104C/G7131C). The flow rate to keep the pressure stable is the corresponding leak rate.
The second part of the test is designed to verify the tightness along the piston. Any irregularity on the piston surface (for example, scratches or deposits) will be detected. During this test, all components from the inlet valve downstream to the blocked purge valve are tested.
Now the primary piston is moving to deliver and generate pressure, and the secondary piston is retracting. The pressure is kept constant at 800 bar. The process is repeated for the second pump head, if applicable.
The Pump Leak Rate Test can also be performed at various pressures comparable to the pressure used during analysis. The procedure above describes the test using High Pressure. Other pressures available for the Pump Leak Rate Test are: Mid Pressure (600 bar secondary leak rate test, 600 bar primary leak rate test (N/A for G7104C/G7131C)) and Low Pressure (200 bar secondary leak rate test, 200 bar primary leak rate test).
Preparations:
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Flush the system with HPLC grade water for several minutes from any solvent channel.
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Start the Pump Leak Rate Test from Lab Advisor.
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Choose the channel with HPLC grade water and if you want to include or skip an additional purging step.
Click OK and follow the instructions.
The test runs automatically without any further user interaction.
Evaluation:
The result as well as the applied limits are displayed after the automatic evaluation. The limits are:
The allowed leak limit for the secondary piston is ≤ 3 µL/min
The allowed leak limit for the primary piston is ≤ 30 µL/min
A report can be displayed, saved or printed by opening it with the Print Result button at the lower right of the screen.
If the test does not pass, check the system for leaks or call a local Agilent representative.
Static (secondary) Leak Test and Dynamic (primary) Leak Test show a typical test run.
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