Diagnostics (UltiMate 3000 Series)
General Leak Test

Run this test to check the pump system for leakage, especially the fittings. For this test, a Viper fitting plug is installed on the pump outlet and water is pumped through the system to generate high pressure. Afterward, the flow is turned off and the pressure loss per unit of time is measured.

 Notes:

For this test, the specified upper and lower pressure limits will be changed. However, user values will be restored at the end of the test.

Do not run this test if a leak is visible. In this case, reduce the flow rate to 0 ml/min and follow the instructions in the troubleshooting section in the operating instructions for the pump.

How to

  1. On the first test page, click Next to proceed with the settings required for the test.

     Tip: 

    If the Next button is not active on the first test page, the pump is not connected in Chromeleon or is in Standby mode. Connect the pump to Chromeleon before you continue by selecting the Connected check box. If the pump is in Standby mode, also clear the Standby check box.

  2. Optional: Enter a descriptive text in the Comments field, e.g., the reason why the test was performed.

  3. Prepare the pump. (Grayed test steps can be ignored.)

    1. Reduce the flow rate to 0 ml/min by clicking Execute. This will automatically set the flow to the required value.

    2. HPG pump only: Select the pump block to test.

    3. Select the eluent channel that contains water.

    4. Purge the pump if required. Click Purge and select the required settings in the Pump Purge dialog box. Click Yes if you have already purged the pump.

    5. HPG pump only: Disconnect the other pump block. For instructions on disconnecting the pump block from flow, refer to HPG-3x00A/M or HPG-3x00RS/SD pumps.

    6. Install the fitting plug on the pump outlet.

    7. Open the purge screw.

  4. Click Next to proceed to the next test step(s).

  5. The piston is moved to the target position. When you are asked to tighten the purge screw, do so and click Done. During the test phase that follows, pressure builds up in the pump.

  6. You are asked to temporarily open the purge screw again to reduce pressure. Afterward, confirm with Done. Click Next to go to the last wizard page where you can view the test result.

  7. To view or print the report with details of the analysis, click Finish and Preview Report. Click Finish to quit the test panel without viewing the report. For information about troubleshooting, click Open Troubleshooting Guide.

 Tips: 

If this test is performed for new piston seals, allow the seals to run in for several hours before you perform the test. Without this, the test result may not be accurate.

For an efficient failure analysis, Dionex recommends performing the General Leak Test before you perform the Detailed Leak Test.

 

For general information, refer to  Diagnostics (UltiMate 3000 Series).

For more diagnostics tests for UltiMate 3000 Pumps, refer to:

 Detailed Leak Test

 Performance Test

 General Leak Test (ISO-3100BM Pump)

 Detailed Leak Test (ISO-3100BM Pump)

 Detailed Leak Test (NCP-3200RS/NCS-3500RS - NC Pump)

 Outlet Frit Test/Mixer Frit Test

 Degasser Vacuum Test