Chromatography Forum

hi i had a problem notified many time i.e my waters2487/2489 with empower database HPLC system shows an error "lost prime" what it is and how can i solve this problem?

hi i had a problem notified many time i.e my waters2487/2489 with empower database HPLC system shows an error "lost prime" what it is and how can i solve this problem?

You have air somewhere in the solvent lines that is causing a pressure drop in your system which empower is saying is a loss of prime.

Make sure your mobile phase(s) are full degassed

If you have a Waters 2695/2795 separations module:

Go through the "Dry Prime" procedure on all your solvent lines (including unused ones. Follow with a "wet prime" on all lines. then reactivate the method and monitor.

If you have an standard HPLC pump thoroughly purge the solvent lines and check the pump heads for possible airlocks

also a stucked check valve will produce this failure

if no solvent comes out of the purge valve (on alliance systems), then remove the check valve and replace it or at least do some thorough cleaning by use of a ultrasonic bath.
If you are mixing methanol and water and the problem persists, a) have your degasser checked and b) do some additional helium sparging of your solvents prior you put them on the system.

Another possiblity could be a clogged in-line filter. If you have an extra one replace it if not you can clean it by sonication for a temporary solution. Most filter clogs tend to be buffer related so I use a (90/10 water/organic).