Chromatography Forum

OK folks, here's something a little different.

I have some obsolete HPLC instrumentation that is still operational (Waters 616 / 717 / 996) and for nothing more than a laugh - or possibly a Youtube video - I'd like to investigate possible artistic applications of these machines. I have a bunch of ideas but would like to hear yours if you'd like to share it. Any ideas used will be credited, should I actually use them.

For those of you unfamiliar with them, the Waters 616 is a quaternary pump with low pressure mixing, the 717 is an autosampler (this one is equipped with a sample chiller), and the 996 is a photodiode array detector and each of these instruments have multiple outlets (switches, inject start, analog outputs on the PDA, etc...). I don't have a CDS yet, but I do have a spare PC, might also have a fraction collector, and an old overhead projector too.

I know it's stupid, but it could be fun. Any ideas?

Please email them to christopher dot m dot judd at gmail dot com

I'll bet the 616 can mix up one nice margarita...

I take exception to the arbitrary use of the word "obsolete". We're still using 717 and 996 units on a regular basis.

Take it easy, friend.

I'm going to have some fun with these machines but please be assured that I will do no harm to them and please don't yell at me for calling them machines...I know some around here hate that, too.

I have great affection for them; they've been enormously reliable but they've been replaced by instrumentation that's more contemporary and in-line with what's being used in our QC laboratories and with other instruments in my lab, therefore within the context of my own laboratory they are obsolete. That's not arbitrary and I wasn't using the term as a pejorative. Would you prefer "retired"?

The 616 was a "rescue" that I pulled from a pile to be discarded, then ran for a decade. I am the original and ONLY user of the 717, which was purchased in 1993 and runs perfectly. The 996 was an Ebay purchase. I bought it in non-running condition and repaired it.

After I'm done having my fun, I'll either donate them to a local school, or perhaps keep them as a backup system; I've not decided.

Technically a 996 PDA is obsolete in the sense that Waters no longer support it, but there's nothing too obsolete about its performance, and I'd guess there are lots in use. It'd be interesting to know how many there are compared to the number of Acquity systems in use.

but have you tried mixing that Margarita?
do not let your boss catch your HPLC while working and drinking

I know one guy that did use an old SD-1 prep pump to adjust the injection valves of his diesel car

regards
Chris