Chromatography Forum

Hi folks,
One our solenoids (driving air actuated valves) on an Agilent 6890 seems to be coming to an end of its life. When trying to switch the valve, there is just air hissing from the exhaust of solenoids on the right hand side of the instrument. Pretty sure all is fine on the actuator/valve side as have swapped solenoids (we have two installed), and capped the tubing that goes into the actuator. Anyway just received a quote for a new solenoid: G1580-61095 Solenoid Valve, 4-Way ,1.8W 24VDC at £315 pounds (~500$).

I think that is quite high. Has anyone tried sourcing non official Agilent parts as alternatives. I was looking at these Humphrey valves:
http://www.lesker.com/newweb/gas_liquid ... enoids.cfm

The diagram for the stacked version 24VDC, 4-port valve (For double action valve actuators) seems to match to ones we have installed but cost only £50.
Has anyone ever used these?
Cheers, Nick

Are there seals or O-rings that could be replaced?

There are two O-rings on the side of the solenoid (as below) for air entry and exhaust. And the outlets to actuator on the top are push fit connectors (The one pictures is an older version we had lying around). I presume there could be a leak there. Will go and investigate.

Cheers, Nick

We had leaks from such O-ring seals every few years, from the heat, and we were able to replace the seals.

I will definitely give that a go. Cheers, Nick.