Pressure Issues using AKTA and FPLC column

[kmeehan]

Hi,

I have been using the AKTA (GE) system to run my Beckman FPLC affinity column for quite some time now with very few issues. Today for the first time, I have 0 pressure. I have checked for flow (I see visible droplets and thus flow). If I crank up the flow rate, I see minimal pressure but I used to see nice pressure at 0.5ml/min and now I see 0mPA.

Comments, help....anything!!!

Thanks

[tom jupille]

First the obvious: actually measure the flow rate. You may be seeing a few droplets at the outlet and still have a massive leak upstream.

If the flow is correct and you are really showing 0 pressure, then your pressure transducer (or the connection to it) is the most likely problem.

[kmeehan]

Thank you for your response. We just measured the flow rate and, it is as expected.

We called GE and they suggest the column may be the issue. What do you think? I am about to attach an alternative column and see what happens.

If it is the pressure transducer, is there something that I can do to fix or am I left in the hands of GE?

[tom jupille]

It can't hurt to try swapping in a different column.

If it is the transducer, and the instrument is under warranty / service contract, then it's GE's problem. If it's out of warranty, the question is one of how comfortable you are tearing into your system, and what's the value of your time.

Speaking personally, I enjoy the challenge, but then I've left 30 years' worth of burnt-out circuit boards in my wake