How to fix common waste drain line issues on ExionLC AE and Shimadzu LC-40 systems

For research use only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

Issue Description

For the ExionLC AE and Shimadzu LC-40 systems, all waste liquid is collected in the drain port at the front of the instrument and discharged using the waste drain line. If this drain line is not installed correctly, this can cause a leak, or the system will show a leak sensor or gas sensor error.

Symptoms: If the waste drain line has been incorrectly installed, you may see the following issues:

• Liquid waste can back up out of the waste port and spill onto the floor
• A leak sensor error may occur due to liquid waste leaking from the overflow port and collecting in the tray
• A gas sensor error may occur if the drain tubing from the column oven is connected to the autosampler waste container

Resolution

1) Check that the drain tube is not bent. If it is bent, the inner diameter might be damaged, and the waste liquid may not pass through it.

2) Check that the drain tube is hanging straight down. If it hangs down in a U shape, the liquid will collect at the bottom of the tube. This causes the flow to decrease and the liquid to overflow from the back of the drain port into the leak sensor area of the tray.

3) Check that the horizontal part of the drain tube to the end of the lab bench is 100 mm or less. If it is too long, the waste liquid will not flow smoothly through the tubing.

4) Check that the waste drain tube sits above the waste liquid level in the container. If it is below the liquid level, the waste will not be able to drain out through the tubing.

5) Check that separate waste containers are used for the drain tubing from the column oven and the autosampler. If the same waste container is used for both sets of tubing, you may observe gas sensor errors.