Locate the task in the fluid path first
Arrows indicate task relationships, not that every component is connected in series in one tube. Check valve positions, pump wetted boundaries and operating states for each branch.
Use receiving ratio, target recovery and blanks as selection criteria, rather than unobstructed flow alone. Phase state, viscosity, materials and pressure all affect candidates. Check the first sample after maintenance as well.
Common product roles and application guides
| Product category | Role in this instrument |
|---|---|
| Syringe pump | Dilution and volumetric transfer |
| Air-displacement pipetting pump | Tip-based transfer and sample preparation |
| Multiport rotary valve | Routing samples, solvents and recovered products |
| Tubing connections and protection | Method-specified sample treatment or protection; complete transfer paths that retain the target |
Operating requirements differ by step
| Stage | Task category | Operating conditions to define |
|---|---|---|
| Automated dilution: establish ratios from actual delivery | Proportion-based preparation | Actual volumes of original sample, diluent or internal standard; concentrations at each stage; mixing and resampling conditions |
| Extraction and phase transfer: establish which phase contains the product | Separation and product recovery | Phase or solid phase to retain, waste and eluate destinations, aspiration height, allowable residue and analyte |
| Filtration: define its role in the method first | Protection and method conditions | Target components, pore size/material, filtration area, pressure drop, check-valve cracking pressure and leakage |
Automated dilution: establish ratios from actual delivery
Sample and diluent errors, shared-section residue and mixing all affect final concentration. After assessing delivered volume, check the ratio, spiking result or method response.
Extraction and phase transfer: establish which phase contains the product
Loading, washing and elution send liquids to different destinations. Record phase carryover, product loss and vessel residue to assess aspiration position and switching timing.
Filtration: define its role in the method first
Sample-processing filters and pump/valve protection filters may require different locations. Identify the analyte before choosing pore size and material. Measure blanks, recovery and the first sample after replacement.
Explore configurations through product application guides
Validate the complete cycle through application results
Evaluate ratio, mixing, blanks and target recovery at the receiving position.
| Step to validate | Measurements or observations | Priority troubleshooting checks |
|---|---|---|
| Automated dilution: establish ratios from actual delivery | Measure each branch's delivery, received ratio and mixing uniformity separately, then check assay response | Small-volume errors, shared residual liquid or inadequate mixing may alter the actual ratio |
| Extraction and phase transfer: establish which phase contains the product | Measure target recovery, phase carryover, blanks and residue | Incorrect aspiration position, phase carryover or surface adsorption may cause product loss. |
| Filtration: define its role in the method first | Evaluate targets before and after filtration, blanks, recovery or method-specified metrics. Check increasing pressure drop, backflow protection and recovery after replacement. | Clogging, adsorption, leaks or excessive cracking pressure can alter delivery or method results |
Filtration and extraction can change sample composition. Mechanical protection does not replace method-recovery validation.
Common selection and recovery questions
Should the pump be recalibrated immediately when diluted concentration is wrong?
Check sample and diluent delivery separately, then shared-section residue, mixing and resampling. Establish whether the issue concerns volume, composition or the method before making adjustments.
What determines aspiration height during extraction?
Identify the analyte-containing phase and retained or discarded destinations. Set actions using the interface, vessel geometry and residual liquid, then assess recovery and phase carryover.