AKTA FPLC Service & Repair

You rely on your equipment. Your equipment should rely on ATG.

Analytical Technologies Group specializes in the maintenance and repair of AKTA™ FPLC instruments, including the original AKTA™ FPLC, which was originally an Amersham Biosciences instrument. Between keeping stock of the most commonly needed parts and our knowledgeable, well-trained staff, we can ensure that your AKTA™ FPLC continues to serve you reliably for many years to come.

Join the over 4,000 customers who trust ATG to ensure their labs run smoothly.

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Tips for keeping your AKTA™ FPLC in good working order:

  • Regularly inspect the system and pump for leaks. Leakage indicates worn or damaged seals.

  • The system should not be left filled with buffer between uses and should be flushed with purified water after each use. If you are not using the separation unit for a few days, flush the flow path with distilled water, replace the column with a bypass capillary, and replace the pH electrode with the pH dummy electrode (if your system has a pH electrode). Finally, fill the system with 20% ethanol.

  • The pH electrode should be stored in a 1:1 mixture of pH 4 buffer and 2 M KNO3 when not in use.

  • Change the rinsing solution weekly. Only 20% ethanol should be used as a rinsing solution.

  • The system should be cleaned by a wash of 1 M NaOH followed by a wash of distilled water at least once a month.

  • If there is an increase in the volume of rinsing solution behind the pistons, that indicates internal pump leakage and the piston seals should be replaced.

  • Calibrate the pH electrode before each use if your system has one.

  • Check the inlet filters weekly.

  • Check that the flow restrictor generates the appropriate back-pressure of 0.2 ± 0.05 MPa. This should be done monthly.

  • Inspect all valves and check for leaks regularly.

Having technical problems with your AKTA™ FPLC?

 

Fast Response

We provide very prompt responses to customers within one business day.

Fast Turnaround

Our field service engineers are expediently dispatched across North America & Europe to fulfill your service request.

Expert Staff

ATG’s highly trained, highly skilled staff ensure your instruments remain in optimal condition.

Parts In Stock

To minimize instrument downtime, we stock virtually all parts for the systems in which we specialize.

 

Or Call Us At 860-449-0886

AKTA™ FPLC Troubleshooting Tips:

  • Most common measurement problems, such as baseline drift, ghost peaks, or general noise, are caused by the system being dirty or having air in it. When in doubt, clean the system and purge the lines. Ensure all buffers are thoroughly degassed before use. 

  • Ghost peaks in the UV curve could both be caused by a malfunctioning mixer. Check that it is functioning properly by placing a magnetic stir bar on top of the mixer housing; it should rotate when the system is in “Run” mode. Check that the correct chamber volume is being used.

  • A poor UV signal could also be caused by impure buffer. Purge the pump, run a system wash, and test the signal with ultrapure water to see if it gives a clean signal.

  • Conductivity baseline drift could be caused by a change in ambient temperature. If needed, use a temperature compensation factor. It could also be caused by leaks, improper mixer function, a dirty flow cell, or a non-equilibrated column.

  • Wavy conductivity gradients may be due to pump problems, although it can also be due to the mixing chamber. Contamination, insufficient chamber volume, and mixing motor failure can all be causes.

  • An incorrect or unstable conductivity reading could have a number of causes: A) the pump may not be operating properly, B) if temperature compensation is being used, the temperature sensor may not be calibrated or the temperature compensation factor may be incorrect, C) the column may not be equilibrated or may be dirty, D) the mixer may be malfunctioning, or E) the conductivity flow cell cable may not be connected properly.

  • Problems with the pressure curve could indicate a number of things. There could be air bubbles in the pump, in which case check for leaks and ensure there is sufficient eluent in the reservoirs. The pump valves may not be functioning properly, which may be solved by cleaning. The piston seal may be leaking and in need of replacement. The flow path could be blocked, which may be fixed by flushing it, replacing tubing, and / or filtering your buffers or samples prior to use.

Minimize Your Downtime

Or Call Us At 860-449-0886

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