AKTA Ready Service & Repair
You rely on your equipment. Your equipment should rely on ATG.
Analytical Technologies Group specializes in the maintenance and repair AKTA™ chromatography systems, including the AKTA™ Ready single-use system. Because all of our attention is dedicated to only a few product lines, our service engineers have exceptional knowledge of the AKTA™ and other lines we service. We maintain stock of many parts so that we are prepared to solve your instrument troubles on short notice to minimize your downtime. We offer competitively priced service contracts which help ensure your AKTA™ Ready has a long and trouble-free life.
You rely on your equipment. Your equipment should rely on ATG. Contact us and see why over 4,000 other customers do.
Tips for keeping your AKTA™ Ready in good working order:
Always keep the instrument and area around it clean of dust and keep the instrument free of chemical stains. It is much easier to keep the outside area clean than it is to troubleshoot and clean components when a failure occurs. The outside of the cabinet can be cleaned with a mild detergent or a 70% alcohol solution and wiped dry. Salt buffer spilled at valves should be carefully rinsed with water then wiped dry.
pH calibration should be performed daily using fresh pH buffer solutions. Sanitize the pH electrode with 70% ethanol after calibration.
If liquid is spilled into the pump, it should be cleaned with water then wiped dry.
The air filter should be changed annually.
The pressure sensors should be calibrated annually or any time the pressure sensors deviate by more than ±0.20 bar. This requires a special pressure calibration cell and a suitable pump. Contact us for service if you do not have these components.
Flow meter calibration should be performed any time flow readings are not zero under no flow conditions or there are discrepancies between calculated and actual liquid consumption. To recalibrate the flow meter, ensure the system is in End mode and the flow kit is filled with liquid. In UNICORN™ system control, select System, then Calibration, then FlowCalib, and start the calibration by pressing Start Calibrate. If calibration does not fix the issue, your system’s flow meter likely requires replacement.
Test the temperature sensor annually. This is done using a calibrated temperature meter inserted into pressure cell PT112 via a “temp test tool” and running a flow of 50%. The temperature reading in UNICORN™ should be the same as the reading of the temperature meter.
Having technical problems with your AKTA™ Ready?
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.
AKTA™ Ready Troubleshooting Tips:
hile small amounts of air will be caught by the air trap, large amounts of air will result in an “Uncertain flow“ error message. Check for damaged tubing or connectors. Ensure the TC gasket has not been dislocated. Ensure the inlet hose is properly immersed in liquid. Check for kinks in flow path tubing. Once any flow path issue is rectified, remove any remaining air by running the “ManFlow” command in UNICORN™, then restart the run.
If UNICORN™ displays the warning "Fine tuning flow meter failed," you may need to lubricate the flow meter cell. Finish the current run, then pause the system and remove the transducers. Wipe the transducer contact surfaces and apply a layer of Vaseline to them. Replace the transducers.
If you receive a “Valve error,” check the valve locks and close them if necessary. Ensure the valve is in the open position before attempting to close the manual valve lock.
If flow is irregular and seems to be pulsating, your liquid may be too viscous or the pump speed may be too slow. Ensure your liquid is no more than 2.5 cP and / or try increasing the set pump speed.
If the pump is not working at all, check to ensure that there an inlet valve and outlet valve are open. Check to ensure the pump lid is properly attached.
Low or no flow could have a number of causes. Check to ensure you are using the correct inlet and that there is liquid in the inlet container. Ensure the inlet container is not placed low relative to the pump. Check the flow kit tubing for damaged or kinked tubing. If none of those seem to be the problem, the pump motor could be slipping from the drive shaft, in which case your system will require service.
If there is excessive pressure in the flow kit, you likely need to purge the air vent. Press the air vent button on the system cabinet.
A drifting UV signal, or a UV signal which does not return to zero, could be caused by moisture condensing on the flow cell window or process liquid which is too cold (< 10°C).
Components inside the AKTA™ Ready cabinet should not be tampered with aside from by trained service personnel. Do not try to access, repair, or replace any components inside the cabinet on your own.
