GE Analytical Instruments ©2006 12-16 DLM 14291 Rev. A
Cleaning of the IFD Filter
If the liquid passes out of the purge vessel, it will be blocked by the IFD filter.
Most often this is the result of injection of samples containing protein, causing the
reagent to foam into the filter. While running samples, observe the IFD filter to
check if liquid is present in the filter. While the filter will initially block liquid
from the reaction cell, the vacuum will eventually draw the liquid through the
filter. If there is liquid in the tubing on the outlet of the IFD filter (and therefore
liquid in the reaction cell) it will be necessary to clean the reaction cell as
described in Chapter 15 to remove the contamination. Whenever there is liquid in
the IFD filter, remove the liquid and clean the filter as described below.
• Remove the plastic nut and tubing on the inlet of the filter (the side with two
ports) to bring the filter to atmospheric pressure and then remove the nut and
tubing from the outlet of the filter. Remove the cap on the Luer port and use a
syringe (10 – 50 cc) with a Luer adapter to draw the liquid out of the filter.
• Use a wash bottle filled with water to rinse the filter by squirting water in the
port where the tubing is connected, letting the water flow out the Luer port.
• After rinsing, use the syringe to remove the remaining liquid.
• Repeat the rinsing and withdrawal of liquid until the filter is clean
• Allow the filter to dry before reinstalling the filter in the NOA.
• After drying, reconnect the tubing to the filter and replace the Luer cap.
• Make sure the inlet side of the filter (the side with two ports) is connected to
the tubing coming from the purge vessel.
It is strongly recommended to have a supply of replacement filters. Replacement
filters are available from Sievers (AFL 01400) and also available from most
laboratory supply houses. Two styles of IFD filters are sold by the supply houses,
the polypropylene filter used in the NOA and a nylon filter. Always use the
polypropylene filter with the NOA.
Long-term maintenance of the purge vessel and bubbler
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