Troubleshooting Pneumatic Microfluidizer Processors

The following are answers to frequently asked questions regarding Microfluidizer® pneumatic processors. To download a pdf file of this document, click here

1. MACHINE WILL NOT PRIME:

• If liquid level in reservoir, is seen as rising and falling, remove inlet check valve for inspection of ball and ball seat o-ring. On HC 2,5,8 and M-110T units, the outlet check valve ball seat o-ring must also be inspected.
• Ensure that outlet check valve attached to priming valve is properly installed with the directional arrow pointing upward. Does not apply to M-110L, M-110S, and or HC units.
• Ensure that Air-motor is cycling slowly during priming. 20-25psi on air regulator.
• Using the MPPC, attempt to initiate a prime, by manually pushing the liquid through. This will help break the presents of air bubbles within the piping.
• With the unit cycling slowly, close then open priming valve. Repeat two to three times.
• Ensure that priming valve is properly installed.
• For further assistance, call Microfluidics at 800-370-5452.

2. PRODUCT LEAKING FROM ISOLATOR HOLES:

• Replace plunger seal assembly.

3. OPERATING PRESSURE IS NOT OBTAINABLE:

• Using distilled water check the chamber flow-rate by setting the pressure to 10k psi or the maximum obtainable pressure. Collect the sample for one minute and compare results to data in manual. If the flow-rate has increase to 20%, the chamber will require replacement.

• Confirm that the plunger seals and Check valves are holding pressure. Place a plug into the outlet of the interaction chamber. Open priming valve and cycle Air-motor until the unit is primed. After a prime has been confirmed, close the priming valve when the air motor is on a down ward stroke. The air motor at this time will stop.
Proceed by increasing the process pressure to 15kpsi. For HC units, 2, 5, or 8k psi.
• Confirm a liquid level in reservoir and that the machine has not lost its prime.
• Confirm that there is sufficient air pressure and flow to Air-motor.
• Ensure that air is not leaking pass isolator gasket and or slipper seals.

4. AIR MOTOR WILL NOT CYCLE:

• Check for clogged chamber. Refer to clogged chamber procedures.
• Ensure that in house air supply valve is open. If using bottled air or nitrogen, ensure there is sufficient pressure in tank.
• Remove bowl on bottom of air regulator, ensure that condensate is not present. If so, Air-motor shall require and overall. In addition, the in house air compressor shall require a dryer or incandescent filter.
• For further assistance call Microfluidics at 800-370-5452.

6. SHORT PLUNGER SEAL LIFE:

• Review procedures in manual to ensure that plunger seal was properly installed.
• Check product compatibility table in manual with seal material. If product is abrasive, recommend quenching plunger with a compatibility solution.
• Inspect process plunger for score marks or pitting.
• If problems continue, call Microfluidics at 800-370-5452.

7. LEAKAGE FROM TEE AND ELBOW WEEP HOLES:

• Stop Air motor operation.
• Open priming valve and deplete pressure within process piping.
• Remove the leaking fitting and inspect tee, elbow, and or nipple for wire draw or score marks.
• Ensure that collar on the high pressure nipple is exposing two to three threads.
• Install and build pressure. Check for leakage.
• If leakage continues. Call Microfluidics at 800-370-5452.