Installation instructions for Bottom-of-the-Bottle™ solvent filters

The Bottom-of-the-Bottle™ Solvent Filter Assemblies (A-550 & A-551) supplied by Biotech Fluidics allows solvent to be drawn from within 3.2 mm (1/8 inch) of the bottom of your solvent bottle. Their replaceable filter cups are manufactured from stainless-steel and comes in porosities of 2 µm or 10 µm, making this a popular and economical choice for inlet filtering to most types of liquid chromatography systems (HPLC & UHPLC).

With time, the filter cups will accumulate debris and become partly blocked. This may restrict the supply of solvent to the pump inlet leading to erroneous flow rates. Sometimes the pressure drop can even trigger outgassing and formation of bubbles within the solvent supply tubing. These are clear indications that the filter cups should be replaced, but to avoid issues altogether, replacement should be performed regularly at scheduled maintenance intervals.

Fortunately, the replacement procedure for the filter cup is quick and straightforward when the recommended steps are followed:

1. To attach the tubing to the filter, follow the Flangeless™ fittings instructions.
2. To replace the filter cup, simply loosen the lock nut slightly, then wiggle the filter cup while pulling in a downward fashion until the filter cup pops off the unit.
3. Gently replace the new filter cup on the unit and firmly seat the cup against the fluoropolymer seal.
4. Retighten the lock nut and replace in your solvent bottle.

Learn more about the Bottom-of-the-Bottle™ solvent filters with replaceable cups at the product pages, where also additional inlet filter options are presented. Or contact Biotech Fluidics for guidance and to discuss the requirements of your fluidic system setup.