Automatically manage solvent use and so​​​​lvent waste 

Automated liquid level sensing allows you to manage your chromatography solvent use and solvent waste without babysitting the process. Level sensing improves lab safety by keeping waste containers from overfilling and spilling strong solvents into the work area, and assures precise, unadulterated purifications. 

• If strong solvent flow is interrupted, the sample sticks on the column without eluting.
• If the weak solvent is absent, the strong solvent causes all the peaks to elute at the same time.
• Level sensing stops air infiltration into the column.
• Level sensing saves time by saving runs and avoiding the need to duplicate efforts. 

Common types of sensors are optical, ultrasonic, radar, capacitance, weight-based (hydrostatic) and pressure-based, which can provide either point level detection (high/low alarms) or continuous measurement. ​

Functions a​​n​​d​ benefits

• Prevents running dry: Sensors detect when solvent levels are low and can send an alert before a run starts, preventing instrument damage and wasted time from running an analysis with insufficient mobile phase.
• Automated solvent management: Some systems, such as those from Teledyne LABS, alert you to a low solvent level before the start of a run.
• Eliminates waste container overflow: Waste level sensors alert users when the container is nearly full, preventing spills and data loss.
• Improved productivity: Level sensors prevent unexpected interruptions, to help maintain operation and avoid costly repeat analyses.  

The level sensor may be a standalone control unit, or, as is the case with Teledyne LABS chromatography instruments, integrated into the instrument's software.  The level sensor can pause the process, trigger an audible/visual alarm, and notify the user to refill or empty containers. This automation ensures safer and more reliable operation, especially during long, unattended sequences. 

The Teledy​ne LABS difference

Teledyne LABS chromatography in​struments include a dependable, built-in level sensor.

• The level sensor constantly measures the pressure needed to blow a bubble into the solvent, measuring the pressure change as solvent is pumped.
• You know how much solvent was used with each pump stroke—regardless the shape of the container.
• The sensor estimates if there is enough solvent to start a run.
• The design stops the pumps even if the sinkers aren't at the bottom of the container. This can happen if the bottles are moved without removing the sinkers, or if the solvent lines get caught in something in the hood, such as the “monkey bars" used to support reaction glassware. Other sensors only see the distance of the solvent from the top or bottom of the container, regardless of where the solvent inlet is actually located.
• It is self-calibrating and not affected by weather (barometric pressure) conditions. Other brands require calibration, which wastes time and can lead to errors.
• Self-calibrating for any container
• Works with any solvent

As for the waste ​​container

• Any pressure change stops the pump before the solvent reaches the waste container tubing, thereby halting flow into a filled container.
• Teledyne LABS allows flexibility in the container used, working with nearly all containers from 100 mL bottles through 200 L drums.
• Doesn't require the added cost of a special cap to operate
• Unlike some brands, the senor can be used with waste bottles designed with a tilted top and fire screens.
• Works with multiple instruments sharing the same waste container — a real space saver
• Need no special caps
• Self-calibrating for any container
• Works with any solvent​

Contact u​​s

Contact your local Teledyne LABS representative or Teledyne LABS for information on all we have to offer in the world of chromatography. Not sure who your rep is? Use this website's handy Find Your Representative feature. You're always welcome to contact us directly at [email protected], (800) 775-29 65, or through the online form.​