From: Virgil Schirf <schirfv@bioc09.v19.uthscsa.edu>
  To  : songpon <songpon@scripps.edu>
  Date: Mon, 24 Sep 2001 13:53:05 -0500

Re: Leaky cell

Hi Songpon,

There really isn't any trick. First, you have to make sure that the
cells are properly torqued to 120 inch-pounds. If your torque wrench is
not properly calibrated, this could cause a problem. Secondly, make sure
that the small gaskets are placed in the sample and reference ports
correctly and that the brass screws are tightened firmly, but not too
tightly so as to warp the cell (read Beckman's instructions). You also
need to be careful about the number of gaskets. Hand cut gaskets will
stick together when punched and they need to be separated so that only
one is placed in the hole. Thirdly, make sure that the centerpieces
themselves are not damaged or warped. Obviously, a seal cannot be formed
with broken or warped centerpieces or with a window that is not held
firmly in place.

Hope this helps.

Virgil

songpon wrote:
> 
> Dear all:
> 
> My name is Songpon Deechongkit, a graduate student at The Scripps Research
> Institute in La Jolla, CA.  I have a question here.  We have Beckman XL-I.
> The problem that we are experiencing lately is that two-sector cells we have
> leak pretty badly.  I am wondering if there is a trick to solve this problem.
> I really appreciate your help.
> 
> Sincerely,
> Songpon Deechongkit

-- 
Virgil Schirf 
Department of Biochemistry, Rm 535C
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
7703 Floyd Curl Dr.
San Antonio TX 78229
email: schirfv@biochem.uthscsa.edu
Voicemail: (210) 567-6590  FAX: (210)567-6595
http://cauma.uthscsa.edu