Horizon Technology Knowledge Base

Collection Vessel Stuck On Extractor

From time to time, collection vessels will get stuck on an extractor. This usually happens when a collection vessel is left on an extractor for several days without use. If this happens to you don't try to force the collection vessel off of the extractor, ice water will do the trick. Running ice water into the collection vessel causes the Teflon adapter to contract allowing the vessel to easily be freed.

Follow these instructions: Fill an empty disk holder with ice water and manually elute the contents into the vessel. The is done by selecting the station with the stuck vessel, pressing Drain key followed by Elute key.

At the end of each day it is recommended that all bottles, cap adapters, disk holders and collections vessels be removed from the extractors. Taking these preventative measures will help extend the life of the extractors and prevent collection.

If you have any questions about this or other technical tips please contact
support-service@horizontechinc.com

Rebuild Your Water Inlet Valves Every Six Months

Over time, water inlet valves on both the Horizon Technology SPE-DEX 1000 and 3000 Extractors become dirty. Some parts such as the solvent rods and O-ring can become brittle, causing the valve to become difficult to open - putting added stress on your extractor.

For these reasons, it is important to rebuild rebuild your valves at least once every six months. Rebuilding the valves is a straight forward process that can be done in about 15 minutes, with few tools and parts. ... download this valuable tech tip here.

If you have any questions about rebuilding you valves, please send an email to service@horizontechinc.com.

If you would like to place and order for parts to rebuild your valves, please contact orders@horizontechinc.com.

The Best Way to Prevent a Breakdown and Extend the Life of Your SPE-DEX 3000XL

The best way to prevent a breakdown and extend the life of your equipment is by following the correct shutdown procedures for your SPE-DEX 3000XL, "Oil and Grease Machines"

Correct shutdown of your Horizon extractor after each day is the best way to prevent a breakdown and extend the life of your equipment. One of the most important shutdown procedures for your extractor is cleaning of the water, solvent and sample pathways with hot water.

In most cases, the water sample that flows through the extractor's plumbing is laden with a large amount of particulates that can lead to valve failure and clogging.

Additionally, it is recommended that once a week the extractor's pathways are cleaned with acetone, followed by a flush of hot water.

Other important Shutdown Procedures:

• Remove plug from the 5-gallon waste and allow the vacuum to vent for 5 minutes.
• Turn off nitrogen supply and release gas pressure from solvent bottles.
• Remove disk holders, sample bottles and collection vessels and adapters from the extractor.

To view the detailed Startup and Shutdown procedures for the extractors, click here.