Shimadzu HPLC Autosampler Plugging
....some Shimadzu employee(s) specialize in "plugging"!
The following message was posted in the Chromatography Forum at http://www.lcresources.com on June 11, 1999:
"I've found my Shimadzu HPLC auto-sampler tubing and six-way valve have become plugged with septum cores chopped out by the injector needle. I've been using the manufacturer's product. Are there any types of septa that are not prone to this rather frustrating problem?"
Andrew Lyon
n.b. Shimadzu USA has known about this "plugging" problem since at least 1995. And here we have a customer reporting the "same old problem" four years later! Does Shimadzu Corporation have any problem solving skills? How many more customers will report clogged autosampler injector ports before Shimadzu takes definitive action to correct the problem? Here's betting that Shimadzu will screw something else up if they decide to remedy the current problem.... don't hold your breathe though!
n.b. Mr. Scott Ingraham (Field Service Manager) could serve up a bevy of field service reports documenting this well known problem with the SIL-10A series autosamplers if asked. But the sneaky lowlifes at Shimadzu like to bury the past (and present). Paying customer should note that this is one way that Shimadzu's Service Department earns their keep. How many times does a customer have to pay if this problem keeps recurring? How many customers have paid (more than once) to have their HPLC autosamplers serviced for this "sold old problem?"
n.b. If you have other
"plugging" or "plumbing" concerns that don't involve Shimadzu
equipment, contact Steve Halperin (VP, Finance) who will know how to proceed!
Where there is smoke, there is fire (particularly if Shimadzu is involved!)
This page was last 
02/03/01