RE: DiVa nozzle salt volcano

Hi Frank, 

 

I saw this from time to time, it didn’t seem to correlate with nozzle or buffer mix (home made or premixed pbs) – maybe it’s a dry atmosphere, I understand you have those down there sometimes but I guess you’d have had the problem before now :)

 

Ray

 

Ray Hicks

 

Cytek Development Inc

http://www.cytekdev.com

tel: +44 (0)208 1337 968 (UK/Europe)

fax: +44(0)208 5889 004

skype: ray.hicks.cytek 

 

From: WEHICytometry [mailto:facs_copy@wehi.EDU.AU] 
Sent: 23 June 2008 04:01
To: cyto-inbox
Subject: DiVa nozzle salt volcano

 

In 31 years of flow cytometry I hadn't seen this before (although I don't get out much). Lately we experience this phenomenon on our FACSVantageSEDiVa where, in the course of a few hours, the nozzle grows a salt volcano around the stream (I've attached a picture). This does not affect the breakoff nor the sort streams nor even the acquired data until the volcano grows high enough to impinge on the first laser. It can also be removed easily by a wipe with a wet swab (although that's really inconvenient if the need arises during a sort). Note: we are talking about a 70 micron nozzle running PBS as sheath at 30 psi - nothing fancy. 

 

The question is: what causes it? We *see* no leaks outside the nozzle tip but I'm wondering if the orifice has eroded and that's causing seepage. Is there anyone who has seen this and/or has an idea of the cause?

 

Frank Battye.

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