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My direct experience is with the old "HR" pumps, but my remarks apply to the newer "DuoFlow". On Day Zero, I disassemble the pump heads in the order specified in the manual. I re-assemble with grease on the threads, thus preventing expensive repairs due to corrosion of the bolts caused by salty buffers. The pistons and seals MUST BE wet with ethanol or methanol for re-assembly. The daily maintenance consists of washing behind the pump heads, before and after use. The daily maintenance is an absolute. Personnel with not even that much discipline should not be allowed in the lab. (but I'm not faculty, so my opinions don't matter) (there are good reasons why HPLC training classes cost kilobucks) My one complaint about BioRad chromatography pumps is that the solenoid valves can be damaged by particulates, or by buffers and salts drying inside the valves. BioRad (probably) won't repair them. So filter, filter, filter, and flush with 10% methanol or 20% ethanol. Do not allow the valves to dry. -Dan On Wed, 14 Feb 2007, Frank Lee wrote: > > Dear all, > > Thanks a lot for all the feedbacks on AKTA prime. They are so helpful that I have abandoned the idea of buying one. Now it is a choice between AKTA FPLC and Bio-rad DuoFlow. I heard that DuoFlow is not as robust as AKTA and that its parts break down often. The question is whether quality difference is worth price difference (~$10K). Any feebacks on DuoFlow would be highly appreciated! > > Best, > Frank > > > --------------------------------- > Food fight? Enjoy some healthy debate > in the Yahoo! Answers Food & Drink Q&A.