Rusty Hamilton syringes for HPLC - recover or throw?

[karel5_98]

Hi everybody.

I am involved in some HPLC analysis, and to add the internal standards to my samples I generally use a Hamilton syringe for precision and exactitude's sake.
The thing is, I have found one of our syringes had developed important rust spots on the inside, to the extent of not being able to move the plunger at all. As far as I know, it might be someone used a chlorinated solvent (which decomposes giving some HCl as a result product), and did not clean it properly afterwards, which caused the rust.

Is there any possible solution to recover this syringe, or at least to be able to (re)move the plunger? (I have a spare which would fit)

Regards,

Karel

[mdfenko]

since the shaft is stainless steel, i doubt you are seeing rust. it is more likely residue. either way, it is difficult, if not virtually impossible, to free the plunger and clean the syringe. you may be able to put it into a sonicator bath until it loosens.

if you can get the plunger out then you should be able to clean the syringe.

we have "surplused" jammed syringes.

[karel5_98]

I have to disagree about the stainlessness of stainless steel: in the presence of salt or acids it can rust (don't ask me how come, but from what I have seen and heard, it happens).
On the other hand, I thank you for your prompt reply, and will try it out and see if I can rescue the syringe.

Thanks!
Greetings from in Spain,

Karel

[mdfenko]

not that it's important to point out but...

stainless steel may "pit" and otherwise decay but it doesn't actually rust. even if it discolors it will be gray to black, not rust colored. if you see rust color then you are seeing residue.

[karel5_98]

Thanks for the further explanation.
By the way, finally the stuck Hamilton syringe was in a too hopeless state; I guess I'll have to find another one.

Regards,

Karel