This section provides additional issues that may arise during operation of the device. Locate the table for the type of symptom you have, find the possible cause, and use the description of the solution to help you solve your problem quickly.

Also check the Instrument Audit Trail for a related message if an operating problem occurs. The message may provide additional information.

Note that this section provides information on symptoms and causes directly related to the device. For information about troubleshooting for the Vanquish system, refer to the Vanquish System Operating Manual.

TIP

If you are unable to resolve a problem following the instructions given here or if you experience problems that are not covered in this section, contact Thermo Fisher Scientific Technical Support for assistance.

Baseline noise and/or poor precision

Possible Cause

Remedial Action

Change in background current

If the Background_Current signal channel is changing, this can indicate a contamination in the flow path of the system. Make sure that all components in the liquid flow path are free from contamination.

Unstable gas regulator pressure

If the GasReg_Pressure signal channel shows an instability in the nebulizer gas pressure, this can lead to baseline noise and/or poor precision. Check that the gas supply pressure is stable. If the instability remains, contact Technical Support.

Unstable evaporation temperature

If the Evap_Tube_Temp signal channel is unstable, this can lead to higher baseline noise and/or poor precision.

Contact Technical Support.

High/low gas flow ratio

Possible Cause

Remedial Action

Clogging in the detector

Contact Technical Support.

Gas leak

Check the Audit Trail for the respective message. See Messages.

High backpressure

Possible Cause

Remedial Action

Nebulizer nozzle/capillary clogged

Poor solubility of analyte during nebulization/analyte build-up.

Check the backpressure of the nebulizer:

  1. Remove the nebulizer from the detector. See Removing the Nebulizer.

  2. Set up a direct flow connection from the pump to the nebulizer. Make sure no other module is connected in between.

  3. Carefully flow liquid through the nebulizer capillary from the pump. The backpressure of the nebulizer is typically below 10 bars. Liquid should exit the capillary in drops. If the backpressure rises in the pump, then a blockage is present in the nebulizer capillary. Contact Technical Support.

To avoid blockage in the nebulizer, always use the detector with an appropriate mobile-phase composition to maintain solubility.

Negative peaks

Possible Cause

Remedial Action

Wrong polarization of the analog output

Contact Technical Support.

Loss of response

Possible Cause

Remedial Action

Change in parameters

Check that the detector is turned on and the data acquisition is on. Check the parameter settings.

Drain pump failed

Check whether you can hear the drain pump running. If not, the drain pump may be defective. Contact Technical Support.

Gas flow turned off

Check that the gas flow is turned on in the detector and the gas supply.

Reduced gas flow

  • Make sure that the gas is flowing into the detector.

  • Check the nebulizer gas pressure and the gas supply pressure.

  • Check gas filter assembly. If necessary, replace the gas filter assembly. See Replacing the Gas Filter Assembly.

Gas leaking

Check the gas connections and the gas inlet and exhaust tubes. Remedy the gas leak and/or replace the gas tubes (see Disconnecting the Gas Inlet and Exhaust Tubes).

Inability to autozero the signal

Possible Cause

Remedial Action

Autozero on a peak or void signal

The Autozero occurred on a relatively flat section of the chromatogram.

Autozero on a very noisy signal

Reduce the noise or increase the current range.

Liquid in the gas exhaust

Possible Cause

Remedial Action

Flooding inside the detector (pump flow turned on while no gas flow present)

Flooding can occur if the detector is turned off while liquid is still flowing into the detector.

See Resolving Flooding In the Detector.