Troubleshooting and Maintenance
The analyzer has been designed to provide efficient and continuous service; however, certain maintenance procedures should be followed to obtain the best results over the longest period of time. When unexpected results occur, some common operational problems not indicated on the window and their respective causes and solutions are provided:
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Most operational problems are caused by:
- Leaks (commonly found at the sample tube O-ring at the analysis port)
- Sample weighing errors
- Use of too much analysis bath fluid in the dewar at the start of an analysis
- Entry of incorrect system volume for analysis
- Impure gas supply
When unexpected analysis results occur, check the above first. Some common operational problems not indicated on the window and their respective causes and solutions are provided below:
Does not work when powered ON
Cause A: |
Power cord is not fully inserted at
one of the ends |
Action A: |
Insert power plug firmly into
outlet socket. Insert unit
connector into power connector
opening. |
Cause B: |
No power at outlet. |
Action B: |
Plug in another electrical device to test outlet. If there is no
power, contact electrician. |
Cause C: |
Plug prongs are bent so that contact
is not made at outlet. |
Action C: |
Gently move power plug at
the outlet while watching the status
LEDs on the analyzer front panel. If at
least one LED becomes
illuminated, have an electrician
replace the outlet or the plug. |
Cause D: |
Power cord is damaged. |
Action D: |
Have an electrician check cord
using a test meter. Replace cord
if defective. |
Cause E: |
Loose internal connection or
broken wire. |
Action E: |
Call a Micromeritics Service
Representative for repair or
replacement. |
Gas drained from gas cylinder.
Cause: |
Leaks in the gas line connection. |
Action: |
Replace the gas cylinder; then
pressurize the system. Close, then
open the cylinder valve. If the
needle on the pressure gauge on
the gas cylinder jumps abruptly, a
leak in the gas line connection
may be indicated. Check all gas
line connections. |
A stable TCD baseline
cannot be maintained.
Cause A: |
TCD filaments are contaminated
or need to be replaced. |
Action A: |
See TCD Assembly to replace or clean the TCD. |
Cause B: |
Possible leak in carrier
path. |
Action B: |
Perform leak test in the
carrier path. See Perform a Leak Test. |
Cause C: |
Faulty RTD in one of the
temperature zones. |
Action C: |
Access manual mode and check
for temperature stability in the
temperature zones. |
Furnace will not heat.
Cause A: |
Furnace not closed and latched. |
Action A: |
Close and latch the furnace. |
Cause B: |
The furnace is not plugged in. |
Action B: |
Plug in the furnace connector. |
Cause C: |
Thermocouple damaged or not plugged in. |
Action C: |
If unplugged, plug in the
thermocouple. Replace the
thermocouple if necessary. |