Maintenance and Troubleshooting
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:
Log in to your customer portal to access error messages. Parts and accessories can be found online at www.Micromeritics.com.

Cause: | Monitor resolution is set below 800 × 600. |
Action: | Refer to the computer operating system manual to reset the monitor resolution at or above 800 × 600. |

Cause A: | Vacuum pump oil is low. | ||
Action A: | Add vacuum pump oil. | ||
Cause B: | Vacuum hose not properly connected. | ||
Action B: | Ensure the connection to the vacuum pump is good and that external clamps are tight. | ||
Cause C: | Sample contains excess moisture adsorbed from atmosphere. | ||
Action C: | Prepare samples (prior to
loading penetrometer) by
heat and/or vacuum to
remove moisture.
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Cause D: | Proper sealing not achieved on penetrometers | ||
Action D: |
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Cause E: | Scratches or other imperfections in either the lip of the penetrometer bulb or the penetrometer cap. | ||
Action E: |
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Cause F: | Leaking valves. | ||
Action F: | Check the valves for leaks. See Check Valves for Leaks. | ||
Cause G: | Moisture has accumulated in the system. | ||
Action G: | Remove the accumulated moisture. See Remove Moisture from the Analyzer. |

Cause A: | Indicator is not working properly. |
Action A: | Verify the state of
the mercury degasser by
looking at the status
display window. If the
status display does not
agree with the indicator,
the indicator may not be
working properly. Contact your Micromeritics service representative. If the status display window shows that the mercury has overfilled (the alarm state), see Handling Mercury Overfill. If the status display shows that the mercury degasser is either filled or partially filled, see Drain the Low Pressure System. |
Cause B: | Mercury is not drained. Status display shows either filled or partially filled. |
Action B: | See Drain the Low Pressure System. |

Cause: | Mercury detected by overflow sensor in low pressure port system. |
Action: | See Handling Mercury Overfill. |

Cause: | Mercury has been improperly drawn into the mercury trap. |
Action: | Drain excess mercury into the reservoir. See Handling Mercury Overfill. Remove the plug extending down from the mercury trap. The plug is reached through the front door. Facing the analyzer, the plug is in the upper back right corner. See Drain Spilled Mercury Dish. Position a container beneath the trap before removing the plug. |

Cause: | Low fluid level in the hydraulic pump. |
Action: | Add fluid to the hydraulic pump. See Maintain Hydraulic Pump Fluid Level. |

Cause: | Leakage around the high pressure chamber cap. |
Action: | Replace the cup seals and backup rings on the high pressure chamber cap. See Replace Chamber Cup Seals. |

Cause: | Gas supply pressure too low. |
Action: | Verify gas supply regulator is set to 40 to 45 psig (276 to 310 kPa) and that there is sufficient gas in the supply bottle. |
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