Agilent Technologies 5975T LTM GC/MSD, Troubleshooting And Maintenance Manual

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Chromatographic Symptoms
3
Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide 39
Peaks Not Displayed/No Peaks
• If using an autosampler:
• Ensure that there is sample in the vial.
• Verify that the ALS plunger carriage is secured to the
syringe plunger.
• Check that the syringe is installed correctly and draws
sample.
• Verify that the turret is loaded correctly and injections
are not from out-of-sequence vials.
• Watch to see that the sample is pulled into the syringe.
• Check the column for proper installation.
• Ensure that the column is not plugged. Perform column
maintenance.
• Check for leaks. (See “Checking for Leaks” on page 99.)
No peaks
If an analysis shows no chromatographic peaks, only a flat
baseline or minor noise, run one of the automated tune
programs. If the MSD passes tune, the problem is most likely
related to the GC. If the MSD does not pass tune, the problem is
most likely in the MSD.
Passes tune
• Incorrect sample concentration
• No analytes present
• Syringe missing from the ALS or not installed correctly
• Injection accidentally made in split mode instead of splitless
mode
• Empty or almost empty sample vial
• Dirty GC inlet
• Leaking GC inlet*
• Loose column nut at the GC inlet*
* These could cause a fault condition in the GC that would prevent
the GC from operating.
Does not pass tune
• Calibration vial is empty