Endress+Hauser analytikjena PlasmaQuant 9100, Operating Manual, Page: 54 / 87

Troubleshooting PlasmaQuant 9100 (Elite)
54
¡ Viscous sample solution/higher den-
sity than calibration solution ¡ Matrix adjustment (add to calibra-
tion solutions or dilute)
¡ Use one/several internal standards
¡ Spray chamber filled ¡ Empty spray chamber
¡ Check drainage pump hose, select
larger diameter if necessary
Measured value too high
Cause Remedy
¡ Calibration fault ¡ Check calibration solution
¡ Peak position slightly shifted or non-
peak measurement ¡ Spectral interference overlooked.
Use another analytical line or acti-
vate fault correction
¡ Contamination/carry-over ¡ Find and remedy cause for contami-
nation/carry-over
¡ Concentrations appear higher due to
volatile substances ¡ Optimize sample preparation
¡ Analyte is an alkaline metal (or an
easily excitable atomic line) ¡ Alkaline effect. Optimize plasma
temperature (nebulizer gas flow
and/or performance) and plasma
observation
¡ Fault when using an internal stan-
dard ¡ Wrong standard dosage
¡ Insufficient reaction adjustment to
plasma temperature change. Matrix
adjustment and better fit between
the analytical line behavior and the
internal standard
¡ Warm-up phase not observed ¡ Wait for warm-up phase before cali-
bration
¡
Sample foams when shaken Surface active substances in the mea-
surement solutions:
¡ Optimize sample preparation
¡ Add surface active substances to cal-
ibration solutions as well
Poor precision
Cause Remedy
¡ Pump fast mode was active shortly
before the measurement ¡ Limit fast mode to the time neces-
sary to transfer measurement solu-
tion to nebulizer
¡ Pre-purge time too short ¡ Extend pre-purge time
¡
Nebulizer or injector clogged Check with Na solution (1 g/L), if neces-
sary. If no plasma coloration (orange) is
observed:
¡ Check that nebulizer nozzles are un-
clogged and clean nebulizer
¡ If sample nozzle is clogged, filter so-
lutions or use inline filter
¡ If argon nozzle is clogged, dilute
measuring solutions or use argon
humidifier
¡ Nebulizer gas flow not optimal ¡ Optimize nebulizer gas flow