INFICON
Troubleshooting | 11
074-594-P1H Micro GC Fusion Operating Manual
291 / 319
11.2.1.1 Baseline Symptoms
11.2.1.1.1 Baseline Position
Baseline position changes suddenly during a run. This can result from:
• Detector filament failure
• Valve failure
• EPC failure
Inspect the main page or System Status for error messages or faults. Power off Micro
GC Fusion, restart and reload the method.
11.2.1.1.2 Baseline Wander and Drift
Baseline wander or drift is to be expected when a temperature setting is changed.
With sufficient time, the problem should subside. The following cases assume that
sufficient stabilization time has elapsed.
Running Micro GC Fusion in isothermal mode will help determine if there is a problem
with the baseline or if the baseline effects are due to the temperature ramp of the
column.
Baseline is erratic; moves up and down (wander):
• Potential column leak
• Change the sample conditioner filter
• If there is a leak at the detector end of the column, the retention times will be
stable from run to run, but sensitivity will be reduced
• If there is a leak at the inlet end of the column, there will be reduced flow through
the column, an increase in retention time, and reduced sensitivity. If a leak is
suspected, contact INFICON.
Baseline moves steadily (drift) upscale or downscale during a run. This problem can
be minimized by:
• Conditioning the column
• Operating at a lower temperature
• Substituting an identical or chromatographically equivalent module
11.2.1.1.3 Baseline Noise
Noise is a continuous rapid baseline fluctuation, broadening the baseline and giving a
grass like appearance. Noise is different than spiking. Spikes are isolated rather than
continuous events. Some noise is inevitable with any detector.
Noise that appears suddenly on a previously clean baseline may be due to:
