37
Leica CM1510 S – Cryostat
Problem
Sections tear.
Uneven or inconsistent speci-
men feed.
Specimen disc cannot be re-
moved.
Cryostat inoperational.
No or insufficient refrigeration.
Scraping noise at microtome slot
cover.
Cause
- Temperature too low for the
tissue cut.
- Blunt part, dirt, dust, frost or
rust on the knife/blade.
- Front edge of anti-roll guide
damaged.
- Hard particles in the tissue.
- Knife back dirty.
- Microtome was not entirely
dry when switching on refrig-
eration; consequently, ice
built up in the micrometer feed
system.
- Defective microtome.
- Moisture on the underside
caused the disc to freeze to
the freezing shelf or specimen
head.
- Mains plug not properly con-
nected.
- Automatic circuit breaker has
been activated.
- Compressor defective.
- Leak in the cooling system.
- Inappropriate site conditions.
- Ventilation grid of condenser
dirty.
- Friction between slot cover
and microtome housing.
Remedy
- Increase temperature setting
and wait.
- Remove cause (--> see individ-
ual remedies).
- Replace anti-roll plate.
- If possible, continue to cut at
deeper level of the specimen.
- Clean.
- Remove microtome and dry -
(possibly with hair dryer - hair
dryer only outside of cryo-
chamber!) or let dry at room
temperature.
- Call technical service.
- Apply concentrated alcohol to
contact point.
- Check whether mains plug is
properly connected.
- Switch circuit breaker back on
(flip to upper position).
- Call technical service.
- Call technical service.
- Check site conditions.
- Clean ventilation grid.
- Apply cryostat oil to the slot
cover and distribute by turning
the handwheel or with a clean
cloth.
7.
Troubleshooting
