PerkinElmer Clarus SQ 8 MS Series, Hardware Manual

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Troubleshooting
149
Spare Components
The following list contains items you should have on hand to help solve problems.
•
New syringes: a syringe can break, become plugged or begin leaking. Always
have spare syringes available.
•
Duplicate columns: a column does not last forever; always have a duplicate
column on hand in the event that your separation begins to degrade. Also,
capillary columns can be damaged if oxygen is introduced at high
temperatures. A duplicate column will allow you to determine if the column is
the cause of the problem.
•
Septa: this is the one area of the gas chromatograph that requires routine
maintenance. Always have spare septa available.
•
Leak detector: the gas flow system can be a problem as fittings wear with age
and can begin to leak. You should have a thermal conductivity leak detector to
help find and fix leaks.
•
Injector liners: are made of glass or fused silica and can be easily broken when
removed. You should keep a supply of spare liners on hand. Please remember
that you cannot run satisfactory analyses without an injector liner.
Logical Troubleshooting Steps
There are some simple steps that you should take when trying to locate a problem.
Use the following guide to troubleshoot your system.
1. Note the symptoms - define the problem. Compare your runs with good
analysis, that is, with the results normally obtained.
2. Systematically eliminate possible causes.
The first rule here is, "What did you change last?" Many times a problem
arises when a change is made to the system, such as changing a gas tank,
column, septum or glass liner. If the problem occurred after such a change,
then the change is the most likely cause of the problem.