5
–
Troubleshooting
Thermo Scientific
Product Manual for IonPac AS31 Columns
Page 34 of 45
155007-01
For Research Use Only. Not for use in diagnostic procedures.
5.3.1
Drifting to Shorter Retention Time
A.
Contamination of the sample or eluent. Poorly mixed eluent. Remake sample and/or eluent.
B.
Insufficient pump priming. Prime the pump. Refer to the Operator’s Manual for correct
pump operation.
C.
Changes in temperature will also cause peaks to drift. Place the column in a thermally
controlled column compartment. Check the temperature control of the column compartment
and calibrate/service as needed. Refer to the Operator’s Manual for correct operation of the
column compartment.
D.
Excessive temperatures may cause column degradation. Check the temperature of the
column compartment. Reduce the operational temperature. Refer to the Operator’s Manual
for correct operation of the column compartment. Replace the column.
E.
Oxidizing eluent may cause hydrolysis or degradation of the column resulting in decreased
analyte retention. Remove oxidizing agent, remake eluents, and replace the column.
5.3.2
Drifting to Longer Retention Time
A.
Pump flow rate is too high. Pump flow rate impacts the eluent concentration generated by
the EG. Verify the pump flow rate and have the pump repaired if pump flow rate is an
issue.
B.
If eluents are prepared manually, poorly mixed eluent can cause longer retention time.
Remake eluent.
C.
A pump losing prime will cause retention time drift. Prime the pump. Refer to the
Operator’s Manual for correct pump operation.
D.
A leaking pump will cause longer retention times. Check the pump flow. Refer to the
Operator’s Manual for correct pump operation.
E.
Changes in temperature will also cause peaks to drift. Place the column in a thermally
controlled column compartment. Check the temperature control of the column compartment
and calibrate/service as needed. Refer to the Operator’s Manual for correct operation of the
column compartment.
5.3.3
Oscillating Retention Times
A.
Pump problems can cause retention time to shift to longer and shorter time, run to run.
Check the pump flow rate and prime the pump. Refer to the Operator’s Manual for correct
pump operation.
B.
Temperature fluctuation will also cause peaks to shift. Place the column in a thermally
controlled column compartment. Check the temperature control of the column compartment
and calibrate/service as needed. Refer to the Operator’s Manual for correct operation of the
column compartment.
C.
A sluggish injection valve will cause peaks to shift if the injection time varies. The injection
valve may need maintenance. When an injection valve is actuated, the timing is critical for
consistent retention times. This will occur when the injection valve needs to be cleaned or
serviced. Refer to the Operator’s Manual for troubleshooting and service procedures.
