IonPac CS14 Manual
Doc. No. 034848-10
Page 46 of 54
Typical background conductivity levels, in a properly working system, are shown below:
ELUENT
EXPECTED BACKGROUND CONDUCTIVITY
20 mN Methanesulfonic acid
< 1 µS
50 mN Methanesulfonic acid
< 2 µS
6.5
A Suppressor Not Suppressing Properly
If the Cation Self-Regenerating Suppressor or the Cation MicroMembrane Suppressor is causing the problem, refer to Cation
Self-Regenerating Suppressor ULTRA Product Manual (Document No.031370), to the Cation Atlas Electrolytic Suppressor
Product Manual (Document No. 031770), or to the Cation MicroMembrane Suppressor Product Manual (Document No. 031728)
for detailed troubleshooting assistance.
A.
Check that the CSRS ULTRA is not in an alarm state.
B.
Check for CSRS ULTRA leaks.
C.
Make sure that the back pressure tubing is properly installed in the CSRS ULTRA.
D.
Check the regenerant flow rate at the REGEN OUT port of the CSRS.
Turn the power to the CSRS off. Measure the
regenerant flow rate. If it is being used in the recycle mode, it should be the same flow rate as the eluent (typically 1
mL/min for 4-mm operation). If it is used in the AutoSuppression External Water Mode, it should be approximately 5
mL/min for non-solvent containing eluents. When solvents are used in the eluent, the regenerant flow rate should be
approximately 8 mL/min.
E.
Check the eluent flow rate.
See if the eluent flow rate is equivalent to the flow rate specified by the analytical
protocol. Measure the eluent flow rate after the column using a stopwatch and graduated cylinder. Refer to the Cation
Self-Regenerating Suppressor ULTRA Product Manual (Document No. 031370) or to the Cation MicroMembrane
Suppressor III Product Manual (Document No. 031728) for assistance in determining if the eluent is within
suppressible limits.
F.
If you are using an AutoRegen Accessory with the CSRS (in the Chemical Suppression Mode) or the CMMS,
prepare fresh regenerant solution.
Test both the suppressor and the AutoRegen Regenerant Cartridge for
contamination.
1. If the background conductivity is high after preparing fresh regenerant and bypassing the AutoRegen
Regenerant Cartridge, you probably need to clean or replace your CSRS or CMMS.
2. If the background conductivity is low when freshly prepared regenerant is run through the CSRS or CMMS
without an AutoRegen Accessory in-line, test the AutoRegen Regenerant Cartridge to see if it is expended.
Connect
the freshly prepared regenerant to the AutoRegen Regenerant Cartridge. Pump approximately 200 mL of regenerant
through the AutoRegen Regenerant Cartridge to waste before recycling the regenerant back to the regenerant
reservoir. If the background conductivity is high after placing the AutoRegen Accessory in-line, you probably need
to replace the AutoRegen Regenerant Cartridge. Refer to the “AutoRegen Regenerant Cartridge Refill Product
Manual” (Document No. 032852) for assistance.
Do not recycle the regenerant through the Cation Regenerant Cartridge if the eluent contains acetonitrile.
G. Non-linear response or loss of sensitivity
Indications of carbonate contamination are:
1.
A higher ammonium peak than should be expected.
CAUTION
