WATERS CORPORATION 2424, Operator'S Manual, Page: 149 / 196

Chromatography troubleshooting 5-23
Baseline noise
(irregular)
Improper
volatilization of
mobile phase.
Check drift tube temperature
setting, optimize temperature
(see page 3-18 ).
Dirty nebulizer
and/or drift tube.
Clean nebulizer and/or drift
tube (see page 4-9 ) or call
Waters Technical Service (see
page 4-2 ).
Varying or low gas
flow.
Check gas flow setting.
Optimize gas flow. Reset gas
flow as necessary. Check
source gas.
Obstructed or full
exhaust trap.
Check for kinks in exhaust line
or empty condensate flask.
Column leaking
silica or packing
material.
Replace column and flush it
thoroughly before connecting it
to the detector.
Air trapped in
system.
Flush system with strong
solvent.
Leaks. Check system for loose fittings.
Check pump for leaks or
unusual noise. Change pump
seals if necessary.
Broad peaks Leak (especially
between the column
and detector).
Check for loose fittings.
Tubing between
column and detector
too long or too large
of an ID.
Use short piece of 0.005 -
to-0.010-inch ID tubing.
Abnormal baseline troubleshooting (Continued)
Symptom Possible cause Corrective action