Waters 2998, Operator'S Manual

Page: 64 / 122

4-2 Diagnostic Tests and Troubleshooting
Diagnostic tests
The 2998 PDA detector automatically runs a series of internal diagnostic tests
upon start up. The indicator LEDs on the front of the detector and messages
at the Empower workstation show the results of the start up internal
diagnostic tests.
If you need to determine the cause of a problem during operation of the
detector, you can run the same internal diagnostic tests from the Empower
workstation. Additional information about the performance of the detector is
also available through the PDA Calibration window, accessed from Run
Samples in the Empower software.
Verifying detector calibration
Verify the PDA detector calibration after removing and replacing a flow cell.
Before you power-on the detector, prime the system to fill the flow cell with
solvent and remove any air.
Recommendation:
Impurities in the flow cell may affect wavelength
verification results. Ensure that the flow cell is clean before you calibrate.
To verify detector calibration:
1. Select a solvent compatible with the samples and mobile phases that you
have been using. If you have been using buffers, flush with 10 mL of
HPLC-grade water, then flush with 10 mL of a low-surface-tension
solvent such as methanol.
Tip:
Ensure that the solvent is miscible with the previous mobile phase.
2. In the console, select 2998 PDA Detector from the system tree.
3. In the PDA detector information window, click Maintain > Verify
calibration > Start. The test time appears in the Run Time bar graph.
4. When the test ends, the Results pane appears. Verify that the detector
passed the test.
Caution:
To ensure the detector is properly aligned and calibrated, the
flow cell must be filled with solvent before you power-on the detector. An
empty flow cell will cause a calibration error.