Fault removal
68
Edition 05/2014
PlasmaQuant PQ 9000
The measured value is too high
Cause
Remedy
−
Calibration
−
Check the calibration solutions
−
The peak position has slightly
shifted or measurement takes
place on a peak shoulder
−
The spectral interference was overlooked
use another
analysis line or activate an interference correction
−
Contamination/carry-over
−
Find and remedy the cause for contamination/carry-over
−
Concentrations appear higher
due to volatile substances
−
Optimize sample preparation
−
The analyte is an alkali metal (or
an easily excitable atomic line)
−
Alkali effect
optimize the plasma temperature (nebulizer
gas flow and/or performance) and plasma observation
−
When using an internal standard
−
The standard dosage is wrong
−
The adjustment of the response to changes in the plasma
temperature is inadequate
1. Adjust the matrix
2. Find a better adjustment between the behavior of the
analysis line and the internal standard
−
The warm-up phase is not
observed
−
Wait for the warm-up phase to complete before commencing
calibration
−
The sample foams when shaken
−
There are surface-active substances in the measurement
solutions
1. Optimize sample preparation
2. Also add the surface-active substances to the calibration
solutions
Precision is poor
Cause
Remedy
−
The pump fast mode was
activated up to shortly before the
measurement
−
Limit the fast mode to the time that is required to pass the
measurement solution up to the nebulizer
−
The prewash time is too short
−
Extend the prewash time
−
The nebulizer or injector is
clogged
If necessary, check with Na solution (1 g/L) – if no plasma coloring
(orange) is observed:
−
Check the nebulizer nozzles for obstructions and clean them
(see "Cleaning the nebulizer" p. 50)
−
If the sample nozzle is clogged
filter the solutions
−
If the argon nozzle is clogged
dilute the measurement
solutions or use an argon humidifier
−
The nebulizer gas flow is not
optimal
−
Optimize the nebulizer gas flow
−
There are leaks in the argon
supply
−
Seal the leaks