Thermo Scientific
EA IsoLink IRMS System for CNSOH Operating Manual
137
8
Troubleshooting
This chapter provides information necessary to find out instrument troubles and to solve them.
Analytical Troubleshooting
If the instrument has been correctly installed, the gas characteristics are as required and maintenance
has been regularly carried out, EA IsoLink IRMS System for CNSOH will provide correct results.
The lack of the above conditions will be indicated by anomalies in the chromatograms and the relevant
analytical reports.
reports the most common anomalies with the relevant diagnosis and
remedy.
Contents
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Table 25.
Analytical Troubleshooting Guide (Sheet 1 of 2)
Problem
Diagnosis
Remedy
High nitrogen blank.
Presence of leak.
Check that helium and oxygen lines
are sealed and in case eliminate
possible leak.
Oxygen line or cylinder contaminated. Purge for 10-20 minutes.
Replace the contaminated cylinder.
Autosampler not purged.
Check that the helium flow is correct.
High constant nitrogen blank in
several sequential analyses.
Oxygen cylinder contaminated.
Replace the oxygen cylinder.
Presence of leak in the autosampler
system.
Identify leaks and remove them.
Carbon peak tailing or split.
Too much ashes inside the reactor.
Check ashes and remove them.
The sample analyzed was too large.
Weigh a lower amounts of sample.
Hydrogen peak is a split peak.
The tube connecting reactor and
column is clogged.
Cut off the clogged tube portion.
Bad separation between nitrogen and
carbon peaks.
High nitrogen blank value.
Check the nitrogen blank value.
Eventually repeat the analysis.
Copper exhausted.
Replace the reactor.
