Troubleshooting
87
5
Baseline noise,
random
Eluents not properly degassed Degas eluents.
Flow erratic, pump not primed
Prime the pump (see
Section 3.2.1, Priming the
Pump
).
Check for air in the pump, or
for failing seals.
Eluents contaminated
Use fresh eluent.
Column contaminated
Clean and/or replace column.
System improperly grounded
Plug into an outlet on a
different electrical circuit.
Use the power conditioner.
Recorder voltage incorrect
Set the recorder to the correct
voltage.
Radio frequency noise
Eliminate interference.
Straight baseline, no
peaks
No pump flow
Set the pump flow rate.
Leak in eluent path
Repair the leak.
Sensitivity loss
Degraded, contaminated, or
improperly prepared sample
Use fresh sample.
Column contaminated
Clean or replace the column.
Loss of column efficiency
Clean or replace the column.
Change in eluent composition
Correct eluent pH or ionic
composition.
Incorrect flow rate
Change the flow rate.
Table 5-3 Correcting Chromatographic Problems (Continued)
Symptom
Possible Cause
Corrective Action
