Flame Analysis Troubleshooting - PerkinElmer aanalyst 200 User Manual

Troubleshooting

Flame Analysis Troubleshooting

Some possible problems associated with flame analyses are listed below along with probable
causes and suggested remedies. It is suggested that you use this checklist to diagnose possible
problems before contacting service for assistance.
Possible Cause of Problem
Results Corrections may not have been made
erroneously for reagent blank.
high
Ionization enhancement may be present
in sample or blank.
Standard solutions may have
deteriorated or may have been
improperly made.
Background absorption (molecular
absorption, light scattering, etc.) may be
present. This is especially likely to
occur below 330 nm or where a high
concentration of a refractory matrix is
encountered.
The sample matrix may be less viscous
than the standards.
Results Matrix interferences (chemical, bulk,
erroneously viscosity) may be present.
low
Ionization enhancement may be present
in the standard but not the sample.
Standard solutions may have been
improperly made.
Blank solution may be contaminated.
10-4
Check and/or Remedy
Zero the instrument while aspirating a
reagent blank.
Add approximately 1000 mg/L of an
easily ionized salt (such as potassium,
lithium, or lanthanum) to samples,
standards, and blank.
Restandardize with a proven
standard.
Use a background corrector or, if
applicable, use a nitrous oxide-
acetylene flame.
Remake the standards in the same
matrix as the samples or use the
method of additions.
Separate the interferent, match the
sample matrix in your standards, or
use the method of additions. Add
matrix modifiers required to control
chemical interferences.
Add approximately 1000 mg/L of an
easily ionized salt (such as potassium,
lithium, or lanthanum) to samples,
standards, and blank.
Rerun proven standards.
Change blank.