Maintaining The Flame Photometric Detector (Fpd) - Agilent Technologies 6850 Series II User Information

6.
7.
Performing a wipe test (radioactivity leak test)
Electron capture detectors must be tested for radioactive leakage at least every
6 months or as required by your local Agency. Records of tests and results
must be maintained for possible inspection by the Nuclear Regulatory
Commission and/or responsible state agency. More frequent tests may be con-
ducted when necessary.
The procedure used is the wipe test. A wipe test kit is supplied with each new
detector. Refer to the information card supplied in the wipe test kit for instructions on
performing the test.

Maintaining the flame photometric detector (FPD)

Caution Do not store the Flame Photometric Detector (FPD) at temperatures above
50°C, since this may damage the photomultiplier tube (PMT).
Flame ignition problems
If the FPD flame will not light or stay lit, check/do the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Released: March 2004
Allow thermal cleaning to continue for several hours and then cool the
system to normal operating temperatures.
Check the µECD output value. It should be lower than the first reading. If
it is not, contact your Agilent service representative.
Be sure there is a problem. Confirm ignition by holding a mirror or shiny
surface near the aluminum exhaust tube, with the rubber drip tube
removed, and observing condensation if the flame is lit.
Using a control module or data system, check the Lit offset. If it is
zero, autoignition is turned off. If it is too large, the GC will not know that
the flame is lit and will shut the detector down.
Increase the air supply pressure to the GC. This makes the flame easier to
light but does not affect the air flow rate setpoint.
If the flame does not light at all, check the glow plug circuit. Use the GC
display or a control module to display detector output. Observe the actual
signal output, which will momentarily go to greater than 65500 counts
when the flame lights. If the display does not change, check the lead
connection on the glow plug. If the glow plug has failed, replace it with
part no. 0854-0141.
The flame is easier to light at higher detector temperatures.
6850 Series II GC User Information
Routine Maintenance: Detectors
Maintaining the flame photometric detector (FPD)
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