Troubleshooting; Analytical Troubleshooting - Thermo Scientific EA IsoLink IRMS System Operating Manual

Troubleshooting

This chapter provides information necessary to find out instrument troubles and to solve them.
Contents
•

Analytical Troubleshooting

• Safety Cutoff
• EFC-t Module
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.
remedy.
Table 25. Analytical Troubleshooting Guide (Sheet 1 of 2)
Problem
High nitrogen blank.
High constant nitrogen blank in
several sequential analyses.
Carbon peak tailing or split.
Hydrogen peak is a split peak.
Bad separation between nitrogen and
carbon peaks.
Thermo Scientific
Table 25 reports the most common anomalies with the relevant diagnosis and
Diagnosis
Presence of leak.
Oxygen line or cylinder contaminated. Purge for 10-20 minutes.
Autosampler not purged.
Oxygen cylinder contaminated.
Presence of leak in the autosampler
system.
Too much ashes inside the reactor.
The sample analyzed was too large.
The tube connecting reactor and
column is clogged.
High nitrogen blank value.
Copper exhausted.
Remedy
Check that helium and oxygen lines
are sealed and in case eliminate
possible leak.
Replace the contaminated cylinder.
Check that the helium flow is correct.
Replace the oxygen cylinder.
Identify leaks and remove them.
Check ashes and remove them.
Weigh a lower amounts of sample.
Cut off the clogged tube portion.
Check the nitrogen blank value.
Eventually repeat the analysis.
Replace the reactor.
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