Thermo Scientific iCAP 6000 Series Maintenance Manual page 33

iCAP Customer Training Manual
6.1.1.1 Teflon capillary tubing:
Should be free of kinks and scissor or
pinch cut ends. For best results, razor cut
at 45° for the drain. Also check the
sample peristaltic pump winding condition
and platen pressure for proper adjustment.
Replace the winding if it is used or
collapsed. Pump windings typically last
only a couple of days. Introduce an air
bubble into the sample uptake tube and
watch its migration through the tubing, it
should be smooth and consistent.
Worn rollers, bent pump head shaft or bad
roller bearings can cause inconsistent
pump action and any such damaged
pumps should be replaced.
The peristaltic pump may also be
used for the pumped drain spray
chamber systems and the internal
standards mixing kits.
6.1.1.2 Peristaltic Sample Pump
Note: When using a concentric or crossflow free aspirating type
nebuliser, the pump platen pressure should be adjusted with the plasma
torch ignited and the pump stopped.
To adjust the Platen Pressure
Dip the uptake capillary (which is
normally connected to a sipper probe)
into deionised water.
With the nebuliser gas switched off
gradually reduce the platen pressure
by pushing in the tension adjustment
lever until the water freely aspirates
through the pump tubing. You can
briefly remove the capillary or sipper
probe from the rinse for a short period
to introduce a small air bubble.
With pump turned on adjust the drain
pressure to allow small bubbles to
flow in the drain tube
Finally, argon/air leaks can cause many problems including poor precision.
Check the gas fittings on the lines coming from the bulkhead to the torch and
nebuliser with a suitable soapy liquid such as Snoop. Leaks at these joints are
usually caused by rough tubing and can be stopped by cutting off about 1/2 inch of
tubing and reinserting. Replace the tubing with ¼ inch Teflon if the tubing becomes
too short