Troubleshooting And Maintenance; Troubleshooting - Micromeritics ASAP 2020 Confirm Operator's Manual

Troubleshooting

8. TROUBLESHOOTING AND MAINTENANCE

The ASAP 2020 system has been designed to provide efficient and continuous service. How-
ever, to get the best results over the longest period of time, certain maintenance procedures
must be followed. This chapter includes troubleshooting information, recommended preven-
tive maintenance procedures, and routine maintenance procedures.
Troubleshooting
Most operational problems are caused by leaks (commonly around the sample tube O-ring at
the analysis port), sample weighing errors, use of too much analysis bath fluid in the Dewar at
the start of an analysis, or entry of incorrect system volume for analysis. Always check these
first when expected analysis results are not obtained. Some common operational problems,
which are not indicated on the video monitor screen, and their respective causes and solutions
are provided in Table 8-1.
What Happened
Analysis dewar cannot
be raised (or lowered).
Vacuum pump gurgles
continuously.
Vacuum gauge shows
reading above 20
mHg, even after
extended pumping
through unrestricted
valve with analysis or
degas ports closed.
202-42811-01 - Mar 2011
Table 8-1. Troubleshooting Chart
Why
Elevator that moves dewar stuck
in up position, down position, or
somewhere in between.
Sample tube or cold trap tube
O-ring or fitting loose.
Sample tube cracked.
No sample tube loaded on a
selected port.
Gas inlet valve open while
vacuum valve open.
Vacuum pump oil is low, causing
ineffective evacuation.
ASAP 2020 Confirm
What To Do
Check for possible obstruction to
elevator movement.
Tighten fitting. Replace O-ring.
Replace with new sample tube.
Install plug or empty sample
tube.
With manual control enabled, use
the instrument schematic to close
gas inlet valve.
Add or change vacuum pump oil.
Be sure to add oil to proper level
according to indicator window on
the pump.
8-1