Simdis Trouble Shooting AC Analytical Controls February 2001

Problem areas Contamination Leaks and column septum bleed Electronic / mechanical failure

Baseline symptoms Ghost peaks : Contamination by septum Solvent / wash bottles in auto sampler is contaminated Wrong syringe in auto sampler

Baseline drift Leak Saturated filter Carrier gas purity Carrier gas line Improper column installation Saturated filter Carrier gas purity Column contaminated with HB components

Poor peak shape Column overload Bad column – liner connection Broken column Old column

No peaks Auto sampler / syringe problems Incorrect signal assignment Flame out No carrier gas

Poor Separation Bad column – liner connection Check method instrument settings Flow too high Contaminated calibration mixture Old column

Reference Off spec. Contaminated solvents causes a bad blank Detector nut leak Incorrect calibration table settings Septum leak Column overload

Low Calibration Peaks Preparation of calibrant mixture Hydrogen / air ration on FID Detector leak Restricted FID Wrong FID jet