SECTION 5
SOLVING PROBLEMS
5.2 Common TC Head Problems
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Problems can often be solved by inspecting and
cleaning the TC head.
1
Follow the instructions in Section 4 to remove
the TC head.
NOTE:
To improve temperature stability inside the osmometer,
leave the access cover in place while the TC head is out
of the instrument.
2
Carefully inspect the TC head under a micro-
scope. Check for any gross contamination on
the thermocouple or thermocouple mount.
Contamination is a natural consequence of normal
use of the osmometer. It may also occur inadvertent-
ly during shipping or set-up. Contamination changes
the linearity of the instrument response, first
detectable in the lower ranges of osmolality.
Contamination does not generally degrade precision,
but, depending upon the nature of the contaminating
substance, this can occur. See Section 4 for complete
instructions to detect and remove contamination.
NOTE:
Contamination can be invisible to the eye; even if the
thermocouple appears to be clean, it may not give an
acceptable Clean Test (Section 3.4). In this case, follow
the instructions in Section 4.6.
3
Check if the thermocouple has been deformed
or broken. Refer to Section 5.4 for information
on identifying thermocouple deformation and
how to restore it to normal shape.
4
Inspect the TC head connector and the mating
pins for distortion or misalignment.
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