Waters 1525M - 5.3 Troubleshooting Chromatographic Problems

Troubleshooting 85
5
5.3 Troubleshooting Chromatographic Problems
Ta b l e 5- 3 is a guide to troubleshooting and correcting chromatographic problems.
Table 5-3 Correcting Chromatographic Problems
Symptom Possible Cause Corrective Action
Erratic retention times Air bubble in pump head Degas all eluents and prime
the pump (see Section 3.2.1,
Priming the Pump).
Malfunctioning check valves Replace pump check valves
(see Section 4.4
or
Section 4.6
).
Leaking pump seals Replace pump seals (see
Section 4.3
or Section 4.5).
Leaks around fittings Tighten fittings.
Separation chemistry Check the eluent and column.
Clogged eluent filters Replace filters.
Increased retention
times
Incorrect flow rate Change the flow rate.
Incorrect eluent composition Change eluent composition.
Column heater not turned on Turn the column heater on.
Incorrect eluent Use the correct eluent.
Column contaminated Clean or replace the column.
Incorrect column Use the correct column.
Air bubble in pump head Degas all eluents and prime
the pump (see Section 3.2.1,
Priming the Pump).
Clogged eluent filter Replace the filter.
Reduced retention
times
Incorrect flow rate Change the flow rate.
Incorrect eluent composition Change the composition.
High column temperature Reduce the column
temperature.
Incorrect eluent Use the correct eluent.
Column contaminated Clean or replace the column.
Incorrect column Use the correct column.
Eluent not properly degassed Degas the eluent.