Troubleshooting Chromatographic Problems 86
5
Reproducibility errors Eluent not properly degassed Degas the eluent.
Incorrect chemistry/integration Check the
chemistry/integration.
Baseline drift, rapid Column not equilibrated Equilibrate the column.
Eluent contaminated Use fresh eluent.
Eluent not properly degassed
(rapid or slow drift)
Degas the eluent.
Flow fluctuations (rapid or slow
drift)
Fix pump problems, replace
pump seals, and check valves.
Baseline drift, slow Eluent contaminated Use fresh eluent.
Ambient temperature
fluctuations
Stabilize the operating envi-
ronment temperature enough
to allow full equilibration.
Baseline noise
cycling, short-term (30
to 60 sec)
Fluctuating flow rate Degas the eluent. Try
repriming the pump(s). If
necessary, check flow accu-
racy of the pump(s).
Inadequate eluent blending Install a mixer as shown in
Section 2.4.2, Installing
Different Mixer Configurations.
Power source (short- or long-
term cycling)
Disconnect other instruments
on the power line; try a
different wall outlet; have the
line voltage checked; use the
power conditioner.
Radio frequency noise (short-
or long-term cycling)
Eliminate interference.
Baseline noise
cycling,
long-term (for 1 hour)
Ambient temperature
fluctuations
Stabilize the ambient
temperature.
Integrator or recorder faulty Check the integrator or
recorder for excessive base-
line noise.
Table 5-3 Correcting Chromatographic Problems (Continued)
Symptom Possible Cause Corrective Action
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