Waters 2414 - Page 107

June 11, 2015, 715004754 Rev. A
Page 107
Table 7–3: Abnormal baseline troubleshooting
Symptom Possible cause Corrective action
Baseline drift, rapid Column not equilibrated Equilibrate column.
Detector not allowed to
warm up
Allow detector to warm up
until baseline is stable.
Warmup time varies based
on sensitivity.
Solvent contaminated or
not HPLC grade
Use fresh solvent.
Solvent not properly
degassed (rapid or slow
drift)
Degas the solvent. Cap the
solvent reservoir.
Flow cell can possibly
contain an air bubble
Properly purge the
system.
Tubing contaminated Clean the tubing using the
procedure in
“Decontaminating the fluid
path” on page 93.
Flow fluctuations (rapid or
slow drift)
Correct pump problems,
replace pump seals,
ensure that valves are
operating properly.
Improper ambient
environment
Verify and correct ambient
temperature and humidity.
Baseline drift, slow Solvent contaminated Use fresh, degassed
solvent.
Ambient temperature
fluctuations
Stabilize operating
environment temperature
enough to allow full
equilibration. Keep the
system away from air
conditioning vents,
random breezes, and
direct sunlight.
Flow cell can contain an air
bubble
Properly purge the
system.
Dirty flow cell Clean flow cell (see
“Decontaminating the fluid
path” on page 93).
Baseline drift, descending Leaky flow cell Call Waters Technical
Service.
Flow cell can contain an air
bubble
Properly purge the
system.