As the main resource for Y501 service and maintenance, customers frequently contact us for troubleshooting assistance. We have collected some common problems where we think it is feasible for the customer to perform the fix themselves, saving the customer time and money. In many cases, no new parts are needed to solve the problem. If you have any troubleshooting tips you would like to share with other users, please send them in to [email protected] so that I can post them.
1. The computer is having a communication problem with a peripheral connected by serial port (autosampler, balance, syringe pump).
The problem can manifest itself during manual COM port searches, the pre-sequence ARV communication check, or the middle of a sequence. Possible solutions are 1) re-do the COM port searches and re-initialize the syringe pump, 2) disconnect and reconnect all the serial port connections to remedy a loose connection, 3) update Windows 7 to get the USB-to-serial hub working properly again. Also refer to the Reboot Protocol section of the website to a step-by-step protocol for reinitializing the Y501 system in the event of a communication failure.
2. At high temperature setpoints (over 100 degrees Celsius), the Vortex Autosampler is having large temperature offsets (up to +/- 5 degrees C) around the setpoint.
The proper settings for the CAL3300 temperature controller vary with the setpoint. For users with high setpoints, try using Band = 1.5, cyc.T = 0.3, and sprr = 30. The temperature offset should be reduced to +/- 2 degrees C.
3. The autosampler needle is getting bent or being pushed up (even though the needle clamp is tight) when the z-arm goes down into the sample vial.
The problem is usually a septum that is too thick. A possible solution is to switch to a vial with a thinner septum.
4. Air bubbles are being generated while the sample is being loaded by the sample syringe, ruining the subsequent viscogram.
One possible culprit is a syringe speed that is too fast and your mobile phase is relatively viscous. A possible solution is to modify your method and slow down the sample syringe speed, especially when the syringe is going down. In your method, the SYRSPEED for Phenol/TCE should be 80-100 sec/stroke. Another possible culprit is an in-line filter that is plugged or loose. In this case, you can try changing the frit in the in-line filter or tightening the ring clamp screws, respectively.
5. The ARV software seems to crash whenever I try to use a long Sample ID in the sample sequence.
The Sample ID length limit is 47 characters. If you exceed the limit, ARV will crash at the end of the injection when it attempts to save the data to a file.
6. The RV trace on the viscogram is wavy.
The usual culprit for a wavy viscogram is a disruption in the flow path, as opposed to a problem with the transducers or electronics. Check the entire flow path from the pump inlet to the waste line for kinks in the tubing. Straighten or replace any tubing with kinks. Check that the pulse dampener has the proper ratio of air to solvent in it. Check that the gear pump is screwed securely to the chassis. Perform a manual or automatic backflush to remove any particulates in capillary 1 and capillary 2. Check if the 7-micron filter in the gear pump assembly is plugged with particles.A well-running Y501 should have random noise that does not exceed 0.0006 RV units in amplitude for a single wave period, as opposed to large, regular waves in the RV trace.
7. The P1 and P2 transducer readings are fluctuating more than +/- 0.02.
This problem is related to FAQ #6 because fluctuating transducer readings can lead to a wavy RV trace. One culprit for this can be a pump that is actually putting out pulsatile flow, which can be caused by gears that don't fit together well. You can fix this problem by rebuilding the pump head or by replacing the pump.
8. The RV baseline in the Load configuration is different from the baseline in the Inject configuration.
The usual culprit here is a loose actuator that is not completely turning the 6-port valve. Tighten the actuator's ring clamp.
9. The RV dip during the injection is too large ( > 0.1 RV).
One possibility is that the sample loop has some air in it. This may be caused by too much sampling tubing length or not enough sample volume. In this case, cut out some of the sampling tubing or increase the sample volume. Another possibility is a worn-out rotor. Replace the rotor.
1. The computer is having a communication problem with a peripheral connected by serial port (autosampler, balance, syringe pump).
The problem can manifest itself during manual COM port searches, the pre-sequence ARV communication check, or the middle of a sequence. Possible solutions are 1) re-do the COM port searches and re-initialize the syringe pump, 2) disconnect and reconnect all the serial port connections to remedy a loose connection, 3) update Windows 7 to get the USB-to-serial hub working properly again. Also refer to the Reboot Protocol section of the website to a step-by-step protocol for reinitializing the Y501 system in the event of a communication failure.
2. At high temperature setpoints (over 100 degrees Celsius), the Vortex Autosampler is having large temperature offsets (up to +/- 5 degrees C) around the setpoint.
The proper settings for the CAL3300 temperature controller vary with the setpoint. For users with high setpoints, try using Band = 1.5, cyc.T = 0.3, and sprr = 30. The temperature offset should be reduced to +/- 2 degrees C.
3. The autosampler needle is getting bent or being pushed up (even though the needle clamp is tight) when the z-arm goes down into the sample vial.
The problem is usually a septum that is too thick. A possible solution is to switch to a vial with a thinner septum.
4. Air bubbles are being generated while the sample is being loaded by the sample syringe, ruining the subsequent viscogram.
One possible culprit is a syringe speed that is too fast and your mobile phase is relatively viscous. A possible solution is to modify your method and slow down the sample syringe speed, especially when the syringe is going down. In your method, the SYRSPEED for Phenol/TCE should be 80-100 sec/stroke. Another possible culprit is an in-line filter that is plugged or loose. In this case, you can try changing the frit in the in-line filter or tightening the ring clamp screws, respectively.
5. The ARV software seems to crash whenever I try to use a long Sample ID in the sample sequence.
The Sample ID length limit is 47 characters. If you exceed the limit, ARV will crash at the end of the injection when it attempts to save the data to a file.
6. The RV trace on the viscogram is wavy.
The usual culprit for a wavy viscogram is a disruption in the flow path, as opposed to a problem with the transducers or electronics. Check the entire flow path from the pump inlet to the waste line for kinks in the tubing. Straighten or replace any tubing with kinks. Check that the pulse dampener has the proper ratio of air to solvent in it. Check that the gear pump is screwed securely to the chassis. Perform a manual or automatic backflush to remove any particulates in capillary 1 and capillary 2. Check if the 7-micron filter in the gear pump assembly is plugged with particles.A well-running Y501 should have random noise that does not exceed 0.0006 RV units in amplitude for a single wave period, as opposed to large, regular waves in the RV trace.
7. The P1 and P2 transducer readings are fluctuating more than +/- 0.02.
This problem is related to FAQ #6 because fluctuating transducer readings can lead to a wavy RV trace. One culprit for this can be a pump that is actually putting out pulsatile flow, which can be caused by gears that don't fit together well. You can fix this problem by rebuilding the pump head or by replacing the pump.
8. The RV baseline in the Load configuration is different from the baseline in the Inject configuration.
The usual culprit here is a loose actuator that is not completely turning the 6-port valve. Tighten the actuator's ring clamp.
9. The RV dip during the injection is too large ( > 0.1 RV).
One possibility is that the sample loop has some air in it. This may be caused by too much sampling tubing length or not enough sample volume. In this case, cut out some of the sampling tubing or increase the sample volume. Another possibility is a worn-out rotor. Replace the rotor.