Instrument Window - Dashboard

Click 'Dashboard' in the navigation panel on the left of the Instrument window.

Diagnostic Gauges are available to monitor various instrument parameters. Many of these parameters can then be adjusted without the need to call for Service assistance. If you suspect a problem with the instrument, use the gauges to check various instrument parameters.

If the gauge is in use the value should be in the Green band (Normal) or yellow band, (not ideal but instrument will still function). Any values in the red band highlight a problem that needs addressing.

Some values will display '0' due to either not in use (for example, O₂ Option Gas) or conditional, such as Plasma Gases and RF Water Flow which won’t show in the green band until a plasma ignition process has begun.

RF Water Flow Test

This is only available when the plasma is turned off. To check RF water flow, select the 'Air/Water Cooling' Gauge suite and click the RF Water Flow 'On' button. Monitor Water Flow on the 'RF Water Flow' gauge. The RF Water Flow will turn off after a set period of time to prevent condensation build up on RF Generator with the Plasma Off.

Purge Gas Flows Test

This is only available when the plasma is turned off. The 'Purge Gas Flows' button is a useful tool to purge air from gas lines if a change of supply has occurred, and to determine whether the instrument gas input pressure is still within specification when gas is flowing. Click on 'Purge Gas Flows' to start the test.

Gauge Select

Click any of the sets to view suites of gauges specific to areas of the instrument including the gas supply, air and water cooling, optics, plasma and a general set. Each suite shows the relevant temperature, pressure and gas or water flow information.

For more information about each gauge and what it shows click here.

Custom Gauges

Click on the gauge drop-down menus to select a specific gauge to monitor.

Tell me what the gauges mean and how to troubleshoot using them.

Plotting Gauge Data on a Graph

To plot gauge data on a graph, right-click on the gauge and select Plot Graph. The graph will continue to plot in the background if another page is selected, however, if another set of gauges (gauge suite) is selected the plotting will stop.

Right-click on the gauge and then select 'Stop' to stop plotting. To export the plotted data, right-click on the graph and select 'Export'.

Tip
Performing these plots over time can be especially useful in determining trends, such as slowly increasing nebulizer pressure or reducing argon inlet pressure. This can indicate maintenance is needed, which when performed, can prevent problems from occurring.

Nebulizer Test

Blocked Nebulizers are the source of many instrument performance issues including loss of sensitivity and poor precision. The Back pressure test facility is available to verify nebulizer performance.

Instructions on how to run this test are provided.

The results are displayed in the 'Tests' tab in the 'Instrument' window.

Tip
Test the nebulizer when it is new so it can be used as a reference point when checking for suspected blockages in the future.

Nebulizer back pressure failures can be caused by the following:

High back pressure — nebulizer or torch injector tube blocked
Low back pressure — nebulizer leaking or not connected