Troubleshooting Overview

Determining where the problem is

The first step to resolve an issue is to determine whether the problem is related to the instrument, the sample introduction area, the sample itself, or the software.

When troubleshooting a fault, it’s imperative that a methodical approach is used in order to get to the root cause in the most efficient manner. In some cases there maybe multiple causes for the fault in which case a considered approach is the only way to resolve the issue without the need for a service call.

Where to find error information

There are several built in features in ICP Expert to assist with troubleshooting.

• Error message - indicate the fault and potential causes
• Instrument logs - record all errors and tests results
• Instrument status window - shows live feedback of component status with flashing indicators when a fault occurs
• Dashboard - displays status of instrument sensors with graphing capability
• Tests - instrument self-diagnostic testing can be run
• Maintenance page - access via the Instrument window. This shows elapsed time or usage of several components, indicating when to perform maintenance to help keep the instrument performing at its best

Error messages

Thoroughly read any error message that appears. In most cases, troubleshooting advice is provided. Record the error if possible.

Instrument logs

Click File > Logs > Export Logs.

This will save all errors and test results to a compressed file located in C:\Users\(username)\Documents\Agilent\ICP Expert\Exported Results or to the location specified in the ICP Expert Options. Your service representative may ask for this if a service call is required.

Instrument window

With ICP Expert open, click Instrument on the ICP Expert toolbar.

If there is a hardware fault, either the LEDs on the left or an instrument component on the instrument image will be red or flashing red. Click the red or yellow flashing instrument component on the image to access troubleshooting advice.

Poor sensitivity or precision

Remember the following troubleshooting acronym (STiNTS) as it refers to the most common areas that can lead to poor sensitivity and precision.

STiNTS

• Standards – Calibration standards, including blank
• Tubing – Pump tube pressure and pump tubing as well as drain and uptake tubing
• Nebulizer – Nebulizer cleanliness and nebulizer flow
• Torch – Torch including injector cleanliness
• Spray chamber – Cleanliness and draining correctly

For more information click the links below:

• Poor or high relative standard deviation, poor precision, noisy signal
• Low analytical signal, low analytical sensitivity

Troubleshooting Links

Instrument Performance Poor or high relative standard deviation, poor precision, noisy signal Low analytical signal, low analytical sensitivity Running the Instrument Performance test

Instrument Instrument status LED indicators Plasma (Optics) Polychromator Peristaltic pump Camera Water supply Torch loader handle interlock Torch compartment door interlock Preoptics Gas supply RF Electronic and mains Accessory connections Plasma not igniting PC and instrument not communicating Torch overheating ADS 2

Software General software errors Calibration failure Unable to collect IntelliQuant data Error flags

See also:

• Maintenance
• How to