Silica, Phosphate, Hydrazine, Ammonia and Copper Analyzers µAI 7040 Portable Series

PROBLEM		POSSIBLE CAUSE		SOLUTION
Calibration error message.		Old or contaminated reagents/standard.		Replace with new. It is recommended that reagents and standards be replaced 1 month after opening.
Calibration error message.		Calibration differs by 30% or more from previous cal.		The analyzer’s default is to give a calibration error message in this case. If current calibration value is good select “calibration parameters”, select “last cal od” and press enter to update the latest value.
Calibration error message.		Reagents not properly injecting.		Check that all reagents are injecting during calibration. Each injection should be a solid stream, no sputtering.
Calibration error message.		Solenoid valve failure.		Perform solenoids test from operations menu. During the test each row of valves will be actuated from left to right beginning with the reagent valves. Check for good electrical connection on valves that do not actuate before replacing.
Calibration error message.		Incorrect standard value entered on analyzer.		Check that the correct standard concentration is entered in calibration parameters. If this is a dual stream unit, make sure the correct value is entered on each stream’s parameters.
Calibration error message.		Reagent or standards connected to the wrong tubes.		Double check that all reagents and the standard are connected to the correct corresponding tubes.
Calibration error message.		Faulty thermistor or heater if analyzer is so equipped.		View display for “tmp 2”. Reading. (9046 uses “tmp 1”). Check that correct temp is entered under heater settings and display is stable within 3-4 degrees.
Calibration error message.		Standard not drawn in during calibration.		Verify that valve V8 actuates at the beginning of a cal. Check all tubing for holes or kinks. Check for pinched tubing where standard straw mates. Check condition of pump tube.
Calibration error message.		Organics interference.		Perform multiple washes with 10% Clorox solution. Wait 15 minutes and wash several times with di water and cal again. This may need to be performed multiple times once organics have been established.
Low/high readings.		Old or contaminated reagents/standard.		Replace with new. It is recommended that reagents and standards be replaced 1 month after opening.
Low/high readings.		Poor calibration value.		Repeat calibrations. Refer to calibration error message troubleshooting.
Low/high readings.		Calibration not recently performed.		Analyzer should be set to auto-cal once per week at the minimum.
Low/high readings.		Blank OD value.		When measuring below 10ppb the blank OD value should be manually entered to .0001.
Low/high readings.		Reagents not properly injecting.		Check that all reagents are injecting during analysis. Each injection should be a solid stream, no sputtering.
Low/high readings.		Disconnected/damaged tubing.		Check all tubing for holes/cracks, especially sample tube that runs to constant head block. Check that all tubing is firmly seated on their connections.
Low/high readings.		Low sample flow.		Ensure constant flow throughout the entire cycle. A continual sample stream from the overflow fitting will ensure adequate flow.
Low/high readings.		Blocked waste tube.		Check both waste tube and fitting for particulates or pinched tubing. Ensure waste is flowing freely from the unit.
Low/high readings.		Organics interference.		Perform multiple washes with 10% Clorox solution. Wait 15 minutes and wash several times with di water and cal again. This may need to be performed multiple times once organics have been established.
Low/high readings.		Solenoid valve failure causing sample to not be drawn in.		Run solenoid test to see that all valves are working. Particularly V4 and V5 on dual stream units.
Missing sample error message		Inadequate/interrupted flow.		A constant flow rate of 150ml/min-500ml/min is recommended. If a steady stream of sample can be seen exiting the overflow fitting then flow is adequate.
Missing sample error message		Dirty float switch.		Remove float switch from constant head block. Clean float and inside of block with damp cloth.
Leakage alarm message		Wet leakage alarm sensor.		Check for liquids in the bottom of the cabinet and identify cause. Dry end of leakage alarm sensor and message should revert to “leakage off”. Resume operation.
Air in cell alarm message		Air is being drawn into the system during analysis.		Check all tubing for pinholes and that they are properly connected to their respective valves. Check pump tube. Ensure adequate sample flow.
Air in cell alarm message		Empty calibration standard or DI water bottle.		Check level of bottles and fill.
Reagents not injecting.		Reagent valves not actuating.		Perform solenoid test. Replace valve if not actuating.
Reagents not injecting.		Vacuum is not being formed within C1 injection chamber.		Perform solenoid test to ensure all valves are actuating. Check all tubing and pump tube for holes or improper seals allowing loss of vacuum. Ensure pump operates both clockwise and counterclockwise.
Reagents not injecting.		Cracked reagent tubing.		Replace reagent tubing from reagent valves to solenoid bottles. Also replace tubing that mate with reagent straws.
Reagents not injecting.		Clogged reagent tubing/straws/valves.		Replace reagent tubing/straws. Disassemble valve and clean membrane. (Older style circular valves cannot be disassembled and need to be replaced).
Reagents sputtering during injection.		Valve/reagent lines partially clogged with precipitates.		Perform multiple prime operations to pass 5-10% sodium hydroxide through the reagent valves/tubing. Then flush with DI water
Reagents sputtering during injection.		Damaged reagent tubing.		Check entire length of tubings from reagent valves to reagent bottles for cracks, pinholes, or improperly sealed mating tubings.
Tubing popping off valves.		Kinked tubing/blockage.		Check all tubing for kinks where it curves. Ensure waste is flowing freely. Inspect for blockage within tubes and glass flowcell.
Tubing popping off valves.		Worn/improperly installed pump tube causing excess		Replace pump tube.
Tubing popping off valves.		Solenoid valve failure.		Run solenoid test.
Unit is always running in “dilution” mode.		Sample concentration exceeds full scale of analyzer.		Check that the “full scale concentration” value has not been set lower then the sample concentration. The user should set this value equal to or less than the stated full range of the analyzer.
Unit is always running in “dilution” mode.		Excessive air bubbles being introduced.		Check all tubing for cracks/holes. Ensure adequate sample flow throughout the entire cycle.
Unit is using an excessive amount of DI water.		Unit is running in dilution mode.		Refer to dilution troubleshooting above.
Unit is using an excessive amount of DI water.		Calibration cycle is being run too frequently.		Adjust calibration frequency settings. Analyzer will use DI during calibrations; grab samples, primes, blanks, washes, and dilutions.
Unit is using an excessive amount of DI water.		Valve VC4 is failing.		Run solenoid test.
No 4-20 mA output.		Loose connection on current output terminal (P8 on RFIO board.		Tighten screws on P8. Ensure it is not crimping on wire’s insulation.
Incorrect 4-20 mA output.		Full scale setting differs from expected 4-20 correlation.		Check “full scale conc.” field for 20mA correlation. (This will be under “full scale D.A.C.” on newer units).