FID Problem Solving Protocols 1689948973
FID Problem Solving Protocols 1689948973
The following procedures are provided to guide the user in solving basic FID operational
problems.
3. For adaptable FID’s – check the column fitting for leaks and the adapter ferrule for
cracking or leaks - replace the Ferrule as required.
Use an accurate, preferably calibrated mass flow meter to confirm the actual flow rates:
1. Cool the oven to <50oC
2. Set the inlet pressure to “OFF” (shuts off column flow)
3. If there is no column installed, cap the FID column fitting
4. Turn FID H2/Air/Makeup flows to “OFF”
5. Turn on and measure H2/Air/Makeup flows independently
(The column flow can also be measured at this time by turning all the FID flows off and
turning the Inlet Pressure back on.)
The diagnostic will report a pass/fail result and a pressure drop across the jet.
1. Leave the column installed in the FID or remove the column and cap off the fitting in the
oven. Leaving the column in will determine if the column is installed too high in the jet,
plugging the orifice.
2. Set the Makeup flow to “Off” – confirm a reading of 0.0 ml/min for actual makeup flow.
If not 0.0 – follow the procedure to “Zero” the FID EPC module pressure sensors.
3. Set the Hydrogen Flow to 75 ml/minute (the H2 supply pressure may need to be
increased to achieve this flow setting.)
4. Monitor the makeup flow “Actual” reading
If the makeup flow is indicating a value in excess of 1.0 ml/min, this indicates that the jet is
plugged or partially plugged - pressure is backing up from the H2 channel into the Makeup
channel of the EPC system, resulting in a false flow indication on the makeup channel.
3. While the jet is removed from the FID detector base, examine the sealing surface for
scratches or damage. The detector base weldment must be replaced if it is damaged.
Confirm that the lit FID Output is < 20 pa after system equilibration – if higher, perform the
Evaluation for Elevated FID Output before proceeding.
If the baseline spiking continues, replace the electrometer and/or the interconnect/spring
assembly.
Power Line Grounding and FID Spiking
Ground noise on the AC power supply to the GC can cause FID spiking – the GC in question
should have a dedicated outlet and incorporate an isolated/dedicated ground.
To avoid this problem, operate the detector at or above 300 degrees and consider
installing the Hastelloy collector and Castle assemblies – see IPB.
3. Carbonization in the detector due to injection of aromatic or chlorinated solvents.
- To avoid this problem, operate the detector at or above 300 degrees
- Operate the Detector flows at higher values (Air 450, H2 35 ml/min)
- Use the PTFE Collector insert, P/N 19231-21050 – install after the flame is lit
(obscures the igniter if installed)
Use an accurate, preferably calibrated mass flow meter to confirm the actual flow rates:
1. Cool the oven to <50oC
2. Turn FID H2/Air/Makeup flows to “OFF”
3. Measure the Column Flow rate.
4. If Leakage Current is > 2.0 picoamps or unstable perform the FID baseline evaluation for
electronics only.
2. If the FID output is <1.0 pa with the collector removed, it is likely that the leakage
current was due to contamination on the collector and PTFE insulators – these parts can
be ultrasonically cleaned or replaced – handle clean or new parts with gloves to avoid
further contamination.
3. If the output is still >2.0 pa with the collector removed, remove the lower part of the
collector assembly by removing the three T20 Torx screws. Be careful not to bend or
touch the interconnect spring. Examine the interconnect spring - if the spring is bent,
replace just the Spring (Handle with Gloves) or the FID Interconnect/Spring assembly.
4. While the FID is disassembled, examine the underside of the Castle Assembly – it should
have a clean, black PTFE coating. If it is rusted or corroded replace the castle and the
collector with hastelloy parts; Replace the igniter assembly. Also make sure the FID is
being operated at or above 300 degrees to prevent future rusting.
6. Heat the detector to operating temperature allow the system to equilibrate and recheck the
leakage current – if OK, relight the FID and evaluate the detector output/noise.
Flow sensors
The split/splitless and purged packed inlet modules use flow sensors. If the Auto flow zero feature is on,
they are zeroed automatically after each run. This is the recommended way. They can also be zeroed
manually—see the next page.
Pressure sensors
All EPC control modules use pressure sensors. They can be zeroed as a group or individually. There is no
automatic zero for pressure sensors.
Zero conditions
IMPORTANT: Flow sensors are zeroed with the carrier gas connected and flowing. Pressure
sensors are zeroed with the supply gas line disconnected from the gas control module.
Note: After zeroing or flow calibration, the Factory Calibration line is replaced by the time and date of the
recalibration.
To restore the Factory Calibration, select the time and date line and press [Delete].
This destroys the user calibration.