Solvent Leakage at Cell Arm

Issue

Leaks at autosampler tip and cell accompanied by one or both of these errors:

1. Error 16 Hydrocarbon vapor alarm.
2. Error 48 Pump error detected. Check pump seals, check valves, and check cell seals.

Environment

ASE 350

Resolution

Error 16: Hydrocarbon vapor alarm.

Action:

• Check for foreign material on the threads of the cell end cap, the seal surface, and the cell body.
• If necessary, replace the seals and/or O-rings.
• Tighten the cell end caps hand-tight. Note: Do not use a wrench or other tool.
• Open the door to the service area.
• Clean and dry the drip tray thoroughly.
• Then, inspect the following for leaks:
  • pump check valves
  • pump fittings
  • pump seal in between the head and pump cylinder
  • solvent line fittings
  • transducer fittings
  • pressure relief valve fittings.

NOTE: Also check for solvent leaks from the drain tubes connected to the solvent reservoirs and static valve. Tighten or replace any leaking fittings.

• Go to the HYDROCARBON screen and reset the THRESHOLD.

Error 48: Pump error detected.

• Check pump seals
• Check valves
• Check cell seals

Action:

• Replace the piston seals.
• Replace the pump check valves.
• Check for foreign material on the threads of the cell end cap, the seal surface, and the cell body.
• If necessary, replace the seals and/or O-rings.
• Tighten the cell end caps hand-tight. Do not use a wrench or other tool.
• Open the door to the service area. I
• Inspect the following for leaks:
  • pump check valves
  • pump fittings
  • pump seal in between the head and pump cylinder, solvent line fittings, transducer fittings, and pressure relief valve fittings.
  • Tighten or replace any leaking fittings
• If liquid is dripping out of the autoseal tips at the end of the arms with no cell present the prime valve may be leaking.
• Contact Technical Support.

NOTE: If the leak appears to be coming from the arm where the autoseal tip is attached to the arm. There may be a fitting to a line that may need to be replaced or tightened

Cause

Error 16 Cause:

• The hydrocarbon (vapor) level exceeds the threshold; this may indicate a leak from the cell, liquid components, or fittings.

Error 48 Cause:

• The expected pressure was not reached during the fill step.