FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

Sometimes, problems are caused by a simple cause. If a problem happens, check the followings first.

 

• Are all power switches turned ON?

  Confirm that the power is supplied to the instrument at every necessary location. If any power cannot be turned ON, check the switchboard supplying the power to the system.

  Click here for Startup after a long period shut down

 

• Is the photomultiplier turned ON?
  PDA-8000: If analyzing with the photomultiplier turned [OFF], an error message is displayed. Turn [ON] the [Photo Detector HV] in [Instrument Control] on the [Instrument Status] window of [Maintenance].

  PDA-7000: If you carry out an analysis with the photo detector OFF, the error message will appear. Turn ON the photo detector on Instrument Check screen.

 

• Is the inner pressure of the spectrometer normal?

  PDA-8000: Check the [Instrument Status] window of [Maintenance] to confirm that [Vacuum Gauge] in [Instrument Status] is [OK].

  PDA-7000: Check if the internal pressure of the spectrometer reaches the sufficient level on Instrument Check screen.

 

• Is the temperature of the spectrometer normal?

  PDA-8000: Check the [Instrument Status] window of [Maintenance] to confirm that [Temp. Control] in [Instrument Status] is [OK].

  PDA-7000: Check if the temperature display on the indicator on the switch panel stands within the range of 40±1°C and the set temperature is 40°C.

 

• Is the emission table cover (spark stand door) correctly closed?
  If the emission table cover is not correctly closed, the discharge cannot be performed as the safety interlock is activated. Confirm that the emission table cover is correctly closed.

 

• Is the sample correctly set with the sample holder lever?
  If the sample is not correctly set with the sample holder lever, air may enter the discharge chamber causing abnormal discharge. Confirm that the sample is correctly set with the sample holder lever.

 

• Is the purity and flow rate of the argon gas correct?
  The used argon gas should satisfy the following conditions :
    Purity: 99.999 % min.
    Oxygen: 1 ppm max.
    Dew point: -70 °C
    Flow rate(During analysis): PDA-8000: 5 L/min, PDA-7000: 10L/min
    Flow rate(During standby): PDA-8000: 0.5 L/min, PDA-7000: 1L/min

 

If not resolved, contact a Shimadzu sales or service representative.