Diagnostics (UltiMate 3000 Series)
Holmium Oxide Test (DAD/MWD)

Run the holmium oxide test to test the filter function and verify the wavelength accuracy of a DAD-3000(RS) or MWD-3000(RS) detector. A holmium oxide filter switched into the light path is used as spectrum reference. The transmission of the holmium oxide filter is determined at two different wavelengths in order to detect defects of the filter setting mechanism or a dirty filter. The wavelengths of the distinctive peaks in the transmission curve are measured and compared to previous calibration data. If the UV lamp is on, the wavelength of the D2 alpha peak is measured to give an additional indication of the wavelength accuracy of the detector. A D2 alpha peak deviation is calculated as difference of the measured wavelength when inserting the holmium oxide filter in the light path.

In order to obtain an adequate result for your configuration, always use the same flow cell and lamp or lamps that were used for data acquisition.

 Note: 

The test requires detector firmware version 1.10 or later.

Required materials and preparatory measures

To run this test, you need an UltiMate 3000 pump. Use a flushed flow cell and degassed HPLC-grade water as an eluent. Install a restrictor capillary between the pump outlet and the flow cell inlet and check the pump's pressure limits. A flow rate of 1ml/min will be automatically set during the test.

 Tip: 

Dionex recommends using the Diagnostics Kit for UltiMate 3000 pumps and detectors (Dionex P/N 6035.3000), which contains all materials required for this test.

How to

  1. On the first test page, click Next> to proceed with the settings required for the test.

     Tip: 

    If the Next> button is not active on the first test page, the pump and/or detector is not connected in Chromeleon or is in Standby mode. Connect both modules to Chromeleon before you continue by selecting the Connected check box. If a module is in Standby mode, also clear the Standby check box.

  2. Optional: Enter a descriptive text in the Comments field; for example, the reason why the test is performed.

  3. Prepare the detector.

    1. Confirm that a flow cell is installed in the detector by clicking Done.

    2. Select the lamp type to be used for the test  (UV or VIS lamp or both) and the slit width (narrow or wide).

    3. Confirm installation of the restrictor capillary with Done.

    4. Select the eluent channel for water.

  4. Clicking Next> takes you to the next test step(s). Follow the instructions on the panel(s).

  5. When the test is finished, remove the restriction capillary and confirm by clicking Done.

  6. Clicking Next> takes you to the last wizard page. To view or print the report with details of the analysis, click Finish and Preview Report. Click Finish to quit the test panel without viewing the report. For maintenance and replacement procedures, click Open Troubleshooting Guide.

     Tip: 

    After the test, the flow is set to 0. If you do not plan to continue with further tests, make sure to set a (small) pump flow or turn off the detector lamps to avoid damage to the flow cell. Confirm by clicking Done.

 

For general information, refer to  Diagnostics (UltiMate 3000 Series).

For more diagnostic tests for UltiMate 3000 Diode Array and Multiple Wavelength Detectors, refer to:

 Dark Current Test

Slit Test

 Intensity Test