Diagnostics (UltiMate 3000 Series)
Dark Current Test (VWD)

Run this test for a VWD-3x00 detector to check the detection electronics, or if you notice an increased signal noise or signal variations of the baseline.

Required materials and preparatory measures

A dummy flow cell is required to run this test. As an alternative, use a flushed flow cell (SST/PEEK standard analytical, semipreparative, or micro) instead of the dummy cell. In this case, use an additional UltiMate 3000 pump, HPLC-grade water as an eluent, a restriction capillary, and a flow rate of 1ml/min (automatically set during the test).

Install the (dummy) flow cell beforehand so that any changes in the configuration become effective before you start the test. Otherwise, you have to restart the test after installation of the flow cell (Control menu -> Diagnostics).

 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 detector is not connected in Chromeleon or is in Standby mode. Connect the detector to Chromeleon before you continue by selecting the Connected check box. If the detector is in Standby mode, clear the Standby check box.

  2. Optional: Enter a descriptive text in the Comments field, e.g., the reason why the test is performed.

  3. Prepare the detector:

    1. Make sure that a (dummy) flow cell is installed in the detector. If not, install a cell and restart the test (Control menu -> Diagnostics) so that the changes become effective. If a cell is installed, confirm by clicking Done.

    2. Select the lamp type (UV, VIS, both, or no lamp).

    3. If your flow cell is not a dummy cell: Install the restrictor capillary and confirm again with Done.

    4. If your flow cell is not a dummy cell: 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 calibration 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 information about troubleshooting, click Open Troubleshooting Guide.

 

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

For more diagnostic tests for UltiMate 3000 Variable Wavelength Detectors, refer to:

 Calibration Test

 Filter Motor Test

 Filter Test (Second Order)

 Grating Motor Test

 Holmium Oxide Test

 Intensity Test