Diagnostics (UltiMate 3000 Series)
Intensity Test (VWD)

Run this test to check the lamp intensity of an VWD-3x00 detector.

If the test is run with a flow cell and the intensity is too low, repeat the test with a dummy flow cell. This allows you  to check whether the low intensity was caused by the cell used in the first place.

Required materials and preparatory measures

To run this test, you need a dummy flow cell. As an alternative, use a flushed flow cell (SST or PEEK standard analytical, semipreparative or micro cell) instead of the dummy cell. In this case, use an 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 (Control menu -> Diagnostics) after installation of the flow cell.

 Tip: 

Dionex recommends using the Diagnostics Kit for UltiMate 3000 pumps and detectors (Dionex P/N 6035.3000), which contains all the 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 the 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, 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 or VIS 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.

 Tip: 

If the intensity is too low in the recorded channel only, the most probable cause is a stained flow cell. Perform the test again using a dummy flow cell. If the intensity is still too low, replace the lamp .

 

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

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

 Calibration Test

 Dark Current Test

 Filter Motor Test

 Filter Test (Second Order)

 Grating Motor Test

 Holmium Oxide Test