Diagnostics (UltiMate 3000 Series)
Calibration Test

Run this test after you have run a holmium oxide test for a VWD-3x00 detector that has revealed poor wavelength accuracy. The calibration test is used as an extended D alpha line calibration of the wavelength axis of the UV lamp. In addition, the test can be used to determine an incongruity between the measured channel and the reference channel (e.g., when the flow cell is not properly installed).

As flow cells differ slightly in their calibration values, perform this test as an additional calibration after replacing the flow cell.

Required materials and preparatory measures

To run this test, you need an UltiMate 3000 pump, a flushed flow cell, HPLC-grade water as an eluent, and a restriction capillary. Alternatively, you can use a dummy flow cell. However, the test results will be less significant.

Install the 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).

The required flow rate of 1ml/min is set automatically during the test.

 Tip: 

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

How to do the Calibration Test

  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 the modules are 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. Select the lamp(s) to be used for the test (UV, VIS, or Both)

    2. Make sure that a 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.  

    3. Remove the column and replace with the restrictor capillary. Confirm again with Done.

    4. Select the eluent channel for water.

  4. Click Next> to start calibration. 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 next wizard page. If the measured calibration values are outside the tolerance limits, you can download new calibration values. Click Store Calibration to save the calibration in the module. If the "It is highly recommended to store new calibration data now" message appears, the current calibration values deviate too much, and new calibration values should be stored.

  7. Click Next > to proceed 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:

 Dark Current Test

 Filter Motor Test

 Filter Test (Second Order)

 Grating Motor Test

 Holmium Oxide Test

 Intensity Test