\uD83E\uDD14 Problem
Pressure increases at underpressure (decreases at overpressure) over time
This indicates a leak
\uD83C\uDF31 Solution
Determine the type of leak (atmosphere or valve)
Make sure no samples are in the AGE system and insert a glass tube on each reactor of the AGE system.
Pump down all reactors by activating all reactors and pressing the button ‘Evacuate’ on the ‘General’ tab.
Wait for 2 minutes.
From the runtime menu ‘Options’ select ‘Offset correction’
Start the logging on the AGE software’s ‘Protocol and Log’ Tab on the right hand side (button ‘Start Logging’)
By clicking on the valve button of the reactor that leaks (reactors 1-7 have the valves V0-V6 associated with them) close the valve of that reactor.
Wait for 10 minutes and write down the pressure in the reactor in question. If the leak is showing now (pressure increase of more than 1 mbar/minute), the leak is likely against atmosphere. You can proceed to the problem solving section ‘Leak against atmosphere’
If the leak has not been visible with the first part of the test, continue as follows: Make sure the ‘vac/vent’ valve is set to the ‘Ar’ inlet, V8 and V9 need to be open. By doing so, the manifold connecting all the reactors should be at atmospheric pressure. Check if that is the case by looking at the pressure of any reactor that is not closed off. The pressure should be between 950 and 1020 mbar for most elevations.
Now wait for another 10 minutes and record the pressure increase. If the leak is showing now (pressure increase of more than 1 mbar/minute), the leak is likely through the valve connecting the tested reactor with the manifold. You can proceed to the problem solving section ‘Leak through the valve’
If there was no leak found, your reactor should be ready to use
Fixing a leak to atmosphere
Make sure the O-rings on the upper and lower tubes are in good shape. To check that, remove the or rings by removing the cap nut on the bottom and top of the reactor. Carefully insert the glass tube and gently remove the O-ring by moving the glass tube sideways by 5-10° and then pulling the O-ring out. Check for tears and dirt on the O-ring and replace the O-ring if necessary. If the O-ring still looks intact but very dry, regrease the O-ring with a very small amount of silicone grease from the EA-kit.
Reassemble the system and test again according to section 1 of the ‘Diagnosis’.
If the problem is till there, the leak will likely be found at the joint of the reactor housing with the 1/16” capillary. In this case, apply some epoxy glue around the joint of the reactor and the capillary.
Test again according to section 1 of the ‘Diagnosis’.
If your leak is still there, contact Ionplus support.
Fixing a leak through valve:
If the leak is in the valve, we recommend you get in touch with Ionplus support and likely the valve will need to be replaced.
Make sure there are no