036-536 Error on Degasser & 036-537 Error on MCS
Technology: Ion Chromatography
How do you know you have this problem?
This document details how to fix the issue of no vacuum buildup. Magic Net will create an MCS and/or degasser error when the vacuum hasn’t been created in 60 seconds.
This error can occasionally arise after a quick shutdown and then startup of the instrument and is often due to a pressure buildup in the MCS or degasser vacuum pump that needs to be released.
Magic Net will most likely produce the MCS error if you hear a high-pitched, continuous-tone whine when starting up the instrument instead of the usual “musical” ramp-up of the vacuum pump. Go ahead and perform the below procedure.
Procedure
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Go to the Manual window, select the IC, and go to the MCS or degasser tab, dependent on the error.
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Select Off. On the back of the IC, loosen but do not remove the white plug on the Vacuum port.
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Inspect the port labeled “Exhaust” for any liquid. If liquid is present, contact Tech Support.
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Turn it back on within the same Manual Control window and allow it to run for ~30 seconds with the Vacuum port open. This releases the pressure build-up.
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With the MCS or degasser still running, re-tighten the plug on the Vacuum port till it is snug to minor finger pressure (no tools).
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The IC should now run without another vacuum error.
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If an error returns, contact Tech Support. If the 036-536 degasser error is received, please review the troubleshooting information below to turn the degasser off.
Prevention
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When you need to stop flow on the IC high pressure [HP] pump or the peristaltic pump [purging air bubbles from HP pump], instead of Stop HW:
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Click on the Manual button.
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Click on the IC icon to make the device tabs available.
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Click on the module or unit to stop (e.g., HP pump) and click the Stop or Off button.
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For longer-term shutdown of the instrument (more than ten min. shutdown), use the Stop HW function in the Equilibration window of the Workplace
Error Handling & Turning off Degasser in MagIC Net
Error Handling:
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Magic Net will only stop the IC if the Error Handling has been defined.
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Configuration tab –> Tools –> Options –> Error handling has been defined. See the example screenshot below.
Deactivating Degasser in the Method
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Navigate to the Method tab > File > Open > Select the method of interest.
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Click the Degasser tab > and deselect the Active box, as shown in the screenshot below.
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Save the method as “Anions - No Degasser,” for example.
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If the water used to make the eluent is not degassed, the following procedures should be implemented to prevent air from building up in the system and high-pressure pump.
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The simplest method is to boil the water for a few minutes and then cool in a closed container with little head space. Add concentrate or salts after degassing/cooling the water.
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Sonication or stirring under a vacuum also works.
Be careful not to contaminate the water.