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 resolve the issue of no vacuum buildup. Magic Net will create an MCS and/or degasser error when the vacuum hasn’t been established within 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 accompanied by the presence of a high-pitched, continuous whine when starting up the instrument instead of the usual “musical” ramp-up of the vacuum pump. If this occurs, perform the procedure listed below.
Procedure
- Navigate to the Manual window, select the IC, and click on the MCS or degasser tab, depending on the error observed.
- Select Off. On the back of the IC, loosen but do not remove the white plug of the vacuum port.
- Visually inspect the port labeled “Exhaust” for any liquid. If liquid is present, contact Technical Support.
- Turn the MCS or degasser on using the same Manual Control window and allow it to run for ~30 seconds with the Vacuum port open. This will release the pressure build-up.
- With the MCS or degasser still running, re-tighten the plug on the vacuum port until it is snug to minor finger pressure (no tools).
- The IC should now run without producing a vacuum error.
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If the 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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If it is necessary to stop the flow on the IC high pressure [HP] pump or the peristaltic pump [purging air bubbles from HP pump], instead of using the Stop HW function follow the procedure below.
- Click the Manual button.
- Click the IC icon to make the device tabs available.
- Click on the module or unit to stop (e.g., HP pump) and select the Stop or Off option.
- For longer-term shutdown of the instrument (more than a ten-minute shutdown), use the Stop HW function in the Equilibration window of the Workplace.
Error Handling & Turning off Degasser in MagIC Net
Error Handling
- MagIC Net will only stop the IC if the Error Handling has been defined.
- To set-up Error Handling navigate to Configuration tab > Tools > Options > Error handling. Input desired set-up. See the example screenshot below.
Deactivating Degasser in the Method
- Navigate to the Method tab > File > Open > Select the method of interest.
- Click the Degasser tab > and deselect the active box, as shown in the screenshot below.
- Save using a representative method name such as “Anions - No Degasser”.
- 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.
- The simplest method is to boil the water for a few minutes and then cool in a closed container with very little head space. Add concentrate or salts after degassing/cooling the water.
- Sonication or stirring the water under a vacuum also works.
- Be careful not to contaminate the water.