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.
Additional Support
If you encounter any issues or need additional help, please submit a support ticket through Metrohm Technical Support.
For additional training on any of these topics, explore our available Metrohm Ion Chromatography Training courses or learn more about our Metrohm Custom Training options.