Environmental Express SimpleDist - Manual (Page 20)

800.745.8218 / 843.576.1147 / www.environmentalexpress.com Environmental Express • 18
SimpleDist: Operation and Instruction Manual Care and Maintenance of Your SimpleDist TM
SimpleDist TM System Troubleshooting Guide:
The tubes from the manifold to
the trap are falling out of the
manifold. 1. Ensure that the tubing adaptors are completely inserted into the valves
of the manifold. These adaptors may not protrude far enough out of the
tubing to allow for this. Work the adaptors out of the tubing to allow
them to properly fit into the manifold valves. If the adaptors need to be
replaced, order part # C6006.
The sample is boiling over or
squirting out of the reagent
addition tube. 1. This is due to a back pressure buildup within the boiling tube. During the
first couple of distillations one should continue to monitor the bubble
rate in the trap as the HotBlock
TM comes to temperature. To ensure that
you maintain a bubble rate of 10 – 15 bubbles per second you may need
to increase the amount of vacuum applied to the traps. Open the valves
on the top of the manifold to increase the vacuum to maintain the proper
bubble rate.
2. Check the volume of the sample you are using as well. For cyanide
distillation you should be using 50mL of sample. For ammonia distillation
you should be using 25mL of sample.
3. Ensure that the vacuum you are using will pull at least 15" of Hg. Anything
less will not provide adequate vacuum to overcome the back pressure.
Recoveries are too low. 1. Check the samples for any interferences per the appropriate method.
2. Ensure you have the proper sample temperature and vacuum pull. Also
make sure you are distilling for the appropriate amount of time. The
recommended distillation times start when the HotBlock
TM comes to the
required temperature.
Recoveries are too high. 1. Clean the boiling tubes to insure there is no carryover from previous
samples.
2. Do not reuse any traps—these are designed for one-time use.
3. Check the samples for any interferences per the appropriate method.
I cannot turn the vacuum
completely off using the valves
on the manifold. 1. Make sure the black washer is flush with the top white knob. If it is not the
washer will prevent you from closing the valve all the way.