Troubleshooting
246
What the Performance Checks Measure
The tests in this section allow the operator to measure performance aspects of the
instrument. If you are experiencing problems with your results, these tests can
pinpoint the cause of the problem.
The tests include the following:
•
Sodium Bullet Test:
This test allows you to visualize the sample flow in the
plasma, so that you can check that the sample introduction system is working
correctly.
•
Background Equivalent Concentration (BEC) Test:
The BEC value is the
concentration of an element which would produce the same emission intensity
as the plasma background measured at the analyte wavelength. The BEC serves
as an indication of instrument sensitivity. It checks torch alignment, plasma
viewing height, nebulizer gas flow rate, and incident RF power. Refer to the
Winlab32 Software Guide
on the WinLab CD
for details
.
•
Precision Test:
This test indicates the Relative Standard Deviation (RSD) of the
instrument's analyte emission intensity or concentration measurements. The
RSD may also be referred to as the CV (Coefficient of Variation). A high RSD
or CV is usually indicative of a problem with the sample introduction system
such as improper drainage, leaks, improper tension on the pump tubing, worn
pump tubing, or nebulizer problems. Refer to the Winlab32 Software Guide
on
the WinLab CD for details
.
•
Detection Limit Test:
This test measures the baseline signal for a blank solution
to give an indication of the lowest concentration of an element which can be
measured. The detection limit is calculated as three times the standard deviation
of the blank. Refer to the Winlab32 Software Guide
on the WinLab CD for
details
.
Summary of Contents for OPTIMA 8000
Page 1: ...OPTIMA 8000 Customer Hardware and Service Guide ICP OPTICAL EMISSION Return to Document Menu...
Page 2: ......
Page 3: ...Optima 8000 Customer Hardware and Service Manual...
Page 12: ...Contents 10...
Page 18: ...16 Indicates the ON position of the main power switch Indicates alternating current...
Page 24: ...22 Figure C Location of warning labels in the sample compartment 1 2...
Page 28: ...26...
Page 29: ...Safety Practices 1...
Page 49: ...Preparing Your Laboratory 2...
Page 61: ...Preparing Your Laboratory 60...
Page 62: ...System Description 3...
Page 89: ...Installation 4...
Page 136: ...Maintenance 5...
Page 241: ...Troubleshooting 6...
Page 264: ...Error Messages 7...
Page 284: ......
