Chromatography Forum

Hi,

We had a baseline with a lot of noise and kept getting the message "Unexpected low autozero spectral intensity - check flow cell and lamp". The backpressure for our system reads normal, so we tried to flush the flow cell as the manual recommended, but are unable to flush anything through the cell.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to fix this issue?

Thanks!

Edit:

We determined the clog to be in the flow cell itself, but the pressure is too high to flush anything through. Is there any other way to unclog it? We have an Dionex Ultimate 3000 Diode Array Detector.

Can you back-flush the cell?
i.e., reverse the IN & OUT connections.
Or, remove the flow-cell and sonicate it?

Regards,
JMB

Use a syringe with correct fittings and fill it with what you think will dissolve the clog. from the outlet of the flow cell connect syringe, push solution through including tubing at inlet slowly with inlet tubing in a beaker. Don't push too hard, that has worked removing both soluble and insoluble clogs for me. Hope it helps. Remember to flush flow cell well after with miscible solvent (probably water)