Dionex AS50 'no vial detected' problem

[lgchrom]

Hi all,

I am constantly having trouble with the Dionex Autosampler which keeps giving me the 'no vial detected' error message. I do have a vial in place though...

I noticed that there is a component on a small board on the needle arm which has an optical sensor where something slides in and blocks it or leaves it unobstructed. The metal part that slides in this component goes down to the vial and rests on the top of the vial.

The injection port alignment by the way is properly done, and all other functions of the autosampler seem to work properly.

I assume it is the vial detector's fault in some way, but I could also be wrong.

Has anyone faced a similar problem or has an idea on how to work on it?

[tom jupille]

I'm not familiar with that specific system, but you might try cleaning the sensor with a cotton swab and some alcohol.

[lgchrom]

UPDATE:

There is a small PCB with 4 identical sensors for X, Y, Z axis and Z home sensor.

Using the multimeter I noticed that all were responding to optical obstruction I made with a piece of paper and were giving either 0 or 5Volts.

Their input was common at 1.15Volts.

The Z vial detector sensor received the input voltage but seemed to be constantly interrupted giving out zero volts....

I tried cleaning with alcohol but it seemed already clean, or perhaps it is clogged inside where I cannot access...

I guess soldering a new one would be a solution, althouth the pcb is small and fragile and the component is pretty small, but it is worth a try. I suspect that this sensor is the problem since its input voltage is ok...

thanks

[Markus Laeubli, Metrohm]

Dear mariosapm

I really cannot help in this case as I am working for the other IC company. But in such a case, calling a Dionex service person might be the perfect solution.