UNIFI cannot process data because "retention times are not regular enough" - WKB14802

SYMPTOMS

• UNIFI cannot process data
• Processing results section displays "The retention times are not regular enough in channel 2, cannot process this sample!"

ENVIRONMENT

• UNIFI 1.8.2
• Reported on the following systems
  • Vion + APGC
  • Xevo G2-XS QTof + ACQUITY UPLC

CAUSE

The scan times specified for lockspray acquisitions are too long compared to scan times during sample acquisitions—i.e., sample acquisition scan time = 0.1 s, lockspray acquisition scan time = 2 s.

UNIFI 1.8.2 processing requires that the lockspray scan time specified in the acquisition parameters to be no more than 12 times longer than the sample scan time specified in the acquisition parameters. For example, if sample scan time = 0.1, lockspray scan time must be < 1.2.

FIX or WORKAROUND

Change the scan time of the lockspray acquisition within 12x of the sample acquisition scan time.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

UNIFI uses an absolute chromatographic retention time (RT) difference ratio of 12.