Low detector response - WKB192392

SYMPTOMS

•  On the chromatogram, the peaks are very small 

ENVIRONMENT

• ACQUITY UPLC PDA Detector
• ACQUITY UPLC Tunable UV Detector

CAUSE

A leak in either the column inlet or the outlet tubing.

A leak at the detector inlet port.

Sometimes, high pressure can cause the PEEK ferrule to pop out, or an improperly seated ferrule could cause a leak.

FIX or WORKAROUND

1. Reseat the inlet or outlet lines of the column. 
2. Send flow through the column and check for leaks from the inlet and outlet of the column. 
3. Reseat the detector inlet port and check for leaks.
4. After reseating, run test standards or samples to confirm detector performance. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Below is a customer-provided chromatogram. Note the scale on the left. Peaks detected at extremely low levels are characteristic of a leak. Some of the sample made it through the column and detector, but most of the sample leaked.