ACQUITY TUV detector exhibits unacceptable baseline drift - WKB94252

SYMPTOMS

• The baseline drift on TUV detector was more than 0.012 AU in 20 minutes, exceeding the qualification standard of 0.01 AU/hour.
• Nothing abnormal was detected when checking the optical path. The lamp energy was acceptable. And the problem remains after flow cell replaced.
• The baseline drift was improved after system inspection performed and detector inlet tubing replaced, but was still unacceptable.
• By monitoring the baseline overnight, it was found that abrupt baseline drift showed up with air conditioner turned off; when the air conditioner was turned on to control the temperature, the baseline gradually became stable and met the instrument parameter and user requirements.

ENVIRONMENT

• ACQUITY UPLC Tunable UV Detector
• ACQUITY UPLC H-Class
• ACQUITY UPLC I-Class

CAUSE

The abrupt baseline drift was due to unstable ambient temperature in the laboratory when the air conditioner was turned off.

FIX or WORKAROUND

1. Stabilize the ambient temperature in the laboratory by turning on the air conditioner, the baseline should gradually become flat.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION