Troubleshooting Pump Problems

Nexera Virtual Advisor

Symptom	Cause	Solution
No flow - pump will not run	Pump key has not been pressed	Press the Pump key to illuminate the pump indicator. - Send signal from the system controller to start pumping.
No flow - pump will not run	Flow rate is set to 0	Enter a flow rate other than 0. - Set a flow rate with the system controller.
No flow - pump will not run	Error message (P.MAX, P.MIN, etc) is displayed	Press CE to clear the error message, then take appropriate corrective action.
Automatic rinsing kit volume decreases	Leak - between the pump head and head holder or rinse outlet	Replace the plunger seal. If liquid continues leaking, replace the plunger
Pumping is unstable with large pump pulsation	Worn or damaged plunger requiring frequent seal replacement	Replace the plunger.
Pumping is unstable with large pump pulsation	Residual mobile phase remains in the pump head	Press the [PURGE] key to remove previous mobile phase from the pump head.
Pumping is unstable with large pump pulsation	Leak - flow lines	Tighten or replace the male nuts and ferrules of the flow line connections.
Pumping is unstable with large pump pulsation	Leak - between the pump head and head holder in rinse flow lines	Replace the plunger seal. If liquid continues leaking, replace the plunger.
Pumping is unstable with large pump pulsation	Flow line blockage	Clean or replace any blocked flow lines. Clean the line filter in an ultrasonic bath or replace as necessary.
Pumping is unstable with large pump pulsation	Check valve is not working properly	Clean the check valve in an ultrasonic bath or replace as necessary. Pump 2-propanol through the check valve to clean.
Pumping is unstable with large pump pulsation	Air bubbles are present inside the pump head	Draw the bubbles out of the drain tubing outlet with a disposable syringe. Press the [PURGE] key to purge the flow line and thoroughly remove the bubbles.
Pumping is unstable with large pump pulsation	Air bubbles are present in the filter tubing	Clean the suction filter in an ultrasonic bath or replace as necessary. De-gas the mobile phase. Press the [PURGE] key to purge previous mobile phase from the pump head. Shake the suction filter to remove any bubbles.
Pressure will not rise	Leak - flow lines	Tighten or replace the male nuts and ferrules of the flow line connections.
Pressure will not rise	Drain valve is open	Close the drain valve.
Pressure is too high - without column	Tubing inner diameter is too small	Use tubing with the specified inner diameter.
Pressure is too high - without column	Line filter blockage	Clean the line filter in an ultrasonic bath or replace as necessary.
Pressure is too high - without column	Flow line blockage	Clean or replace any blocked flow lines.
Power will not turn ON	Power supply specifications have not been set	Use a power supply that meets the instrument specifications.
Power will not turn ON	Power cable is unplugged	Properly connect the power cable to the power supply.
Power will not turn ON	Power cable is cut or broken	Replace the power cable with a new one.
Power will not turn ON	Fuse is blown	Replace the fuses. If fuses blow out frequently, contact your Shimadzu representative.
No flow - pump does run	Check valve is not working properly	Pump 2-propanol through the check valve to clean.
No flow - pump does run	Air bubbles are present inside the pump head	Draw the bubbles out of the drain tubing outlet with a disposable syringe. Press the Purge key to purge the flow line and thoroughly remove the bubbles.
No flow - pump does run	Air bubbles between the suction filter and pump inlet	Ensure that the suction filter is securely attached to the tubing.
Flow rate is below the set value	Suction filter blockage	Clean the suction filter in an ultrasonic bath or replace as necessary.
Flow rate is below the set value	Check valve is not working properly	Clean the check valve in an ultrasonic bath or replace as necessary. Pump 2-propanol through the check valve to clean.
Keypad does not function	Display key has not been pressed	Press the Display key to illuminate the operation keys and restore keypad function.
Pumping is unstable with large pump pulsation	Worn or damaged plunger requiring frequent seal replacement	Replace the plunger
No flow - pump will not run	Enter a flow rate other than 0. Set a flow rate with the system controller	Enter a flow rate other than 0.
Gradient - excessive pressure difference	Pump zero points do not match	Use the ZERO ADJ function to adjust the pressure sensors to zero.
Gradient - excessive pressure difference	Line filter blockage	Clean the line filter in an ultrasonic bath or replace as necessary.
Gradient - excessive pressure difference	Flow line blockage	Clean or replace any blocked flow lines.
Flow rate is below the set value	Suction filter blockage	Clean the suction filter in an ultrasonic bath or replace as necessary.
Flow rate is below the set value	Check valve is not working properly	Clean the check valve in an ultrasonic bath or replace as necessary. Pump 2-propanol through the check valve to clean.
Keypad does not function	Display key has not been pressed	Press the Display key to illuminate the operation keys and restore keypad function.
Automatic rinsing kit volume decreases	Leak - between the pump head and head holder or rinse outlet	Replace the plunger seal. If liquid continues leaking, replace the plunger.
Automatic rinsing kit volume decreases	Leak - from rear of the head holder (rinse solution)	Inspect the diaphragm and replace as necessary.