INFICON MicroFID II Portable Flame Ionization Detector - Manual (Page 80)

074-579-P1A 80
Cause: Ambient air is contaminated.
Action: If you are unsure about the quality of the ambient air, use a charcoal filter
or a supply of commercial zero grade air.
Cause: Hydrogen supply is contaminated
Action: Hydrogen may react with the carbon in the steel, inside the tank to
produce methane. This will only occur if the cylinder is in poor condition
and if the hydrogen has a high moisture content. Replace the hydrogen
tank. Empty and refill the MicroFID II hydrogen fuel cylinder with fresh hydrogen.
Fault: Signal from span gas is too small.
Cause: Span gas and zero air mixed up.
Action: Ensure calibration gas is used to calibrate the MicroFID II. Mark the calibration
and zero gas bags clearly.
Action: Ensure the span gas is of a reliable concentration.
Fault: Detector field voltage is low
Cause: Internal fault in the electronics.
Action: Contact the Service Department.
MicroFID II Troubleshooting
Problem: No instrument response detected, yet compounds are known to be present.
Cause: The MicroFID II has not been calibrated properly.
Action: Ensure calibration gas is of a reliable concentration and then calibrate
the instrument as outlined in Chapter 3. After the instrument has been
calibrated, sample the bag of calibration gas. A reading equivalent to the
calibration gas should be displayed. If not, contact the Service
Department.
Cause: Background contamination from the hydrogen.
Action: It is possible that the hydrogen has become contaminated and is contributing a
high background signal, and the hydrogen supply should be replaced with a new cylinder.
When ordering hydrogen, specify ultra high purity hydrogen, 99.999% pure. Empty Refill
the hydrogen fuel cylinder with the clean hydrogen supply.
Cause: There is an undetermined problem.
Action: Contact the Service Department.