Polymer Laboratories PL-ELS 2100 User manual

Service Manual
FOR
PL-ELS 2100/2100
EVAPORATIVE
LIGHT-SCATTERING
DETECTOR
Version 2.0 June 2006
Polymer Laboratories Ltd Now a part of Varian, Inc. Essex Road, Church Stretton, Shropshire SY6 6AX,
UK
Tel [phone], Fax [phone], Service Tel [phone]
Polymer Laboratories Varian Inc, Amherst Fields Research Park, 160 Old Farm Road, Amherst, MA
01002, USA
Tel: [phone], Fax [phone]
Polymer Laboratories BV, Herculesweg 8, 4339 PL Middleburg, The Netherlands
Tel [phone], Fax [phone]
Polymer Laboratories GmbH, PEKA Park T5 001 Otto-Hesse Stra€e 19 D 64293 Darmstadt,
Germany Tel [phone], Fax [phone]
Polymer Laboratories SARL, GVIO Parc de Marseille Sud, Impasse du Paradou, B•timent D5, BP 159
13276 Marseille, France. Tel + 33 (0)491 176400, Fax + 33 (0)491 176401

Document Revision History (6/26931)
Revision #Date Section
Changed
Changes Approval
Draft 12th July 2005 All Originated
Version 1
release
11th August 2005 Title page Document number
French address
SJOD
6/26931B
Version 2.0
28th March 2006 Title page,
Introduction,
Safety,
Installation,
Cleaning &
Decontamina
tion.
Company names &
addresses, Safety
pages to front,
updated safety info &
insta llation details,
added cleaning &
decontamination,
misc updates
throughout
JCP / PEC
6/26931B
Version 2.0
19th May 2006 All Addition of PL-ELS
2100/2100 Ice
evaporator removal,
power supply and
general formatting
SMB/JCP
DO NOT ISSUE THIS PAGE

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................ 1
SAFETY........................................................................................................................................... 2
INSTALLATION............................................................................................................................. 3
Site Pre paration Che ck List………………………......................................................................... 3
Unpacking the de tector………………………………..................................................................... 4
Packing list…………………………………………......................................................................... 4
Powe r Connections……………………………………………......................................................... 4
Gas Connection………………………………………………. ......................................................... 4
Fluid Connection……………………………………………............................................................ 5
Extraction…………………………………………………….. ......................................................... 5
Data Connection………………………………………….. .............................................................. 5
Analogue Signal Connector………………………………............................................................. 5
Serial RS232 Connector……………………………………........................................................... 6
Control I/O Connector…………………………………………...................................................... 6
Installing the Detector……………………………………….. ......................................................... 7
Storing the Instrume nt…………………………………….............................................................. 8
OPTIMISING DETECTOR PERFORMANCE............................................................................... 9
Ge ne ral Conside rations…………………………………................................................................. 9
Optimisation Parame te rs…………………………… ..................................................................... 9
Gas Flow………………………………………….. ....................................................................... 9
Evaporator Temperature…………………………………. ............................................................. 9
Nebuliser Temperature………………………………….. .............................................................10
Optimisation Proce dure ………………………………………………............................................ 10
OVERVIEW OF DETECTOR’S OPERATION MODES.............................................................. 11
Standby Mode……………………………………………… .......................................................... 11
Run Mode…………………………………………........................................................................ 11
TROUBLESHOOTING................................................................................................................. 12
Instrument Error Codes…………………………………. ............................................................ 12
Ge ne ral Proble ms…………………………………………. ........................................................... 13
REPAIRING THE PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice ..................................................................................... 14
Overvie w of Main Asse mbly………………………………........................................................... 14
Removing The Front Panel……………………………….............................................................15
Overvie w of Ne bulise r Asse mbly………………………. .............................................................. 17
Replacing the Nebuliser………………………………..................................................................18
Replacing The Nebuliser Heater Assembly……….......................................................................20
Replacing The Nebuliser Chamber………………........................................................................22
Replacing The Solvent Leak Assembly………………..................................................................24

Replacing The Vapour Sensors……………………………...........................................................25
Replacing The Fan Assembly……………………........................................................................28
Overvie w of PL-ELS 2100 Evaporator Assembly…………………………………………………..30
Removing And Cleaning The Evaporator Cartridge (Diffuser)......................................................31
Replacing The Evaporator Heater Assembly (Evaporation Tube) ..................................................33
Replacing The Mass Flow Controller‚‚‚‚‚........................................................................35
Replacing The Gas Inlet Plug Assembly‚‚‚‚‚‚ ...............................................................36
Replacing The Gas Inlet Valve‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚ ..................................................................37
Overvie w of PL-ELS 2100 Ice Evaporator Assembly.................................................................. 38
Removing And Cleaning The PL-ELS 2100 Ice Evaporator Cartridge (Diffuser) ...........................39
Replacing The PL-ELS 2100 Ice Evaporator Heater Assembly .....................................................41
Removing The Photodetector (PMT) Assembly‚........................................................................46
Replacing The LED Light Source Assembly‚‚‚.....................................................................48
Cleaning The Optical Lens Assembly‚‚‚‚‚.. .....................................................................50
Replacing The Optical Light Trap‚‚‚‚‚‚‚.. ...................................................................52
Replacing The Optical Heater‚‚‚‚‚‚‚‚........................................................................54
Removing & Cleaning The Prism Assembly‚‚.........................................................................55
Ele ctronics………………………………………….. ..................................................................... 57
Replacing The Main Control PCB………………… ....................................................................57
Replacing The PL-ELS 2100 Power Supply………. ....................................................................59
Replacing The PL-ELS 2100 Ice Power Supply….. .....................................................................60
Firmware ……………………………………………….................................................................. 64
Device Identifier…………………………………….....................................................................64
Upgrading Firmware………………………………......................................................................65
Programming Device Identity……………………........................................................................70
IDENTIFYING PARTS AND MATERIALS ................................................................................. 74
INSTRUMENT SPECIFICATIONS.............................................................................................. 75
CLEANING & DECONTAMINATION PROCEDURES .............................................................. 76
Cleaning…………………………………………… .....................................................................76
Decontamination…………………………………....................................................................... 76

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INTRODUCTION
The combined PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice Service Manual is designed for use by personnel who
have had training and are experienced in servicing this type of equipment. Whilst the PL-ELS
2100/2100 Ice has been designed for easy repair, there are potential hazards associated with
servicing this instrument. We strongly recommend that our service engineers perform all
servicing
It is understood that the purchaser must assume all risk in the use of this manual for the purpose
of performing service upon the instrument it covers. There are no user-serviceable parts in the
PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice.
Polymer Laboratories strongly recommends the use of original Polymer Laboratories spare parts
only, otherwise we do not guarantee any specification or liability
It is strongly recommended that the operator read the entire manual carefully before attempting to
service the instrument. In addition, be sure to observe all signs and pictographs that are specifica lly
defined as follows:
WARNING:
The “warning sign” denotes a hazard. It calls attention to a
procedure, practice which, if not correctly done or adhered
to, could result in severe injury or damage or destruction of
the instrument. Please do not proceed beyond a warning
sign until the indicated conditions are fully understood and
met.
ATTENTION:
The “attention sign” denotes relevant information. Read this
information first before proceeding, it will be helpful or
necessary to complete the task.
NOTE:
The “note sign” denotes additional information.
It provides the user with advice and suggestions to facilitate
the operation of the instrument

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SAFETY
The following procedures require opening the main cove r of the detector.
Always ensure that the detector is disconnected from the mains power when
the side panel is opened. The PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice has a safety bar at the
powe r input socket that prevents the detector’s side panel being opened whe n
the powe r cable is still connected.
WARNIN
To disconnect the detector from the mains supply line, unplug the power
cord. When working with solvents please observe appropriate safety
procedures (for example, safety goggles, gloves and protective clothing),
especially when toxic or hazardous solvents are used.
NOTE AUTION
Electronic boards and components are sensitive to electronic discharge
(ESD). In order to prevent damage always use ESD protection whe n
handling electronic boards and components.
WARNING
The LED light source is a Class 1 LED product. Te mporary discomfort may
result from directly viewing the light produced by this source. Do not look
into the beam.
Make sure that only fuses with the required rated current and of the
specified type (super-fast, fast, time delay etc) are used for replacement. The
use of repaired fuses and the short-circuiting of fuse-holde rs must be
avoided.
Any adjustme nt, maintenance, and repair of the opened instrument unde r
voltage should be avoided as much as possible. When inevitable, this should
only be carried out by a skilled person who is aware of the hazards involved.
Use of a mains isolating transforme r is recommended.
Read and understand the PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice user manual before
undertaking any service ope rations on this instrume nt.

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INSTALLATION
Site Preparation Check List
Environmental Conditions
Temperature 15ƒ to 35ƒC (59 to 86ƒF)
At constant temperature
Avoid positioning in direct sunlight
Humidity 10-80%
Power
USA and Japan 115V (AC) „10%
50/60 Hz, 2A max, with a protective earth connection.
Europe 230V (AC) „10%
50/60 Hz, 2A max, with a protective earth connection.
Gas Supply
Gas: Nitrogen (98% purity or better and filtered to 0.2…m)
Notes:
 Air can only be used for non flammable solvents
 The mass flow controller is not calibrated for use
with gases other than Air or Nitrogen
 For operation with other inert gases contact
Polymer Laboratories for advice.
Gas flow: up to 3.25 SLM @ 60 psi @ 25ƒC
Pressure operating range: 60 † 100 psi (4-6.7 bar)
Maximum Pressure: 100 psi (6.7 bar)
Extraction Requirements
During normal operation the carrier solvent is evaporated as it passes
through the instrument and must be extracted safely at the rear of the
unit.
The exhaust from the instrument (13mm ID PVC tubing) must be extracted to a fume hood or
similar solvent disposal unit. If the extraction tube provided with the instrument is to be extended
it is recommended that the diameter of the extension is increased to at least 50mm (2) diameter
tubing so the extraction quality is not inhibited.

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Unpacking the detector
Care has been taken to ensure that the instrument is received in proper condition. The packing
and protection are designed for normal hazards of road, rail or air transit. Any damage to the
container or instrument should be reported immediately to your local distributor, or to Polymer
Laboratories. It is recommended that the shipping container be kept, if possible, for reshipment
or return to a service centre.
Examine the shipping carton for visible signs of exterior damage. Unpack the instrument and
examine for transit damage. Check that all items on the packing list are included.
Notify your local distributor or Polymer Laboratories of any damage or missing items.
Packing list
 PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice detector
 Manual for PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice detector
 Mains Lead (110-120V, 60Hz or 230V, 50Hz)‡
 15 pin D male connector for Aux I/O connection
 Detector output cable
 Gas Inlet tube (2m)
 Exhaust hose (PVC†2.0m)
 Waste hose (Tygon SE200†7cm)
 Solvent waste container (500ml)
 Valco Nut and ferrule (1/16”)
Powe r Connections
 Before connecting the power cable, ensure the instrument voltage rating matches your
local power supply.
 Use only a supply with protective grounding.
 The correct fuses should be installed.
 For 115V (AC) or 230V (AC) use two 250V H 2A T fuses
THIS UNIT IS DOUBLE -FUSED.
RISK OF FIR E, REPLACE FUSES AS MARKED!
If the voltage rating and fuses are correct for your power source, connect the power cable
Gas Connection
The instrument should be supplied with clean, dry nitrogen gas at a minimum head pressure of
60psi. A 4mm push-in connector is provided at the rear of the instrument for a convenient
connection to the gas source.

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To prevent against unnecessary gas usage, an automatic but controlled gas shut off valve is
integrated into the gas inlet manifold1. This will only allow gas to pass into the instrument when
the instrument is operating. Should the instrument default to a standby mode the gas valve will
close after 15 minutes.
THE GAS INLET VALVE WILL BE CLOSED WHEN THE
INSTRUMENT IS FIRST POWERED ON AND WILL ONLY OPEN
ONCE THE INSTRUMENT IS SET TO RUN MODE
Fluid Connection
The eluent from the chromatography system is connected to the front of the instrument via the
low dead volume Valco bulkhead connector provided.
USE ONLY VALCO FITTINGS
The liquid inlet port is connected directly to the nebuliser by a short length (190mm) of capillary
tube giving a delay volume from port to nebuliser tip of ~5…l.
Extraction
The PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice is provided with tubing for venting the exhaust gases and vapors,
and so does not need to be placed in a fume cupboard. Instead, the exhaust hose provided must
be attached to the rear of the unit and vented to a fume hood or other disposal unit. Ensure the
exhaust hose has an upward slope from the PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice so that any condensed solvent
is collected in the waste bottle at the front of the unit and to prevent it accumulating in the
tubing.
THE EXHAUST MUST BE EXTRACTED TO A SUITABLE FUME
EXTRACTION SYSTEM
Data Connection
Analogue Signal Connector
The PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice is fitted with an analogue output (0-1V) to allow connection with a
data acquisition interface.
1Only with instruments with Firmware V1.2.1 & Serial #004-162 or later

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Serial RS232 Connector
The PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice is fitted with a standard RS232 (DTE-DCE) 3-wire serial interface.
The serial RS232 connector provides a 24bit (10Hz) digital output for connection to a
chromatographic acquisition device.
The PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice ca n be controlled from a PC using the RS232 interface and the PL-
ELS 2100/2100 Ice graphical control software from Polymer Laboratories Ltd. Refer to the
control software on-line manual for operating instructions. If controlling the instrument from a
PC then a serial port or USB port is required. If the USB port is used a serial to USB adapter is
also required (0860-0620).
Control I/O connector
The PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice can be connected to auxiliary equipment to pause or stop the
operation of a pump or autosampler if the PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice reports an error condition.
The PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice is equipped with 2 contact closures, which are normally open and 2
TTL logic interfaces; one active low and one active high.
The PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice can be auto-zeroed remotely.
Table 1.1: Control I/O connector
I/O Description Pin No.
Outputs User contact closure †normally
open
4 & 12
Pump stop contact closure †
normally open
3 & 10
TTL Active low 2 & ground
TTL Active high 9 & ground
Ground (to case) 1, 5, 6 ,11
Inputs Remote A/Z 7 & ground [firmware version
1.0.15. Units with serial # 004-161 and
before will also require a wiring
modification on the main PCB]
The instrument is supplied with a connector for the I/O socket in order to make appropriate
connections; however, a cable can be purchased for this from Polymer Laboratories (Part # 0860-
0055).
PUMP STOP FACILITY MUST BE EMPLOYED IF INSTRUMENT IS
TO BE LEFT UNATTENDED, OR IF UNITS ARE STACKED

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Installing the Detector
Connect the power cord to the IEC inlet at the rear of the unit.
 Check the operating voltage of your instrument, 110V 2A or 230V 2A, on the IEC inlet
fuse-holder on rear of unit.
 Attach the gas inlet tube to the gas inlet at the back of the instrument.
 The gas connection is a 4mm OD push-in fitting. The nitrogen gas should be dry, filtered
and have a minimum inlet pressure of 60psi, 60-100psi is required to achieve the maximum
operating instrument gas flow rate of 3.25 SLM throughout the temperature range.
 Connect the waste tube to the waste outlet at the front of the detector and position the
other end in a waste collection bottle.
 The solvent waste container supplied with the detector can be sited on the bench in front
of the instrument. Alternative waste collection vessels can be used if required but the bottom
of the waste tube must be below the height of the waste outlet from the instrument. The
waste tube must NOT be submerged in the liquid.
 Connect the exhaust hose between the exhaust outlet and a fume hood.
 Connect the instrument to the data recorder (computer, chart recorder, etc.) using the
cable provided. One output socket is provided giving a signal in the 0-1V range.
 Connect the column outlet to the eluent inlet at the front of the unit) using a short length
(10cm) of tubing (1/16ˆ OD, 0.010ˆ ID) and a 1/16ˆ Valco fitting.
 Turn on the source gas to a pressure of about 60-100 psi. The gas will not flow though
the detector until the instrument in set to RUN mode.
 Switch on the PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice, and select a suitable method.
 Start heating by selecting RUN mode using the arrow keys on the front keypad.
 When the unit has equilibrated, the baseline should be checked to ensure that it is
acceptable for the experiment. At this point, with no liquid flowing into the instrument, the
noise should be no more than 0.2mV peak-peak. This verifies that the gas supply is clean
and dry. Any spikes in the baseline are usually indicative of particulate matter or water in
the gas supply.
 Turn on the eluent flow and allow the system to stabilize for approximately 15 minutes.
THE ELUENT FLOW CAN BE TURNED ON BEFOR E THE
INSTRUMENT HAS REACHED EQUILIBRIUM. IF THE ELUENT
IS NOT EFFICIENTLY NEBULISED IT WILL EXIT THE
INSTRUMENT FROM THE NEBULISER DRAIN TUB E.
 Again check the baseline noise as it should not have increased significantly. and should
be 1mV. Typically the baseline noise is 0.3mV peak-peak.
If the baseline noise is excessive, then one of the following may be taking place: -

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 poor evaporation due to gas flow being too low
 poor evaporation due to evaporation temperature being too low
 poor nebulisation due to temperature being too high and solvent boiling
Any of these problems will cause the baseline to shift upwards, as the amount of scattered light
within the instrument has increased. If the baseline continues to show unacceptable noise even
when the evaporation conditions have been improved, and the solvent does not contain non-
volatile species, then please refer to Chapter 5 Troubleshooting.
Where noise and all other conditions are acceptable, the instrument is ready to begin work.
NON-VOLATILE BUFFERS ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE
PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice
HIGH CONCENTRATIONS OF ACETIC ACID (>1%) AR E
DETRIMENTAL TO THE OPERATION OF THE PL-ELS 2100/2100
Ice
Storing the Instrument
If the instrument is to be stored or not used for a period of time it is recommended to follow the
procedure outlined below:-
 Allow the instrument to cool to ambient temperature in STANDBY mode with the gas
supply still connected.
 Tip the instrument forwards and empty the 'P' trap contents through the front waste tube
(i.e. into the bottle)
 Pour 10 to 20mls of acetone into the exhaust tube to flush out the P trap, collecting the
waste in the waste bottle at the front of the instrument.
 Again tip the instrument forwards to drain the p-trap
 Disconnect the waste bottle
 Using the gas supply, blow nitrogen gas through the exhaust to evaporate any
remaining acetone in the p-trap. Cover the waste tube with tissue paper to collect any
acetone residue.
 Plug the exhaust and waste tubes with the plastic caps provided.
 Plug the solvent inlet.

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OPTIMISING DETECTOR PERFORMANCE
General Considerations
The PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice instrument should be thought of as a detector like any other designed
for liquid chromatography. The main distinguishing feature is the ability to evaporate the solvent
from the column eluent. Therefore, normal system set-up precautions should be remembered
when starting to use the instrument. Any solvent intended for use with the PL-ELS 2100/2100Ice
should be fully miscible with any previously used in the liquid chromatograph; if there is any
uncertainty, a mutually miscible solvent should be run through the system as an intermediate
liquid. The sample loop should also be flushed with miscible solvent where necessary. The
intended eluent should be thoroughly degassed, contain no non-volatile salts or material and
should be fully compatible with the column(s). All connections should be made with zero dead
volume fittings and tubing with an I.D. 0.010”.
The PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice requires nitrogen (purity >98%), capable of generating 60-100psi
inlet pressure. If in-house nitrogen is not available then we recommend the use of a nitrogen
generator (Parker Balston Model N2-4000 – see Appendix 5), giving a constant uninterrupted
supply of high purity gas. Air can be used with non-flammable solvent systems. The eluent of
choice should be fully volatile under the chosen detector parameters –any non-volatilised eluent
will increase baseline noise and reduce sensitivity.
Optimisation Parameters
Gas Flow
An increase in gas flow rate causes a decrease in signal response. Lower gas flow rates are
more favourable since less gas is consumed and a better sensitivity is achieved. However, there
comes a point at which this benefit is counterbalanced by the increase in baseline noise due to
inefficient evaporation of the eluent. In general, gas flow rates of 1.0-2.0SLM tend to be a
reasonable compromise between baseline stability and high reproducible response for eluent
flow rates >0.5ml/min. Reducing the eluent flow allows a reduction in the gas flow rate to
maintain the optimum particle stream concentration, resulting in greater sensitivity.
When operating the PL-ELS 2100 Ice at sub-ambient temperatures in aqueous solvents, gas flow
values of >2.0SLMs maybe necessary to control the baseline noise.
Evaporator Temperature
The effects of altering the evaporator temperature tend to be less dramatic than changing the gas
flow, although the temperature must be high enough to evaporate the solvent and to sufficiently
dry the particle plume without having a detrimental effect on the sample being studied.

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The PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice can be operated at sub-ambient temperatures to improve the
detection of semi-volatile compounds. In aqueous solvents, baseline noise may become too
excessive at temperatures <15ƒC. However, for organic solvents, the baseline can be controlled
down to 10ƒC, provided the gas flow is increased to compensate.
Nebuliser Temperature
The nebuliser temperature is the parameter requiring least adjustment. In the majority of cases
the nebuliser temperature is set to the temperature of the chromatography system. However,
increasing this temperature can improve instrument performance by increasing the efficiency of
nebulisation by reducing the viscosity and surface tension of incoming solvent. Setting the
nebuliser temperature too high may result in a deterioration of detector performance due to
solvent boiling in the nebuliser, giving rise to increased noise on the baseline due to spiking
Optimisation Procedure
Set the system at the minimum evaporator and nebuliser temperatures and a gas flow rate of 1.6
SLM. Make an initial injection of the test component and monitor the signal response. With each
subsequent injection increase the nebuliser and evaporator temperatures by 10ƒC whilst reducing
the gas flow rate, until optimum sensitivity is achieved. In some cases, especially for volatile
samples, it has been found that maximizing the nebuliser temperature permits a lower evaporator
temperature and thus an increase in sensitivity

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OVERVIEW OF DETECTOR’S OPERATION MODES
The PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice can be operated in two modes; STANDBY and RUN, described
below:
To display the current mode and/or select a new mode, highlight the MODE function on the
instrument display. The current mode will now be displayed on the screen. Using the 
keys, scroll up or down until the desired option is displayed. The instrument acknowledges the
command by displaying the mode of operation in the top right hand corner of the screen.
Standby Mode
The STANDBY mode is the “ground state” of the PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice instrument, which is
initiated automatically after power on. In this mode of operation the heaters are off, and the gas
manifold valve is closed. The STANDBY mode enables the user to set-up the operational
parameters (gas flow, nebuliser and evaporator temperatures) before switching the unit into RUN
mode. The instrument will default to STANDBY mode should an error occur on the instrument
When the instrument is switched from RUN mode to STANDBY mode, following a command or
error then the gas flow is set to a minimum flow of 1.2SLM for 15minutes before the gas
manifold valve is closed. This minimum “blanket” gas is enough to nebulise and evacuate
solvent should the instrument default to STANDBY mode with solvent still flowing [firmware
1.1.8 or later].
If the Instrument is left in STANDBY mode for longer than 15mintes,
gas flow to the unit is stopped to minimize gas usage.
It is strongly recommend that the pump stop from the I/O connector of
the PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice is connected to the HPLC pump to prevent
solvent flooding of the detector should an error occur
Run Mode
The RUN mode is the detector’s normal operational mode. In this mode, the instrument
controlled at the set temperatures and gas flow, and the system is fully operational. During
heating or cooling the instrument will display ‘NOT READY’ to show the system has not
reached the set conditions. When the instrument has reached the set conditions and equilibrated,
‘READY’ will be displayed and the instrument is ready for use.
USING THE INSTRUMENT IN ‘NOT READY’ STATUS MAY NOT
PRODUCE CONSISTENT RESULTS ACCORDING TO THE SET
PARAMETERS, AS THE SYSTEM IS NOT EQUILIBRATED.

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TROUBLESHOOTING
If a problem is encountered Polymer Laboratories advises a system test be performed via the PL-
ELS 2100/2100 Ice PC control software to ensure that the detector is working correctly. If there
is an error or fault, please refer to the following table. If you follow the recommended course of
action and the result is not satisfactory, then please direct the matter to Polymer Laboratories or
your local distributor.
Instrument Error Codes
Error Code Description Suggestions
10 Air Temp <= 10ƒC Inside Enclosure Environmental Temp Too Cold
11 Air Temp > 40ƒC Temp Inside
Enclosure
Environmental Temp Too Hot
12 On-Board Sensor Heater Failed Vapour Sensor Needs
Replacing (see page 23)
13 Rear Panel Sensor Heater Failed Vapour Sensor Needs
Replacing (see page 23)
14 Leak Detected Inside Unit Solvent Vapour Detected.
Stop Pump (see page 23)
15 Liquid Leak Sensor Has Detected
Liquid In Drip Tray
Liquid In The Base Of The
Unit-Stop Pump And
Investigate
16 Fan Driver IC Thermal Shutdown Fault With The Circuitry /
Wires / Fan
17 Fan Stopped Fault With The Circuitry /
Wires / Fan (see page 26)
18 Nebuliser Temperature Exceeded
Threshold After Stabilizing
Faulty Thermocouple Or Heater
Control
19 Evaporator Temperature Exceeded
Threshold After Stabilizing
Faulty Thermocouple Or Heater
Control
20 Light Source Error Replace Light Source
Assembly (see page 38)
21 Evaporator Gas Flow Rate Exceeded
Threshold After Stabilizing
Check Operating Head
Pressure, Otherwise Faulty
Mass Flow Controller
(see page 32)
22 Invalid Nebuliser Temp Reading
(FAULTY RTD)
Replace Nebuliser Heater
Assembly (see page 18)
23 Invalid Evaporator Temp Reading
(FAULTY RTD)
Replace Evaporator Assembly
(see page 30)
24 Fan failure on cooled evaporator Replace Cooled Evaporator
Assembly (see page 32)
25 Bridge current outside of normal range Replace Cooled Evaporator
Assembly (see page 32)

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General Proble ms
Fault/Proble ms Possible Cause(s) Remedy
Baseline noise The particle plume is not sufficiently
dried in the evaporator tube.
 Increase the temperature of the
evaporator by 10ƒ intervals until the
noise is acceptable
Baseline noise Poor nebulisation of solvent  Increase the gas flow rate
 Decrease the nebulisation
temperature
Baseline noise Pump pulsations, especially in
microbore applications where low flow
rates are used.
 Use a pulse free pump
 Increase the back pressure on
the pump by fitting a back pressure
regulator between the pump and the
injection va lve.
 Use a pulse dampener directly
after the pump in the system.
Baseline spikes 1. Particulate matter in the gas supply
2. Column shedding
3. Poor nebulisation
 Filter the incoming gas, or
change the supply
 Replace column or fit an inline
filter with a 0.2…m membrane filter
directly after the column.
 Nebuliser temperature may be
too high and solvent may be boiling;
reduce nebuliser temperature
Low sensitivity and
baseline noise
Diffuser saturated with solvent  Stop the eluent flow and
increase the evaporator temperature
to 50ƒC above the current set
temperature. Increase the flow rate
to 2.8SLM and wait 15mins.
Large Baseline offset 1. Inefficient evaporation
2. High concentration of non-volatile
buffer or stabiliser
3. Contaminated diffuser
 Increase the evaporator
temperature and/or gas flow.
 Use a lower concentration of
stabiliser, unstabilised solvent or a
more volatile buffer
 Perform ‘steam clean’.
(Section 4.2 Operation’s manual)
Peak tailing Eluent particles lingering in the optical
chamber
 Increase gas flow rate
Instrument Fails to zero Offset too high or output unstable  Ensure the instrument is in
RUN mode
 Refer to local distributor or
Polymer Laboratories
No power 1. Mains lead not connected
2. Fuse failure
 Attach mains lead to socket and
inlet on rear of instrument
 Replace fuse
No response
(completely flat
baseline)
1. Data acquisition leads not
connected
2. Light source inactive
3. Instrument in STANDBY mode
 Ensure connectors to computer
or integrator are sound
 Check LED
 Select RUN mode
Temperature error as
soon as instrument
powered on
Temperature probe fault or
disconnected
 Check RTD connections
Display not on, but
power connected, blue
glow ON.
Instrument in service mode  Rear panel switch-set to RUN

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REPAIRING THE PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice
Overvie w of Main Assembly
To allow easy access to the internal components of the PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice, the left-side panel folds outwards. The lock is located at the rear
of the instrument, which can be opened using the access key (part # 0860-0050)

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Removing The Front Panel
When required: For majority of internal repairs
Tools required: Allen keys
PL-ELS 2100/2100 Ice Enclosure Access Key (# 0860-0050)
Parts required:
Ensure that the detector is disconnected from the mains
powe r before proceeding.
To prevent personal injury, the powe r cable must be removed
from the instrument before opening the detector. Do not
connect the power cable to the detector while the covers are
re moved.
1) Use the Access key to
open the lock located at
the rear of the instrument.
Fold down the left-side
panel of the detector
2) Disconnect the
nebuliser tubing and
cables from the inside of
the front panel.

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6_26931B ELS2100_2100 Ice Se rvice Manual_vsn2.0_master.doc
3) Remove screws
located at the top and
bottom of the inside side
panel, to allow removal
of the front panel.
4) Remove the front
panel by lifting and
pulling backwards, to
release the four locating
screws from the
bulkhead.