Troubleshooting

The pCO2 analyzer was checked after manufacturing and assembly operations. It was carefully packed to prevent damage during shipment. If something is not working as expected, check for the following common conditions first.

Water is leaking

  • Loose water connector?

  • If you can find the leaking connector, tighten it. Tools may be needed, but start by tightening with your hands to avoid over-tightening.

Computer mouse cursor moves on its own

  • Confused computer? (really, it happens)

  • If, after connecting the Airmar Weather Station, the mouse appears to drift randomly, the computer has mistaken the GPS receiver for a mouse. To resolve it, disconnect the GPS receiver to regain control of the cursor. Go to Device Manager and expand Mice and other pointing devices and disable the GPS device. After disabling it, reconnect the GPS receiver to the system. The mouse drifting issue will be resolved.

The program does not recognize connected devices

  • Cables connected correctly and securely?

  • Check network cables and USB cables to be sure they are connected properly.

Alarm triggered

  • Incoming water flow rate too high?

  • If the equilibrators are becoming too full, reduce the intake flow rate to reduce the flow through the equilibrators. The system flow rate should be between 2.5 to 5 liters per minute (lpm), but ideally at 3.5 liters per minute (lpm) with 60 pounds per square inch (4.14 bar).

  • Discharge constricted?

  • Check the discharge tube. Look for any blockages or kinks that could restrict the flow. Be sure the outlet is positioned lower than the system so gravity can drive discharge flow.

  • Peristaltic pumps running too infrequently?

  • For water condenser accumulation problems, go to the Manual DAQ tab and turn the peristaltic pump on. Check if all peristaltic pumps run normally. You may need to shorten the time period between activations.

Cooling system does not work properly

  • Ambient temperature too high?

  • If the work room has become hot, open windows or doors for more ventilation, or turn on air conditioning. Otherwise, make sure the ambient temperature is not too high.

  • Peltier coolers not working?

  • Check the cooling fans on the back of the system. Check for blockages in fins or material that stops the fans from running. Clear any foreign material and be sure the fans can spin freely.

Reference gas measurements cannot meet passing criteria

  • Leaky connection?

  • Check the compression fittings for the reference gas connections. You may need to tighten them a little.

  • Reference gas pressure is too low?

  • Make sure the pressure is about 15 psi (1 atm). If the pressure is too low, it cannot open the mass flow controller valve. Make sure the regulator valves for the reference gases are open enough to supply a flow rate of 100 mL/min. The standard gas may be contaminated by other air when being measured if too little standard gas is supplied. The pressure of the reference gases should be stable with no pressure fluctuations.

  • CO2 analyzers not initialized or working correctly?

  • Be sure the gas analyzer is warmed up and in good working condition. The analyzer should not have any errors. If the CO2 analyzers are not stable, the uncertainty of the final reading will be too large. However, if you have no choice and must record data even though it is too variable, a temporary solution is to let the program accept the measurements by increasing the maximum standard deviations of the CO2 readings allowed in the Exp. Config tab.

Gas flow rate too low on water pCO2 measurement

  • Blockage or leak in gas flow tubing?

  • In the Manual DAQ tab, set the valve to port 2. Start the sample pump. Set the flow rate to 100 mL/min. Under normal conditions, the reading from the mass flow controller should be around 100 mL/min. If the reading is significantly lower than the setpoint, part of the system is not functioning properly. Check if water is trapped or frozen inside the tubing that blocks the gas flow. It is possible that there is leakage due to a loose or broken tube connectors.

Gas analyzer problems

Each gas analyzer has its own instructions. If the gas analyzer is indicating performance issues, refer to the gas analyzer instruction manual for troubleshooting.