Service Manual

ERBALYTE
Company Contact Details:

ERBA MANNHEIM

Mallaustrasse 69-73
68219 Mannheim Germany
Tel : (49-6-21) 8799770
Fax : (49-6-21) 8799688
 Preface

In order to operate and service the instrument properly, please read the

operation manual and service manual carefully before operating.

When receiving the goods, please check the product model and spare parts

against the packing list. If missing or mistake, please contact Erba immediately.

Non-authorized personals are not allowed to open or repair the

instrument. The instrument must be grounded properly.

Never connect the plugs of the rear panel with electric metal materials.

Always remember to disconnect the power cable from the instrument

before open it. Do not remove any symbols from the instrument.

The waste may contain materials harmful to human body. It should be discarded

according to the safe laboratory procedures and government regulations.

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 Contents

Chapter 1. Instrument installation ....................................................................... 1

1.1 System introduction ........................................................................................ 1
1.2 Environment requirements ...............................................................................3
1.3 External Connections ...................................................................................... 3
1.4 Internal Connections ....................................................................................... 3
Chapter 2. Power-on check ................................................................................... 5
2.1 Self-test and adjustment .................................................................................. 5
2.2 Prompts during self-test and calibration........................................................... 7
Chapter 3. Function description and operation ..................................................... 8
3.1 Flow chart of the operation ............................................................................... 8
3.2 System functions .............................................................................................. 8
3.3 Extended programs: ......................................................................................... 8
3.4 Routine operation ............................................................................................ 10
Chapter 4. Routine maintenance .........................................................................13
4.1 Daily maintenance........................................................................................... 13
4.2 Weekly maintenance ........................................................................................ 13
4.3 Monthly maintenance...................................................................................... 13
4.4 Check tubing system ....................................................................................... 13
4.5 Check the sample probe .................................................................................. 17
4.6 Electrode maintenance and replacement ......................................................... 17
4.7 Maintenance of pump, valve and lifting unit ................................................... 19
Chapter 5. Hardware ........................................................................................... 21
5.1 Connector and Cable list ................................................................................ 21
5.2 PCB errors...................................................................................................... 21
5.3 Description of RS-232 interface....................................................................... 22
Chapter 6 Trouble-shooting ................................................................................ 24
6.1 Error prompts ................................................................................................ 24
6.2 Possible causes of errors ................................................................................ 25
6.3 Trouble-shooting of positioner and electrode................................................... 26
6.4. Slope unstable .............................................................................................. 26
6.5 Slope abnormal .............................................................................................. 27
6.6 AB slope and result abnormal ........................................................................ 27
6.7 Auto sampler trouble shooting. ...................................................................... 27
6.8 Aspiration abnormal ....................................................................................... 28

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Chapter 1. Instrument installation

1.1. Rear panel

1. Power switch

2. Power socket (incl

(including fuse holder)

3. RS-232 serial port

4. Grounding pole

5. Machine label

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1.2 Environment requirements

1. The instrument should be installed on a stable and solid platform that is free of

mechanical vibration and away from vibration source.

2. The environment should be as free as possible from dust, corrosive gas, loud noises

and electrical interference.

3. Avoid placing the instrument in direct sunlight or in front of a source of heat or vent.

4. Ambient temperature: 10~35 , relative humidity:20%-85%.

5. The power supply should be AC220/110V±10%, 50/60 Hz

6. Power supply and grounding should be connected correctly.

7. No strong electric field and magnetic field interference.

1.3 External Connections

1. Power cable: should be connected to the power socket firmly and reliably

without loose or poor connection.

2. Grounding: the grounding pole should be connected to ground properly. The grounding

wire should be as short as possible and the grounding resistance must be less than 10Ω

3. If the power supply to the instrument is not stable, or there are high-power equipments

on the same line, then a power stabilizer (output ≥100W) is strongly suggested.

4. Avoid operating the instrument under high humidity environment for long

time, otherwise the instrument performance may be affected. Use desiccant or air

conditioner in case of necessary. Do not place the instrument near a water pool.

1.4 Internal Connections

Press the front door to open it.

1. Pump tube installation: put the aspirating pump tube and the lactic pump tube

on the pump head, fix the tube connectors to the bracket, adjust the tube to the middle

of the pump head.

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2. Check the electrode assembly: take out the electrode assembly from the accessory kit.

Check if the setting screws are tightened, inlet and outlet port are clean, the filling

solution of each electrode is sufficient. If there are bubbles on the electrode

probe, tap the electrode slightly to let the bubbles disappear.

3. Installation of the electrode assembly: insert the whole assembly to the mounting base,
connect the

lead wire of each electrode (K、Na、Ca、PH、CL、Ref) to the plug of amplifier board

correctly. Connect the tube to the inlet and outlet port of the assembly.

4. Check the liquid positioner: replug the positioner and make sure it is well connected.

5. Check the tubing: make sure all the tubings are connected tightly and there is no leaking.

6. Connect to the reagent pack: connect the Std A tube to port A of the reagent pack.
Connect the Std B

tube to port B. Connect Std R tube to port R Connect the waste tube to port W.

7. Installation of printing paper: open the printer cover, insert the printing paper into the guide

slot (the thermal side face down), feed the paper out from the slot on the printer cover.

Note:

Make sure all tubings are connected firmly and there is no leakage.

Make sure the positioner is connected firmly.

Make sure all the lead wires of the electrodes are connected firmly.

Make sure there is no bubble on the electrode probes.

The printing paper is using out when you see two red lines on it.

Change the printing paper in time.

Chapter 2. Power-on check

2.1 Self-test and adjustment

When switched on the power to the instrument, a system self-test will be performed

automatically. The operator may be required to do some adjustments to ensure the

instrument operates satisfactorily under given conditions.

Operation Function properly Possible problems

Switch on the power, -External power supply, power -External power supply,
the LCD light on. switch, internal power power switch
supply works properly connections or fuse is
- LCD and cables works properly not good.
- Internal power supply
doesn’t work properly.
Detect the positioner, - The positioner works properly - The positioner loose.
printer and auto
- The printer works properly - The printer cables or
sampler(if connected)
- Auto sampler works properly internal power supply is
not good
- The system will
not give alarm or
stop even if errors
found on the
positioner or printer. The
operator should turnoff
the instrument manually
and solve the
problem.
Feed paper and print- - The power supply and paper - Internal power supply
out the system version feeding of the printer is good is not good
- Data transmission of the - The printing paper
printer is good is not installed
correctly.
- The printer cables
are loose or not good.
Sample probe - The lifting motor, limit switch - The lifting mechanism is
moves up until it and cables work properly. not good
touches the position Check if the sample - Adjust or replace the
limit switch, then probe is bended or out of sample probe if
moves down to position during the movement. necessary
the wash block

Calibrating … -The liquid distribution valve -The system gives

and optical coupler, lifting alarm and stops if
 mechanism, switches and errors found on
software works properly. liquid distribution valve,
lifting mechanism or
switches.
The instrument aspirates - Pump motor works properly -Pump motor is
Std B and Std A in turn - The tubing system is good if malfunction
for test and display Std B and Std A can be - The liquid cannot
the voltages aspirated into the distribution reach correct position,
valve correctly showing the tubing
-Details of voltage display and system is leaking
print please refer to the - The inlet tubes for Std
operation manual A and Std.B are
- The operator can turn off connected to the
the function of voltage wrong ports
display or print by extended - Std A or Std B is not
program. aspirated
Screen display after - All electrodes, Std A, - If slope is not stable,
calibration:
Std B, tubing connections, then it shows “shift”
Slope pump, valve, signal detection - If slope is abnormal,
K： 54.5 OK Na ：
52.3 OK Cl ： and data then it shows “X”
51.6 OK Ca ：
25.5 OK pH ： processing work normally -Refer to trouble-
55.6 OK
shooting for the
reason of unstable
or abnormal slope.

The system enters into MainMenu

main menu after self-test Sample Cal. W. List
STD Service Results
If there is no - the internal clock works - The internal clock
operation for more than 2 normally is malfunction if
minutes, the system will the system can not
enter into standby mode enter into standby
to maintain the electrodes. mode

Note:

Try the other side of the printing paper or change the whole paper roll if there is no

printing on the paper. Adjust the position of the paper if it is misalignment.

If the sample probe is found distortion, misaligned or bended, the operator

should adjust or change the probe and make sure it can move into the wash block

correctly.

If the aspiration is abnormal, the operator should check the tubing

connections, reagent connections and electrode connections and make sure there
is no blockage or leakage.

Activate the electrode for 10-30 minutes before using if the electrode has

been stored or not used for a long time. Run calibration when electrode is stable.
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2.2 Prompts during self-test and calibration

2.2.1 Display Prompts

Error
Code message
1 The optical coupler of liquid distribution valve failed
#
2 Elevator switch failed
#

2.2.2 Print Prompts

Error
Code message
Error 0# Liquid positioning failed

Error 1# Liquid detecting failed

Warn 2# Bubbles detected

Error 3# Too much or less sample aspirated

Error 4# Slope abnormal

Error 5# Slope unstable

Error 6# AB Slope abnormal

Error 7# AB Slope unstable

For the solutions please refer to “Trouble-shooting”

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 Chapter3. Functional description and operation

3.1 Flow chart of operation

Please refer to the operator’s manual.

3.2 System functions

Please refer to the operator’s manual.

3.3 Extended programs:

Press Service in the main menu, press Time and enter “983”, press Exit, then the system
will enter into

extended program menu, the screen displays:

(Attention: the extended programs are not open for the end-users to avoid wrong setting)

3.3.1 Print voltage

Press Pr.Vol , the button turns white. The voltages of the liquid positioner and all
electrodes will be printed out during calibration or sample measurement.

Press Pr.Vol again, white color disappear from the button. The voltages will not be
printed out

During calibration or sample measurement. This is the default setting.

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3.3.2 Print PH value

Press Pr.PH , the button turns white. The pH value will be printed out when the sample
measurement is completed.

Press Pr.PH again, the button turns dark. The pH value will not be printed out when the
sample measurement is completed. This is the default setting.

3.3.3 Print TCa

TCa is a calculated parameter.

Press Pr.TCa , the button turns white. The value of iCa and TCa will be printed out
when the sample measurement is completed.

Press Pr.TCa again, the button turns white. Only the value of iCa will be

printed out when the sample measurement is completed. This is the default setting.

3.3.4 Adjust pH

This function has been fixed at factory, no need to adjust it again.

3.3.5 Standby mode setting

The instrument will enter into Standby mode if there is no operation in 2 minutes. In standby

mode, the operator should press Wake Up to activate the instrument to the working mode. If

the instrument stays in standby mode for 4 hours, it will maintain the electrodes

automatically. When wake up the instrument, it will carry out a calibration before returning to

the working mode.

The operator can change the waiting time for entering into standby mode. The suggested

waiting time is 2-60 minutes.

To change the waiting time, press Standby ,input the value, then press Yes to confirm.

3.3.6 Test Valve

The liquid distribution valve may be blocked or leaking after using for a long time. The

measuring results could be affected. Therefore it is necessary to check the valve periodically.

Touch Valve, the system will aspirate Std A and Std B automatically. Observe the

aspiration volume, flow speed, the switch of Std.A/Std.Bin the valve and the bubbles to

determine if the valve is working properly or not.

 3.3.7 Show voltage

Press Showmv, the button turns white. The voltages of the liquid positioner and all
electrodes will be displayed on the screen during calibration or sample measurement.

Press Show mv again, the button turns white. The voltages of the liquid
positioner and all electrodes will not be displayed on the screen during calibration or
sample measurement.

3.3.8 Setup the reference range

Touch Range, the screen displays:

K 1 xxx 2 xxx
Na 3 xxx 4 xxx
Cl 5 xxx 6 xxx
ica 7 xxx 8 xxx
Tca 9 xxx 10 xxx
PH
Set Exit

PressSet, input all the reference values in turn,thenpress Exit to quit.

3.3.9 Record of de-protein operation

Press Pr.Clea to print out the last date that the de-protein program been performed.

3.4 Routine operation

3.4.1 Safety precautions

1. The electric voltage inside the instrument may be harmful to human

body. Do not open the instrument without disconnecting it from the power supply.

2. Because the samples may have pathogenesis bacterium or viruses, all replaced

tubes, electrodes and waste containers should be discarded according to

the safe laboratory procedures and government regulations.

3. The reagents are irritating to eyes, skin and diaphragm. Wear proper personal protective

equipment (e.g.gloves, lab coat, etc.) and follow safe laboratory procedures when

handling them in the laboratory The reagents are harmful to human body. If the
reagents accidentally spill on your skin, wash them off with plenty of water and if necessary,
go to see a doctor.
5. If the reagents accidentally spill into your eyes, wash them off with plenty of water and

immediately go to see a doctor

3.4.2 Sample Collection and handling
Sample collection and handling must be carried out by the
professionals.

Always avoid the hematolysis. In addition, the following points should be noted:

1. The serum or plasma can be stored in the refrigerator, but they must be warmed up

to room temperature before test.

2. When preparing the blood serum samples, do not add any materials like the surface

active agent that may interfere in the measurement or even damage the sensor.

3. Hemolysis can affect K result significantly as well as other parameters. Special remark

should be made for hemolysis sample, and the results are for reference to the lab only.

4. If the serum has not been separated completely, the fibrins in the sample may affect the

aspiration, and the proteins may deposit inside the tubing thus causing contamination or

blockage. In such a case, the results will be affected, so the operator should clean the

tubing on time.

5. The sample should be tested within 2 hours, otherwise the result may be not accurate.

3.4.3 Operation precautions

1. The analyzer is designed to work continuously for 24 hours a day. No need to shut

down the machine everyday.

2. Do not use the standard solutions of flame photometer. They include

strong acid and other supplements that may damage the electrodes.

3. Not all commercial controls are suitable for ISE measurement. Some of them contain

too much chemical additives that may interfere in the measurement.

4. The bubbles should not be aspirated during sample aspiration, otherwise the

results will be unreliable.

5. When the sample reaches the checking point, make sure there are no bubbles

inside, otherwise the samples should be measured again.

 6. Never aspirate the sample directly from the blood separating tube,

because it is very easy to block the tubing system. Always move the serum to

a small and clean tube or cup with a pipette before testing on the instrument.

7. If the ambient temperature fluctuates for more than 10 , the instrument should be

calibrated again

8. The pH value of the standard solutions and the samples should be within 6-9,

otherwise it will interfere in the measurement of sodium ions.

9. Discard the reagent if mild dew or deposition found.

10. Perform the routine maintenance according to the manual.

11. Every electrode has a serial number. Keep it on the electrode. The warranty of the

electrodes will become invalid if the number is not mentioned.

12. When removing the sample tube after aspiration, be careful not to hit the sample

probe, otherwise the probe will bend or get misaligned and may not move into the

wash block properly.

13. Do not open the front door during calibration or sample measurement, otherwise

the result will be affected.

14. Check and make sure the grounding is good if static interference is found.

3.4.4 Daily operation

Please refer to the operator’s manual.

Chapter 4. Routine maintenance

4.1 Daily maintenance

Keep the instrument clean, especially the sampling unit.

4.2 Weekly maintenance

1. Check the electrodes and make sure the filling solutions are sufficient. Add filling

solution if the volume is less than 2/3.

2. Check if there is salty crystal on the internal electrode, if so, clean it with wet tampon.

3. Check and clean the rubber in the wash block. Clean the sample probe.

4. Run deprotein program in service menu. (If less than 5 samples per day,

then just run deprotein program every 2 weeks) Check and clean the tubing system.

5. Run “Na adjust” program if the slope of Na electrode is less than 50.

4.3 Monthly maintenance

1. Check the tubing system and make sure there is no blockage or leakage.

2. Check the internal electrode and make sure it doesn’t blanch or its coating doesn’t flake

off. Change the internal electrode if necessary. Check the filling solution, change it if it

become contaminated or dirty.

3. Observe the voltage of the electrode. If the voltage of K,、Na,、Cl are all less than 20 mV,

then change the reference filling solution first. If it doesn’t improve, change the reference

membrane.

4. Run calibration if the slopes are low.

4.4 Check tubing system

Check the tubing system if the aspiration volume or flow speed is abnormal, or bubbles

found. Observe the flow speed, liquid position and bubble status during sample test or

calibration.

1. Blockage will cause insufficient aspiration volume for sample, Std A and Std B, or no

aspiration at all if the blockage is very bad.

2. Leakage will cause bubbles or no aspiration.

 3. A segment of air will appear in the tube when the liquid distribution valve switches

between Std A and Std B. When aspirating Std A, if small bubbles found at the

outlet of distribution valve, then the flow path inside the distribution valve for Std A

is leaking. If bubbles always stay at the inlet of Std A and can not be excluded, then

the flow path for Std A is blocked slightly. Check flow path for Std B by the same way.

4. The blockage in the distribution valve is usually caused by contamination in

Std A or Std B. It is important to keep the reagents under proper temperature.

5. The bubbles will appear near the connector if it is leaking. Tighten the tube or connect

it again. Cut a small piece of tube if necessary.

6. If leakage found between the electrodes, then the O ring between the electrodes may

not be present or maybe out of position, or the setting screws might not be not

tightened.

7. If the pump tube is distorted, leaking or aged, it will cause no aspiration, insufficient

aspiration volume or incorrect liquid position. Change the pump tube if necessary.

8. Wash the tubing system regularly to prevent the blockage caused by protein

deposition. Clean the sample probe externally. Clean the wash block.
4.5 Check the sample probe

1. Adjust the sample probe if it is misaligned or bend. Make sure the sample probe can

move into the wash block smoothly and correctly.

2. If the sample probe is blocked, move it up to top position, take the probe out, and

use a thin needle to remove the blockage from the probe.

3. If the wash block is blocked, lift up the sample probe, remove the cover of the wash

block, take out the rubber and clean it.

4.6 Electrode maintenance and replacement

4.6.1 Structure of the electrode

(For Erba lyte plus there will not be Ca & PH electrode)

4.6.2 Replacement of internal electrode and filling solution

Follow the steps below to replace the internal electrode or filling solution:
1. Pull out all electrode wires from the plugs. Remove the tubes from the inlet and

outlet of the electrode assembly.

2. Loose the fixing nuts of the electrode assembly.

3. Disassemble the whole electrode assembly.

4. Discard the electrode to be replaced.

5. Take a new electrode and add the filling solution.

6. Assemble the electrodes in correct order. Make sure that the rubber gaskets are in

right position.
 7. Tighten the fixing nuts of the electrode assembly.

8. Connect the tubing to inlet and outlet. Insert the electrode wires back to the plugs.

9. Run calibration again.

If the internal electrode blanches or its coating flakes off, then remove the old filling solution,
add fresh filling solution and install a new internal electrode.

Change the filling solution if it is insufficient or the slope of the electrode is too low. Take out
the internal electrode (do not touch any metal materials), remove the old filling solution, add
fresh solution to 85% of total volume, thenput the internal electrode back and tighten it.

K filling solution is for K electrode only, Ca filling solution is for Ca electrode only, and reference
filling solution is for reference electrode only. Na/Cl filling solution is for Na, Cl and pH electrodes.

4.6.3 Replace the reference membrane

Follow the steps below to replace the reference membrane:
1. Pull out all electrode wires from the plugs. Remove the tubes from the inlet and
outlet of the electrode assembly.
2. Loose the fixing nuts of the electrode assembly.
3. Take out the reference electrode.
4. Loose the screw cap, take out the internal electrode, remove the filling solution, O-ring
and old reference membrane (see the following figure).
5. Soak the new reference membrane in distilled water, then place it
evenly on the internal interface and put on the O-ring.
6. Refill the reference filling solution and tighten the screw cap
7. Clean and dry the electrode.
8. Assemble the electrodes in correct order. Make sure that the rubber gaskets are in
right position.
9. Connect the tubing to inlet and outlet. Insert the electrode wires back to the plugs.
10. Run calibration again.

internal set of membrans (10

electrode pcs)

o-ring
internal part sleeve nut
of electrode
tool for adjustment
of o-ring
 4.7 Maintenance of pump, valve and lifting unit

4.7.1 Maintenance of aspirating pump

After long time of using, the pump tube will get aged and may cause

inaccurate aspiration volume and result in bad results. So, it is necessary to change the pump

tube.

If there is big noise when the pump head rotating, disconnect the pump tube, pull

out the pump head, loose three setting screws, take out the plate, add a little lubrication oil

to the ball bearing, then assemble the pump head back. If the pump head is damaged, then

change it with a new one.

4.7.2 Maintenance of distribution valve

The function of the distribution valve is to switch the flow path to Std A or Std B according to

the control program. The valve status is detected by an optical coupler. The performance of

the optical coupler can be affected by dust or foreign objects, and may cause

wrong switching between Std A and B. In such case,“1#”、”2#” or “3#” error

message will be shown on the screen and will be printed out. Clean the optical coupler

periodically.

Disassemble the valve:

Loosen the four setting screws on the valve plate, pull the whole valve out a little, loosen four

nuts, take out the valve plate and four copper standings, loose the setting screws for the

optical coupler. Take out the optical coupler. Turn the valve head with a tweezers and take it

out. Loose two screws on the valve cap and take the cap out. Clean five O rings on the valve

cap. Clean the valve body and rotor.

Assemble the valve:

Install the rotor and cap to the valve body, tighten two screws. Pay attention to the five O rings

on the cap. Install the optical coupler to center position. Put on the valve head, tighten the

screws on the valve motor axis. Put the copper standings back, tighten the valve

body to the plate. Tighten the valve plate to instrument.

Note:
 Pay attention to the position of the O-rings, copper standings, optical coupler and

connectors of Std.A and Std.B

Maintain the valve once every year. Keep the optical coupler clean and check it
periodically.

4.7.3 Lifting unit

The maintenance of the lifting unit is by removing the dust, foreign objects and oil dirt from it.

Remove the cover of the sample probe, remove the sample probe, clean the axis and add a

little grease. Let the sample probe move up and down for several times, make sure it moves

smoothly and low noise.

Note:

The electrode should be sealed and stored under dry environment. Do not add filling

solution to it.

The tubing and O-rings should be sealed and stored under dry environment.

The internal electrode should be sealed and stored under dry environment. Do not

store with metal materials.

Chapter 5. Hardware
5.1 Connector and Cable list

Connector Cable Connector Cable

J101 Optical coupler cable J203 Positioner cable
J102 Elevator switch cable J204 Signal cable
J103 Auto sampler home
J205 RS232 cable
position optical coupler
J104 cable sampler counter
Auto J206 Pressure sensor cable
optical coupler cable
J107 Transformer output cable J207（PRT） Printer data cable
J108 Printer power cable J207（Key） Touch screen cable
J109 Air outlet valve
connection cable J208 LCD cable

J110 Liquid outlet valve

connection cable NBQ LCD inverter power cable

J111 Mixing motor power

supply cable

J112 Auto sampler motor cable

J114 Lifting motor cable

J115 Valve motor cable
J116 Aspirating Pump motor
cable
J117 Lactic acid pump motor
cable

5.2 PCB errors

1. Because of vibration or dust accumalation, the connectors or IC chips may have

loose connections. Disconnect the power cable, open the rear cover, and check the cables

and IC chips.
2. When after switch on the power, the LCD doesn’t light on, the lifting unit doesn’t work, the

pump motor doesn’t work: check 9-pin DC power cable and transformer output cable J107.

3. When switch on the power, the LCD doesn’t light on, but the lifting unit work normally:
Check U102 (LM7812)、9-pin DC power cable, NBQ connector and 12V voltage.
The LCD inverter may be damaged.

4. The lifting unit can not move, the valve doesn’t work: Check U103 (LM7812)、
9-pin DC power cable、U106、U107.
5. The pump motor doesn’t work: Check U110、LM7812、9-pin DC power cable、U108、
U109

6. The signals of calibration or measurement are confused or all zero: check cable J204.

7. If the program works incorrect, clean the dust accumulated around U301 IC chip and

check. It is recommended to clean PCB with pure alcohol and blow to dry.

8.）Auto sampler doesn’t move, check U104, 74HC373,U105, ULN2803A.

9.）No AB test result, check J206 connector and U209, LM324.

10.）No print. Check J108, J207(PRT) connectors and the connectors between printer head

and print control board. Replace the printer head if it is broken.

Note:

Only authorized personnels are allowed to repair the PCB.

5.3 Description of RS-232 interface

The analyzer can send or receive command/data via RS-232 interface.

5.3.1 Features
Electric feature： comply with EIA RS-232C

Transmission mode： asynchronism

Stopbit 1digit
Databit 8digit
Paritybit none

Transmission speed： 19200 baud

5.3.2 Pin description

 Pin no. Signal Functio Not
n e
1 NC none

2 RXD Receive data Input

3 TXD Transmit data Output

4 NC none

5 GND signal ground

6 NC none

7 NC none

8 NC none

9 NC none

5.3.3 Data format

The instrument communicates with external PC through RS-232 serial port. After each test

finish, the data will be automatically sent out during the time of printing. The content of the

transmitting data is almost same as the printing data. The operator can also send

out the data manually by “Send” program in “Service” menu.

Example:

001 111111 063 5.23 151.2 111.4 1.44 7.62

12.0
004 11222 063 5.25 151.6 110.8 1.40 7.59

Data format:

Sample number + 2 blank + ID + 2 blank + symbol byte + blank + k result + blank + Na result +
blank +

Cl result + blank + Ca result + blank + PH result + blank + AB result + newline

Note:

Symbol byte: this byte has 8 digits h g f e d c b a

a =1: K electrode calibration failed, a =0: K electrode calibration OK

b =1: Na electrode calibration failed, b =0: Na electrode calibration OK

c =1: Cl electrode calibration failed, c =0: Cl electrode calibration OK

d =1: Ca electrode calibration failed, d =0: Ca electrode calibration OK

e =1: pH electrode calibration failed, e =0: pH electrode calibration OK

f =1: AB calibration failed, f =0: AB calibration OK

 h =1: warning information of this result (e.g. aspiration abnormal, bubbles detected, etc.)

Chapter 6 Trouble-shooting

6.1 Error prompts

Display prompts
Code Erro Solutio
1 r
Optical coupler error Check J101, clean optical n coupler, adjust the
# position of optical coupler
2 Elevator switch error Check J102, J114, elevator switch,
# U103(LM7812)、
U107(ULN2803)、U106(74HC373) ,9-pin DC

Printing prompts
Code Erro Solutio
r n
Error 0# Liquid Connect the positioner again.

positionin

Error 1# Liquid detecting Check the optical coupler and tubing

failed
connection of the distribution valve

Error 2# Bubbles detected Check the positioner, optical coupler, distribution

valve, check if there is any leakage in the tubing

Error 3# Too much or less Check the distribution valve and positioner

sample aspirated

Error 4# Slope abnormal Refer to “6.5 Slope abnormal”

Error 5# Slope unstable Refer to “6.4 Slope unstable”

6.2 Possible causes of errors

(1) Power supply not good be good:

May cause the instrument to work abnormally; the slopes become abnormal during
calibration; the testing result not stable.

(2) Grounding not good

May cause：result not stable during testing or calibration, especially for Na.

(3) Interfere by electromagnetism

May cause：the instrument can not work normally; result not stable during testing or
calibration

(4) Interference due to static and dry condition

May cause: instrument works unstable, the deviation of Na, Cl is too big

(5) Interfere due to moisture

May cause: instrument works unstable, the deviation of Na is too big

(6) Interference due to temperature

May cause: instrument works unstable.

(7) Positioner not good

May cause inaccurate liquid positioing, prompt “bubbles” frequently, slope abnormal or
unstable, testing result unstable.

(8) Flow path in the electrode assembly contaminated

May cause：slope abnormal or too low

(9) Aspirating tube contaminated

May cause：slope abnormal, especially for K electrode

(10) Std A or Std B contaminated

May cause：slope not stable or too low

(11) Reference electrode not good

May cause unstable slope hence unstable results.

(12) Flow channel not good

Check segment by segment.

 6.3 Trouble-shooting of positioner and electrode

Positioner:

First, make sure the connection of the positioner is good. Then check the
positioner’s voltage with “Voltage” program in “Service” menu. Rotate the pump
manually and let the liquid pass through the positioner. The positioner’s voltage
should become small when there is liquid or big when there is no liquid. The
difference should be more than 500.

Electrode:

Check the voltage of the electrode by “Voltage” program in “Service” menu. If the voltage is

low, then the electrode should be replaced as soon as possible.

If aspiration alarm appeared or no aspiration at all, replace a new reagent pack (Std A, Std
B)

Restart the instrument and run self-test.

6.4. Slope unstable

Cause Solution
Unreliable grounding Check the connection of
the grounding wire

No standard A or standard B Check and replace Standard A

Aspirated or B; Check the tubing
Incorrect positioning Adjust positioning again
The reference filling solution or Replace when necessary
reference membrane not working
The internal electrode turns gray Replace when necessary
Poor connection of the electrode wire Check and connect again
Electrode membrane leaks Replace when necessary
Power supply voltage fluctuates Use UPS or power stabilizer
Humidity too high Lower the humidity or move the instrument to a dry
Bubbles inside the tubing place
Check the tubing system
Liquid leakage inside the valve Replace gasket or valve when necessary
The electrode is not activated or Activate the electrode first
the activating time is insufficient
6.5 Slope abnormal

Cause Solution
Too many organic deposits on Wash it with deproteinised Solution.
the electrode membrane
Reagent contaminated Replace the reagent
Insufficient filling solution Refill the filling solution
Electrode does not work Replace the failed electrode
Dust or moisture around the electrode or Clean and dry the electrode and plug
plug
tubing loose reconnected
Pump tube stuck recover the tube
Pump tube broken replace the tube
Tubing blockage clean the tubing
Gasket between the electrodes Re assemble it
wrong placed or missing
Leakage between the electrode Reinstalled firmly
Optical coupler too dirty or broken Clean or replace it
Mixing Chamber Blocked Clean Mixing Chamber

6.6 AB slope and result abnormal

Cause Solution
condenser condensing Liquid outlet blocked
AB slope is zero No Std R, pressure sensor cable loose or
Mixer don’t move damaged.
Reconnect J111 , replace mixing motor
Liquid outlet valve don’t work Reconnect J111 , replace liquid outlet valve
Air outlet don’t work, leakage, AB slope is Reconnect J109, replace air outlet valve
low
AB slope abnormal Std R invalid, leaked or blocked

6.7 Auto sampler trouble shooting.

Cause Solution

Auto Sampler can not be detected Check J112 connector and

cable, replace Auto sampler
The initial position of auto sampler is Check J103 connectors, clean the dust on the
not on the clean position optical coupler for auto sampler home
position, replace the optical coupler

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Auto sampler on incorrect position Check J104 connector and cable, clean the
dust on the counting optical coupler,
replace the optical coupler

6.8 Aspiration abnormal

Cause Solution
Aspirating tube loose or broken Connect again or replace it
Pump tube sticks Restore the tube
Pump tube broken Replace the tube
Pump tube blocked Clear the blockage
The gasket between the electrodes Place the gasket properly
does not placed properly or
The electrode assembly leaks Tighten the assembly again
Dust in the positioner, Clean or replace the positioner
or positioner