Usually, I leave instrument’s computer up and running for long periods of time. No surprise that after several weeks there is significant amount of Windows Updates ready for installation. This week I had to reboot my system (Dionex Ultimate 3000) and during this occasion several new updated were installed.

After that I started to have problems with connection to the Chromeleon server.

And I did not know why.

The Dionex server and Chromeleon  software were running without any problems, I could open  Chromeleon browser, open and close any file and so on. But when I wanted to open panel of tabs to really control the HPLC system I couldn’t do that. The system kept screaming at me “Unable to connect to a server”. Ok, let’s check server again. Nothing. Same result.

I continued with regular try and error route:

A) Ok, let’s reboot computer once more. Twice more. Several times. Nothing.

B) I tried to manually connect the server selecting the various communication protocols. In dialogs that are used to make connections I found that computer with running instrument server does not display Chromeleon Server; instead, a red X and the phrase “The array bounds are invalid” were displayed. At least I found a “name” for an error. So next step is search through the software help. It did not find any answer.

C) I am going to ask big uncle Google. Copy and Paste “The array bounds are invalid” add “Chromeleon” and “Dionex” and “communication problem” and hit the search button. FINALLY! The first page in the results page linked to the Dionex website with a description of the issue followed by the solutions.

This website describes the background of the problem and answers with hotfixs for fast solution. Page concludes on general guidance on Windows Updates (usually there are safe, but if you might have problem with not running systems don’t do that or plan a good timing for it).

I downloaded hotfix, copied it over the suggested file and it worked. Thanks!

I had to solve connection problem in between the Bruker MS and Agilent LC (Agilent shutdown). On the very end, I found out there was no problem in their mutual communication. However, it shows me the future of the instrumental services. WebEx communication.

WebEx is software delivered as a service which you can use it from any computer with an Internet connection. WebEx combines real-time desktop sharing with phone conferencing, so everyone sees the same thing as you talk. And that is exactly what happened.

I asked people from Bruker for advice with my (instrument;) communication problem and we scheduled the WebEx seminar (let’s call it seminar). At exact time I connected to the website they sent me and our online communication started.

For me, it was brand new experience. Ok, I have to say I have no problem with online communication (chat, blogs, social media, …) but it was for first time for me to join the online communiation because of the problem with chromatographic instrument. And I found it very useful.

The online comminication

• saves cost expenses – we all know that it is not always necessary to set up service visit,
• saves time – very important, the seminar can be scheduled on every possible time, which meets requirements of both side
• enhances productivity – majority of the problems can be solve with some kind of advice

I know, all this can be done also using the phone. And for sure, phone is very useful. But using the online communication, you can allow the servicing company the full control over your instrument computer and you don’t have to worry about (almost) anything.

I had this experience with the Bruker company. I am sure others companies offer the same service (or will offer very soon). I belive, that online service is the future of the instrumental service and that majority of the troubleshooting will be solve in this way.

Agilent 1100

From time to time, we all face problems with HPLC instruments. Then, we all search the internet for the solution for our problem. In this troubleshooting section I would like to point out my problems with instruments and their solutions. Hopefully, it can help also you.

Recently, I was asked to run the HPLC-MS instrument which was off for several months. The LC part was Agilent 1100 and MS was from the Bruker (HCT+). The instruments themselves worked fine, but there was a problem with their connection. At least I thought so. The Agilent HPLC went always to power off mode after couple of minutes. No matter what I have done, no matter what I have tried. It always went to shutdown mode.

As I said, I thought the problem is in their internal (software) connection. The Bruker HyStar software was started by the ChemStation. Because of this I have contacted Bruker company and asked them about the problem. I will speak about the webex communication sometimes in the future, but I have to say it was a nice and new experience. The guy from the Bruker told me, that there is no problem with the connection at all. Therefore I have continued to ask – Agilent this time.

They told me, that the problem I am describing can be caused by the instrument degasser. After the long time, when the instrument is not used at all, the degasser can be broken. It is still working, still degassing the mobile phase, but it can send the wrong input to the instrument and switch it off.

So, if you have a problem with the Agilent instrument (1100) which is going to the power off mode without any reason, check the connection on the back of the instrument. If there is a line between the degasser and the main unit of the instrument (usually pump, but can be autosampler too) than disconnect this line. It is probably different type of connection than the LAN type.

It is probable, that the (autosampler) control light will go red after while. But as soon it can not comunicate with the instrument, it cant tell that something is wrong. And you have still a lot of time to contact the company service to solve the problem with the degasser. Alternatively, you can ultrasonicate the mobile phase or degass it with the stream of helium.