Problem: Erratic results

Note: A rule of thumb. If your Carbon is erratic but Sulfur is good, the problem is typically flow related (erratic flow, leaks, restriction, contamination). If your carbon is good but Sulfur is bad, the problem is typically combustion related (bad oscillator tube, clogged lance, clogged heat shield, bad combustion tube, bad brush)

To solve problems with erratic Carbon results:

1) Replace ALL chemicals, including the rare earth copper oxide. Condition new chemicals by running a few test. Check for better results. Still Erratic? Go to next step

2) Install NEW UNOPENED DUST FILTER, include replacing both o-rings. PLEASE NOTE: PLUG GOES IN THE BOTTOM AND SOLO O-RING AROUND THE TOP. Check for better results. Still Erratic? Go to next step

3) Completely clean furnace. Replace combustion tube, replace heat shield, and replace the brush. Check the two small o-rings (Part Number - AR70120) on the slide rods to make sure they are in good shape. Check black tube for dust build up and the exit port of the furnace as well. Check for better results. Still Erratic? Go to next step

4) Check to ensure you flow is ~200 lpm on the UPPER LEFT FLOW METER. If the flow is very low or very high or moves up and down it is a sign of another problem. You can check your service manual for flow problems or contact Ken at Alpha Resource at 269-465-5559 ext 215 or via email at Ken@alpharesources.com. If the gas is fine move on to next step

5) Do a leak check. Procedure can be found here: CS800/2000 LEAK CHECK. No leaks but Still Erratic? Go to next step

6) Possible cell contamination or erratic cells. Please contact Alpha for further instructions

To solve problems with erratic Sulfur results:

1) Replace ALL chemicals, including the rare earth copper oxide. Condition new chemicals by running a few test. Check for better results. Still Erratic? Go to next step

2) Completely clean furnace. Replace combustion tube and brush. Check O2 path from the entry point at the top all the way thru the heat shield, are there any particles lodged in any portion of this path? If so they can either restrict, block or redirect the flow of oxygen. The oxygen flowing directly into your crucible is 50% of the battle for good combustion. If it is blocked or restricted it can have a dramatic effect on combustion temperatures. Check for better results. Still Erratic? Go to next step

3) Oscillator tube is either failing or simply too old. Typically these tubes can last 2-3 years without any problems depending on use. If yours is used 24/7/365 the tube may only last for a year or less. If your use your analyzer more sporadically it could last you ten years. But erratic sulfur results are a good indication that your tube is losing power. The Alpha Part number for this tube is AR354.

4) Bad O2. I have seen several times over the year that an O2 tank has been filled with compressed air or even bad O2. Try installing a new tank. Still Erratic? Go to next step

5) Possible cell contamination or erratic cells. Please contact Alpha for further instructions