Cecil Instruments IonQuest
Cecil Instruments · Model IonQuest
[i]Precision Temperature Control-Modular Flexibility[/i] The system is easy to use by control panel operation, or by using the sophisticated Cecil PowerStream software for data acquisition, processing and reporting. Full system control is also provided by the workstation equipped with PowerStream. The modularity of the system enables its configuration to be changed with ease, for instance for use with a UV/Visible detector. Modules may readily be replaced, to reduce down-time, should the need arise. The system is easy to use by control panel operation, or by using the sophisticated Cecil PowerStream software for data acquisition, processing and reporting. Full system control is also provided by the workstation equipped with PowerStream. The modularity of the system enables its configuration to be changed with ease, for instance to use a UV/Visible detector. Modules may readily be replaced, to reduce down-time, should the need arise. [i]Pulse Free Pump[/i] Mobile phase pumping is provided by a dual piston, digitally controlled, pump. Electronic feedback control virtually eliminates pulsing without using mechanical damping. [i]Column Oven[/i] The very precisely temperature controlled oven accommodates Anion and Cation columns and precolumns, as well as a background suppressor cartridge with its over pressure protection valve. Close coupling to the detector provides high stability, low noise and low dispersion. [i]Leak Detector[/i] A specially designed leak detection system is accommodated within the cell oven enclosure. The detection system may be used to shutdown the system if a leak is detected in the enclosure. [i] PowerStream Software[/i] This software, developed by Cecil Instruments, provides system control and superb data processing, manipulation and reporting with truly unrivalled ease. [i]Detector – Advanced Design[/i] The CE 4710 Conductivity Detector is an entirely new design from Cecil Instruments providing performance of the very highest order due to its exceptionally low noise and unrivalled baseline stability. To achieve this standard of performance a very low volume, 0.5µL, conductivity cell has been designed and is operated in a precisely thermostatted aluminium oven enclosure. A specially designed, low dispersion, heat exchanger, is also mounted in the cell enclosure preceding the detector cell. The exchanger stabilises the temperature of the mobile phase entering the cell. With the enclosed system controlled to better than ±0.01ºC superb performance is always available. Autozero and auto-range facilities are provided to ensure convenience of operation. Built-in diagnostics aids instrument evaluation and fault finding. The temperature controlled cell and heat exchanger enclosure is conveniently accessed from the side of the detector module, as shown in the photograph. [i]Detector Features[/i]. Full control by PowerStream software workstation. Keypad and LCD interface, for local operation, when required. Large memory for analytical methods. Autozero for operator convenience. Operator selectable cell temperature; default 35ºC. Leak detection system shutdown. Important for unattended operation. Self diagnostics to confirm instrument function. Mounting facility for Rheodyne injection valve. Calculation of detector cell constant not required. Polarity switching Sensitivity for the measurement of anions is greatly improved by reducing the conductivity of the eluent post column. An optional Anion Membrane Suppressor - SAMS ™ - is available which is mounted in the column oven, in series with and after the analytical column. The suppressor may be used continuously and is regenerated by a Continuous Anion Regeneration System - CARS ™ -, which pumps the regeneration fluid through the post column suppressor cartridge. The suppressed solvent background conductivity leads to reduced drift and noise and therefore higher sensitivity for measurements is available. Close coupling of the detector to the oven is important in eliminating the effects of ambient temperature fluctuation on results. The couplers can be seen on the side of the detector. The cell compartment thermostatted enclosure is shown in the lower photograph, with the side cover removed for easy access.
Key tips
- ·Run QC controls before trusting any repair - an analyzer that passes self-test can still report clinically wrong results.
- ·Rule out a reagent lot change before opening the instrument - it can look exactly like a hardware fault.
- ·Centrifuge rotors have a hard retirement age/cycle limit regardless of visible condition - don't eyeball it.
Typical Failure Modes
Compiled for this model from its own documentation and established engineering knowledge for this equipment class - not from a verified service record. Confirm against the manufacturer's service manual.
Sensor / electrode fault or drift
HighSymptoms: pH, pCO2, pO2, electrolyte, glucose / lactate or CO-oximetry results flagged, QC fails, stability / response errors.
Root cause: An electrode / membrane at end of life, an air bubble or protein in the measuring path, or a calibration fault.
Sample-path / inlet clog or clot
MediumSymptoms: Sample not aspirated, clot detected, inlet / preheater alarm.
Root cause: Clot in the inlet probe / preheater, or a worn inlet gasket.
Solution / cartridge / gas / waste fault
MediumSymptoms: Reagent-empty, gas-supply or waste-full alarm, calibration fails.
Root cause: Empty or expired solution pack / cartridge, an empty / expired gas cylinder, or a full waste container.
Pump / valve / pneumatic fault
MediumSymptoms: Poor sample transport, calibration or rinse failures, pressure alarms.
Root cause: Worn peristaltic pump tubing, a pinch-valve fault, or a pneumatic-pressure fault.
CO-oximetry / optical fault
MediumSymptoms: tHb, sO2 or dyshaemoglobin results implausible, optics / lamp error.
Root cause: Optics contamination, a lamp fault, or the haemolyser.
Serviceable Parts & Consumables
Serviceable items for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Service class and relative cost are estimates, not manufacturer figures; no part numbers are given. Confirm intervals and pricing against the manufacturer.
Sensor cassette / individual electrodes & membranes
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $$$R&R Fairly easy
Solution pack / reagent cartridge
Class ConsumableRel. cost $$R&R Easy
Calibration gas cylinder
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $$R&R Easy
Peristaltic pump tubing / pinch valves
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $R&R Moderate
Inlet probe / preheater gasket
Class Frequent wear itemRel. cost $R&R Fairly easy
| Part | Service class | Relative cost | R&R difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sensor cassette / individual electrodes & membranes | Frequent wear item | $$$ | Fairly easy |
| Solution pack / reagent cartridge | Consumable | $$ | Easy |
| Calibration gas cylinder | Frequent wear item | $$ | Easy |
| Peristaltic pump tubing / pinch valves | Frequent wear item | $ | Moderate |
| Inlet probe / preheater gasket | Frequent wear item | $ | Fairly easy |
Relative cost: $ lowest · $$$$ highest service-part cost for this equipment class. Not a price.
PM Checklist
Preventive-maintenance tasks typical of this equipment class. Perform to the manufacturer's procedure and your facility's policy - this is general reference, not a schedule for this specific unit.
- ·Daily QC controls run and reviewed
- ·Calibration verification per assay
- ·Routine cleaning and decontamination
- ·Scheduled reagent-path and pump-tubing maintenance
Troubleshooting Approach
A starting sequence for this model, compiled from its documentation and engineering knowledge for this equipment class. Follow the manufacturer's service documentation for the actual procedure.
Symptom: Sensor flagged or QC fails
- Run the relevant calibration and check the sensor / electrode status screen.
- De-bubble / rinse the measuring path and check for protein deposits.
- Replace an electrode / membrane at end of life or that fails calibration.
- Confirm the solution pack and calibration gas are in date and not empty.
- Re-run QC at the relevant levels before releasing results.
Symptom: Sample not aspirated / clot
- Run the inlet / preheater clot-removal or rinse routine.
- Inspect the inlet probe and gasket.
- Replace the inlet gasket or probe.
- Confirm free sample aspiration with a QC sample.
- Replace worn pump tubing if transport is still poor.
Typical Location
Where this class of equipment is typically deployed - general reference, not this unit's own placement record.
- Central / core laboratory
- Point-of-care testing stations
- Blood bank
- Microbiology lab
Documents & Manuals
No documents available for this device yet.
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