ÄKTA ready™ gradient

Incorrect mounting.

Make sure that each flow cell is properly aligned with its adapter. Check that there is no gap between flow cell and adapter. If necessary, loosen the screws and remount the cell according to the instructions "Mount the main part tubing". The screws holding the latch pressing the flow cell against the adapter should be firmly tightened (using finger force).

Valve safety lock not closed.

To close an open valve safety lock: closed.
1. Switch the Installation switch (in upper, right corner of cabinet front; see instructions "Components on system cabinet — front") to position FLOW KIT INSTALL.
2. Close the safety lock by turning the handle 180 degrees (see  instructions "Finishing flow kit installation").
3. Turn the installation switch back to RUN.

Note: FLOW KIT INSTALL may fill all parts of the flow kit with fluid from the air trap, also inlet and outlets that are currently not used. To avoid spillage of liquid, do not remove the end caps from connections that are not used.

Tubing not properly inserted.

If part of the tubing has not been properly inserted in a valve:
1. Turn the Installation switch to position FLOW KIT INSTALL.
2. Open the valve lock.
3. Insert the tubing.
4. Close the valve lock.
5. Turn the installation switch back to RUN.

Poor connection.

Make sure the conductivity sensor's connector cable is properly connected to the system cabinet . See instructions "Mount the
main part tubing".

Wrong inlets used.

Check that the wash liquid is connected to inlet 6 and the test liquid to inlet 5.

Wrong composition of wash liquid and/or test solution.

Make sure that the liquids used are fresh and correctly prepared. See instructions "Prepare a test".

Conductivity is temperature compensated and thus dependent on correct temperature readings. The temperature window is located on the back of the flow meter cell. See instructions "Mount the main part tubing". 

Possible problems with temperature measurement are:

1. Loose flow meter cell.

2. Dirty or damp temperature window.

3. System temperature not stable with respect to surroundings.

1. Check that the flow meter cell is properly snapped onto its mounting knobs. See instructions "Mount the main part tubing". A gap between the temperature window and the sensor may cause incorrect measurements.

2. Wipe clean with soft tissue.

3. If room temperature changes or if the system is moved from one room to another, it must be given time to adjust to current room temperature.

A valve lock may be open.

Check the valve locks. Close if necessary.
Before attempting to close the manual valve lock, make sure the valve is in an open position.
Note: If the  the alarm is caused by a compressed air failure. See issues related to Compressed air.

Alarm is caused by a compressed air failure

See issues related to Compressed air.

Emergency button has been pressed.

See instructions "Restart after emergency shut down or power failure" for support.

Pump lid is not properly attached / secured.

See instructions for support.

No inlet or outlet valve open.

Check method and valves.

Incorrect method.

Check by entering Pump:ManFlow > 1%.

If none of the above.

Contact Cytiva service personnel.

Connected inlet is not used.

Check that connected inlet is actually used.

Inlet containers are placed too low relative to the pump.

Check inlet containers.

No liquid is supplied to the pump.

Check inlet containers.

Flow kit tubing is split or burst.

Replace flow kit.

Kinks or blockages in the flow kit.

Remount or replace flow kit. See instructions for mounting the flow kit.

Pump rotor slipping on the drive shaft.

Contact Cytiva service personnel.

Liquid is too viscous.

Check that viscosity of liquid is within specified range, according to instructions.

Pump speed too slow.

Increase pump speed.

Connected outlet is not used.

Check that connected outlet is actually used.

Outlet is plugged.

Check that the outlet is not plugged.

Too small outlet tubing diameter.

Change to a larger tubing.

Flow kit mounted on system for too long, causing the inner walls of the tubing to stick together.

Replace the flow kit. See instructions for mounting the flow kit.

Cables are not connected.

• Check communication cable and connectors.
• If system is connected to a switch or hub, check  that the extra cable (3 m) is connected in series with the long (10 m) cable.
• Reboot PC: shut down Windows, switch off the system power switch, wait at least 5 sec, restart system.
• Reboot system.

System isn't switched on.

Make sure the system is switched on.

Cables are not connected.

• Check network cables and connectors.
• Reboot system and PC.
  Note: The system will continue to run even if the connection to the computer is broken. Data are stored locally and are transferred to the computer as soon as communication is restored.

System isn't switched on.

Make sure the system is switched on.

Power failure during a run.

Check circuit breaker, both in system and for external supply, as applicable.
Note: If the power failure is local, affecting only the computer, the system will continue to run while locally storing the data. Stored data are transferred to the computer as soon as communication with the computer is restored.
Note: If the power failure also affects the system, no data can be stored and the run will have to be restarted.

The lubricant between the flow meter cell and the transducers may be insufficient.

Lubricate according to the instructions.

Transducer surfaces not treated with Vaseline.

Make sure Vaseline has been applied to the contact surfaces of the transducer connectors. See instructions "Mount the main part tubing".

Incorrectly mounted pump tubing.

Check that the pump tubing has been correctly mounted, and that the pump lid is properly secured. Make sure the pegs on the pump lid are turned all the way down. See instructions "Connect and mount the pump tubing".

Poor pump tubing connection.

Make sure the TC clamps connecting the pump tubing to the main part of the flow kit, and to the inlet tubing are properly connected and that the TC gaskets are in right position.

Cavitation (small air bubbles produced by under-pressure), which results in unstable flow meter readings. Cavitation is recognized by a hissing noise.

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Wrong inlets used.

Check that the wash liquid is connected to Inlet 6 and the test liquid to Inlet 5.

Incorrect mounting of UV cell.

Make sure that the UV cell is pushed all the way in.

Insufficient light transmission.

Check that the UV cell and sensor windows are clean and dry. Wipe with soft tissue if necessary.

Wrong composition of wash liquid and/or test solution.

Make sure that the liquids used are fresh and correctly prepared. See instructions "Prepare a test".

Insufficient air pressure caused by, for instance, malfunctioning air supply equipment or a leaking air hose.

1.  Rectify the air supply problem.
2.  Restart the run by pressing the PAUSE/-CONTINUE button.

Excessive pressure.

Excessive pressure may damage the flow kit. If excessive pressure is detected and the air trap is in line, press the AIR VENT button on the system cabinet to reduce the pressure.

If excessive pressure is detected when the air trap is bypassed, perform the following steps:
1.  In UNICORN, set Manual Flow to 0, and set the air trap in line.
2.  Press CONTINUE (in UNICORN, or on the system cabinet).
3.  Press the AIR VENT button on the system cabinet.

Air enters the flow path due to, for instance, damaged tubing or connector, dislocated TC gasket, or inlet hose not properly located in liquid.
In rare cases, cavitation due to underpressure may be the cause for air in the flow path. Cavitation can be recognized by a hissing noise.

Check for kinks on flow kit tubing.
1. Locate and rectify the problem. Check the flow path, including the inlet containers.
2. Remove any air in the flow path using the ManFlow command in UNICORN.
3. Restart the run by pressing the PAUSE/ CONTINUE button.
Note: Small amounts of air are handled by the air trap. Larger amounts, reaching the flow meter cell cause "Uncertain flow" alarm.