Microlab 600 Series
MICROLAB 600 Diluter & Dispenser Troubleshooting

Please read this page as some problems may be easily resolved by using the information found in the message code and troubleshooting guides.

Quick answers to help you troubleshoot your MICROLAB 600.

Instrument does not power ON
Instrument functions normally, but display screen fails to illuminate
Instrument does not fill or dispense
Instrument gives inaccurate or imprecise results
Small air gap appears at tip of probe tubing after final aspiration
Persistent air or leaks in the fluid path
Unit is overheated


Instrument does not power ON

Probable Cause 1: Corrective Action:
Disconnected power cord or faulty power outlet. Connect power cord and check power source.
     
Probable Cause 2:   Corrective Action:
Main fuses are blown.   Check main fuses on instrument's rear panel; replace fuses if necessary.
Faulty power supply.   Check the power supply to see if the light is on when plugged in.



Instrument functions normally, but display screen fails to illuminate

Probable Cause 1: Corrective Action:
Controller unit not plugged in drive unit. Check to see that the controller unit is plugged into the drive unit.
     
Probable Cause 2:   Corrective Action:
Faulty LCD.   Contact Microlab Technologies Technical Support..



Instrument does not fill or dispense

Probable Cause 1: Corrective Action:
Faulty or blocked tubing; blocked or leaky fluid path. Check tubing, valve, and syringes for blockages, crimps, or loose fittings; replace tubing; either replace or reseal valve and syringes; tighten valve and syringes.
     
Probable Cause 2:   Corrective Action:
Incorrect tubing or syringe connections.   Check that appropriate tubing, fittings, and syringes are used and that they are finger-tight.
     
Probable Cause 3:   Corrective Action:
Faulty controller.   Contact Microlab Technologies Technical Support.
     
Probable Cause 4:   Corrective Action:
Non-functional syringe drive(s).   Contact Microlab Technologies Technical Support.
     
Probable Cause 5:   Corrective Action:
Valves do not rotate (valve drives are not engaged or valve is faulty).   Remove and reinstall the valve or replace the valve.



Instrument gives inaccurate or imprecise results

Probable Cause 1: Corrective Action:
Air exists in the fluid path.
  • Check to see that tubing ends are totally submerged in reagent bottle(s).
  • Check to see that tubing connections are tight; replace if necessary.
  • Check to see that the syringe is installed correctly and that is not leaking.
  • Replace worn or leaking valve or tubing.
  • Reduce the syringe drive speed to eliminate cavitation problems.
     
Probable Cause 2:   Corrective Action:
Incorrect size of dispense tubing used with syringe.  
  • Check for correct tubing and fittings.
  • Use small tapered tubing (18-gauge) for small dispense volumes.



Small air gap appears at tip of probe tubing after final aspiration

Probable Cause 1: Corrective Action:
Dirty tubing. Change or clean the tubing.
     
Probable Cause 2:   Corrective Action:
Improper aspiration.   Lower the aspiration speed.



Persistent air or leaks in the fluid path

Probable Cause 1: Corrective Action:
Cavitation is occurring; syringe drive speed is too high for the current liquid. Reduce syringe drive speed, use lower drive speeds for viscous liquids.
     
Probable Cause 2:   Corrective Action:
Loose, worn, or incorrect tubing fittings.   Hand-tighten the fittings or replace old tubing with new or correct-size tubing.
     
Probable Cause 3:   Corrective Action:
Damaged syringe plunger tip.   Replace plunger or syringe.
     
Probable Cause 4:   Corrective Action:
Damaged valve.   Replace valve.



Unit is overheated

Probable Cause 1: Corrective Action:
Inadequate ventilation, room temperature too high, or duty cycle too high.
  • The unit is overheated, power it OFF and allow it to cool down.
  • Resume use at a lower duty cycle.
  • See Appendix A, Technical Specifications in the Basic manual, for information about appropriate environmental condition.

ESSLAB
Crucible House
Endway
Hadleigh
Essex
SS7 2AN

Tel: +44(0)1702 555577
Fax: +44(0)1702 551772

E-mail: sales@esslab.com
http://www.esslab.com