Baseline noise determination method for liquid chromatograph detector
September 20 06:13:32, 2025
It is widely recognized that baseline noise in liquid chromatography detectors is a more frequent issue than lamp failure. When the deuterium lamp is first turned on, baseline noise tends to be higher during the first 30 minutes, so it's important to monitor the baseline for at least 30 minutes after each use to ensure stability. Moreover, as the lamp ages and its energy output decreases, noise levels may gradually increase over time.
To identify the source of noise in a liquid chromatograph, you can follow these steps:
1. Retest the baseline under standard reference conditions to confirm if the noise is consistent or if it has changed.
2. Replace suspected detectors with ones known to be functioning properly. This helps determine whether the issue lies with the detector itself.
3. Try replacing the lamp. Although lamps are costly, they are often easier to swap out compared to other troubleshooting methods. If long, persistent noise peaks appear in the chromatogram, you can stop the pump or set the flow rate to 0 mL/min to see if the noise originates from the system. If bubbles are causing sharp spikes, stopping the pump should eliminate them. However, if the noise persists even after turning off the pump, the problem may be related to the lamp. It’s also worth noting that lamp-related noise can become more noticeable once the pump is running.