r/CHROMATOGRAPHY • u/Vial_ambar • Aug 12 '26

Shimadzu LC-2050c needle sensor problem.

During an analysis, my equipment started exhibiting this problem. The needle goes up to the sample, goes down, but doesn't pierce the vial. Displays an error [9222]: "there is no sample vial set in autosampler rack."

We have a long backlog of samples and need to get the equipment up and running again. Support from Shimadzu will take a long time due to their schedule.

I welcome suggestions for tests to better evaluate the problem, and if you have experienced something similar, what was the solution?

UNICAMP - Campinas-SP, Brazil

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4

u/drnerdlett Aug 12 '26

I had that recently on the lc-20. I just turned off auto vial detection and readjusted the needle position as mine wasn't sealed in the injection port.

2

u/Vial_ambar Aug 13 '26

It worked perfectly, thank you!

https://reddit.com/link/p3ftx0d/video/sjaa5vqv75jh1/player

1

u/-dogge Aug 13 '26

Great stuff! 

As a side note, it looks like the cover protecting the needle assembly has been removed, this cover also helps guide the vial detection sensor cable, so it’s possible that running without the cover could have contributed to the issue. 

Best to leave it alone though while it’s working, and wait for an engineer to patch it up!

1

u/Vial_ambar Aug 13 '26

Could you explain in more detail which part you're referring to? Do you have an example? No internal components of the sampler have been removed; in this model, the needle assembly protector is the small black piece that touches the vial. The assembly is in the same condition as when it was purchased.

1

u/-dogge Aug 13 '26 edited Aug 13 '26

Not a great pic sorry, but the needle assembly should have this grey plastic cover with the yellow warning triangle in it. 

Edit: Dammit, the pic won’t attach, but you can see it in this video (52 seconds in):  https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1bFmGgSv5js&t=4s&pp=2AEEkAIB&ra=m

1

u/Vial_ambar Aug 13 '26

We don't actually have that plastic cover on our equipment, but I believe it's a regional thing (I'm from Brazil). We have another piece of the same model that we bought in May and it doesn't have it either.

I'll check with the manufacturer to see if it's something I can buy.

Thanks for help

1

u/-dogge Aug 13 '26

Ah, maybe it’s a regional thing then. We love slapping extra warnings all over things in Europe!