Skip to content
English
Sign in
Go to rudolphresearch.com
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Air Zero Troubleshooting

Air Zero Troubleshootin Guide

Overview

How to respond to an Air Zero error, an abnormal Air Zero result, or an unstable zero calibration on a refractometer performing Air Zero / reference calibration.

Applies To: Refractometers performing Air Zero or reference calibration.

Before You Begin

Before starting the Air Zero procedure, confirm the following:

  • The instrument is powered on and has completed its full warm-up period.
  • The prism is clean, dry, and free of any sample residue.
  • You are logged in with the appropriate calibration or setup access level.

Air Zero Procedure

1. Clean the Prism Thoroughly

  • Remove all sample residue from the prism.
  • Verify that the prism is completely dry before proceeding.

2. Navigate to Air Zero

Go to: Setup → Calibration / Instrument Settings → Air Zero

3. Perform Air Zero

  • Start the Air Zero procedure.
  • Allow the process to complete without interruption.

If Air Zero Completes Normally

  • Select Done.
  • Proceed with calibration or normal operation.

If You See “Air Zero Too Large”

  • Accept the result.
  • Immediately perform Air Zero again.
  • If the error does not repeat on the second attempt, continue operation.

Recommended Validation After Air Zero

After completing Air Zero, validate performance before returning the instrument to routine use.

Perform a Two-Point Calibration

Use appropriate standards, such as:

  • Water
  • Calibration fluid

Validate with Water

  1. Clean the prism.
  2. Measure water.
  3. Record the result.
  4. Clean the prism again.
  5. Re-measure water.
  6. Record the second result.

Validate with Calibration Fluid

  1. Clean the prism.
  2. Measure the calibration fluid.
  3. Record the result.
  4. Clean the prism again.
  5. Re-measure the calibration fluid.
  6. Record the second result.

Consistent results indicate a successful Air Zero.

If Problems Persist

If Air Zero remains unstable or errors continue:

  • Re-clean the prism and repeat Air Zero.
  • Confirm there is no airflow, draft, or condensation near the prism.
  • Power-cycle the instrument and retry the procedure.

If the issue remains unresolved, contact technical support and provide:

  • The exact message shown on the instrument
  • Whether the error repeated on the second Air Zero attempt
  • Any recent maintenance or calibration activity

 

Troubleshooting Flowimage_gen_173a1b5f-b9bb-44d1-a1a9-b2186cd3e7e9

Need Additional Help?

Give us a call, we are happy to help! (973) 584-1558  Monday - Friday 8:30AM - 5PM EST or open a service ticket. Request a quote for a field service visit or replacement part.