When to Replace Your AKTA UV-900 Lamp
There are a few circumstances where the UV-900 Xenon flash lamp needs replacing. Continuing to use the UV-900 lamp past the minimum/maximum stated values will potentially produce inaccurate UV measurement results and eventually lead to a lamp failure.
Consider replacing the AKTA UV-900 lamp in the following situations:
- Low lamp intensity (<20%): Replace the lamp before intensity falls below 20% to maintain optimal performance.
- Lamp ontime >4000 hours: The lamp’s expected life is 4000 hours; using it beyond this could cause inaccuracies and lamp failure.
- Error messages (e.g., lamp module failure): Indicates the current lamp has failed.
Further maintenance checks are recommended and should be carried out in-line with replacing the UV-900 lamp. These include fibre optic cleaning and drive screw maintenance. We recommend only using a competent engineer to do these checks however If you’re confident in handling these, check out our step-by-step guide below.
Tools You’ll Need
Before beginning, ensure power is disconnected from the unit. You’ll need the following tools:
- Crosshead screwdriver
- 7 & 8mm spanner
- 2.5mm hex key
- Small flat-head screwdriver
- 30% IPA wipes
- Lubricant (e.g., grease or wax)
- Replacement ÄKTA UV-900 Lamphouse V2 Assy - Service Lab P/N - SL9817
Step-by-Step Lamp Replacement Guide
1. Disconnect the UV flow cell and cover
Use an 8mm spanner to loosen the two nuts, then remove the flow cell and cover.
2. Remove the Fixing Bolts and Monitor Cover
With a crosshead screwdriver, loosen and rear cover bolts and remove the monochromator retaining bolt as shown. Lift the cover from the rear and disconnect the ribbon cable from the control board (take care not to overstretch the cable).
3. Remove the Monochromator
Disconnect the lamp, monochromator and optical fibre cables.
Remove the monochromator by slightly by tilting it upwards.
4. Remove the UV-900 Lamp
Using a 7mm spanner, loosen the two fixing bolts and rotate the lamp clockwise so the cut-out sections line up with the bolts and pull to remove the lamp.
5. Clean the Optical Fibre Tips & Monochromator Lens (Recommended)
Clean the monochromator lens with a 30% IPA wipe and a lint-free cloth. Loosen the optical fibre tips with an 8mm spanner, clean and reattach the fibres afterward. These connections should be finger tight only.
6. Lubricate the Drive Screw (Recommended)
The drive screw requires lubrication every 2000 hours, but it is good practice to lubricate this whilst changing the lamp as well. The ‘Fliptime’ hours can be found via the check menu which displays the number of hours.
Using a 2.5mm Hex key remove the two bolts and disconnect the block filter cable. The board will still be connected to the drive screw motor but can be moved out of the way to access the drive screw.
Remove the dust cover with a small flat head screwdriver and apply lubricant to the drive screw. Only a small amount of grease or wax is required, the lubricant will work its way around the drive screw when in use.
Refit the dust cover by clipping it back into place and re-attach the board with the fixing bolts and re-connect the block filter cable.
7. Install the New UV-900 Lamp, Monochromator & Cover
Install the new lamp and tighten the two fixing bolts. Re-install the monochromator, fibre, cables and cover (in reverse order to how they were removed). Re-instate the power to the monitor and wait for the self-calibration to finish.
8. Accessing the Service Menu & Perform the Lamp and Monitor Tests
It is important to reset the lamp values to obtain the new lamp values and perform the monitor tests to ensure the unit is functioning correctly.
At the main screen, quickly turn the dial to the left until the service menu is visible. Enter the service menu password and select OK. Scroll right to navigate the service menu, complete the tests highlighted in the following order,
- Light Intensity - Select reset new lamp. The result should indicate Passed and display the light intensity values. A failed test indicates defective optical fibres and/or lens, and you should consider cleaning these again and re-run the test.
- Lamp Intensity Test - Displays the new lamp intensity values. These should generally be >90% for both wavelengths.
- Block Filter Test (Recommended) – Ensures the block filter is operating correctly.
- Stepper Motor Test (Recommended) - Verifies functionality of the upper and lower position sensors.
- Motor Stress Test (Recommended) – Detects slippage in the motor between steps.
- Dark Current Test (Recommended) – Confirms the diodes are accurately measuring the UV signal response.
9. Reset the Lamp Ontime Hours to Zero
Staying within the service menu select Settings, Set Lamp Ontime and reset the hours to zero. If the drive screw was lubricated select Set Fliptime and reset the hours to zero.
10. Wavelength Check
Press ESC until the main screen is displayed. Scroll right and select the Check menu. Select Check Wavelength to perform the wavelength test. The result should indicate OK.
11. Confirmation (Recommended)
Switch off the monitor for around 1 minute and re-energise. Allow the unit to self-calibrate. Using the check menu verify the lamp intensity values and confirm the lamp Ontime and Fliptime hours are reset to zero.
For further assistance or to purchase a replacement AKTA UV-900 lamp, feel free to contact us or visit our spares shop. Our replacement lamps are sourced from the same OEM manufacturer and offer savings of up to 50%. Each lamp is aligned and tested in-house with a guaranteed lamp intensity of +90%, and provided with a 6-month warranty.
AKTA UV-900 Troubleshooting FAQ
We have outlined some common errors that may occur. Follow each recommended step in sequence, verifying whether the issue has been resolved before proceeding to the next step.
AKTA UV-900 Lamp | AKTA Xenon flash lamp | AKTA UV-900 Maintenance
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