PerkinElmer Clarus SQ 8 MS Series, Hardware Manual

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Troubleshooting
Overview
The following sources of problems can occur in gas chromatography and mass
spectrometry:
•
The operator: When the operator is new to chromatography/mass
spectrometry and/or a new instrument, problems can be introduced during the
learning curve. Once the operator becomes familiar with both the technique
and the instrument, this problem source diminishes greatly.
•
The sample: Unlike clean standards, real world samples such as
environmental samples can introduce problems because they are difficult to
handle, have complicated matrices, contain unknown constituents, etc.
•
The column: The column is most often the major factor contributing to poor
analyses. The more a column is used, the greater the possibility of
contamination, loss of substrate, etc. Columns do not last forever and should be
changed when results become suspect.
•
The gas flow system: Gas leaks are a major concern in gas chromatography
and can lead to many problems.
•
The vacuum system: Vacuum leaks are a major concern in mass spectrometry
and can lead to many problems.
•
Ion Optics: Over time, the ion optics can become contaminated. This results in
reduced sensitivity and difficult or impossible tuning.
•
The electronics: The problem must be identified as either chromatographic or
hardware. Electronics used in the system can malfunction.
•
Data handling: Today, most chromatographers rely on sophisticated data
handling systems to integrate their results. Some problems can be related to the
incorrect data handling parameter settings or hardware problems with the
computer.