Thermo Scientific DSQ II, Hardware Manual

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1
Basic Operations
Starting Up the GC/MS System
Thermo Scientific DSQ II Hardware Manual 17
Starting Up the GC/MS System
To start up the GC/MS system:
1. Set up the DSQ II.
a. Install the TRACE GC Ultra column (see “Installing a Column into the GC/MS
System” on page 4 ).
b. Be sure the TRACE GC Ultra is powered on and there is carrier gas flowing through
the column into the DSQ II.
c. Plug in the power cord for the DSQ II.
d. Plug the mechanical pump into the Mech Pump outlet on the back of the DSQ II.
2. Power on the DSQ II.
Figure 8. Main Circuit Breaker (Rear)
a. Switch the main circuit breaker to ON (I), which will cause the rotary-vane pump to
power on, the fore pressure to reach the proper operating pressure, and the
turbomolecular pump to power on.
b. Set the transfer line to the desired operating temperature (normally 250 °C) by
selecting <Aux>, <Temp>, <Enter> on the TRACE GC Ultra. Enter the temperature.
3. Open Xcalibur on the computer.
a. Check the heater status by clicking the Heaters tab in the DSQ II Status pane. If the
ion source is not set to the right temperature (normally 200 °C), change it in
Tune .
b. Check the status of the vacuum in the Vacuum tab of the DSQ II Status pane.
Within 10 minutes of turning on the DSQ II, the vacuum should read OK. If it does
not, see
“Using Diagnostics” on page 121 .
c. Allow the DSQ II to stabilize for 30 minutes before running samples.
CAUTION - INSTRUMENT DAMAGE: If you turn on the DSQ II without column flow,
air is drawn through the column, which could damage the instrument. This large air leak
may also require that you clean the ion source.