Thermo Scientific TSQ 8000, User Manual

Page: 139 / 150

7
Troubleshooting
How to Know When Your System Needs Maintenance
Thermo Scientific TSQ 8000 Evo User Guide 117
How to Know When Your System Needs Maintenance
Typically, you will notice that your instrument needs maintenance when you are analyzing
your data on the computer. Some of the most common reasons and indications are as follows:
• Contamination —Excessive background in your mass spectra usually indicates that your
instrument is contaminated. Use the mass spectrum in the table below to understand the
origin of the contamination. Cleaning solvent peaks usually indicate that the ion source
cartridge was installed before it completely dried.
• Fingerprints —A series of mass peaks in your data that are 14 amu apart usually indicates
fingerprint or other hydrocarbon contamination. To avoid fingerprints, wear clean,
lint-free gloves when performing any type of maintenance on a component in the vacuum
manifold of the instrument.
• Air Leaks —Higher than normal vacuum pressure or poor sensitivity usually indicates an
air leak. Check the last o-ring or ferrule that you installed.
Table 2. Diagnostics and Corrective Actions
Diagnostic Cause of Failure Corrective Action
Communication
Check Unknown Contact your Field Service Engineer.
Frequency Check RF Dip is not correct Run a full tune that will correct for any RF
dip problems.
Ensure source cartridge is installed.
Contact your Field Service Engineer.
SRM Efficiency
Check Collision gas is not
supplied correctly Check collision gas tank and pressure.
Q1 is poorly tuned Run an EI SRM tune (not a quick tune).
Lens Continuity
Check Ion source not inserted
properly Remove and reinsert ion source.
Lens plate and/or
springs are damaged Contact your Field Service Engineer.
A wire is disconnected
or shorted inside the
manifold Contact your Field Service Engineer.