Thermo Scientific TSQ 9000, Hardware Manual

Page: 136 / 476

2
Troubleshooting
Investigating Contamination Issues
108 TSQ 9000 Hardware Manual Thermo Scientific
Chemical noise is at
m/z
429, 355, 281.
Chemical noise is at
m/z
207, 429, 355, 281.
Chemical noise is at
m/z
149, 167, 279.
Chemical noise is at
m/z
43, 57, 71, 85, 99, etc.
Spectra is showing solvent contamination.
Table 7. Possible Remedies for Chemical Noise at m/z 429, 355, 281
Condition the column. It is best to condition the column outside of the TSQ 9000 mass spectrometer so the contaminants can escape into
the air instead of the instrument.
Make sure the column has not been damaged as a result of exposure to oxygen. Find the source of the oxygen in the carrier gas or air leak,
and then recondition or replace the column.
Check the column and see if it has broken off in the ion volume. If necessary, remove the broken pieces.
Table 8. Possible Remedies for Chemical Noise at m/z 207, 429, 355, 281
If the baseline contains these masses, the septum is worn out or damaged and you should replace it. You should also check the injection
port liner for pieces of septa and replace the liner if necessary.
If chromatographic peaks contain these masses, check the vial septa or use solvent to wash the vials.
Table 9. Possible Remedies for Chemical Noise at m/z 149, 167, 279
If these masses are visible in your data, it is likely that phthalates have contaminated your system. Isolate the source of the phthalates,
such as vial lids or plastic solvent containers, and either clean them or replace them.
Table 10. Possible Remedies for Chemical Noise at m/z 43, 57, 71, 85, 99, etc.
If these masses are visible in your data, it is likely that your carrier gas tubing is contaminated. Isolate the source of hydrocarbon
contamination and remove it. Replace the carrier gas tubing or filters, if necessary.
Heat the ion source to at least 25 °C above your normal operating temperature and heat the transfer line to the maximum temperature
allowed by your column. Hold this temperature for 4-6 hours, then cool the system back to your normal temperature. If necessary, repeat
this process.
Table 11. Possible Remedies for Solvent Contamination
You may have components that are contaminated by cleaning solvents. Remove any recently cleaned component, bake it in the GC oven,
let them cool, and then blow them dry with a clean, oil-free gas stream.