7
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
136
TSQ Quantum XLS and TSQ Quantum GC User Guide
Thermo Scientific
Issue:
Diagnostics
indicate that the
filament is open.
Possible cause/solution
• The filament is open. Vent the system and remove the filament. Normal resistance is
1.0
Ω
. Replace if open.
Issue:
Unstable
emission current.
Possible cause/solution
• The filament is near the end of its life span. Replace the filament.
Issue:
Short
filament lifetime.
Possible causes/solutions
• There is an air leak contributing to short filament lifetime. Check for leaks; repair if any
are found. See
for more information.
• The filament is on during the solvent peak. Increase acquisition delay time until the
solvent peak has passed.
• High emission current is being used. Use lower emission current to extend lifetime.
Issue:
Diagnostics
indicate a flat lens
response.
Possible causes/solutions
• The power supply to the lens has a fault. Contact Thermo Fisher Scientific Technical
Support.
• There is a fault with the lens drivers. Contact Thermo Fisher Scientific Technical
Support.
Heated Zone Issues
The ion source and transfer line are heated zones. The ion source heater is controlled by the
mass spectrometer and the transfer line heater is controlled by the Aux1 heated zone of the
TRACE GC.
A heated zone problem is often the result of downloading an instrument method to the
instrument that has a different setpoint than the current setting, causing a delay while the
heated zone heats or cools.
Component failures are less common but can occur. These are usually related to open circuits
in heater cartridges or faulty temperature sensors.
This manual does not discuss heated zones in the gas chromatograph.
Issue:
Excessive
chromatographic peak
tailing.
Possible causes/solutions
• The ion source, transfer line, or both are not hot enough. Increase the transfer line
temperature. It should be at least as hot as the highest GC oven temperature. Then, try
increasing the ion source temperature.