7
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
Thermo Scientific
TSQ Quantum XLS and TSQ Quantum GC User Guide
143
Sample preparation, spiking errors, sample injection errors, and lack of routine maintenance
on the instruments can cause false stability issues.
When hardware faults affect instrument stability, investigate simple solutions first, such as
cleaning the ion volume and lenses, or checking for air leaks. Usually, a hardware fault that
affects stability shows different issues than those which might be attributed to stability.
Issue:
The signal
response is unstable or
drops out unexpectedly.
Possible causes/solutions
• There is a problem with the filament or lens control. See
for more information.
• There is an air leak. Check for leaks. See
information.
• There is a high vacuum problem. See
information.
• There is a contamination problem. See
for more
information.
• Dust has collected in the electron multiplier or on the conversion dynode. Contact
Thermo Fisher Scientific Technical Support.
Tuning Issues
You can suspect a tuning problem when Xcalibur Auto Tune - Calibration fails. Auto Tune -
Calibration performs several functions, and issues or error messages indicate different
problems. Diagnostics can usually uncover a tuning problem.
Issue:
“Cannot find
Calibration Gas” error
message received.
Possible causes/solutions
• There is a mechanical problem with the ion source or lenses. Verify that an EI ion volume
is installed. Verify correct orientation and cleanliness of ion volume. Verify cleanliness and
correct operation of lenses.
• Tune file settings are out of usable range. Restore default tune settings and calibration
settings. Run Auto Tune - Calibration. See
• The calibration gas vial is empty. Add 100 μL (max) of calibration compound to
calibration gas vial. See
.
Issue:
The electron
multiplier gain
calibration fails.
Possible causes/solutions
• The electron multiplier has not been given sufficient time to outgas since venting. Allow
more time to pump out.
• The GC column flow is too high. Lower it to1 mL/min.