Daily Operation
Things to Do Before Operating the LTQ
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3-2
_______________________ Finnigan LTQ Hardware Manual _______________________
3.1 Things to Do Before Operating the
LTQ
The following checks should be performed every day before you begin your
first analysis:
•
Check helium and nitrogen gas pressures
•
Check the ESI fused-silica sample tube for elongation
•
Check system vacuum levels
•
Check disk space on the data system
Checking the Helium and Nitrogen Supplies
Check the helium supply on the regulator of the gas tank. Make sure that you
have sufficient gas for your analysis. If necessary, install a new tank of
helium. Verify that the pressure of helium reaching the MS detector is
between 200 and 350 kPa (30 to 50 psig). If necessary, adjust the pressure
with the tank pressure regulator.
Check the nitrogen supply on the regulator of the nitrogen gas tank or liquid
nitrogen boil-off tank. Make sure that you have sufficient gas for your
analysis. Typical nitrogen consumption is 100 cubic feet per day (nitrogen on
24 hours per day). If necessary, replace the tank. Verify that the pressure of
nitrogen reaching the MS detector is between 550 and 830 kPa (80 to 120
psig). If necessary, adjust the pressure with the tank pressure regulator..
Go on to the next topic: Checking the ESI Fused-Silica Sample Tube for
Elongation.
Note. Before you begin normal operation each day, ensure that you have
sufficient nitrogen for your API source. The presence of oxygen in the ion
source when the MS detector is On could be unsafe. LTQ displays a popup
message if the nitrogen pressure is too low.
