
PlasmaQuant MS Series
Gas
Control System
43
LED#
Function
Argon Flow
14
AUXGAS1
0.15 L/min
13
AUXGAS2
0.3 L/min
12
AUXGAS3
0.6 L/min
11
AUXGAS4
1.2 L/min
15
EN-GATE-VALVE
Enabled
16
EN-ISOLATION-VALVE
Enabled
17
EN-ARGON
Enabled
18
AR STATUS
>460±5kPa
Table 4 - Sample introduction PCB diagnostic LED identification
The mass flow controller supplies a specified rate of gas. All three mass flow
controllers (MFC1, MFC2 and MFC3) used in the instrument are produced by “Burkert”,
Germany.
Figure 5-11 - MFCs in gas control box
The mass flow controllers connect directly to the system control PCB. An analog
voltage from the system control PCB sets their flow rate (MFC1 – TP12, MFC2 – TP13,
MFC3 – TP2001). Using the software, you can set the maximum argon gas flow at 1.5
L/min. Each mass flow controller provides an output voltage that is proportional to the
actual flow achieved. This signal is applied to a window comparator circuit located on
the system control PCB and is compared to the requested flow voltage (MFC1 – TP58,
MFC2 – TP63, MFC3 – TP2003). If the measured flow is too low or too high for the
selected flow rate, the system control PCB causes the instrument PC software to
generate an appropriate error message.
NOTE
Both MFC1 and MFC2 are calibrated for argon, so you can swap them for
troubleshooting purposes. MFC3 is calibrated for either oxygen or nitrogen and will
provide false readings if swapped with the other two MFCs.
Nitrox, Sheath and
Nebulizer Gas Mass Flow
Controllers