64 Troubleshooting and Maintenance Manual
3 CI Troubleshooting
Tuning-Related Symptoms
This section describes symptoms related to tuning. Most symptoms involve
difficulties with tuning or with the results of tuning. The following symptoms
are covered in this section:
• CI ion ratio is difficult to adjust or unstable
• Cannot complete autotune
Reagent gas ion ratio is difficult to adjust or unstable
The interface tip seal is incorrectly placed, damaged, or missing.
Inspect the interface tip seal. If necessary, remove and reinstall it to ensure a
good seal with the CI ion source. Replace it if it is damaged. Install it if it is
missing.
Residual air in the MS or in the reagent gas supply lines
Run the methane pretune. Air will appear as a peak at m/z 32. If this condition
is present, purge the reagent gas supply lines and bake out the MS. Continued
presence of a large peak at m/z 32 may indicate an air leak. After correcting
the problems, you may need to clean the ion source.
Air leak
Run Methane Pretune (in PCI). Large peak at m/z 32 indicates air in the
system. Check for and correct any leaks. See “Air Leaks” on page 52.
The reagent gas supply is at the wrong pressure.
Check the regulator on the reagent gas supply. It should be adjusted to 20 psi
(140 kPa).
A leak in the reagent gas delivery path. This is especially likely if you have set
the methane flow much higher than normal and the ratio is still too low.
Check the reagent gas path. Tighten fittings.
To Next Page
Loading...
Need help?
General
