7
Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
Troubleshooting
120 TSQ Quantum XLS Series User Guide Thermo Scientific
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 mass spectrometer controls the ion
source heater and the Aux1 heated zone of the TRACE GC Ultra controls the transfer line
heater.
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 so that it is at least as hot as the highest GC oven temperature. Then, try
increasing the ion source temperature.
• The sample analyte is adsorbing in the GC injector. Clean and deactivate the injection
liner. You can also try liners made of different materials.
• The GC oven is not ramped to a high enough temperature. Extend upper oven
temperature.
• The GC column must be replaced or does not have the appropriate stationary phase for
your application. Change the GC column. See “Removing and Installing a GC Capillary
Column” on page 107.
• The GC column does not extend far enough past the end of the transfer line tip. If the
end of the column is inside the tip, an excessive amount of GC effluent will contact the
inside wall of the tip. Follow the procedure described in “Installing a GC Capillary
Column” on page 109.
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