Waters GCT Premier - User Manual

Questions and Answers

J
Jeremy BrownSep 12, 2025
Why is there no Beam or Emitter current (in FI source) in my Waters GCT Premier?
- J
  Juan ParkerSep 12, 2025
  If there is no Beam or Emitter current (in FI source) in your Waters Laboratory Equipment, determine whether the position of the emitter is correct by adjusting the knob on the emitter probe. Ensure the extraction voltage read-back is present and the leakage current is less than 10 mA. Visually inspect the emitter wire to ensure that the emitter is not damaged. Check the emitter current readbacks match the set values. Replace the emitter if required or check continually with a multimeter.
W
whitedebraAug 25, 2025
Why are the peaks unsteady or low intensity (ion beam) in my Waters GCT Premier?
- M
  mandyirwinAug 25, 2025
  If you are experiencing unsteady or low-intensity peaks (ion beam) with your Waters Laboratory Equipment, consider these potential solutions: * Troubleshoot the autosampler and check for pressure variations during injection. * Clean the source components. * Ensure that the source voltage read-backs vary with the Tune window setting; if any voltages are absent, disassemble and correctly reassemble the source assembly. * Ensure all Tune window settings are correct, the readbacks are sensible, and that all lens parameters affect the beam. * Ensure the MCP voltage is set correctly.
S
Sydney CunninghamAug 27, 2025
How do I troubleshoot a non-working source heater in Waters GCT Premier?
- M
  Mr. Richard Fritz MDAug 27, 2025
  If your Waters Laboratory Equipment source heater is not working, inspect the Tune window EI tab Source Temp (°C) readback. A readback of 503 indicates that the source heater is disconnected. Check the integrity of the heater connections.
J
Jeffrey HopkinsAug 29, 2025
Why is there no Trap, Emission, or Filament current readback on my Waters GCT Premier?
- K
  keithmoralesAug 29, 2025
  If you observe no Trap, Emission, or Filament current readback on your Waters Laboratory Equipment, remove the inner source and test the continuity of the filament with a digital multimeter (the resistance should be approximately 0.2 ohm). Replace the filament if it is damaged. If the filament is intact, use tweezers to adjust the spring contacts on the outer source to improve contact. Also, in the MassLynx Tune window, Source tab, click Reset Filament. If the solvent trip level has been exceeded, adjust the solvent trip level or correct the vacuum housing.
K
Karen CrosbyAug 31, 2025
What causes no Filament current, Trap current maximum, or Emission current zero in Waters GCT Premier?
- R
  rodriguezvictoriaAug 31, 2025
  If you observe no Filament current, Trap current maximum, or Emission current zero on your Waters Laboratory Equipment, remove the inner source and exit plate. Check the cleanliness of the trap and trap ceramic. Blow out any particles using dry nitrogen.
J
jjonesSep 1, 2025
Why does my Waters GCT Premier Laboratory Equipment have high filament current, high emission current, and low trap current?
- R
  raymargaretSep 1, 2025
  If you are experiencing high filament current, high emission current, or low trap current with your Waters Laboratory Equipment, clean the inner source. Also, use tweezers to adjust the spring contacts on the outer source to improve contact. Check the source magnet are attracting.
K
Kerry MillerNov 22, 2025
What to do if there are no peaks in the Tune window (no ion beam) in Waters GCT Premier Laboratory Equipment?
- O
  Omar RamosNov 22, 2025
  If you observe no peaks in the Tune window (no ion beam) on your Waters Laboratory Equipment, take the following steps: * Ensure all necessary cables are correctly attached to the source and probe. * In the MassLynx Tune window, ensure the instrument is in Operate mode by clicking the icon (the instrument status icon should be green). * Set up the MCP gain. * Ensure the isolation valve is open by checking the Tune window Engineer tab. * Check the filament current read-back and replace the filament if it is incorrect. * Replace the inner source with the correct one for the selected ion mode. * Ensure that the normal tuning parameters are set and readback values are acceptable. * Ensure that the sample is loaded correctly in the autosampler, reference reservoir, or probe. ...
B
Brad HernandezNov 25, 2025
What should I do if my Waters GCT Premier has insufficient vacuum?
- M
  Michael MendozaNov 25, 2025
  If your Waters Laboratory Equipment shows insufficient vacuum, take the following steps: * Ensure the fore pump’s switch is turned on. * If applicable, gas-ballast the rotary pumps and inspect the rotary pump oil. If the oil is dirty, flush the pump with clean oil, then refill the pump with new oil. * Inspect the vacuum hoses for cracks or vacuum leaks. * Inspect the exhaust lines for restrictions. * Clean or replace the Penning gauge. * Check the pneumatic gas connection and ensure the pressure setting is correct. * Ensure the O-rings are correctly positioned in the groove, that they are in good condition, and clean and free from dust. * Switch off the CI gas in the Tune window CI Tune tab CI pane, set the CI Gas Flow (%) to 0. For scroll and turbomolecular pumps, contac...
M
Matthew AndersonSep 12, 2025
What causes excessive leakage current (in FI source) in Waters GCT Premier?
- H
  hrobinsonSep 12, 2025
  If you observe excessive leakage current (in FI source) in your Waters Laboratory Equipment, inspect the source and move the wires if internal source wiring is touching grounded elements. If high leakage current continues, strip and clean the source if required. If there is leakage between the extraction rods and the emitter, withdraw the emitter by 5 to 10 mm from the extraction rods. Remove the ion source, and clean the extraction rods.
T
Timothy VelasquezSep 7, 2025
How to resolve split peaks on the Peak Display or Spectrum in Waters GCT Premier?
- N
  Natasha PhillipsSep 7, 2025
  If split peaks are seen on the Peak Display or Spectrum of your Waters Laboratory Equipment, change the TDC trigger threshold (mV) value by 100, within the range 200 to 700 until the peaks are no longer split.

Summary

Safety Information

Instrument Description

Preparing the Instrument for EI;CI Operation

Changing the EI;CI Inner Source Assembly

Provides instructions for removing and installing the EI/CI inner source assembly.

Changing the EI;CI Outer Source Assembly

Details the procedure for removing and fitting the EI/CI outer source assembly.

Tuning the Instrument

Preparing the Instrument for Operation

Outlines steps to prepare the instrument for operation and tuning.

Obtaining an Ion Beam

Describes the process of obtaining an ion beam for instrument tuning.

Setting Up the Instrument Automatically

Guides through automatic instrument setup using the Instrument Setup Wizard.

Tuning the Instrument for EI

Explains how to tune the instrument for Electron Ionization (EI) mode.

Tuning the Instrument for Best Resolution in EI

Details procedures to achieve the best resolution in EI mode.

Tuning the Instrument for Positive CI

Explains how to tune the instrument for positive Chemical Ionization (CI).

Tuning the Instrument for Negative CI

Guides on tuning the instrument for negative Chemical Ionization (CI).

Calibration

Calibrating the Instrument

Outlines the process of calibrating the instrument's mass scale.

Using the Calibration Wizard

Guides through the instrument calibration process using a wizard.

Calibrating the Instrument in CI

Explains how to calibrate the instrument in Chemical Ionization (CI) mode.

Manual Calibration

Provides instructions for manual instrument calibration procedures.

The GC Interface

Installing the GC Interface

Provides step-by-step instructions for installing the GC interface.

The Direct Insertion Probe

Inserting and Removing the DI Probe

Details tasks for loading, inserting, and removing the DI probe.

Controlling the DI Probe Temperature

Explains how to control the DI probe temperature manually and automatically.

The Direct Chemical Ionization (DCI) Probe

Installing the Probe Insertion Lock

Guides on installing the probe insertion lock for the DCI probe.

Inserting and Removing the DCI Probe

Details tasks for loading, inserting, and removing the DCI probe.

Controlling the DCI Probe Current

Explains how to manually control the DCI probe current.

FI;FD Operation

Setting-up for FI;FD Operation

Guides on setting up the instrument for FI/FD operation.

Tuning in FI Mode

Explains how to tune the instrument in Field Ionization (FI) mode.

Setting Up and Calibrating the Instrument for FI

Guides on setting up and calibrating the instrument for FI operation.

Tuning in FD Mode

Explains how to tune the instrument in Field Desorption (FD) mode.

Routine Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule and Safety

Lists periodic maintenance schedules and safety precautions.

Rotary Pump Oil and Maintenance

Discusses rotary pump oil quality, color, gas ballast, and maintenance.

EI;CI Inner Source Maintenance

Covers cleaning and maintenance of EI/CI inner source components.

FI;FD Inner Source Maintenance

Details maintenance procedures for FI/FD inner source, including emitter care.

EI;CI Outer Source Maintenance

Covers cleaning and maintenance of EI/CI outer source components.

FI;FD Outer Source Maintenance

Details maintenance procedures for FI/FD outer source components.

Checking for Leaks after Source Maintenance

Guides on checking for leaks after performing source maintenance.

Detector Maintenance

Covers maintenance procedures for the detector, including conditioning.

Troubleshooting

Component Hardware Troubleshooting

Provides tables of common hardware problems and corrective actions.

Contacting Waters for Support

Gives information on how to contact Waters for technical support.

Starting-up and Shutting-down the Instrument

Starting Up the Instrument

Shutting Down the Instrument

The MassLynx Tune Window

The EI Tune Tab Parameters

The CI Tune Tab Parameters

The FI Tune Tab Parameters

The FD Tune Tab Parameters

Summary

Safety Information

Instrument Description

Preparing the Instrument for EI;CI Operation

Changing the EI;CI Inner Source Assembly

Provides instructions for removing and installing the EI/CI inner source assembly.

Changing the EI;CI Outer Source Assembly

Details the procedure for removing and fitting the EI/CI outer source assembly.

Tuning the Instrument

Preparing the Instrument for Operation

Outlines steps to prepare the instrument for operation and tuning.

Obtaining an Ion Beam

Describes the process of obtaining an ion beam for instrument tuning.

Setting Up the Instrument Automatically

Guides through automatic instrument setup using the Instrument Setup Wizard.

Tuning the Instrument for EI

Explains how to tune the instrument for Electron Ionization (EI) mode.

Tuning the Instrument for Best Resolution in EI

Details procedures to achieve the best resolution in EI mode.

Tuning the Instrument for Positive CI

Explains how to tune the instrument for positive Chemical Ionization (CI).

Tuning the Instrument for Negative CI

Guides on tuning the instrument for negative Chemical Ionization (CI).

Calibration

Calibrating the Instrument

Outlines the process of calibrating the instrument's mass scale.

Using the Calibration Wizard

Guides through the instrument calibration process using a wizard.

Calibrating the Instrument in CI

Explains how to calibrate the instrument in Chemical Ionization (CI) mode.

Manual Calibration

Provides instructions for manual instrument calibration procedures.

The GC Interface

Installing the GC Interface

Provides step-by-step instructions for installing the GC interface.

The Direct Insertion Probe

Inserting and Removing the DI Probe

Details tasks for loading, inserting, and removing the DI probe.

Controlling the DI Probe Temperature

Explains how to control the DI probe temperature manually and automatically.

The Direct Chemical Ionization (DCI) Probe

Installing the Probe Insertion Lock

Guides on installing the probe insertion lock for the DCI probe.

Inserting and Removing the DCI Probe

Details tasks for loading, inserting, and removing the DCI probe.

Controlling the DCI Probe Current

Explains how to manually control the DCI probe current.

FI;FD Operation

Setting-up for FI;FD Operation

Guides on setting up the instrument for FI/FD operation.

Tuning in FI Mode

Explains how to tune the instrument in Field Ionization (FI) mode.

Setting Up and Calibrating the Instrument for FI

Guides on setting up and calibrating the instrument for FI operation.

Tuning in FD Mode

Explains how to tune the instrument in Field Desorption (FD) mode.

Routine Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule and Safety

Lists periodic maintenance schedules and safety precautions.

Rotary Pump Oil and Maintenance

Discusses rotary pump oil quality, color, gas ballast, and maintenance.

EI;CI Inner Source Maintenance

Covers cleaning and maintenance of EI/CI inner source components.

FI;FD Inner Source Maintenance

Details maintenance procedures for FI/FD inner source, including emitter care.

EI;CI Outer Source Maintenance

Covers cleaning and maintenance of EI/CI outer source components.

FI;FD Outer Source Maintenance

Details maintenance procedures for FI/FD outer source components.

Checking for Leaks after Source Maintenance

Guides on checking for leaks after performing source maintenance.

Detector Maintenance

Covers maintenance procedures for the detector, including conditioning.

Troubleshooting

Component Hardware Troubleshooting

Provides tables of common hardware problems and corrective actions.

Contacting Waters for Support

Gives information on how to contact Waters for technical support.

Starting-up and Shutting-down the Instrument

Starting Up the Instrument

Shutting Down the Instrument

The MassLynx Tune Window

The EI Tune Tab Parameters

The CI Tune Tab Parameters

The FI Tune Tab Parameters

The FD Tune Tab Parameters

Waters GCT Premier Specifications

General

Software	MassLynx
Resolution	10, 000 FWHM
Ionization Modes	EI, CI
Mass Accuracy	<5 ppm
Dynamic Range	>4 orders of magnitude

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92 pages

Waters GCT Premier - User Manual

Table of Contents

Questions and Answers

Summary

Safety Information

Instrument Description

Preparing the Instrument for EI;CI Operation

Changing the EI;CI Inner Source Assembly

Changing the EI;CI Outer Source Assembly

Tuning the Instrument

Preparing the Instrument for Operation

Obtaining an Ion Beam

Setting Up the Instrument Automatically

Tuning the Instrument for EI

Tuning the Instrument for Best Resolution in EI

Tuning the Instrument for Positive CI

Tuning the Instrument for Negative CI

Calibration

Calibrating the Instrument

Using the Calibration Wizard

Calibrating the Instrument in CI

Manual Calibration

The GC Interface

Installing the GC Interface

The Direct Insertion Probe

Inserting and Removing the DI Probe

Controlling the DI Probe Temperature

The Direct Chemical Ionization (DCI) Probe

Installing the Probe Insertion Lock

Inserting and Removing the DCI Probe

Controlling the DCI Probe Current

FI;FD Operation

Setting-up for FI;FD Operation

Tuning in FI Mode

Setting Up and Calibrating the Instrument for FI

Tuning in FD Mode

Routine Maintenance

Maintenance Schedule and Safety

Rotary Pump Oil and Maintenance

EI;CI Inner Source Maintenance

FI;FD Inner Source Maintenance

EI;CI Outer Source Maintenance

FI;FD Outer Source Maintenance

Checking for Leaks after Source Maintenance

Detector Maintenance

Troubleshooting

Component Hardware Troubleshooting

Contacting Waters for Support

Starting-up and Shutting-down the Instrument

Starting Up the Instrument

Shutting Down the Instrument

The MassLynx Tune Window

The EI Tune Tab Parameters

The CI Tune Tab Parameters

The FI Tune Tab Parameters

The FD Tune Tab Parameters

Summary

Safety Information

Instrument Description

Preparing the Instrument for EI;CI Operation

Changing the EI;CI Inner Source Assembly

Changing the EI;CI Outer Source Assembly

Tuning the Instrument

Preparing the Instrument for Operation

Obtaining an Ion Beam

Setting Up the Instrument Automatically

Tuning the Instrument for EI

Tuning the Instrument for Best Resolution in EI

Tuning the Instrument for Positive CI

Tuning the Instrument for Negative CI

Calibration

Calibrating the Instrument

Using the Calibration Wizard

Calibrating the Instrument in CI

Manual Calibration

The GC Interface

Installing the GC Interface

The Direct Insertion Probe

Inserting and Removing the DI Probe

Controlling the DI Probe Temperature