IMPORTANT
Operate the MS at the proper vacuum levels for maximum performance. Poor vacuum levels can cause reduced sensitivity.
Check the vacuum pressure levels before your daily operation. A major air leak in the system can create insufficient pressure levels to turn on the MS.
You can check the current pressure values for the Source Pressure and the Ion Gauge Pressure (analyzer region) from the Status pane of the Tune application.
The following table lists the typical source pressure (which is evacuated by the forepump) and the typical ion gauge pressure (which is evacuated by the triple-inlet turbomolecular pump).
NOTE
The source pressure reading is based on the ion transfer tube set to a temperature of 325 ºC.
Typical Pressure Readings
Source Pressure | Ion Gauge Pressure |
|---|---|
2–3 Torr | 4–5 × 10–5 Torr |
Procedure
- Verify that the Vacuum LED on the front of the MS is green.
- A green LED indicates that the pressure gauges are within their threshold values.
- In the Tune application, select the Status pane. Then, select the downward arrow and select By Board.
- Select Source to expand the parameters list.
NOTE
A green square next to the Source option indicates that the parameters listed under the Source option are good.
- After the MS is powered on, monitor the vacuum readings and confirm they are decreasing with time. Wait until the readings are within the typical pressure ranges.
NOTE
The instrument can take approximately 12 hours to pump down until it reaches the typical pressure ranges. If the pressure remains high, you might have an air leak. Contact Thermo Fisher Scientific Technical Support for assistance.