Mass Spectrometry

Practical Maintenance and Troubleshooting of Mass Spectrometry

Along with the expanding use of mass spectrometry in laboratories with people not specifically trained in analytical chemistry there is a need for learning the analytical skills to maintain instrument performance and to get quality data output. The performance of a mass spectrometer will be severely compromised if it lacks the good vacuum in the ion transfer region of mass analyzer.  As the vacuum deteriorates it will become insufficient to maintain biomedical instrumentation in the operating mode. If the fore line pump is not well maintained, the oil may become so contaminated that the optimum pumping is no longer possible.  Primarily, gas transport and metabolism ballasting may clean the oil.  If the oil has become discolored, then it should be changed according to the pump manufacturers maintenance manually.