Tag: Mass Spectrometer

I. Functional Principle of Mass Spectrometer

The mass spectrometer, a highly precise scientific instrument, is primarily used to determine the composition and structure of samples. Its operating principle encompasses the following steps:

1. Sample Ionization: Sample molecules are ionized into positively or negatively charged ions in the ion source.
2. Mass Separation: The generated ions are accelerated and transmitted to the mass analyzer, where they are separated based on their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z).
3. Detection and Recording: The separated ions enter the detector, producing signals that are recorded to form a mass spectrum.
4. Data Analysis: By analyzing the mass spectrum, information such as the composition, structure, and relative abundance of the sample can be determined.

The core components of a mass spectrometer include the ion source, mass analyzer, and detector, all housed within a vacuum system to ensure analytical accuracy.

II. Usage Method of Mass Spectrometer

Usage methods may vary by model and manufacturer, but generally include the following steps:

Preparation:

• Safety check: Ensure laboratory safety and use personal protective equipment.
• Sample preparation: Dissolve the sample in an appropriate solvent and clean it to remove impurities.
• Select the ion source and adjust ionization parameters.
• Choose the analysis mode and adjust mass spectrometer parameters.

Startup:

• Turn on the gas supply and mechanical pump, and after achieving the required vacuum, turn on the molecular turbo pump.
• Perform calibration to ensure optimal mass spectrometer performance.

Analysis:

• Start the mass spectrometer, observe the mass spectrum, and record corresponding peaks.
• Analyze the position, intensity, and shape of peaks for mass analysis.
• Identify compounds in the sample.

Shutdown:

• Stop the mass spectrometer operation.
• Flush the system to prevent cross-contamination.
• Turn off the mass spectrometer and disconnect the power supply.

III. Common Faults and Repair Methods

Common faults and their repair methods include:

1. Unstable Power Supply:
   • Fault manifestation: Voltage fluctuations, unstable current supply, or sudden power outages and restarts.
   • Repair method: Check power lines and modules, ensure proper grounding, and replace damaged power components.
2. Aging or Damage of Power Modules:
   • Fault manifestation: Decreased power output performance, insufficient energy for the ion source.
   • Repair method: Replace aged power modules and ensure normal operation of high-voltage components.
3. Poor Grounding or Contact Issues with Power Lines:
   • Fault manifestation: Increased power noise, interference with signal acquisition, resulting in false peaks or abnormal peak intensities.
   • Repair method: Check grounding and power line connections, ensure good contact, and reduce power noise.
4. Failure of Power Cooling System:
   • Fault manifestation: Overheating of power supply, leading to drifting output parameters and shortened lifespan.
   • Repair method: Check the cooling system, ensure proper heat dissipation, and replace cooling fans or radiators if necessary.
5. Failure of Mechanical and Molecular Turbo Pumps:
   • Fault manifestation: Insufficient vacuum, affecting mass spectrometry accuracy.
   • Repair method: Regularly clean and replace mechanical pump oil, check the status of molecular turbo pumps, and repair or replace as needed.
6. Contamination or Damage of Ion Source:
   • Fault manifestation: Reduced ionization efficiency, poor mass spectrum peak shapes.
   • Repair method: Regularly clean the ion source chamber and sampling cone, and replace damaged ion source components.

IV. Precautions

When using a mass spectrometer, follow laboratory safety regulations and use personal protective equipment. Adjust analysis parameters based on sample properties and mass spectrometer model for optimal results. Regularly perform performance verification and maintenance to ensure long-term efficient operation of the mass spectrometer.

V. Brands and Models of Mass Spectrometers Serviced by Longi Electromechanical

1. Thermo Fisher Scientific:
   • Orbitrap Series: Orbitrap Exploris 480, Orbitrap Eclipse, Orbitrap Elite, Orbitrap Fusion Lumos
   • Q Exactive Series: Q Exactive, Q Exactive HF, Q Exactive HF-X, Q Exactive Plus
   • TSQ Series: TSQ Altis, TSQ Quantis, TSQ Endura
   • LTQ Series: LTQ Orbitrap XL, LTQ XL
2. Agilent Technologies:
   • 6500 Series: 6530 Q-TOF, 6546 Q-TOF, 6550 iFunnel Q-TOF, 6560 Ion Mobility Q-TOF
   • 6100 Series: 6130 Quadrupole LC/MS, 6140 Quadrupole LC/MS
   • 7000 Series: 7010 Triple Quadrupole GC/MS, 7000D Triple Quadrupole GC/MS
   • 7700 Series: 7700x ICP-MS
3. Waters Corporation:
   • Xevo Series: Xevo G2-XS QTof, Xevo TQ-S, Xevo TQ-XS
   • Synapt Series: Synapt G2-Si, Synapt XS, Vion IMS QTof, ACQUITY RDa
4. Bruker:
   • timsTOF Series: timsTOF Pro, timsTOF fleX
   • MALDI-TOF Series: ultrafleXtreme, autoflex maX
   • ESI-QTOF Series: Impact II, maXis II, scimaX
5. Sciex (AB Sciex):
   • TripleTOF Series: TripleTOF 6600, TripleTOF 5600+
   • QTRAP Series: QTRAP 6500+, QTRAP 5500, QTRAP 4500
   • Triple Quad Series: Triple Quad 7500, Triple Quad 6500+, Triple Quad 5500
6. PerkinElmer:
   • Flexar Series: Flexar SQ 300 MS, Flexar TOF MS
   • Clarus Series: Clarus SQ 8 GC/MS
7. Shimadzu:
   • LCMS Series: LCMS-8045, LCMS-8050, LCMS-8060
   • GCMS Series: GCMS-TQ8050 NX, GCMS-QP2010 Ultra, GCMS-QP2020 NX
8. JEOL:
   • AccuTOF Series: AccuTOF DART, AccuTOF GCx, JMS-T100LC
9. LECO:
   • Pegasus Series: Pegasus BT, Pegasus GC-HRT 4D, Pegasus BT 4D
   • TruTOF Series
10. Hitachi: NanoFrontier LD, Chromaster

Longi Electromechanical has nearly 30 years of experience in repairing mass spectrometers, enabling quick repairs for various instruments. Additionally, we recycle and sell used mass spectrometers. Welcome to consult.