How to Power On the ICP-MS Foreline Pump (Vacuum On)

Answer

This Information Applies To: Agilent ICP-MS systems (7700/7800/7850/7900/8800/8900)

Issue

How to power on the Agilent ICP-MS Foreline Pump when fully powering on the Agilent ICP-MS System, or after performing maintenance.

Background

The ICP-MS MassHunter software controls the pump’s ON/OFF control, which will transition the ICP-MS System from shutdown mode to standby mode.

Steps to Follow

1. Power on the ICP-MS instrument (if it is not powered on already). When the ICP-MS is powered on, the power button on the front "soft power" button will be solid green.
2. Locate the foreline pump breaker switch on the back of the ICP-MS (Figure 1) and switch it to the ON (I) position.
   

   
   
   Figure 1. ICP-MS Rear View
   1. Foreline pump breaker switch, 2. Main power breaker switch

3. Depending on the Foreline Pump model, there may be an extra power switch on the back of the pump (Figure 2). If your Foreline Pump has a power switch on it, confirm it is in the ON (I) position.
   

   
   
   Figure 2. Rear View of MS40-S Foreline Pump
   1. Power Switch
   

4. Turn on the vacuum. Use the one of the following preferred methods:
   • For ICP-MS MassHunter 4.6 and below
   • For MassHunter 5.1 and above
   • Using the switch located under the ICP-MS large cover
       
   • For ICP-MS MassHunter 4.6 and below:
     1. Click the drop-down arrow next to the Hardware button and select Vacuum On (Figure 3)
        

        
        
        Figure 3. Vacuum On for MassHunter 4.6 and below
        
        

        Tip: If "Vacuum On" is unavailable, and there is a red X on the Hardware icon instead of a green checkmark, set communication with the ICP-MS and PC first.

        Go to Step 5.
         

   • For ICP-MS MassHunter 5.1 and above:
     1. Click the Dashboard tab on the left, then click the Mainframe image. From the menu, click Vacuum (Figure 4)
        

        
        
        Figure 4. Vacuum On for MassHunter 5.1 and above
        
        

        Tip: If "Vacuum" is unavailable, and the vertical status bar says "Offline", set communication with the ICP-MS and PC first

        Go to Step 5.
        

   • Using the switch located under the ICP-MS large cover
     
     

     Warning: When the plasma is lit, do not open the top covers. Confirm that the ICP-MS is in shutdown mode before continuing.

     1. Open the ICP-MS large cover (Figure 5, Item 1)
        

        
        
        Figure 5. Front View of ICP-MS
        1. Large Cover, 2. Manual Vacuum ON/OFF Switch, 3. LED Status Indicator
        

     2. Locate the Vacuum ON/OFF Switch (Figure 5, Item 2 and Figure 6 Item 1)
        

        
        
        Figure 6. Top Down View of ICP-MS with Large Cover Open
        1. Manual ON/OFF Switch
        

     3. Press and hold the Vacuum On/Off Switch on the ICP-MS. Release the button once the status indicator begins to blink
        
        Go to Step 5.
        

5. Wait for the instrument to reach standby mode. The Foreline Pump is now powered on.

Learn how to effectively troubleshoot and maintain your Agilent ICP-MS System: Agilent 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS with MassHunter e-learning course available from Agilent education