MS40-S and MS40+ Foreline Pump Oil Check for ICP-MS Systems

Answer

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

Issue

How to check the MS40+ or MS40-S foreline pump to determine if the pump needs maintenance?

Background

The oil's cleanliness and level, in the MS40+ or MS40-S foreline pump, should be checked monthly. Perform maintenance as needed, based off the monthly check. The oil should be replaced at least once every six months, but the type of samples and number of samples analyzed may shorten the life of the oil; adjust the oil change frequency accordingly.

Warning: Never add pump oil while the foreline pump is on.

Caution: Only use Agilent Recommended pump oil, appropriate for the MS40+ or MS40-S foreline pump. Using a different oil can substantially reduce pump life and invalidates the pump warranty.

Steps to Follow

• Checking the Cleanliness of the Oil
  1. You can judge the cleanliness of the oil by the color. Compare the oil color in the pump to the chart shown in Figure 1 and replace the oil if necessary. 
     

        
     
     
     Figure 1. Checking the Oil Color
     Oil cleanliness Chart: 1. Ok (yellow), 2. Replace soon (orange), 3, Replace immediately (brown)

• Checking the Oil Level

  Tips: Since the oil level changes depending on where the vane stops inside the pump, make sure you check the oil level during pump operation (vacuum on).

  1. View the oil-level site-glass on the front of the pump to visually confirm that the oil level is within the acceptable range (Figure 2).
     

     
     
     Figure 2. Checking the Oil Level, desired upper and lower ranges indicated with red lines and red arrow.
     

  2. If the oil level is out of range, add or drain oil to the appropriate level.

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