E2M18 and E2M18F Foreline Pump Oil Check for ICP-MS Systems

Answer

This Information Applies To: Agilent ICP-MS (7500,7700,8800)

Issue

How to check the E2M18 or E2M18F foreline pump to determine if the pump needs maintenance?

Background

The oil cleanliness and oil level in the E2M18 or E2M18F foreline pump should be checked monthly. Perform maintenance as needed, based off the monthly check. The E2M18 oil should be replaced at least once every three months, but the type of samples and number of samples analyzed may shorten the life of the oil.
For the E2M18F pump, the Folmblin Oil (p/n: 5069-4478) will not change color even when the oil is old/dirty. Replace the Fomblin Oil every six months.

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

Caution: Only user Agilent Recommended pump oil appropriate for the E2M18 or E2M18F 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 for the E2M18

1. You can judge the cleanliness of the oil by the color. Compare the oil color to the chart shown below (Figure 1) and replace the oil if necessary.

Figure 1. Checking the Oil Color

Tips: In the case of E2M18F Pump (also referred to as the Fomblin pump), the Fomblin Oil will not change color even when it is old/dirty. Change the Fomblin oil every six months regardless of the color of the oil.

Checking the Oil Level

1. View the oil-level site-glass on the front of the E2M18 foreline pump to visually confirm that the oil level is within the acceptable range when the foreline pump is powered on (Figure 2).
   

   
   Figure 2. Checking the Oil Level
   
   

2. If the oil level is out of range, see this article for instructions on how to 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 Agilent 8900 Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS with MassHunter e-learning paths available from Agilent education