Warning or Error Messages Related to Temperature in ICP-MS Systems

Answer

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

Issue

Error messages related to temperature can cause the plasma to shut off or disable plasma ignition. While a warning message will still allow the plasma to light and stay on, it is necessary to correct the issue. 

The troubleshooting procedure in this article is applicable for the following warnings/errors:

• 1432 Error: Inside housing temperature is too high.
• 1430 Error: Air intake temperature is too high.
• 2435 Warning: Inside/Inlet temperature difference is outside the warning limit.
• 2433 Warning: Inlet temperature is high.

Background

Temperature warnings or errors can be due to insufficient exhaust flow, improper room temperature, insufficient air circulation, or dust accumulation on the back of the ICP-MS.

It is useful to view the Internal Temp and Inlet Temp meters when troubleshooting. See the article: How to Select Meters in ICP-MS MassHunter Software. 
The Internal temperature is also referred to as the Inside temperature. 

Steps to Follow

1. Check that the sampling cone is tightened
   1. Reinstall the sampling cone to verify the cone is installed properly and retest.
   2. If the issue remains, continue to step 2.
      
2. Check the exhaust flow
   

   1. Power off the ICP-MS system.

      Warning: The exhaust system must remain on always while the ICP-MS is powered on in Analysis mode, Standby mode, and Shutdown mode. The next step instructs you to remove the exhaust hose from the ICP-MS, so the ICP-MS system must be powered off before proceeding!

   2. Disconnect the exhaust hose from the chimney of the ICP-MS.

   3. Use an anemometer to measure the exhaust flow from the base of the exhaust hose.

   4. Compare the measured exhaust flow with the specifications in Figure 1.

   5. If the exhaust flow is within specifications, continue to step 3.
      If the exhaust flow is outside specifications, work with your facilities team to increase the exhaust flow, power on the ICP-MS and retest.

      Port Diameter (mm)	Exhaust flow
      	m3/min	m/s
      150	>5	>4.7
      	<7	<6.6

      Figure 1. Exhaust Venting Requirements
      
3. Check for accumulation of dust on the back of the ICP-MS
   1. Power off the ICP-MS system (if it is not powered off already).
   2. Check the vertical cutouts and circle cutout for the accumulation of dust (Figure 2).
   3. If no dust is present, continue to step 4.
   4. If dust is present, use a vacuum to carefully clean and remove the dust, power on the ICP-MS and retest.
      

      
      
      Figure 2. Rear of ICP-MS
      

4. Check the room temperature

   1. Use a thermometer to measure the room temperature at the location of the ICP-MS.

   2. Compare the measured temperature with the specifications in Figure 3.

   3. If the temperature is outside specifications, work with your facilities team to correct the room temperature and retest.

   4. Light the plasma and monitor the room temperature change near the ICP-MS over time. Insufficient air circulation can cause the temperature near the ICP-MS to rise.

   5. Compare the measured temperature change with the specifications in Figure 3.

   6. If the temperature change is outside specifications, work with your facilities team to correct and retest.

       

      Parameter	Specification
      Room Temperature	15 to 30 °C (59 to 86 °F) < 2 °C/h change and total change should be < 5 °C

      Figure 3. Temperature specifications
      
      
5. If the temperature warnings or errors remain, contact your local Agilent Technical Support.

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