Tuning problem with Agilent 6100

We have recently replaced the ESI needle on our Agilent 6100 LC-MS. All is well with the flow, but we are not able to tune our instrument. Last week, the tune looked fine, but since replacing the needle the peaks (118, 622, 922) are not found and we get a fail for the check tune. It says to calibrate the mass axis and the peak width and it still fails when you do that. I am confused as to why this occurred - it could just be an unwelcome coincidence but I'm wondering what to try next...I read something in the manual about cleaning the ion optics but I don't want to do that unless I'm really certain that that is the problem. Can anyone recommend a systematic procedure to try and narrow down the problem? Thanks.

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m4esti over 6 years ago +1

Hi Witter, Are you getting calibrant spray? You can look into the window and you should see a fine spray. If not carefully lift out the nebulizer just above the hole on the top of the source and you should…

0 m4esti over 6 years ago

Hi Witter,
Are you getting calibrant spray? You can look into the window and you should see a fine spray. If not carefully lift out the nebulizer just above the hole on the top of the source and you should see a spray. cone. If not carefully reinstall and remove the line on the top of the nebulizer and make sure you see the calibrant dripping out .(approx. 7 -10 drops/min). If not then might have plug in line or issue with calibrant valve. If you see calibrant issue with nebulizer itself possibly issue with needle.

Mitch
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0 awitter over 6 years ago

I am getting calibrant spray; it's about 11 drops per minute. I'm not certain it's a cone however; it's a fine mist though. I am flushing the system now with ACN and water as per the manual, and will try again to tune. Is there a way to determine if it's the calibrant valve? I don't seem to hear that click when the valve opens. Thanks for your suggestions.
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0 m4esti over 6 years ago in reply to awitter

If you are getting calibrant drops then valve should be ok. If you choose scan over profile in manual tune do you get ions?
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0 awitter over 6 years ago in reply to m4esti

After installing new ESI tuning solution and manually tuning, I was able to get ions. I believe the tune was completely off after changing the needle and it was unable to autotune. After getting it tuned today, I ran a test sample (reserpine mix) and was able to get the correct mass for that. So knock on wood, I believe the system is working again. Thanks for your help.
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