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Q-TOF 6530A unstable signal intensity (waving, not nebulizer problem)

ustas

Hi, folks!

Suddenly, after about 3 years of shutdown and re-run, our Agilent Q-TOF 6530A has failed.
I have problems with signal stability, the signal intensities over time looks like "saw"/waving at all masses.

Here is a typical mass calibration (same with JetStream source):


The intensity of adjacent scans can differ up to three times, but the ratio of this "instability" is stable in time: somelike 2x, 1x, 2x, 1x, 2x, 1x.
I have tried to change nebulizers, ion sources, to clean ion transfer capillaries, change calibrant mixes, use syringe pump for calibration instead of CDS, and so on, but the problem still persists. Due to this, I can't even pass a mass calibration.
Diagnostics tool haven't reveal any problems, no errors, HV conditioning OK, Medusa OK.

Maybe someone has encountered this kind of problem? The MS has now become a piece of furniture.

Thanks for the replies!

p.s. the last "good" tune report is attached.

Parents
  • 0

    Hi  ,

    When was the last PM performed on that system? 

    When we see massive variability in the abundance and a mass calibration that fails, we usually suspect the front-end of the QTOF (nebulizer, not enough flow, dirty/clog ion transfer capillary, etc).

    You stated you installed a new nebulizer and even use a syringe pump with no success. If you disconnect the PEEK fitting from the nebulizer, do you have 1 drop every 10sec and if so, do you have any air bubbles in the drops?

    When was the last Initial tune /system tune performed on that system (with ESI or AJS source, not APCI)? If this fails, with all the modifications/checked you performed: This could mean the issue is coming from after the desolvation assembly (from the octopole to the medusa controlling the voltages of the flight tube), as such, there are many tests we can performed.

    I would recommend you reach out to the call center to set up an onsite visit as this might require further testing that cannot be described on the community.

    Regards,

Reply
  • 0

    Hi  ,

    When was the last PM performed on that system? 

    When we see massive variability in the abundance and a mass calibration that fails, we usually suspect the front-end of the QTOF (nebulizer, not enough flow, dirty/clog ion transfer capillary, etc).

    You stated you installed a new nebulizer and even use a syringe pump with no success. If you disconnect the PEEK fitting from the nebulizer, do you have 1 drop every 10sec and if so, do you have any air bubbles in the drops?

    When was the last Initial tune /system tune performed on that system (with ESI or AJS source, not APCI)? If this fails, with all the modifications/checked you performed: This could mean the issue is coming from after the desolvation assembly (from the octopole to the medusa controlling the voltages of the flight tube), as such, there are many tests we can performed.

    I would recommend you reach out to the call center to set up an onsite visit as this might require further testing that cannot be described on the community.

    Regards,

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