LC Services - LC/MS

Applied Biosystems Mass Spectrometer PM Summary LC Services Ltd has in place a number of methods to enable our customers to achieve the highest standards and increase productivity by decreasing downtime of your instrumentation. By utilising ex-OEM engineers with PM procedures over and above that the manufacturer recommends we can maximise the performance of your instruments.

1. On arrival, previous data is inspected and overall instrument performance is assessed to highlight areas of concern.

2. Thorough Pre maintenance tests are carried out and all results are documented.

3. All lubrication fluids are drained and renewed

4. All vacuum parts are inspected and necessary parts replaced.

5. Turbo molecular Pumps are checked using remote diagnostics
software for correct operation.

6. All Safety interlocks are inspected and tested for operation.

7. All gas supplies are checked and correct pressures are adjusted.

8. Front end (Sample inlet) interface is removed disassembled.
Cleaned, with all relevant parts replaced if necessary.

9. All communications are checked.

10. Once the instrument is at correct operating Vacuum, a whole series
of tests are carried out:
I. All operational voltages are checked and logged
ii. Various vacuum test are done under a whole range of operating
conditions, again all the results are logged.
iii. Test standards are run in various modes, depending on the
instrument type, every aspect of the operating conditions are tested. In
both Positive and Negative ion
iv. Once satisfied with the operation, test standards are run to meet
correct specifications for the instrument. These are instrument
specific. The results are printed and logged.

11. There is a multi page document where all test results are logged
Pre and Post maintenance.

12. A copy of the printed data and a copy of the completed
maintenance document is left with you for your records.

13. As part of the PM we supply a PM KIT, which consists of
Lubrication Fluids, O rings, air filter and other small replaceable
parts for the Interface. This is Part of the PM and is not billed
separately.

N.B- LC Services Ltd must be made aware of any Breakdown issues previous to the PM visit.

Contact us today to find out more about our various Service Types:

LC Services Ltd
Station House
Station Road
Turvey
Beds
MK43 8BL
Tel: 01234 881900
Fax: 01234 881919
www.lcservs-online.com

Trouble Shooting No Peaks

Make sure there is a spray from the nebulizer
Make sure the capillary voltage is set correctly
Make sure LCMS is tuned correctly
Make sure the pressures are within normal ranges
Check the drying gas flow and tempreaure
Make sure the fragmentor is set correctly

Poor Mass Accuracy

Recalibrate the mass axis
Make sure the ions used for tuning span the mass range of the sample ions and that they show strong, stable signals

Low Signal

Check the solution chemistry.
Make sure you are using an appropriate solvent.
Mixed samples may exhibit signal suppression.
Ensure sample is fresh with correct storage conditions
Ensure the LCMS is tuned correctly
Clean the capillary entrance, check for damage or contamination

Unstable Signal

Ensure appropriate drying gas flow and temperature for the solvent flow utilized
Solvent must be thoroughly degassed.
Not for protein samples LC backpressure must be steady

High Spectral Noise

Use appropriate mass filter values
Check spray shape.
Ensure Nebulizer is operating correctly.
Ensure appropriate drying gas flow and temperature for the solvent flow utilized
Solvent must be thoroughly degassed.
Not for protein samples LC backpressure must be steady
When using Water in mobile phase, this must be de-ionised

For additional help please use our technical support or try out forum.