We work with an Agilent 8800 ICP-MS. Three years ago we had a problem. The background increased in the larger (above 220) mass range. The service cleaned the quads, then replaced the boards. Nothing happened. Finaly they replaced the whole quadrupole unit.
Now the same problem arised. And they want to replace it again. I think it is not a true
solution, since we do not undertood the root of the problem. They use to say that it is a
"user error", we contaminated the system. I belive it is not the case. The last years we had
a small number of samples and we did not measured high matrices. What kind of contamination
could destroy a quadrupole in an irreversible way?
I hope somebody also encountered similar problem, and find the solution.
Dear Mihaly
Just a wild guess! Is it possible that the origin may be due to contaminated pump oil? Change the oil and see if it makes a difference. May take a little while to observe any effect.
If it's not the pump oil, what does your quad look like? In my experience a contamination which affects the signal really badly can be seen with the bare eye.
Also, if the quad is dirty, you can clean it yourself (unless that breaks a warranty or maintenance contract) with a self-made CeO2 polishing paste.
The service replaced the complet quadrupole... now it is working. But the problem is not solved...
What do you mean by "it is working, but the problem is not solved"? If your system is getting coated fast, then this is a constant issue.
I mean, if it is a contamination, we have not find neither the source nor the contaminant yet.
Do you run the instrument in gas mode? Which Quad was replaced?
It may also be contamination in the gas you use.
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