Dear Colleagues,
On our Waters Xevo TQS MS (installed in mid2015), the Ion Guide Pirani is already higher than usual when the cone valve is closed (5*10-4), and after opening, the error message "Ion Guide 2 pressure too high" appears (1*10-2).
This problem first appeared half a day after Source and StepWave cleaning, without any signs immediately after cleaning.
We have checked the appropriateness of the Source and StepWave assembly three times; we also replaced all O-rings twice (even if the previous ones also seemed good), as well as replaced the whole StepWave assembly once; without any improvement. The Turbo Pumps also run at higher power and temperature than previously (Turbo 1 being the highest). Analyzer MS2 Penning and Collision Cell Pirani values are good.
Could there still be a leak? Or maybe a failure of a Turbo Pump or Scroll Pump (the latter was replaced early 2016), or simply a faulty pressure sensor? Your advice is greatly appreciated.
Kind regards, Peter
It seems, the elevated Ion Guide 2 pressure was caused by worn (in some instances, even torn) Tip seals in the scroll pumps (especially in the smaller Edwards XDS 35i). After replacing, the vacuum was normal again.
However, one question remains open: that is, how could the Tip seals gone worn in such a short time frame (ca. 8-9 months)??
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