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Agilent 5971 BFB Tuning Problem

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 2:40 pm
by JonKlar
I am running a 5971 MSD that has been out of service for awhile and we are trying to get running again. The entire system has been flsuhed, the source cleaned/trap changed etc. I am having trouble tuning the bfb. I can get the ion ratios where I want them (131 = 40% , 219 = 44% relative to 69) but all of the isotopes are missing (ALL of them) when I run my BFB. Any suggestions?

Re: Agilent 5971 BFB Tuning Problem

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2011 8:23 pm
by sav
Is resolution OK?
Width of peak at half height?
Abs. abundance of 69amu?

Re: Agilent 5971 BFB Tuning Problem

Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2011 1:13 pm
by Bigbear
What does the autotune set the multiplier voltage at ? You may need a new EM as they don't like to be exposed to air for very long.

Re: Agilent 5971 BFB Tuning Problem

Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2011 2:04 pm
by JonKlar
EM voltage is around 2450 (seems high)

Peak width of the tuning peaks is .52, .53, .50 and the width at half height for the BFB peak is .07s

The abs abundance for 69 is 384640

The chromatography is a bit noisy and my peak shapes are not great either. The BFB peak shows ~1500 abundance while the noise level is around 400

Re: Agilent 5971 BFB Tuning Problem

Posted: Wed Dec 07, 2011 3:17 pm
by sav
You need new EM.

Re: Agilent 5971 BFB Tuning Problem

Posted: Thu Dec 08, 2011 6:56 pm
by Bigbear
Are you shooting enough BFB? EPA 524 allows for 25 ng of BFB on column. How fresh is your BFB solution?

I also think you need a new EM.

Re: Agilent 5971 BFB Tuning Problem

Posted: Fri Dec 09, 2011 3:40 pm
by JonKlar
working on getting a new EM now. Will report back once its installed, thanks guys.