Ionization fail in Varian GC-MS

[alcorn]

Hi everyone

After three weeks, I turned on my Saturn GC-MS yesterday. After 24 hours backing out, when I checked Air-water level, there was no mass spectrum and water level showed as 100%. When I was checked the system on the diagnostic section, an error of "ionization failed" was appeared. Again I checked the ion gauge (both filaments), and it was Ok.

Any idea about "ionization failed"?

Thanks a lot.

[Jonezy_Lothos]

I am assuming this is a Saturn 2000/2200 Ion Trap?

Was the system under vacuum? if not you might have a host of issues...
dirty or oxidized electrodes, bad filament or even a bad electron multiplier.

I would change out the filament to start with and sonicate your electrodes in methylene chloride to start.

[alcorn]

Thanks Jonezy,
Yes, that is a Saturn 2000 ion trap.
Three weeks ago I turned off the system without purging it out, so it has been under vacuum.
I've replaced the filament and cleaned ion trap rings, but the problem still exist.
Any other hints?

thanks

[Jonezy_Lothos]

Next step is to change out the electron multiplier.

Before you spend money on a new electron multiplier go through everything and make sure everything is plugged in. I have buried my hands in my face many times because I forgot to connect this or didn't shut that.

Another thing to consider is the trap/column are still dirty. Is it a new column? What column are you running? Where the ends of the column plugged when the system was shut down? It may need to be baked out with flow for a day or two.

Lastly, what is EPA method are you running 8260? And what is your turbo current at (200mA is good, 300mA or more might show a possible leak)?

Good Luck!

Jones