An Air Leak Is Detected; Foreline Pump Does Not Power On; Foreline Pump Powers On, But The System Does Not Pump Down; Turbomolecular Pump Does Not Power On - Thermo Scientific TSQ 9000 Hardware Manual

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Troubleshooting
Investigating Vacuum Issues

An air leak is detected.

Table 19. Possible Remedies for Air Leak
Spray gas around the vacuum manifold and look for characteristic ions in full-scan EI mode. Correct any problems. Some of the most
common ways to address leaks are:
• Tighten the transfer line nut or union.
• Tighten the vent valve knob.
• Make sure there is clean helium flow from the GC.
• Evacuate the region between the vacuum interlock knob and sealing ball by pressing the Evacuate button.
• Check the transfer line or inlet ferrules. Replace them if they are broken. See
• Clean dust or debris from the top cover O-ring.
If you do not find a leak, turn on the TSQ 9000 system in full-scan mode. Click Custom Spectrum on the TSQ 9000 Dashboard. Set the
Scan Type to Full Scan and Start/End mass to cover the characteristic ions for the compressed gas you are using. Most compressed gases
have ions between m/z 35 and 100. While you are reviewing the ions, spray the gas around the components in the bulleted list above.
When you see the characteristic ions in the real-time viewer, the component you just sprayed has a leak and needs to be addressed.

Foreline pump does not power on.

Table 20. Possible Remedies when Foreline Pump does not Power On
If the Vacuum light on the front of the instrument is flashing amber quickly, the system took too long to reach vacuum and shut off. You
must restart the TSQ 9000 system to enable the foreline pump to power-on.
Make sure the foreline pump switch is in the On position.
Make sure the cable from the foreline pump to the TSQ 9000 instrument is properly attached to the SYSTEM MECH PUMP connector near
the back of the instrument.
Configure the foreline pump for the proper line voltage.
Make sure the TSQ 9000 instrument is properly connected to an electrical outlet and is powered on.

Foreline pump powers on, but the system does not pump down.

Table 21. Possible Remedies when Foreline Pump does Power-ons but System does not Pump Down
Tighten the vent valve knob.
Check the vacuum connection of the last component you performed maintenance on and make sure it is sealed properly.
Tighten the clamps and connectors on the foreline hose. Replace the foreline hose if it is damaged.
Check the level of the foreline pump oil and, if necessary, add more oil. See

Turbomolecular pump does not power on.

Table 22. Possible Remedy when Turbomolecular Pump does not Power On
Check the foreline pump and plumbing for leaks to ensure the fore pressure is low enough for use. You can check the foreline pressure
readback on the dashboard to confirm the foreline pressure falls to less than 200 mTorr.
114 TSQ 9000 Hardware Manual
Transfer Line for details.
Adding Oil to the Foreline Pump for details.
Thermo Scientific