Agilent 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS

Hardware Maintenance Manual

Notices
August 2022 Warranty Safety Notices
Document Revision: A.00
The material contained in this document
Part Number: G8400-90015 is provided “as is,” and is subject to being
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2022 changed, without notice, in future
N OT E
editions. Further, to the maximum extent
No part of this manual may be A NOTE contains helpful
permitted by applicable law, Agilent
reproduced in any form or by any means information on the usage - it does
disclaims all warranties, either express or
(including electronic storage and retrieval
implied, with regard to this manual and not denote a hazard.
or translation into a foreign language)
any information contained herein,
without prior agreement and written
including but not limited to the implied
consent from Agilent Technologies, Inc.
as governed by United States and
warranties of merchantability and fitness CAUT ION
for a particular purpose. Agilent shall not
international copyright laws.
be liable for errors or for incidental or A CAUTION notice denotes a
Agilent Technologies, Inc. consequential damages in connection hazard. It calls attention to an
9-1 Takakura-machi, Hachioji-shi, with the furnishing, use, or performance
Tokyo 192-8510 Japan
operating procedure, practice, or
of this document or of any information
contained herein. Should Agilent and the the like that, if not correctly
Printed in USA
user have a separate written agreement performed or adhered to, could
Trademarks with warranty terms covering the result in damage to the product or
material in this document that conflict loss of important data. Do not
PharMed is registered trademark of the with these terms, the warranty terms in proceed beyond a CAUTION
Saint Gobain corporation. the separate agreement shall control. notice until the indicated
conditions are fully understood
Technology Licenses
and met.
The hardware and/or software described
in this document are furnished under a
license and may be used or copied only in WARN I N G
accordance with the terms of such
license. A WARNING notice denotes a
hazard. It calls attention to an
Restricted Rights Legend operating procedure, practice, or
U.S. Government Restricted Rights. the like that, if not correctly
Software and technical data rights performed or adhered to, could
granted to the federal government result in personal injury or death.
include only those rights customarily
provided to end user customers. Agilent
Do not proceed beyond a
provides this customary commercial WARNING notice until the
license in Software and technical data indicated conditions are fully
pursuant to FAR 12.211 (Technical Data) understood and met.
and 12.212 (Computer Software) and, for
the Department of Defense, DFARS
252.227-7015 (Technical Data -
Commercial Items) and DFARS
227.7202-3 (Rights in Commercial
Computer Software or Computer
Software Documentation).
 Content

1 Overview 7
Site Preparation Requirements 8
Configurations and Components 9
Configurations 9
Instrument Components 11
Part Names 13
Safety Symbols/Symboles de sécurité 18
Principle and Function 20
Brief Overview 20
Function of Components 21

2 Precautions 27
General Precautions 28
Precautions for Use 31
Protective Earth 31
Closing the Instrument Panels and Covers 31
Wearing Safety Glasses 31
Checking the Exhaust System 32
Handling Solvents Correctly 34
Checking the Drain Vessel 35
Compressed Gas Tanks 36
Storing Argon Safely 37
Cell Gas 38
Other Gas 39
Allowing the Hot Instrument to Cool 39
Torch Box Cover 39
Peristaltic Pump 40
Foreline Pump 40
Air Intake 40
Cautions for Toxic Materials 41
Moving the Agilent ICP-MS 44

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 3

 Content

Environmental Conditions, Compliance and Utility Requirements 45

Environmental Conditions 45

3 Maintenance 49
Scheduling Maintenance 50
Managing the Maintenance 53
Maintenance Clocks 53
Maintenance Log 55
Preparation before Maintenance 57
Peristaltic Pump Area 58
Sample Uptake Tubing 59
Sample Line Connector Block 63
Internal Standard Tubing Kit 66
Nebulizer and Spray Chamber 69
Nebulizer 70
Spray Chamber 72
Torch Area 76
Torch 77
RF Coil 82
Testing Plasma Ignition 85
Interface 86
Sampling Cone and Skimmer Cone 87
Extraction Lens-Omega Lens Assembly 97
Maintaining the Other Parts 104
Foreline Pump (MS40+) for 7800/7850/7900 104
Foreline Pump (NeoDry36E) for 7900 112
Water Strainer 114

4 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

 Content

4 Appendix 115
Appendix A. Technical Information 117
Peristaltic Pump and Tubing 117
Spray Chamber 119
ICP Torch 120
Interface 120
ORS 121
Quadrupole 122
Electron Multiplier (EM) 124
APG remote interface 126
Appendix B. Troubleshooting 128
Items to Be Checked in Case of Low Sensitivity 128
Items to Be Checked in Case of Plasma does not Ignite 129
Appendix C. ICP-MS Web Utility 130
Appendix D. Purging the Cell Gas Line 131
Appendix E. Organic Solvent Kit 133
General 133
Replacing the torch 134
Warning Label 136
Appendix F.Inert Sample Introduction Kit Installation Instructions 137
General 137
Mounting 137
Appendix G.Maintaining the Collision/Reaction Cell 141
Opening/Closing the Vacuum Chamber 142
ORS Cell Assembly, Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens 145
Appendix H. Hydrogen Safety Guide 165
Hydrogen (H2) Gas 165
Dangers During the ICP-MS Operation 165
Dangers in the ICP-MS Shutdown or Power Failure 166
Necessary Precautions 166

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 5

 Content

Appendix I. Ammonia Safety Guide 167

Ammonia (NH3) Gas 167
Dangers During the ICP-MS Operation 167
Dangers in the ICP-MS Shutdown or Power Failure 168
Necessary Precautions 168

6 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

1 Overview
Site Preparation Requirements 8

Configurations and Components 9

Configurations 9
Instrument Components 11
Part Names 13
Safety Symbols/Symboles de sécurité 18

Principle and Function 20

Brief Overview 20
Function of Components 21

The Agilent 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS with H2 line, and ORS upgrade with H2 line
are licensed under U.S. Patents 5,767,512; 6,259,091 and associated
counterparts.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 7

1 Overview
Site Preparation Requirements

Site Preparation Requirements

Prior to receiving your instrument you will have been provided with an Agilent
7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Site Preparation Checklist, which describes the
environmental and operating requirements of the ICP-MS system. You must
prepare your laboratory according to these instructions before the ICP-MS can be
installed. You should keep the Site Preparation Checklist for future reference, for
example if you plan to move your instrument.

8 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

1 Overview
Configurations and Components

Configurations and Components

Configurations

The Agilent 7800 ICP-MS consists of the following configurations.

Table 1. 7800 ICP-MS Configuration

Ordering Option No Option #110

Mainframe Type w/H2

Nebulizer MicroMist

Spray Chamber Scott-type double-pass (quartz)

HMI Yes

Torch Quartz (injector i.d.2.5 mm)

Makeup Gas Line Yes

Interface Nickel

Lens x-lens

He Cell Gas Line Yes

H2 Cell Gas Line No Yes

3rd Cell Gas Line (Xe) Optional

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 9

1 Overview
Configurations

The Agilent 7850 ICP-MS consists of the following configurations.

Table 2. 7850 ICP-MS Configuration

Ordering Option No Option #110

Mainframe Type w/H2

Nebulizer MicroMist

Spray Chamber Scott-type double-pass (quartz)

HMI Yes

Torch Quartz (injector i.d.2.5 mm)

Makeup Gas Line Yes

Interface Nickel

Lens x-lens

He Cell Gas Line Yes

H2 Cell Gas Line No Yes

3rd Cell Gas Line (Xe) Optional

10 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

1 Overview
Instrument Components

The Agilent 7900 ICP-MS consists of the following configurations.

Table 3. 7900 ICP-MS Configuration

Ordering Option #500 Base model #110 #200

Mainframe Type No-UHMI w/UHMI w/UHMI, H2 s-config

Nebulizer MicroMist Micro Flow

Spray Chamber Scott-type Scott-type double-pass Scott-type

double-pass (UHMI type, quartz) double-pass
(quartz) (quartz)

Ultra HMI (UHMI) No Yes No

Torch Quartz (injector i.d.2.5 mm)

Makeup Gas Line Yes

Interface Nickel Platinum

Lens x-lens s-lens

He Cell Gas Line Yes

H2 Cell Gas Line No Yes No

3rd Cell Gas Line (Xe) Onsite upgrade

Instrument Components

The general system consists of the following components. The Autosampler and
the water chiller are optional.

1 ICP-MS Instrument Agilent 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS

2 MassHunter Workstation MassHunter Workstation controls the ICP-MS,
acquires data, and analyzes the acquired data.
3 Printer Printer outputs the analysis results.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 11

1 Overview
Instrument Components

4 Foreline Pump The foreline pump is a stand alone unit.

The foreline pump is used as the backing pump
for the turbomolecular pump. It is also used to
pump the interface chamber in analysis mode.
The electric power for the pump is supplied
from the ICP-MS instrument.
MassHunter Workstation controls the pump’s
ON/OFF control.
5 Autosampler MassHunter Workstation controls the
autosampler. For more information, refer to the
autosampler manual.
6 Water Chiller The water chiller supplies the cooling water to
cool the Peltier cooler (spray chamber cooler),
the sampling cone, the skimmer cone, the RF
generator and the work coil. For more
information, refer to the water chiller manual.

12 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

1 Overview
Part Names

Part Names

The names of the parts of the Agilent 7800/7850/7900 are described in this
section.

Front View

Exhaust Duct Cover (Large)

Cover (Small) Protective Tinted Window

Maintenance Switch

Peristaltic Pump Status Indicator

Vacuum ON/OFF Switch

Sample Tray
Serial Number

Drain Tray Port

Main Switch 0002_i

Figure 1. Front View

Cover (Small) This cover is used to cover the ICP area and interface area during operation.
Cover (Large) This cover is used to cover the ion lens system, the mass filter and the detector areas.
Protective Tinted Window enables plasma to be observed.
Window
Status Indicator The status indicator shows the instrument's status by flashing a sequence of colors.
Shutdown to Standby: Long orange, short pause (and continue to repeat this
sequence)
Standby to Analysis: Short orange, long green (and continue to repeat this
sequence)
Analysis to Standby: Short green, long orange (and continue to repeat this
sequence)
Standby to Shutdown: Short orange, long pause (and continue to repeat this
sequence)

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 13

1 Overview
Part Names

Main Switch Main power switch of the ICP-MS.

Before turning on this switch, you need to turn ON the Main Power Breaker Switch
located on the rear of the instrument (Figure 2). When the power is turned ON, the
indicator lamp built into the switch lights green.
Vacuum ON/OFF When the MassHunter Workstation is not running, it is possible to shift from shutdown
Switch mode to standby mode by pressing the vacuum ON/OFF switch. It can also be used to
shift from standby mode to shutdown mode.
To operate this switch, it is necessary to open the cover (large).
Sample Tray Holds the sample bottles, and to contain any possible sample spills.
Drain Tray Port This port allows chemical spills to be safely drained.
Maintenance For performing maintenance of the interface area. Pressing the switch, in either standby
Switch or shutdown, moves the torch box backwards to the maintenance position. Pressing
again moves it forward.
Serial Number Each Agilent ICP-MS comes with a unique serial number.

It is generally not necessary to turn off the instrument, but if you wish to power
NOTE off the instrument for an extended period of time (more than 1 day) it is
recommended that you turn off the Main Power Breaker Switch, instead of the
front power switch. If main breaker is not turned off, a small current (standby
power) still goes through the power supply unit.

The tubing must have a vertical drop to assist gravity drain. Connect the tubing
NOTE from the overflow port to the chemical waste container and avoid any restriction
of flow.

When the plasma is lit, do not open the top covers. Under normal operation, for
WAR N ING safety reasons, the plasma turns off automatically when either of the top
covers are opened.
Do not remove the front or side covers of the instrument. High voltage and
radio frequency radiation from the RF power supply is present and may be very
dangerous.

14 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

1 Overview
Part Names

Rear View

Vacuum Hose Connection

for the Foreline Pump
Hydrogen Cell Gas Inlet
Helium Cell Gas Inlet
Connection for the
Foreline Pump Exhaust Hose

Argon Gas Inlet

Optional Gas Inlet

S/C Chiller Cable Connector

Cooling Water Outlet

Cooling Water Inlet

S/C Cooling Water Inlet

S/C Cooling Water Outlet
Foreline Pump
Breaker Switch

Main Power Breaker Switch

LAN Interface

Remote Port

Main Power Supply Connector Power Connection

for the Foreline Pump
0003_i

Figure 2. Rear View

Cooling Water Inlet/Outlet Cooling water inlet and outlet port.

Spray Chamber Cooling Water Cooling water inlet and outlet port for Spray Chamber
Inlet/Outlet
Spray Chamber Chiller Cable Connector for the S/C chiller cable.
Connector

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 15

1 Overview
Part Names

Do not connect a non-Agilent device to the Spray Chamber Chiller Cable

NOTE Connector. If a non-Agilent device is connected, the electronics in the ICP-MS
mainframe could be damaged.

Argon Gas Inlet Argon gas inlet port.

Optional Gas Inlet Optional gas inlet port.
Main Power Supply Connector Connection for power cable.
Helium Cell Gas Inlet Helium cell gas inlet port.
Hydrogen Cell Gas Inlet Hydrogen cell gas inlet port.
Main Power Breaker Switch The main power supply circuit breaker.
Generally, this breaker remains ON, and the main switch (front side
of the instrument) is used for power ON/OFF.
Power Supply connection for the Power connection for the foreline pump.
Foreline Pump
Foreline Pump Breaker Switch The foreline pump instrument circuit breaker.
Generally, this switch is kept ON because MassHunter Workstation
controls the foreline pump power ON/OFF.
Vacuum Hose Connection from Connection for the foreline pump vacuum hose.
Foreline Pump
Connection of Foreline Pump Connection for the foreline pump exhaust hose.
Exhaust Hose
LAN Interface Connection port for the LAN Cable.
The LAN cable is connected between the ICP-MS and the
MassHunter Workstation PC.
Remote Port Connection port for the APG Remote cable.
It is possible for the ICP-MS to give notification regarding completion
of measurement preparations using contact output, and for the
ICP-MS instrument to start measurement using contact input with
respect to a connected device (LC, etc.).

On the bottom side of the instrument, there are handles that can be used when
NOTE carrying the instrument.

16 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

1 Overview
Part Names

Name of Gas Piping and Cooling Water Tubing

0004-i2

Figure 3. Name of Gas Piping and Cooling Water Tubing

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 17

1 Overview
Safety Symbols/Symboles de sécurité

Safety Symbols/Symboles de sécurité

These symbols, which have these meanings, may be marked on this instrument.
Ces symboles, dont les significations sont indiquées ci-dessous, peuvent être
apposés sur cet instrument.

: Protective grounding terminal

Borne de mise à la terre de protection
: Alternating current
Courant alternative
: ON (power)
Marche (secteur)
: OFF (power)
Arrêt (secteur)
: Standby (mains supply). The instrument is not completely
disconnected from the mains supply when the power switch
is in the standby position.
Veille (secteur) L'instrument n'est pas complètement
déconnecté du secteur lorsque l'interrupteur est en position
de veille
: Caution, refer to accompanying documentation
Attention, consultez la documentation jointe

: Hot Surface
Surface chaude

: Risk of electric shock

Risque d'électrocution

: Explosion hazard
Risque d'explosion

: Toxic material
Matières toxiques

18 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

1 Overview
Safety Symbols/Symboles de sécurité

: Corrosive liquid
Liquide corrosive

: Refer to accompanying documentation

Consultez la documentation jointe

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 19

1 Overview
Principle and Function

Principle and Function

Brief Overview

The following steps provide a brief overview of how the ICP-MS analyzes a
sample. More details are provided in later sections.
1 The sample solution is pumped into the inlet system where it is nebulized,
forming a fine sample aerosol.
2 A portion of the sample aerosol is carried by an Ar gas stream to the plasma
(ICP), where elements in the sample are ionized.
3 The sample ions are extracted from the plasma into a vacuum system
containing a quadrupole mass filter. The ions are transported by an ion optic
system to the analyzer where they are separated by their mass-to-charge ratio
(m/z).
4 The ions of a specific mass-to-charge ratio, that is, the ions of an element
selected by the analyzer, are counted by an electron multiplier detector.
5 The count rate obtained for the ions of the particular element is compared
with a calibration plot to give the concentration for that element in the sample
(for quantitative analysis).

20 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

1 Overview
Function of Components

Function of Components

This section describes the components of the Agilent 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS

in detail and in the sequence listed below:

Sample Introduction This creates a sample solution mist, and carries it into the ICP torch.
ICP Ion Source This ionizes the elements in the sample using plasma.
Interface/Vacuum This samples the generated ions in a vacuum.
System
Ion Lenses/ORS The ion lenses focus the ions and carry them into the ORS (Octopole Reaction
System). The ORS removes interference resulting from plasma and the sample
matrix.
Quadrupole This filters by the measured mass number of the ions.
Detector This detects the ion signals after they have passed through the quadrupole.
Vacuum System This system evens out the lower vacuum pressure of the interface chamber, the
ion lens chamber, and the analyzer chamber to transmit the ions.
RF Generator This system supplies RF power to the work coil to generate the plasma.

Interface
Interface Chamber Ion Lens Chamber
Skimmer Cone
Sampling Cone Ion Lenses ORS Quadrupole
RF Cell Gas Analyzer Chamber
ICP Ion Source Generator

Detector
EM (Electron
Gas Multiplier)
Controller Turbomolecular
Pump

Ar Gas Vacuum
Sample
Sample Foreline
Introduction Pump
7900_0419

Figure 4. System Diagram

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 21

1 Overview
Function of Components

Sample Introduction
The Agilent 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS features an on-board peristaltic pump that
controls the flow of sample solution into and waste (drain) out of the instrument.
The peristaltic pump continuously pumps the sample solution into the sample
introduction system. The solution passes into a nebulizer that disperses the
sample using a stream of argon gas referred to as nebulizer gas (also referred to
as carrier gas).

To Torch

Makeup Gas

Dilution Gas

Nebulizer
Sample

Spray Chamber
Nebulizer Gas
Drain
0001-i

Figure 5. Nebulizer and Spray Chamber (Concentric type)

A sample solution mist forms and passes through a double-pass spray chamber
where the larger sample droplets are removed by collision with the spray
chamber wall. To prevent the spray chamber from filling up with liquid, the
peristaltic pump drain channel constantly removes excess sample solution.
The Peltier cooler, a thermoelectric device, cools the spray chamber. This cooler
allows the temperature inside the chamber to be precisely controlled, which gives
the ICP-MS a very stable ion signal.
In addition, it also reduces the oxide ion generation, decreasing the load of water
vapor on the plasma, which in turn reduces the interference on certain analytes.
The makeup gas line is used to add argon gas to the nebulizer gas in the spray
chamber to analyze certain samples.
The dilution gas line is used to add argon gas to the nebulizer gas downstream of
the spray chamber to reduce the amount of sample aerosol delivered to the ICP
so that high matrix samples can be introduced to the mass analyzer.

22 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

1 Overview
Function of Components

ICP Ion Source

The fine sample aerosol that exits the spray chamber passes directly into the
injector tube of the horizontally mounted ICP torch. The ICP torch is comprised of
three concentric quartz tubes through which streams of argon pass. These three
gas streams are referred to as the plasma gas (also referred to as coolant gas),
auxiliary gas, and nebulizer gas. The nebulizer gas can be mixed with the makeup
gas or dilution gas as described in the previous section before flowing through
the injector tube, the innermost tube of the torch.

RF Field

Auxiliary Gas
Nebulizer Gas

RF Field
Ar Plasma Gas
RF Coil (Cooled) 7900_0420

Figure 6. ICP Torch and Load Coil

The end of the torch is situated inside the 3.5 turn induction coil (or, work coil),
through which a radio frequency (RF) current is passed. After seeding the plasma
with electrons, collisions of Ar atoms in the intense RF field generates and
sustains an argon plasma. The electrically grounded cylindrical metal plate is
inserted between the induction coil and the torch to minimize the capacitive
coupling between the coil and the plasma, that is, to establish “pure” inductively
coupled plasma.
In the center of the plasma, gas kinetic temperatures range from 4500 to 6500K,
depending on the nebulizer gas flow rate, the position relative to the coil, and the
RF power supplied to the plasma. The sample aerosol is instantaneously
desolvated and ionized. The argon plasma is a good source of singly charged
positive ions allowing most of the elements of interest to be ionized with an
efficiency of greater than 90 percent.
The plasma gas and auxiliary gas, which are the outer and intermediate gas
streams respectively, form the major part of the plasma. These two gases also
protect the outer tube and the injector tip of the torch from melting.
All the Argon gas supplies are gas controller controlled. This contributes to very
good signal stability.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 23

1 Overview
Function of Components

An optional gas mass flow controller (if installed) allows for the addition of mixed
nebulizer gases to the plasma. This can be useful for certain applications.

Interface/Vacuum System
After the analyte ions are formed, they are extracted into the first vacuum stage
through a hole in the front plate of the vacuum chamber referred to as the
sampling cone. Ions pass through the sampling cone together with Ar gas into
the interface, which is an expansion region evacuated by a foreline pump. The
ions then pass through a second orifice of the skimmer cone, which acts as a
differential aperture between the interface and intermediate vacuum stage. Ions
are extracted from the interface stage by two extraction lenses and focused onto
ORS by the ion lenses. The intermediate stage contains the ion lenses and ORS,
and is evacuated by a turbomolecular pump.

Ion Lenses
To achieve high signal sensitivity, the ion beam must be focused before entering
the ORS and then the quadrupole mass analyzer. The ion lenses perform the dual
role of focusing the ion beam and preventing photons and neutral species
(arising from the plasma) from reaching the detector, giving the ICP-MS very low
random background.

ORS
The ORS is an octopole ion guide contained within a metal vessel and
pressurized with a gas, most often He or H2. The ORS is positioned between the
ion lens assembly and the quadrupole mass filter. As ions from the sample enter
this cell, they interact with the gas, resulting in the reduction of spectral
interferences.

Quadrupole
The quadrupole mass analyzer consists of four long metal rods with a hyperbolic
cross section which are arranged parallel to each other, and have RF and DC
voltages applied to them. The rods act as a mass filter allowing only ions of a
specific mass-to-charge ratio to pass through the center of the quadrupole at a
certain combination of applied voltages. The ions of all other mass-to-charge
ratios are unstable and collide with the rods. These voltages are ramped very
rapidly, for example from 2 to 260amu within 10ms, so spectra of mass versus
intensity can be obtained for all elements virtually simultaneously.

24 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

1 Overview
Function of Components

Detector
After passing through the quadrupole, ion signals are measured by the electron
multiplier detector.
The electron multiplier (EM) has many dynodes. When an ion enters the EM, the
ion hits the first dynode and a shower of electrons is generated. The electrons
then hit the next dynode generating more electrons. After going through a series
of dynodes, the multiplied electrons are detected as an electrical signal.
Both the quadrupole and detector are located in the analyzer stage, which is
evacuated by a turbo-molecular pump.

+ HV

Pulse

Ion
M+ e-
e-
- HV
Electron
Analog

Figure 7. Electron Multiplier

Depending on the concentration of the analytes in the sample being measured,

the detector operates in one of two modes:
• Pulse mode for low concentrations where ions are counted as electrical
pulses.
• Analog mode for high concentrations where electrical current is measured as
ion signals.

Vacuum System
The sample is ionized in the plasma and the ions go through the interface, the ion
lens, and the mass filter to the detector. A lower vacuum pressure in the vacuum
chamber is required to transmit the ions. The ICP-MS has a 3-stage vacuum
system which consists of the interface chamber, the ion lens chamber, and the
analyzer chamber.
Interface Chamber
The interface chamber is located between the sampling cone and the skimmer
cone. The foreline pump evacuates the interface chamber.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 25

1 Overview
Function of Components

Ion Lens Chamber

The ion lenses and the ORS are located in the ion lens chamber. The
turbomolecular pump evacuates the ion lens chamber.
Analyzer Chamber
The mass filter and the detector are located in the analyzer chamber.
The turbomolecular pump evacuates the analyzer chamber.
The foreline pump is also used for pumping the turbomolecular pump.

RF Generator
This system supplies RF power to the work coil to generate plasma.

26 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

2 Precautions
General Precautions 28

Precautions for Use 31

Protective Earth 31
Closing the Instrument Panels and Covers 31
Wearing Safety Glasses 31
Checking the Exhaust System 32
Handling Solvents Correctly 34
Checking the Drain Vessel 35
Compressed Gas Tanks 36
Storing Argon Safely 37
Cell Gas 38
Other Gas 39
Allowing the Hot Instrument to Cool 39
Torch Box Cover 39
Peristaltic Pump 40
Foreline Pump 40
Air Intake 40
Cautions for Toxic Materials 41
Moving the Agilent ICP-MS 44

Environmental Conditions, Compliance and Utility Requirements 45

Environmental Conditions 45

This chapter describes Safety Information, Environmental Conditions, and Utility

Requirements.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 27

2 Precautions
General Precautions

General Precautions

• If you have a pacemaker or similar implanted device, consult your physician

WAR N ING before using this instrument. This instrument can potentially affect
pacemaker operation.
• The power cord set that is shipped with this instrument cannot be used with
other products.
• Do not use any power cord other than that supplied with this instrument.

Do not edit or change instrument parameters with any software except

WAR N ING MassHunter.
This may result in impairment of the safety designs equipped in the
instrument.
Also take sufficient precautions if you customize MassHunter operations using
script files or other means.

The Agilent ICP-MS is a very safe instrument with many built-in protective
C AU T I O N features:
• A safety interlock shuts off the plasma if either of the top covers is opened
during operation.
• A plasma viewing window provides eye protection.
• Sensors monitor the water and argon flow rate and pressure. If the water
flow is too low to sufficiently cool the ICP-MS, or if the argon supply is
insufficient, the plasma is turned off automatically.
• There are fans to help ensure that the instrument's internal temperature
stays within the preset limits. The plasma is turned off automatically if any
of these fans, except the QP fan, fail.
• Temperature sensors on the exhaust vent, instrument inside, and intake
water line stop the plasma if overheating occurs.
• A manual switch shuts down the instrument immediately, even if the
MassHunter Workstation is inoperable.

In case of uncertainty about a specific fluid, that fluid should not be used until
C AU T I O N confirmation by the manufacturer that it will not present a Hazard.

28 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

2 Precautions
General Precautions

The bundled power supply cable and foreline pump power supply cable are for
C AU T I O N use exclusively with the ICP-MS. Do not use them for other devices or
instruments.

Dealing with liquid spills

C AU T I O N
Refer to and follow the safety instructions on the MSDS (Material Safety Data
Sheet) when available. Keep the instrument and the area around it clean.
Simple spills such as foreline pump oil may be cleaned with a dry cloth, to be
disposed of according to local regulations. In the case of large spills, use of a
spill kit is recommended.

Before using any cleaning or decontamination methods except those specified

C AU T I O N by Agilent, please confirm with Agilent that the proposed method will not
damage the equipment.

To shut down the instrument quickly, turn OFF the main switch located on the
NOTE lower center of the front panel. To switch the instrument to Standby mode and/or
Shutdown mode without using MassHunter Workstation, a “Vacuum ON/OFF
Switch” is available on the front panel inside. For positioning of the Vacuum
ON/OFF Switch, refer to Figure 1 on page 13.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 29

2 Precautions
General Precautions

• A sensor monitors the radio frequency (RF) generator and shuts it down if it
C AU T I O N is improperly matched to the RF coil.
• A fiber-optic sensor shuts off the RF high voltage power whenever the
plasma is not present or is turned off manually.
The ICP-MS MassHunter Workstation displays warning messages when the
sensors first detect a problem, enabling you to stop work before the
shutdown limits are reached.
• The parameters displayed in the instrument control window change from
green to yellow/red as the shutdown limits are approached/reached.
In addition to the above safety features, the following precautions should
always be taken during operation or maintenance:
• Check acid concentration. Continuous aspiration of a highly concentrated
acid might attack the inside of the instrument.
• Close the instrument covers and panels before operation.
• Check the exhaust system for a positive extraction at the exhaust duct.
• Handle solvents correctly.
• Check the drain vessel frequently.
• Check the condition of the pipes, replace as needed.
Pay close attention to the cautions and warnings within this manual and the
MassHunter Workstation online Help.

30 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

2 Precautions
Precautions for Use

Precautions for Use

Protective Earth

Connecting the ICP-MS to a power source that is not equipped with a

WAR N ING protective earth contact creates a shock hazard for the operator and can
damage the ICP-MS. Likewise, interrupting the protective conductor of the
ICP-MS or overriding the power cord ground creates a shock hazard for the
operator and can damage the instrument.

Closing the Instrument Panels and Covers

Close the instrument top covers before starting the plasma. Because the
instrument can be optimized entirely via MassHunter Workstation, there is no
need to open the front and side panels or cover after the plasma is ignited. In
addition, a safety interlock shuts off the plasma if the cover is lifted.

The external covers of the instrument protect the operator from internal
WAR N ING hazards while the instrument is in operation. Exposure to high voltage and
radio frequency radiation from the RF power supply is present and can be very
dangerous.

Wearing Safety Glasses

Eye Hazard
WAR N ING
Always wear appropriate safety glasses when handling sample solutions and
other chemicals, or when the plasma is on, in order to minimize the risk of eye
damage by hazardous liquids and exposure to ultraviolet rays.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 31

2 Precautions
Checking the Exhaust System

Checking the Exhaust System

Asphyxiation Hazard
WAR N ING
Laboratory must be equipped with ventilation system to supply continuous and
sufficient fresh air from outside to prevent user from asphyxiation.

Health Hazard, Asphyxiation Hazard

WAR N ING
Laboratory must be equipped with exhaust system to remove harmful gases
via a scrubber system to outside of the laboratory, to prevent user from
asphyxiation. User safety requires that the exhaust gases from the plasma and
vacuum systems be vented externally to the building and not recirculated by
the environmental control system. Health hazards include chemical toxicity of
solvents, samples, and foreline pump fluid vapor.

Health Hazard
WAR N ING
If the exhaust system stops for any reason, immediately shut off all gas
supplies at the source.
• Do not turn off the exhaust system while gas supplies are on.
• Do not cover the holes for air intake on the ICP-MS.
• If the exhaust fan is inoperable or there is insufficient air flow, do not start
the ICP-MS until the appropriate maintenance personnel have repaired the
problem.

The exhaust system must remain on at all times while the ICP-MS is on: in
NOTE Analysis mode, Standby mode and Shutdown mode.

Noxious Gases
WAR N ING
If the exhaust system stops for any reason while the vacuum pump or ICP-MS
are still running, immediately turn on the exhaust system or turn off the pump
and instrument. If inadequate ventilation occurs, vaporized pump fluid, ozone,
and other toxic combustion products will accumulate in the laboratory.
Hydrofluoric acid (HF) fumes, if inhaled, cause extensive burning of lung
tissue.

32 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

2 Precautions
Checking the Exhaust System

Explosion Hazard
WAR N ING
The laboratory exhaust system must always be operational and connected to
the instrument exhaust vent. Potential health hazards and the risk of
explosions may occur if exhaust gases are incorrectly ventilated.

Personal Injury Hazard

WAR N ING
Check that the hinge for the cover is operating correctly. If the exhaust system
does not operate correctly, oil mist may cause the hinge of the small flip-up
cover to malfunction, which may result in personal injury.
• If you find any problems, please contact Agilent.
• Do not disconnect the exhaust hose from the foreline pump.

Toxic Gases
WAR N ING
Immediately turn off the gas supplies at the source in the event the exhaust
system is stopped for any reason. Refer to “Appendix H. Hydrogen Safety
Guide” on page 165 and “Appendix I. Ammonia Safety Guide” on page 167.
These, and other gases which may be used with the ICP-MS present a variety
of risks.

Condensation
C AU T I O N
Ensure that the exhaust system is working correctly at all times. Instrument
damage from condensation may occur due to reverse flow through the exhaust
system.

Exhaust venting must comply with all local environmental and safety codes.
IMPORTANT Contact your Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) specialist.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 33

2 Precautions
Handling Solvents Correctly

Handling Solvents Correctly

Organic and aqueous solvents can be hazardous if handled improperly.

WAR N ING Unskilled, improper, or careless use of flammable solvents can create
explosion hazards and fire hazards. This can result in death, or severe personal
injury or burns. Always follow the precautions listed below to protect both
operator and instrument:
• Read the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for each solvent used.
• Prepare samples and transfer acids under a fume hood with adequate
extraction.
• Wear gloves when handling acids or solvents.
• Wear safety glasses when handling any liquids.
• Cover volatile samples to minimize exposure to fumes and possible
explosion hazard.
• Clean any spillage immediately using the approved laboratory procedures.
• Store and prepare samples away from the instrument to prevent corrosion.
• Use sample uptake tubing that is compatible with the sample solvent being
pumped.
• Solvent spillage into instrument: please call the customer contact center.
Acid digestion at atmospheric or increased pressure require these additional
precautions:
• Apply heat slowly, watching for a possible reaction after each increase in
temperature.
• Drip a second acid or washing aid slowly into a hot sample while watching
for signs of a vigorous reaction.
• Cool the digested sample before you transfer it, or dilute it slowly with
water.
• Never use perchloric acid in a pressure digestion.

When using Organic solvents, extra caution should be observed. If the spray
WAR N ING chamber drain is not pumped properly, the excess flammable solvents in the
spray chamber may ignite and/or become explosive. If the torch injector clogs,
the increased pressure in the spray chamber may cause the end cap to blow off
exposing the solvent to ignition.

34 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

2 Precautions
Checking the Drain Vessel

Checking the Drain Vessel

The drain vessel contains the spray chamber effluent, which can be toxic.
WAR N ING Improper handling of the vessel can result in a serious explosion or fire if
incompatible substances accumulate. Corrosion of the vessel and connecting
tube can result in leaks that may damage the instrument or cause bodily harm.
If the effluent collected in the drain vessel contains toxic materials or solvents,
follow approved laboratory procedures to safely dispose of this hazardous
waste.
Ensure that the drain bottle is adequately ventilated (by the lab ventilation
system, the same as for the ICP-MS mainframe) to deal with vapors from the
bottle.
Clean the drain vessel every time you empty it by thoroughly flushing it with
water. If it contained organic solvents, wash the drain vessel in acetone and
allow it to dry.
Follow the procedures below to avoid exposure to the contents of the drain
vessel:
• When using organic solvent, please use a suitably sized waste container of
appropriately resistant material for the collection of organic solvent.
• Place the drain vessel on the instrument table, where it is easy to check the
liquid level.
• Tightly connect the drainage tubing from the spray chamber around the
peristaltic pump to the drain vessel. Do not crimp the tubing.
• Check the drain vessel frequently. Empty it before you ignite the plasma.
• Be aware of the nature of the vessel contents. If the contents are toxic,
dispose of them as hazardous waste. Also, always empty the vessel when
switching from aqueous to organic sample solutions.
• Check the tubing and vessel for deterioration. If the tubing becomes brittle
or cracked, replace it. Organic solvents generally cause more rapid
deterioration than aqueous solutions.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 35

2 Precautions
Compressed Gas Tanks

Compressed Gas Tanks

Do not set the cell gas supply pressure higher than the specification of the
WAR N ING ICP-MS instrument.

Compressed gas tanks must be handled with care. The contents of the
WAR N ING cylinders also may be hazardous, depending on the gases you choose to use.
All compressed gases (other than air) can create a hazard if they leak into the
atmosphere. Even small leaks in gas supply systems can be dangerous. Any
leak can create an explosion hazard, a fire hazard, or can result in an
oxygen-deficient atmosphere. Such hazards can cause death, serious injury,
asphyxiation, anesthetic effects, and serious damage to equipment and
property.

Consult the cylinder, regulator and/or gas supplier for additional safety
WAR N ING measures and ensure all staff are fully familiarized with all safety precautions.

36 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

2 Precautions
Storing Argon Safely

Storing Argon Safely

Argon, which is used to create the plasma, is a dangerous gas only if it

WAR N ING displaces the air you are breathing or is mishandled in its storage cylinder.
Take the following precautions to prevent an explosion or suffocation hazard:
• Secure the cylinder valve caps and move the cylinder with an approved
handcart.
• Gas cylinders releases release gas through a pressure-relief device under
excessive heat. Always follow the gas supplier's recommendations for
storage and use temperatures.
• Make sure that cylinders stored outside are not in direct sunlight or
subjected to extreme temperatures. Place the cylinder on a level surface
above ground.
• Attach the argon hoses tightly to both the instrument and gas source. Route
the hoses so they cannot be damaged or crimped. Check for leaks using an
electronic leak detector or pressure test.
• Make sure that there is adequate ventilation around the gas cylinders,
especially if they are placed in a small storeroom.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 37

2 Precautions
Cell Gas

Cell Gas

Health Hazard
WAR N ING
The exhaust gas tubing from foreline pump must be always connected to the
rear port of the ICP-MS instrument to ensure that the cell gas evacuated by the
foreline pump is exhausted via the external duct. Health hazards include the
possibility of flammable, toxic or asphyxiating gas entering the room air.

Health Hazard
WAR N ING
Close all gas supply valves to the ICP-MS instrument before turning off the
vacuum system. Health hazards include the possibility of flammable, toxic or
asphyxiating gas accumulating in the vacuum chamber or instrument
enclosure.
Individual stop valves must be installed for all gas lines for each individual
ICP-MS instrument.

Flammable gas (e.g. Hydrogen) and combustion-supporting gas (e.g. Oxygen)

WAR N ING must always be placed in separate safety cabinets.

Fully and strictly adhere to all local and national regulations and guidelines for
WAR N ING the proper storage, handling and transport of all gases.

38 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

2 Precautions
Other Gas

Other Gas

• All Gases must be handled with care.

WAR N ING
• Refer to “Appendix H. Hydrogen Safety Guide” on page 165 and “Appendix I.
Ammonia Safety Guide” on page 167. Pay careful attention to safety
management when using these gases.
• Only 80/20 mix of Ar/O2 should be used for the option gas. If higher
concentrations of oxygen gas are used, there is an increased risk of
explosion or fire.
• Refer to the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) for all gases for safe
handling information.
• Check for gas leaks periodically using the appropriate tools (leak detector,
pressure test, etc.)

Allowing the Hot Instrument to Cool

The torch and interface remain hot after the plasma is turned OFF. Do not
WAR N ING touch the torch box or interface cones for 10 minutes after turning off the
plasma to let them cool.

Torch Box Cover

Always re-attach the torch box cover after maintenance. This cover reduces
C AU T I O N the emission noise from the plasma.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 39

2 Precautions
Peristaltic Pump

Peristaltic Pump

Take care when you open and close the clamp of the peristaltic pump.
WAR N ING Otherwise, you could get your finger caught between the stator and the rotator,
or between the stator and the stopper.

Foreline Pump

Foreline Pump oil is flammable. Keep away from fire.

WAR N ING

The pump oil may be very hot. Direct skin contact may cause burns.
WAR N ING
If foreline pump oil is accidentally spilled on skin, in mouth, or eyes; wash
immediately and thoroughly and seek expert medical attention.

The surface of the Foreline Pump may be HOT, do not touch the pump until it
WAR N ING has cooled.

Air Intake

Do not cover the holes for air intake on the ICP-MS.

C AU T I O N

40 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

2 Precautions
Cautions for Toxic Materials

Cautions for Toxic Materials

There is a toxic hazard associated with disposal of components that contain

WAR N ING beryllium or polyvinyl chloride (PVC.) Use caution to dispose of components
that contain these materials.
The following components used in this instrument contain beryllium
compounds (Table 4) or PVC (Table 5):

Part numbers listed may be manufacturing part numbers (non-orderable; subject

NOTE to change). As necessary, use the part description to identify components listed
in tables 2 and 3 for disposal.

Table 4. Parts list including beryllium compounds

WAR N ING
Agilent P/N Description
G3280-40460 Feedthrough for Quad
G3280-60025 QPHV-1 Cable Assy
G3280-60026 QPHV-2 Cable Assy
G3280-60361 Power Sensor Assy for RF
G3280-60406 Wire Assy for Quad Cable 1
G3280-60407 Wire Assy for Quad Cable 2
G3280-60408 Wire Assy for Pre-Filter Cable 1
G3280-60409 Wire Assy for Pre-Filter Cable 2
G3280-60630 Hermetic Assy
G3280-60808 Capacitor Assy
G3280-60809 Capacitor Assy
G3280-60810 Capacitor Assy
G3280-61011 RF Combiner-A PCA
G3280-65001 Detector PCA
G3280-65017 RF Power Module PCA
G3280-65031 QP Detector PCA
G3280-65237 Cell Driver PCA
G3280-65250 Entrance PCA
G3280-80101 Opt Gas Flw Ctlr (80 Ar/20 O2) w/Inlet Valve
G3280-80102 NH3 Mass Flow Controller

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 41

2 Precautions
Cautions for Toxic Materials

Table 5. Parts list including PVC

WAR N ING
Agilent P/N Description
0890-2417 Vinyl Tube 5 mm ID x 8 mm OD
5042-0917 Sample Uptake Tubing for sample intro,12 pk
5042-4709 Tubing
5043-0015 Flared Sample uptake tube, id 0.25
5064-8091 Motor Assy
5064-8099 5 Port Solenoid Valve
5182-7263 FAN 109R1224H141
G1833-80217 HVB51X0340-FL-248390
G1833-80388 VINYL CASE 280 x 110
G1833-80413 SPRING HOSE TE 25 x 33 x L 1.5 m
G1833-80414 SPRING HOSE TE 25 x 33 x L3 m
G1833-80422 HOSE NCB 12-10 m
G1833-80423 HOSE NCB 12-3 m
G3270-61020 Cable for Ar AMFC
G3280-60027 QP Detector Signal Cable
G3280-60028 QP Detector Power Cable
G3280-60029 QP RF Signal Cable
G3280-60030 QP Tank Diagnostic Cable
G3280-60031 QP DC Cable
G3280-60032 RF Power Sensor Cable Assy
G3280-60033 Unbalance Cable Assy
G3280-60034 RF Drive Power Cable Assy
G3280-60036 Cable: RF to MNB (for Phase Signal)
G3280-60037 XY Motor Cable Harness Assy
G3280-60038 Z Motor Cable Assy
G3280-60039 XY Start Pos Sensor Cable Assy
G3280-60040 Z Pos Sensor Cable Assy
G3280-60041 RF+48 V Monitor Cable Assy
G3280-60047 Cable: Main Board to ORS Board
G3280-60048 Cable: Main Board to Quad Board
G3280-60049 Cable: Power Supply to Connection Board
G3280-60050 Cable: Sample Intro Brd to S/C Connector
G3280-60051 Cable: Intro Board to 1st PeriPump
G3280-60052 Pulse Driver Cable

42 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

2 Precautions
Cautions for Toxic Materials

Table 5. Parts list including PVC (continued)

Agilent P/N Description

G3280-60054 Pulse Cable: Detector Board to Main Board
G3280-60055 Cable: (Flat) for HV Board Connection
G3280-60059 Power Cord w/IEC60309 plug and connector
G3280-60060 Power Cord (w/IEC60309 and NEMA L6-30P)
G3280-60061 Cable: Main Board to Connection Board
G3280-60062 Cable: Main Board to Connection Board, 1
G3280-60063 Cable: Main Board to Connection Board, 2
G3280-60065 Cable: HV Board A to HV Board B
G3280-60066 QP 48 V Cable
G3280-60067 Thermo Sensor
G3280-60205 Cbl: XYZ Init Sw/Small Cvr Sens-Intro Bd
G3280-60207 Cbl: Turbo Pump On/Off Sw-Connection Bd
G3280-60310 Inlet Temperature Sensor
G3280-60319 Fan assy for MNB
G3280-60371 Cable assy for cell driver
G3280-60801 Switch and Valve Harness
G3280-60802 Harness Cbl: XYZ Bd/RF Gen/Int Bd-Main Bd
G3280-60803 Cable: Octopole Driver Board Connection
G3280-60804 Cable: Plasma RF 48V Line
G3280-60805 Cover Switch Interlock
G3280-60811 Cable for Pirani Gauge
G3280-65017 RF Power Module PCA
G3280-65245 HV Board B (PCA)
G3280-80000 Power Supply
G3280-80006 Motor for MNB
G3280-80300 Motor for XYZ
G3280-80480 Vacuum Hose (Housing to Vacuum Manifold)
G3280-80482 Vacuum Hose (Turbo Pump to Backing Valve
G3280-80501 Vacuum Hose for Interface
9499330M008 Foreline Pump (DS402)
9499225M006 Foreline Pump (MS40+)

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 43

2 Precautions
Moving the Agilent ICP-MS

Moving the Agilent ICP-MS

Observe the precautions below when relocating the ICP-MS.

C AU T I O N
• Make sure the Main Power Breaker (located on the rear) is turned OFF
before moving the instrument.
• Make sure all the cables between other units are unplugged and the utility
tubing are disconnected before moving equipment.
• At time of installation, and upon instrument movement, please check for
leaks using an appropriate device.
• Before moving the instrument, secure the torch box using the shipping
clamp.

The ICP-MS is heavy (about 100 kg), so if you need to lift the instrument, it
WAR N ING should be lifted by at least 4 people or with a mechanical lifter.

If the exhaust fan is inoperable or there is insufficient air flow, do not start the
WAR N ING plasma until the appropriate maintenance personnel have rectified the
problem.
Do not cover the holes for air intake on the ICP-MS.

44 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

2 Precautions
Environmental Conditions, Compliance and Utility Requirements

Environmental Conditions, Compliance and

Utility Requirements

Environmental Conditions

This instrument is for indoor use only.

This equipment meets the following IEC classifications:
• Pollution Degree 2 (See Note.)
• Installation Category II (See Note.)
• Equipment Class 1

“Pollution level” describes the degree to which a solid, liquid, or gas which
NOTE deteriorates dielectric strength is adhering. “2” applies to a normal indoor
atmosphere.
“Installation category” implies the regulation for impulse withstand voltage. It is
also called the “Over voltage category”. “II” applies to electrical equipment
This equipment requires the following space for ventilation, maintenance access,
and easy access to the Main Power Breaker Switch. There must be a clear space
of at least 60 cm (24 in) on all sides of the equipment. The bench in your
laboratory must be able to support the entire ICP-MS system and other
laboratory equipment.

Electromagnetic Compatibility
EN55011/CISPR11
Group 1 ISM equipment: group 1 contains all ISM equipment in which there is
intentionally generated and/or used conductively coupled radio-frequency energy
which is necessary for the internal functioning of the equipment itself.
Class A equipment is equipment suitable for use in all establishments other than
domestic and those directly connected to a low voltage power supply network
which supplies buildings used for domestic purposes.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 45

2 Precautions
Environmental Conditions

This device complies with the requirements of CISPR11, Group 1, Class A as

radiation professional equipment. Therefore, there may be potential difficulties in
ensuring electromagnetic compatibility in other environments, due to conducted
as well as radiated disturbances.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
1 This device may not cause harmful interference.
2 This device must accept any interference received, including interference that
may cause undesired operation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try one or more of the following measures:
1 Relocate the radio or antenna.
2 Move the device away from the radio or television.
3 Plug the device into a different electrical outlet, so that the device and the
radio or television are on separate electrical circuits.
4 Make sure that all peripheral devices are also certified.
5 Make sure that appropriate cables are used to connect the device to
peripheral equipment.
6 Consult your equipment dealer, Agilent Technologies, or an experienced
technician for assistance.
7 Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Agilent Technologies
could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

EMC Declaration for South Korea

사용자안내문
This equipment has been evaluated for its suitability for use in a commercial
environment.
When used in a domestic environment, there is a risk of radio interference.
이 기기는 업무용 환경에서 사용할 목적으로 적합성평가를 받은 기기로서
가정용 환 경에서 사용하는 경우 전파간섭의 우려가 있습니다.

ICES/NMB-001
This ISM device complies with Canadian ICES-001.
Cet appareil ISM est conforme à la norme NMB-001 du Canada.

46 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

2 Precautions
Environmental Conditions

Sound Emission Certification for Federal Republic of Germany

Sound pressure
Sound pressure Lp < 70 dB(A) according to DIN EN ISO 7779.

Schalldruckpegel
Schalldruckpegel LP < 70 dB(A) nach DIN EN ISO 7779.

Electrical Power (Voltage, Frequency, Amperage, Phase)

200-240 VAC, 50/60 Hz, 30 A, single phase
Supply voltage fluctuations are not exceed 10 % of the nominal supply voltage.

Argon Gas Supply

Minimum Purity: 99.99 %
Maximum Flow Rate: 20 L/min
Supply Pressure: 500 to 700 kPa

Cell Gas Supply

Gas: Helium, Hydrogen
Minimum Purity: 99.999 %
Maximum Flow Rate: He 12 mL/min, H2 10 mL/min
Typical Pressure: He 90-130 kPa, H2 20-60 kPa

Cooling Water
Inlet Temperature: 15 to 40 °C
Inlet Pressure: 230 to 400 kPa
Minimum Flow Rate: 5.0 L/min

Exhaust Duct
Extraction Flow Rate: 5 to 7 m3/min

Foreline Pump
Current Rating: 5 A

Do not use any foreline pump except those specified by Agilent for use with the
C AU T I O N Agilent ICP-MS.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 47

2 Precautions
Environmental Conditions

The rated current of foreline pumps (for use other than with the Agilent ICP-MS):
NOTE 6.0 A for MS40+; 6.8 A for DS402; 7.0 A for Dry pump (NeoDry36E), but the above
listed rating of 5 A is applicable for use with the Agilent ICP-MS.

48 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Scheduling Maintenance 50

Managing the Maintenance 53

Maintenance Clocks 53
Maintenance Log 55

Preparation before Maintenance 57

Peristaltic Pump Area 58

Sample Uptake Tubing 59
Sample Line Connector Block 63
Internal Standard Tubing Kit 66

Nebulizer and Spray Chamber 69

Nebulizer 70
Spray Chamber 72

Torch Area 76
Torch 77
RF Coil 82
Testing Plasma Ignition 85

Interface 86
Sampling Cone and Skimmer Cone 87

Extraction Lens-Omega Lens Assembly 97

Maintaining the Other Parts 104

Foreline Pump (MS40+) for 7800/7850/7900 104
Foreline Pump (NeoDry36E) for 7900 112
Water Strainer 114

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 49

3 Maintenance
Scheduling Maintenance

Scheduling Maintenance

Routine maintenance extends the operating life of the components, and lets the
Agilent 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS perform at optimum level.
The following table shows the maintenance items/frequency for the ICP-MS.
Table 6. Maintenance Schedule

Frequency Component Task/Action Remarks

Daily Argon gas Check argon gas pressure

(As a matter of routine, check daily and volume
before starting work and over the
course of daily analysis) Drain vessel Check, empty if required Refer to note in Chapter 2,
“Precautions”

Sample uptake tubing Check for

damage/deterioration

Weekly Sampling cone, Skimmer cone Check orifice for foreign Clean when necessary
matter, deformation and
enlargement

Monthly Foreline Pump Check oil level and color.

Check the exhaust hose from
foreline pump is not
damaged, not clogged, and
surely connected.
Check that the ballast valve is
open. (Only for NeoDry36E)

Nebulizer Run Nebulizer test, take

appropriate action as
indicated

Shield contact, Torch box Clean

contact plate Replace shield plate as
needed

Cooling fluid Check level and condition*1

6 Months Foreline Pump Change oil (refer to

page 104)

Annually Foreline Pump oil mist filter Check / replace mist filter

Water strainer Check and clean

Cooling Fluid Replace

50 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Scheduling Maintenance

Table 6. Maintenance Schedule (continued)

Frequency Component Task/Action Remarks

4 Years Foreline Pump (NeoDry36E) Maintenance free for 4 years Replace the pump as
needed*2

Periodically Sample Introduction area parts: Clean

(Maintenance frequency of these such as Spray chamber, End
components is highly dependent cap
on lab conditions, sample
throughput, and sample type. They Torch Clean Replace as needed
should be checked periodically, at
Electron Multiplier Check Replace as needed*3
least on an annual basis, and
appropriate action taken) Plasma gas, auxiliary gas Check Replace as needed
tubing

Argon gas filter Replace Replace as needed

Graphite gasket Replace Replace when surface or

shape is damaged.

Extraction/Omega Lenses Check Clean as needed

(refer to page 97)

Octopole Replace Replace as needed

Cell entrance lens, Cell exit lens, Clean Clean as needed

Plate bias lens, Deflect lens

*1 Generally the cooling fluid requires replacement annually, however, if the cooling fluid shows noticeable
deterioration it may be necessary to replace sooner.
*2Contact your Agilent representative for the pump replacement after 4 years use.
*3 Contact your Agilent representative to arrange engineer visit if replacement needed. Note: The time for EM
replacement can be judged by the EM voltage (Analog HV and Pulse HV). The EM can be used until the
Analog HV reaches 3500 V or the Pulse HV reaches 2000 V, after adjusting the EM voltage. However, it is
recommended to replace EM well in advance.

Refer to the following sections on Maintenance for further guidance about when
NOTE maintenance may be needed.

The maintenance frequency is highly dependent on lab conditions, sample

throughput, and sample type.

Depending on the samples introduced, the foreline pump oil may degrade
C AU T I O N sooner than normal and turn black in color. Change the oil before the six-month
period if this occurs. Continued use with degraded oil may result in damage to
the foreline pump. Be aware that coverage does not extend to maintenance
neglect.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 51

3 Maintenance
Scheduling Maintenance

The frequency of maintenance indicated for these parts is a general guideline

NOTE only. Actual cleaning regimen may be infrequent, dependant on local
lab/workload variables.

This chapter contains operator maintenance procedures for the ICP-MS.

To repair any component not listed, call your Agilent Technologies service
representative.
For maintenance of the computer workstation or a peripheral, refer to the
manuals for that equipment.

52 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Managing the Maintenance

Managing the Maintenance

Maintenance Clocks

Use the MassHunter Workstation software to help determine your maintenance

schedule.
The MassHunter software can display messages to notify you of the
maintenance schedule such as changing the foreline pump oil, cleaning the
sampling cone, etc. MassHunter generates messages based on the total time of
plasma ignition, vacuum operation and the lapse of time.

Viewing the EMF (Early Maintenance Feedback) Screen

1 Select Panes > Instrument Status from the Layout group on the View tab.The
Instrument Status pane appears.

Figure 8.

You can also open the Instrument Status pane by clicking Status Viewer from
NOTE the Layout group on the View tab and then clicking EMF in the Status Viewer
dialog box.

2 Click EMF button in the Instrument Status pane, and the elapsed time
indication screen appears. Click the Setting icon.

Figure 9.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 53

3 Maintenance
Maintenance Clocks

3 The Set Early Maintenance Feedback dialog box appears.

Figure 10. Set Early Maintenance Feedback dialog box

Refer to online Help for more information and configuration.

54 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Maintenance Log

Maintenance Log

In MassHunter Workstation, it is possible to save, display and delete

maintenance-related comments and logs.
1 Click Hardware > Dashboard on the Task Navigator.
2 Click the Mainframe illustration on the Dashboard pane, and then click
Maintenance Log.
The Maintenance table appears.

Figure 11.

You can also open the Maintenance table by clicking Settings from the Settings
NOTE group on the Tools tab and then clicking Hardware > Mainframe > Maintenance
Log in the Settings dialog box.

3 Click the Add Maintenance Log button on the toolbar.

Figure 12.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 55

3 Maintenance
Maintenance Log

4 The Add Maintenance Log dialog box appears.

Figure 13. Add Maintenance Log dialog box

Refer to online Help for more information.

56 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Preparation before Maintenance

Preparation before Maintenance

Before performing any maintenance on the ICP-MS, be sure to take any

necessary precautions. Please refer also to Chapter 2 “Precautions” in this
manual.
• When carrying out any maintenance related to sample introduction, the torch
box area and/or interface, put the instrument into Standby mode. When
working inside the vacuum chamber, put the instrument into Shutdown mode
and turn OFF the instrument using the main switch.
• The torch box and interface will be HOT directly after analysis so wait at least
10 minutes before performing any maintenance.
• Always wear gloves when cleaning the lenses or other components to prevent
contamination. Use gloves that are powder free and made of ethanol or other
solvent-resistant material.
Always wear protective equipment such as safety glasses and protective
clothing, when handling acids and other chemicals.
• Prepare any tools or equipment you will need in advance, in order to carry out
the maintenance efficiently. Use clean tools that have been degreased.
Before replacing a part, first confirm that you have the correct replacement
component.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 57

3 Maintenance
Peristaltic Pump Area

Peristaltic Pump Area

In sample introduction area, maintain the following items:

• Replacing the sample uptake tubing.
• Cleaning and exchanging of the nebulizer, spray chamber, and end cap.
It is important to always keep the sample introduction parts clean.
Check the following points before maintenance.
If there is memory effect from a previously analyzed sample (a previous sample
still remains without being replaced), it is recommended to introduce a 1-5 %
contamination-free Nitric Acid solution in Analysis mode to clean the sample
introduction parts. Set peristaltic pump speed at 0.3 to 0.5 rps. Refer to the online
Help for more information about peristaltic pump speed setting.
After cleaning, check the memory in the tuning window. If there is no memory,
perform maintenance on the sample introduction parts, which is explained in the
following section.
Explanations regarding installation of the sample line connector block and
installation of the on-line internal standard kit are also provided in this section.

Handle fragile glass parts carefully.

C AU T I O N

Pure water used for cleaning is indicated as water that has been generated using
NOTE the ion-exchange method and a membrane filter, and has an electrical resistance
of at least 18 MΩ cm.

58 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Sample Uptake Tubing

Sample Uptake Tubing

When the peristaltic pump (peripump) no longer pumps the sample with an even
flow, wash or replace the pump tubing or readjust the pump clamps.
Change the sample uptake tubing in the following cases.
• When signal is unstable due to the pulsation.
• When the tubing is cracked or damaged.
• When the tubing becomes too loose to uptake a solution.
• When the inside of the tubing is damaged and dregs are released.
• When it is impossible to remove sample memory.
This is especially important if you keep using old tubing. The inside tends to
come off and cause the nebulizer to become clogged. It is recommended to
replace the sample uptake tubing frequently.
There are three kinds of sample uptake tubing: (the colors of the tube stoppers
are indicated in parentheses)
• Sample tube: white-white, 1.02 mm i.d.
• Internal standard tube: orange-blue, 0.25 mm i.d.
* Set the maximum number of pump revolutions for the internal standard
tube at 0.3 rps.
• Drain the tube: yellow-blue, 1.52 mm i.d.

Some chemicals attack the sample uptake tubing. This might cause leakage in
C AU T I O N the sample introduction and drain line, and cause corrosion of the sample
introduction system.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 59

3 Maintenance
Sample Uptake Tubing

Cleaning
The sample uptake tubing has to be washed prior to use. The common way is to
soak it in a 5 % Nitric Acid (v/v) solution for two or three days. If HCl is used, Sn is
eluted from the tubing. In this block, 3 % HCl (v/v) should be pumped at 0.1 rps
for an hour or less through the new sample uptake tube.

An alternative way of washing is to pump a 5 % Nitric Acid solution through the

NOTE tubing at 0.1 rps after installation. In this block, do not use the peristaltic pump
until no stains are found inside the tubing.

Installation

To Nebulizer
To Drain Vessel
Knob to Adjust the Clamp Tension

Levers

Clamps

Rollers
Sample Uptake Tubing
for Drain
Sample Uptake Tubing Direction of Rotation
for Sample

PTFE Tubing for Sample 7900_0070

Figure 14. Peristaltic Pump

60 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Sample Uptake Tubing

Installing the Drain Tube

1 Observe the direction of rotation of the peristaltic pump as indicated by the
arrow on top of the pump.
2 Note the installed position of the tubes.
Facing the pump, the drain tube is on the right, the sample tube is on the left,
and the sample tube for the internal standard solution is in the middle (when
install it.)
3 Hang the upstream drain tube stopper on the back of the peristaltic pump.
Stretch the tube over the roller and hang the downstream drain tube stopper
on the front of the peristaltic pump.
4 Clamp the tube by dropping the lever.
Re-check the direction of the peristaltic pump rotation, and confirm that the
drain flows toward the drain vessel.

Installing the Sample Tube

1 Connect the two sections of the sample tubing to the sample uptake tube.
2 Hang the upstream sample tube stopper on the back of the peristaltic pump.
Stretch the tube over the roller and hang the downstream sample tube
stopper on the front of the peristaltic pump.
3 Finally close the tube clamps.
Re-check the direction of the peristaltic pump rotation, and confirm that the
sample flows toward the nebulizer.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 61

3 Maintenance
Sample Uptake Tubing

Adjusting the Clamp Tension

1 Place the end of the sample tube into pure water.
2 Set the peristaltic pump speed to 0.1rps, and the nebulizer gas flow rate to
0L/min from the MassHunter screen.
• Click the Sample Introduction illustration in the Dashboard pane, and then
click Maintenance. Or click Settings from the Settings group on the Tools
tab and then click Hardware > Sample Introduction > Sample Introduction
Maintenance in the Settings dialog box.
The Sample Introduction Maintenance dialog box appears.

Figure 15. Sample Introduction Maintenance dialog box

The term "Carrier Gas" has been changed to "Nebulizer Gas" in MassHunter 4.4.
NOTE

62 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Sample Line Connector Block

In Analysis mode, check that the pure water is reaching the nebulizer and that
excess water is draining from the spray chamber. Liquid and gas should be
discharged alternately from the spray chamber.

Flow Direction

(Drain Vessel) (PeriPump)

Air Waste Solution

Figure 16.

3 To adjust the clamp tension, first loosen the clamp tension until a water flow
stops. Then slowly tighten the knob until the pump draws up the water again.
Finally tighten the sample knob an additional 1 to 2 turns, and the drain knob 2
to 3 more turns.

Sample Line Connector Block

The sample line connector block grounds the sample introduction tubing,
eliminating any build up of electrostatic charging, that could lead to signal
instability.
We will now demonstrate how to assemble the sample line connector block.

The connector block may be left in place when the block is bypassed.
NOTE For on-line addition of the internal standard solution, see the “Internal Standard
Tubing Kit” section.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 63

3 Maintenance
Sample Line Connector Block

Installation
1 Cut the ends of the PTFE tubing at a 90 degree angle to avoid leaking or
clogging.
2 Slide the PTFE nut, back ferrule and front ferrule onto the PTFE tubing. The
PTFE tubing should protrude between 0.5 and 1.0 mm beyond the front
ferrule.

Front & Back Ferrule PTFE Nut

PTFE Tubing

0.5 - 1.0mm
7700_0074

Figure 17. PTFE Nut, Front and Back Ferrule

3 Fully insert the end of the PTFE tubing into the connector block.
To reduce the amount of dead volume, keep the PTFE tubing pushed in as far
as possible while tightening the nut.
4 Follow the same procedure to connect the tube from the nebulizer. Screw the
supplied white plug into the connector block.
Connect the sample uptake tube to the opposite end of the supplied sample
tube.

(White Plug)
PTFE Tubing PTFE Tubing from Nebulizer

0.5 - 1.0mm

Connector Block Conductive Connector 7700_0075

Figure 18. Installing the tubing

64 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Sample Line Connector Block

5 Clip the connector block into the ground clamp.

Sample Line Connector Block

To Drain Vessel
To Nebulizer

Sample Uptake Tubing

for Drain
Sample Uptake Tubing
for Sample

PTFE Tubing for Sample 7900_0076

Figure 19. Clipping the connector block

Allow the sample to flow for about 1 minute then check each connection for
leaks.
Further tighten the PTFE nuts, if you discover a leak.
If the leak persists, check the ends of the tubing and re-trim any rough ends
before refitting.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 65

3 Maintenance
Internal Standard Tubing Kit

Internal Standard Tubing Kit

This kit is for the on-line addition of an internal standard solution. It also grounds
the sample line.

Internal Standard Solution Pump Tube

Sample Tube

PTFE Screw
Back Ferrule
Internal Standard Solution
Front Ferrule When Not Automatically
Added

Sample (Pump) Nebulizer

Internal Standard Connector Block 7700_0077

Figure 20. Tubing diagram

Installation
1 Cut the ends of the PTFE tubing at a 90 degree angle to avoid leaking or
clogging.
2 Slide the PTFE nut, back ferrule and front ferrule onto the PTFE tubing. The
PTFE tubing should protrude between 0.5 and 1.0 mm beyond the front
ferrule.

Front & Back Ferrule PTFE Nut

PTFE Tubing

0.5 - 1.0mm
7700_0074

Figure 21. PTFE Nut, Front and Back Ferrule

66 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Internal Standard Tubing Kit

3 Fully insert the end of the PTFE tubing into the connector block.
To reduce the amount of dead volume, keep the PTFE tubing pushed in as far
as possible while tightening the nut.
4 Follow the same procedure to install both the tube from the nebulizer and the
supplied sample tube to the connector block.

PTFE Tubing for Internal Standard

(0.3mm i.d.)

PTFE Tubing for Sample

(0.5mm i.d.) PTFE Tubing from Nebulizer

0.5 - 1.0mm

Connector Block Conductive Connector

7700_0078

Figure 22. Installing the tubing

5 Connect the sample uptake tube.

Fully insert the tapered end of the internal standard sample uptake tube.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 67

3 Maintenance
Internal Standard Tubing Kit

6 Clip the connector block into the ground clamp.

The sample uptake tube for internal standard is installed in the middle channel
on the peristaltic pump.
Check the direction of the peristaltic pump rotation, and make sure that the
internal standard solution flows toward the connector block.

Sample Line Connector Block

To Nebulizer
Sample Uptake Tubing for Drain

Sample Uptake Tubing

for Internal Standard

Sample Uptake Tubing for Sample

Sample Uptake Tubing for Sample Sample Uptake Tubing for Drain
PTFE Tubing for Sample

Tubing for Internal Standard 7900_0079

Figure 23. Installing the connector block

Allow the sample to flow for about 1 minute then check each connection for
leaks.
Further tighten the PTFE nuts if you discover a leak.
If the leak persists, check the ends of the tubing, and re-trim any rough ends
before refitting.

68 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Nebulizer and Spray Chamber

Nebulizer and Spray Chamber

The nebulizer and spray chamber need to be cleaned if memory effects are
observed after running high matrix samples, or when ultimate detection limits
(ppt) are necessary.
The nebulizer and spray chamber are located in the open area of the sample
introduction part on the left of the instrument. The spray chamber is tilted to
facilitate drainage. This section contains steps to maintain the MicroMist and
PFA Concentric nebulizers, as well as the standard and inert spray chambers.
In this section, the following two kinds of nebulizers are described. The required
argon gas pressure is 500 to 700 kPa.
• MicroMist nebulizer
• PFA Concentric nebulizer
There are two kinds of materials for the spray chamber, quartz and PFA.

• As the tip of the nebulizer is delicate, scrupulous care should be taken in

C AU T I O N handling it, especially regarding damage to the tip, getting oils from your
hands on the surface of nebulizer, and clogging with dregs.
• If the gas tubing and sample introduction around the nebulizer leak even a
small amount, it causes a sharp fluctuation in signals. Be careful to prevent
leaks.

To maintain the nebulizer, you will need the following tools and supplies:
• Safety glasses
• Protective laboratory gloves
• 5 % Nitric Acid bath
• Pure water in a rinse container

Handle acid carefully.

WAR N ING

Pure water used for cleaning is indicated as water that has been generated using
NOTE the ion-exchange method and a membrane filter, and has an electrical resistance
of at least 18 MΩ cm.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 69

3 Maintenance
Nebulizer

Nebulizer

Removal

Do not touch the nebulizer tip. Touching the tip may affect your results due to
C AU T I O N contamination.

MicroMist Nebulizer
1 Disconnect the sample tube.
2 Lift the yellow portion of the nebulizer gas line, and disconnect the quick
connect fitting.
3 Loosen the nebulizer holder nut, and slowly withdraw the nebulizer, taking
care not to strike the nebulizer tip against the end cap.

Tubing for Makeup Gas

Tubing for Nebulizer Gas

End Cap PTFE Tubing for Sample

Nebulizer Holder Nut

Nebulizer

7900_0072

Figure 24. Removing the MicroMist nebulizer

70 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Nebulizer

PFA Nebulizer
1 Disconnect the sample line, and loosen the union connector to disconnect the
nebulizer gas tube.
When removing the nebulizer, do not disconnect the tubes from the nebulizer
connections.
2 Loosen the nebulizer holder nut, and slowly withdraw the nebulizer, taking
care not to strike the nebulizer tip against the end cap.

Cleaning
For normal cleaning, soak in 5 % Nitric acid until clean. Leave a MicroMist
nebulizer about 10 minutes, and a PFA nebulizer for few hours, or until the
monitored signal goes down to the required level. If the nebulizer is clogged, then
follow these steps.
Remove the nebulizer, and check for damage. Replace the nebulizer if necessary.
1 Reverse the sample uptake tubing for sample, on the peristaltic pump, and
place the nebulizer tip in pure water.
2 Run the peristaltic pump in high speed, and flush pure water from the
nebulizer tip toward the sample uptake for a few minutes.
3 If the steps above do not clear the clogging, use Nebulizer cleaner (P/N
G3266-80020) to back flush the sample line with pure water. This cleaner can
only be used with a MicroMist Nebulizer.

Do not use a wire or similar material to clear a clogged nebulizer, as this will
C AU T I O N cause irreparable damage to the nebulizer.
Take care not to damage the microstructure of the nebulizer tip.
Using ultrasonic cleaning can damage a nebulizer. Do not clean a nebulizer in
an ultrasonic bath.

Installation

MicroMist Nebulizer
1 Fully insert the nebulizer into the end cap, taking care not to damage the tip.
Position the nebulizer gas tube fitting onto the nebulizer in the same upward
direction as the makeup gas fitting.
2 Tighten the nebulizer holder nut.
3 Connect the nebulizer gas and sample tubes.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 71

3 Maintenance
Spray Chamber

PFA Nebulizer
1 Fully insert the nebulizer into the end cap, taking care not to damage the tip.
Position the nebulizer gas tube fitting on the nebulizer in the same upward
direction as the makeup gas fitting.
2 Tighten the nebulizer holder nut.
3 Connect the nebulizer gas tube from the nebulizer and nebulizer gas tube
from the instrument with the union connectors.

Spray Chamber

Removal

Organic solvents, HF, and other types of acid remaining in the spray chamber
WAR N ING can be hazardous or flammable if they come into contact with skin or are
spilled on the tray. Before you remove the spray chamber from the spray
chamber chiller, follow the steps below:
1 Wash the spray chamber by aspirating pure water at a high speed and
flowing the nebulizer gas.
2 Stop the nebulizer gas. Aspirate air through the peristaltic pump for 1 to 2
minutes and confirm that all of the solution from the spray chamber has
drained.

1 Remove the nebulizer.

To removing the nebulizer, refer to each Nebulizer section in this chapter.
2 Remove the clamp between the spray chamber and connector tube.
3 Loosen the makeup gas connector to disconnect the makeup gas tube from
the end cap.
Check the gas tube for damage, and replace if necessary.
4 Loosen both screws on the chiller’s top cover, and remove the cover.
5 Lift the spray chamber from the chiller, and disconnect the drain tube to
remove the spray chamber.
6 Remove the dilution connector. (for 7900)
7 Remove the end cap retainer from the end cap.

72 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Spray Chamber

8 Remove the end cap from the spray chamber.

After removing the spray chamber, check for damage. Replace the spray
chamber, if damaged.

Top Cover
Screw Connector Tube
Ball Joint Clamp

Makeup Gas Connector

Retainer
End Cap

Spray Chamber

Drain Tube

Spray Chamber Chiller

7700_0071

Figure 25. Disassembling the spray chamber (7800/7850)

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 73

3 Maintenance
Spray Chamber

Connector Tube
Top Cover
Screw Ball Joint Clamp

Makeup Gas Connector

Retainer

Dilution Connector

End Cap

Spray Chamber

Drain Tube

Spray Chamber Chiller

7900_0071

Figure 26. Disassembling the spray chamber (7900)

Do not touch the tip of the dilution nozzle, and do not disassemble the right
C AU T I O N angle connector and nozzle.

74 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Spray Chamber

Cleaning the Spray Chamber and End Cap

1 Thoroughly clean the spray chamber and end cap with pure water, and soak in
5 % Nitric acid until clean. Usually from 20 minutes to a couple of hours is
sufficient. It is not harmful to leave overnight if needed. Be sure to rinse well,
dry and then store in a clean sealed container to avoid further contamination.

Do not use chemicals such as Hydrofluoric Acid (HF), which erodes quartz, to
C AU T I O N clean the spray chamber.

2 Rinse with pure water.

Installation
1 Fully insert the spray chamber into the end cap.
2 Securely connect the drain fitting on the spray chamber to the drain connector
to avoid drain leakage. Insert the spray chamber inside the chiller.

Make sure the spray chamber makes a good seal with the drain, especially
WAR N ING when using organic solvents. Organic solvent leaks can be a fire hazard.

3 Connect the dilution connector.

4 Securely place the top cover on the chiller and tighten both screws.
Ensure that the makeup gas connector on the end cap is perpendicular.

If there is a crevice between the upper block and the lower block, the spray
C AU T I O N chamber cannot maintain a uniform inside temperature. This may cause poor
system performance.

5 Connect the makeup gas tube.

6 Install the clamp between the spray chamber and connector tube.
7 Install the nebulizer.
To install the nebulizer, refer to each Nebulizer section in this chapter.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 75

3 Maintenance
Torch Area

Torch Area

Check the torch, shield plate, and bonnet according to the following criteria and
perform maintenance as necessary.

Torch
• Cracked, chipped, or deformed by high temperatures
• When performing analysis requiring ultra-sensitivity (ppt)
• Deposits have formed in the central torch tube

Shield Plate
• Extensive corrosion or high temperature deformation

Bonnet
• Fractured, cracked, or chipped

Slight deformation of the torch may not cause any problems. However, if the
C AU T I O N torch is badly distorted problems such as “no sensitivity” or “difficulty in
igniting plasma” may occur during use.

The torch is exposed to very high temperatures. Wait at least 10 minutes for
WAR N ING cooling before you start any torch maintenance.

76 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Torch

To maintain the ICP torch, you need the following supplies:

• Safety glasses
• Protective laboratory gloves
• 5% Nitric Acid bath
• Pure water in a rinse container
• Ethanol
• Cotton swabs
• Laboratory tissue

Pure water used for cleaning is indicated as water that has been generated using
NOTE the ion-exchange method and a membrane filter, and has an electrical resistance
of at least 18MΩ cm.

An explanation is also given on the method for checking the position of the RF
coil.

Torch

Removal
1 Open the cover on the left of the instrument. Unlatch the torch box catch clip
and remove the cover.
2 Remove the torch-side clamp.
Loosen the spray chamber block thumbscrew, and slide the spray chamber
block to the left.
3 Loosen the plasma and auxiliary gas tube clamps, and disconnect the tubes
from the torch.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 77

3 Maintenance
Torch

4 Unlock the torch stand clip. With the bonnet and shield plate still connected,
lift the torch out of the torch stand groove, and ease the torch away from the
RF coil.
Hold the bonnet in place when removing the torch to prevent it from dropping.

Torch Stand
Torch Stand Groove

RF Coil
Torch Projection
(for Torch Stand)

Bonnet

Torch
7900_0080

Figure 27. Removing the torch

78 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Torch

5 Remove the bonnet and shield plate from the torch.

Check the torch for contamination after removal. Replace the torch if there are
any cracks, chips, or deformation from overheating.

Shield Plate

Projection for
Torch Stand
Bonnet

Hole

Projection for Shield Plate

Torch

7700_0081

Figure 28. Disassembling the torch

Cleaning the Torch

Soak in 5 % Nitric acid until clean. Usually from 20 minutes to a couple of hours is
sufficient. It is not harmful to leave overnight if needed. Be sure to rinse well, dry
and then store in a clean sealed container to avoid further contamination.

Do not use HF to clean the torch as it will damage the torch.

C AU T I O N
Do not place the torch in an ultrasonic bath.

If the torch is still wet when it's installed, it will break or may cause difficulty
C AU T I O N igniting the plasma.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 79

3 Maintenance
Torch

Cleaning the Torch Stand

The white resin surface and the metal surface above the torch stand must be
clean.
If the surface is contaminated, wipe it clean with a cotton swab using ethanol or
other cleaning solvent.

Installation
1 Insert the shield plate and bonnet into the torch.
Slide the shield plate with the hole aligned with the torch projection.
Next, slip the bonnet over the shield plate, and slide it until it rests against the
projection of the torch.

Shield Plate

Projection for
Torch Stand
Bonnet

Hole

Projection for Shield Plate

Torch

7700_0081

Figure 29. Assembling the torch

Ensure that the bonnet direction is correct. The brim of bonnet is set on left
C AU T I O N side.

2 Once the shield plate and bonnet have been connected to the torch, carefully
insert the torch inside the RF coil, and position it inside the torch stand groove
against the other torch projector.
Take care of the position of the shield plate, and not to drop the bonnet when
installing the torch.

80 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Torch

Torch Stand
Torch Stand Groove

RF Coil
Torch Projection
(for Torch Stand)

Bonnet

Torch
7900_0080

Figure 30. Installing the torch

3 Lock the torch in place with the torch stand clip.

4 Connect the plasma and auxiliary gas tubes to the torch and tighten the
connectors by hand.

Do not over-tighten the nuts on the quick-connect clamps. If you apply too
C AU T I O N much pressure, the torch will break.

5 Slide the spray chamber back to the right side, to connect the torch and
connector tube. Install the clamp.
6 Install the torch box cover and secure the torch box catch clip. Close the
instrument cover.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 81

3 Maintenance
RF Coil

RF Coil

Adjusting the RF Coil

The position of the RF coil can be checked using the Alignment Tool.

Use to check bottom

coil span

Tool Handle
Keep this edge in contact
with inside surface of torch box

Use all 4 grooves to check spacing

of the coil top, and also to confirm
the top span
Use to check spacing
of the coil bottom
7700_0422

Figure 31. Alignment tool

1 Remove the torch box cover and remove the torch.

2 Set the alignment tool on top of the RF coil, and put the right edge of the tool
in full contact with the inner surface of the torch box.
3 Closely examine the RF coil to confirm that it fits exactly inside the alignment
tool as shown in the following figures and that the coils are evenly spaced:

Use the alignment tool only to gauge the coil span and spacing, do not force
C AU T I O N the tool. If adjustments are required to the coil, use a flat-bladed driver (do not
use the alignment tool to attempt to adjust the coil).

82 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
RF Coil

• The spaces between the 4 turns of the coil on top should be equal.
• The span of the 4 turns of the coil on top should fit within the tool as
shown.

Alignment Tool

Inside surface of the torch box

The Alignment Tool must be touching

the torch box as shown.

The four turns of the coil must fit

within the Alignment Tool. The space
between the turns should be equal.

Coil

7700_0423

Figure 32. Checking top span and spacing

• The spaces between the 3 turns of the coil on bottom should be equal.

Alignment Tool

Inside surface of the torch box

The three bottom turns of the coil

must fit within the Alignment Tool.
The space between the turns
should be equal.
The Alignment Tool must be in
line with the surface of the torch
box as shown.

Coil
7700_0424

Figure 33. Checking bottom spacing

The adjustment tool must be tilted slightly to fit the angle of the coils.
NOTE

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 83

3 Maintenance
RF Coil

The Coil turns are at an angle

(about 6˚ at the bottom of the coil).
Although the grooves of the tool
are designed to help accommodate
this, you will still have to angle the
tool slightly - especially when
gauging the bottom spacing,

Inside surface of the torch box

Coil

7700_0425

Figure 34. Top view of bottom part of coil

• The span of the 3 turns of the coil on bottom should fit within the tool as
shown.

Inside surface of the torch box

Coil

The span of the three turns of

the coil on bottom must fit within
the Alignment Tool as shown.

The Alignment Tool must be touching

the torch box as shown.

Alignment Tool
7700_0426

Figure 35. Checking bottom span

84 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Testing Plasma Ignition

4 If the turns of the coils top and bottom, or the span of the coil top and bottom,
do not fit in the tool as shown, use a flat-bladed driver to carefully and gently
adjust the coil.

Figure 36. Adjusting the RF coil using a flat-bladed driver

Replacing the RF Coil

Replace the RF coil if you see any damage or find water leaking from it.
Request an Agilent Technologies engineer to replace the RF coil.

Testing Plasma Ignition

Confirm that the plasma ignites correctly after performing torch maintenance.
Ignite the plasma.
If the plasma ignites and the instrument transitions to Analysis mode, the
instrument is operating normally.
• In this case, you will be able to see the plasma through the viewing window.
• If the plasma does not ignite, check the connections on the clamp and the
position of the torch installation. Also check the gas connections for leaks.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 85

3 Maintenance
Interface

Interface

Clean the cones when there are deposits on the orifice or the orifice is discolored
(due to heat). Because of its proximity to the torch, the sampling cone needs
cleaning more frequently than the skimmer cone.
The MassHunter Workstation software can also indicate that maintenance is
needed, if you observe high background memory, sensitivity loss, distorted peak
shapes, or an interface vacuum reading higher than 400Pa.
If the memory cannot be reduced, clean the sampling cone or skimmer cone, or
replace them with a new sampling cone or skimmer cone.

If opening the vacuum chamber such as when washing the ion lens, do so after
C AU T I O N turning the main switch of the ICP-MS OFF.

Maintenance of the following parts will be performed for the interface.

• Washing and replacing the sampling cone
• Washing and replacing the skimmer cone
To maintain the interface cones, the following items are needed:
• Safety glasses
• Protective lab gloves
• Sampling cone wrench
• Skimmer wrench
• Alumina abrasive powder
• Sampling cone graphite gasket (if needed)
• 2 % Nitric Acid bath
• Pure water
• Cotton swabs
• Citranox
• Magnifying lens (10x)
• Ultrasonic bath

86 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Sampling Cone and Skimmer Cone

Pure water used for cleaning is indicated as water that has been generated using
NOTE the ion-exchange method and a membrane filter, and has an electrical resistance
of at least 18 MΩ cm.

Sampling Cone and Skimmer Cone

Removal

The platinum skimmer cone should only be used with the brass skimmer base.
C AU T I O N This allows the cone to operate at a lower temperature than with the standard
stainless steel skimmer base, extending the life of the cone. When fitting the
brass skimmer base, transfer the extraction lenses from the stainless steel
base. For removing and refitting the skimmer base and the extraction lens,
refer to the “Removal” and the “Installation” in the section entitled “Ion Lens”.
The nickel skimmer cone works better at higher temperatures and should
always be used with the stainless steel base. The nickel skimmer should also
be conditioned before use. Refer to “Conditioning the Nickel Skimmer” on
page 92.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 87

3 Maintenance
Sampling Cone and Skimmer Cone

1 Open the cover on the left side of the instrument.

2 Move the torch box assembly to its maintenance position.
To move the torch box assembly to its maintenance position, carry out one of
the following steps:
• Press the maintenance switch until the torch box slides into position, ready
for maintenance.

Torch Box

Maintenance Switch

7900_0083

Figure 37. Maintenance Switch

The torch box moves to/back from the maintenance position each time the
NOTE maintenance switch is pressed.

88 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Sampling Cone and Skimmer Cone

• Carry out the following procedure from MassHunter.

a Click the Sample Introduction illustration in the Dashboard pane, and then
click Maintenance. Or click Settings from the Settings group on the Tools
tab and then click Hardware > Sample Introduction > Sample Introduction
Maintenance in the Settings dialog box.
The Sample Introduction Maintenance dialog box appears.

Figure 38. Sample Introduction Maintenance dialog box

b Click the Maintenance button in the Torch Position area.

The torch box moves away for easy interface access.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 89

3 Maintenance
Sampling Cone and Skimmer Cone

3 Manually turn the retaining ring counterclockwise and remove it.

Use the interface wrench if the retaining ring will not loosen. Run a screw
driver through the holes on the sides of the wrench, and apply force to loosen
the ring.
After loosening the retaining ring, remove it by hand.

Do not touch the sampling cone orifice. Even slight pressure can damage the
C AU T I O N orifice.
Loosen the sampling cone by holding it firmly.

When not turning 7700_0084

Figure 39. Removing the Sampling Cone

4 Hold the outer edge of the sampling cone, and slowly pull it out along its axis.
It is not necessary to remove the graphite gasket.

Take care not to bang the sampling cone against the skimmer cone during
C AU T I O N removal. Do not touch the tip of the sampling cone. Even slight pressure will
damage the tip.
Be sure to set the sampling cone down with the orifice facing up. Also take
care not to damage the back surface of the cone as this is the sealing surface.

90 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Sampling Cone and Skimmer Cone

5 Check the condition of the graphite gasket.

Replace the graphite gasket if there are any fissures, creases or other
damage.

If the condition of the graphite gasket is normal and it is not necessary to

C AU T I O N remove the graphite gasket, carry out the work for installing and removing the
sampling cone and skimmer cone while the graphite gasket is installed, taking
sufficient care not to damage it, etc.

6 Insert the skimmer cone removal tool into the interface opening. Make sure
that you have aligned the tool’s tabs with the skimmer cone exterior holes.
When aligned, rotate the skimmer cone removal tool counterclockwise to
remove the skimmer cone. Be sure to hold the tool upright when removing the
cone to avoid dropping it.

Do not touch the skimmer cone orifice. Even slight pressure can damage the
C AU T I O N orifice.

7700_0042

Figure 40. Removing the Skimmer Cone

7 Hold the perimeter of the skimmer cone, and remove it from the skimmer
cone removal tool.
Take care not to drop the skimmer cone or touch the tip.
Set the skimmer cone down with the orifice facing up.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 91

3 Maintenance
Sampling Cone and Skimmer Cone

Conditioning the Nickel Skimmer

The nickel skimmer should be conditioned before use for better sample analysis.
The conditioning process provides a stable signal for a longer period, and also
reduces background such as nickel and copper.

Wear laboratory gloves; handle with care; avoid damaging the skimmer.
C AU T I O N

Conditioning Procedure
Prepare the following conditioning solution:
• 1 % Nitric acid blank
• 50 ppm Calcium in 1 % nitric acid

1 Use the interface wrench to install the new skimmer cone in the instrument.
2 Install the sampling cone.
3 Turn on the Plasma.
4 Aspirate 50 ppm Calcium solution for 10 minutes.
5 Change to the 1 % Nitric acid blank solution and aspirate for 10 minutes.

Cleaning the Cones

Each cone must retain the shape of its orifice to be effective during analysis.
Hold each cone by its perimeter and use only light pressure with your hand as
you clean the orifice.
There are 4 cleaning steps, the first two of which should remove normal
contamination. Perform the cleaning step that is appropriate for the level of
contamination. After cleaning, allow the cone to dry and check the background,
continuing to the next step if the background has not lowered.

92 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Sampling Cone and Skimmer Cone

• Do not clean the cones too vigorously as this may shorten their operating
C AU T I O N life.
• When setting the sampling and skimmer cones down, place them with the
orifices pointing up. Even the slightest pressure can deform the orifice.
• Usually, do not use organic solvents like acetone for cleaning the sampling
cone and the skimmer cone. In extreme cases such as oily contamination of
the cones, you may use acetone, but be careful to rinse all trace of the
acetone off the cones before drying. Do not use acetone to dry the cones as
residue will remain.

1 Clean with pure water

a Dip a cotton swab in pure water and clean both sides of the cone.
b Rinse with pure water.
c Ultrasonic clean the cones in pure water for more than 5 minutes.
2 Clean with a 2 % Citranox solution
a Ultrasonic clean the cones in a 2 % Citranox solution for 2 to 3 minutes.
b Rinse with pure water.
c Ultrasonic clean in pure water for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
3 Clean with a 2 % nitric acid solution
a Dip a cotton swab in a 2 % nitric acid solution and clean both sides of the
cone.
b Rinse with pure water.
c Ultrasonic clean in pure water for 2 to 3 minutes.
4 Clean with alumina powder and Citranox
a Use a mixture of alumina powder and pure water as a polishing solution.
Dip a cotton swab in the polishing solution and clean both sides of the
cone.
b Rinse with pure water.
c Ultrasonic clean the cones in a 2 % Citranox solution for 2 to 3 minutes.
d Rinse with pure water.
e Ultrasonic clean the cones in pure water for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.

The cones must not be stored in pure water for more than 30 minutes or they will
NOTE become damaged by corrosion.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 93

3 Maintenance
Sampling Cone and Skimmer Cone

Check the Orifice

Retaining the correct shape and size of each orifice is critical for accurate
analysis results. Ensure that the orifice diameter and the orifice shape of both the
sampling cone and the skimmer cone have not changed. Use a 10x-magnifying
lens to check the cone orifice. If the sampling cone's orifice is larger than
1.10 mm, replace the cone. If the skimmer orifice is larger than 0.42 mm for
7800/7850, and 0.47 mm (0.42 mm for s-lens configuration) for 7900, replace
the cone.
It is necessary that the orifice shape of the sampling cone and the skimmer cone
is perfectly round. If it is deformed, replace the cone.

Discoloration or build up of impurities on the periphery of the sampling cone does

NOTE not affect the analysis.

• The tip part has great influence on analytical results. Handle with care and
C AU T I O N do not deform the tip.
• The tips of the sampling cone and the skimmer cone are easily deformed.
Be careful when handling them.

94 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Sampling Cone and Skimmer Cone

Installation

The platinum skimmer cone should only be used with the brass skimmer base.
NOTE This allows the cone to operate at a lower temperature than with the standard
stainless steel skimmer base, extending the life of the cone. When fitting the
brass skimmer base, transfer the extraction lenses from the stainless steel base.
For removing and refitting the skimmer base and the extraction lens, refer to
“Extraction Lens-Omega Lens Assembly” in the this section.
The nickel skimmer cone works better at higher temperatures and should
always be used with the stainless steel base.

Check the stamp on the skimmer cone to confirm that it is exclusively for use
C AU T I O N with this product.

1 Install the skimmer cone.

a Check the stamp on the skimmer cone to confirm that it is exclusively for
use with this product.
b Place the skimmer cone onto the 2 small tabs of the skimmer cone
removal tool.
c Insert the skimmer cone removal tool and cone into the interface opening,
and rotate the tool clockwise by hand, until the cone is tightened.
2 Install the sampling cone.
Before installing the sampling cone, check that the graphite gasket is not
damaged and is correctly installed. Replace the gasket, if damaged.
a Holding the outer edge of the sampling cone, install it on the interface,
taking care not to touch the orifice.
b Rotate the retaining ring clockwise by hand, until firmly tightened.

Do not use the interface wrench to tighten the retaining ring.

C AU T I O N

Firmly install the sampling cone and the skimmer on the base. If the sampling
C AU T I O N cone and the skimmer are not tightly installed on the base, the sampling cone
and skimmer are not cooled enough and may cause bad effect on the analytical
performance, or the vacuum does not reach the standard value and it cannot
change to Standby mode.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 95

3 Maintenance
Sampling Cone and Skimmer Cone

3 Hold down the maintenance switch until the torch box returns to its original
position, and then close the instrument cover.

Testing the Cone after the Installation

After carrying out any maintenance, to the interface region of the instrument,
check the interface and analyzer pressure readings. If either of the two readings
exceed the recommended values when the plasma is ignited, it is an indication
that the vacuum is inadequate.
Interface pressure (IF/BK): 500 Pa (7800/7850), 400 Pa (7900)
Analyzer pressure: 2×10-3 Pa
If the vacuum level is inadequate, check the condition of the graphite gasket, and
confirm that the sampling cone and skimmer cone are installed tightly enough to
the vacuum chamber.

96 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Extraction Lens-Omega Lens Assembly

Extraction Lens-Omega Lens Assembly

This procedure explains the removal, disassembly, and cleaning method for
individual lenses, and the reassembly of the ion lens (Extraction Lens-Omega
Lens Assembly) used in the Agilent ICP-MS.
The lenses should be cleaned if any of the following symptoms are observed:
• The signal is unstable. For example, more than 10 % signal drift in an hour.
This may also be caused by other parts such as sample introduction.
• The lens voltage is changed in the MassHunter software, and the resulting
signal changes very slowly. For example, if you change the parameters
drastically step by step, it will take more than 1 second for the signal to
stabilize.
• When changing the parameters during tuning, the response speed of the
signal is different when changing the value from the plus direction and
changing it from the minus direction.
• It is necessary to clean the Octopole if there is a signal drift, or a longer than
normal period of time is required for the signal to stabilize when switching
from hydrogen to standard mode.
You will need the following equipment when maintaining the ion lenses:
• Safety glasses
• Laboratory gloves
• Pure water
• Ethanol or acetone (EL grade) for cleaning the tools
• Polishing paper (#400, #1200 grit)
• Allen wrench (included in the tool kit)
• TORX driver (T8, T10)
• Ultrasonic bath
• Circuit tester
• Laboratory tissue
• Alumina abrasive powder
• Glass beaker (large/small)
• Tweezers
• Cotton swabs
• Plastic tray

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 97

3 Maintenance
Extraction Lens-Omega Lens Assembly

Pure water used for cleaning is indicated as water that has been generated using
NOTE the ion-exchange method and a membrane filter, and has an electrical resistance
of at least 18 MΩ cm.

The Extraction Lens-Omega Lens assembly is located through the interface

behind the Skimmer Cone. The Sampling and Skimmer Cones must be removed
before removing the Extraction Lens-Omega Lens assembly.

This procedure assumes that the ICP-MS is in Standby mode and the Sampling
NOTE and Skimmer Cones have been removed. For information on removing the
Sampling and Skimmer Cones, refer to “Interface” in the previous section.
When removing the Extraction Lens-Omega Lens assembly, it is not necessary to
open the vacuum chamber.

Dismantle the lens in an area free of contamination.

C AU T I O N

Removal
1 Loosen the 3 screws from the skimmer base using an Allen wrench (3 mm.)
2 Carefully remove the extraction lens-omega lens assembly from the
instrument.
Place the extraction lens-omega lens assembly on a clean surface.

98 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Extraction Lens-Omega Lens Assembly

Disassembly
Use the skimmer wrench to disassemble the Extraction lens-omega lens
assembly. Wipe the skimmer wrench with ethanol and laboratory wipes before
proceeding.
Carefully place the lens assembly on the wrench.

Expanded View of the Extraction Lens-Omega Lens Assembly (7800/7850 and 7900
x-lens configuration)

Skimmer Base Screws (3)

Through Hole

Skimmer Base

Spacer (lipped)

Spacer

Spacer

Spacer
Extraction Lens 1 Omega Bias-x

Spacer
Extraction Lens 2 Lens Screws (2)

Omega Lens-x

7900_0087

Figure 41. Expanded View of the Extraction Lens-Omega Lens Assembly (7800/7850 and 7900 x-lens
configuration)

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 99

3 Maintenance
Extraction Lens-Omega Lens Assembly

Expanded View of the Extraction Lens-Omega Lens Assembly (7900 s-lens

configuration)

Skimmer Base Screws (3)

Through Hole

Skimmer Base

Spacer (lipped)

Spacer
Spacer
Omega Lens-s

Spacer
Spacer

Extraction Lens 1

Extraction Lens 2

Spacer Lens Screws (2)

Omega Bias-s

Omega Bias Guide Screw 7900_0088

Figure 42. Expanded View of the Extraction Lens-Omega Lens Assembly (7900 s-lens configuration)

Cleaning
It is possible to clean the Extraction Lens, Omega Lens-x (-s), and Omega Bias-x
(-s) separately, but it is more efficient to clean them together.
There is normally no need to clean the spacers and screws. Be careful not to
touch the spacers and screws with your bare hands.

Do not clean with ethanol or acetone. Using these in an ultrasonic bath

WAR N ING presents a fire hazard.

100 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Extraction Lens-Omega Lens Assembly

1 Using the blue (#400) polishing paper, thoroughly clean the interior of the
lenses.
Shape the polishing paper to fit the lens.
Clean the interior, exterior and orifices of each extraction and omega lens, to
remove any discoloration.

Do not deform the tip of the Extraction Lens.

C AU T I O N
Do not polish the skimmer base flange.

Polishing Paper

Omega Lens-s

7700_0089

Figure 43. Example of Rolling the Polishing Paper into a Cone

2 Repeat the cleaning procedure using the yellow (#1200) polishing paper.
3 Use a cotton swab with alumina paste mixed from alumina powder and pure
water to polish the interior and intricate parts of the lenses.
Pay particular attention to cleaning the orifices.
4 Rinse with pure water.
5 Ultrasonic clean in pure water for 5 minutes.
6 Dry on a clean surface.
Allow the lenses to air dry, do not wipe.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 101

3 Maintenance
Extraction Lens-Omega Lens Assembly

Do not clean plastic components (spacers) with acetone. The plastic will be
C AU T I O N damaged or deformed if it comes in contact with acetone.
Completely dry all components. If components are connected to the vacuum
chamber before they have completely dried, it will take an extraordinarily long
time for the chamber to pump down to Standby mode. Also, if the Extraction
Lens and Omega Lens are assembled before they are completely dried it can
have a potentially critical impact on the components when the plasma is
ignited. Do not use any solvents such as acetone or methanol to dry the lens
components. Organic solvents leave a thin layer on the surface of the lens and
create severe sensitivity problems.

Assembly
When assembling the Extraction and Omega Lenses to the Skimmer Base, refer
to the figure (7900: Figure 41, when using s lens configuration: Figure 42) for the
correct location and orientation of the components. After completing the
re-assembly, securely tighten the 2 lens screws.

Confirm Noncontinuity Using a Circuit Tester

Wipe the end of the tester probes with ethanol.

NOTE

Check the insulation between each of the extraction lenses and omega lenses.
Check that there is no electrical continuity between the extraction lenses and the
extraction lens or skimmer base.

102 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Extraction Lens-Omega Lens Assembly

Installation
Install the extraction lens-omega lens assembly with the skimmer cone
attachment facing outward.
1 Install the extraction lens-omega lens assembly by passing the through hole
on the skimmer base over the interface guide pin, and push the assembly to
contact the interface.
2 Use an Allen wrench (3mm) to lightly tighten the three screws.
3 Firmly, but evenly tighten the screws, turning all screws in succession 2 to 3
times.
4 Install the Skimmer Cone and Sampling Cone.
For details on installing the Skimmer Cone and Sampling Cone, see
“Interface” on page 86.

Changing the Hardware Information

When using an s lens configuration, you need to change the “Ion Lenses”
Properties, as shown in the following steps:
1 Click the Ion Lenses illustration in the Dashboard pane, and then click
Properties. The Settings dialog box appears displaying the current lens
configuration setting.
2 If necessary, select the ion lens type from the Model list box to change it.

Figure 44. Selecting the lens

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 103

3 Maintenance
Maintaining the Other Parts

Maintaining the Other Parts

Foreline Pump (MS40+) for 7800/7850/7900

Check the color and oil level of the pump on a weekly basis. The oil level needs to
be between Minimum and Maximum on the level gauge during pump operation.
If the oil is too low, add more oil. If it is above the Maximum, drain some oil from
the pump. Check the color of the oil. If the color is bad, change it. The average oil
change interval is every six months, although this depends on the daily sample
throughput, the type of sample, the concentration of the sample, etc.

The surface of the Foreline Pump may be HOT, do not touch the pump until it
WAR N ING has cooled.
Make sure to open the exhaust tube and line for safety.

Vacuum Hose

Exhaust Port
Exhaust Tubing

Vacuum Port

Power Cord
Oil Inlet
Oil Level Gauge
Tilt Stand Oil Outlet

Oil Tray
(Part Number: G8400-60315)
Oil Drain Kit

Figure 45. Rough pump (MS40+)

104 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Foreline Pump (MS40+) for 7800/7850/7900

• Make sure to connect the inlet and outlet of the foreline pump correctly.
C AU T I O N
• Connect the exhaust hose from the foreline pump tightly with a hose clamp.
• When you install the foreline pump, make sure the coolant hose does not
touch the surface of the foreline pump. Heat will damage the hose and may
result in water leaks.
• When you turn off the foreline pump, wait at least 15 seconds before
restarting it.

Checking the Oil

Checking the Oil Level

Since the oil level changes depending on where the vane stops inside the pump,
NOTE make sure you check the oil level during pump operation. Run the pump for at
least 30 minutes and then check the oil level while the pump is still running.

It is important that the oil level stays within the range that is indicated by the level
gauge on the side of the pump.
To maintain the correct level, you need to add or drain oil as necessary.

Checking the Cleanliness of the Oil

Check the cleanliness of the oil.
Change the oil if it is dirty.
To change the oil, the following supplies are needed:
• Foreline Pump oil

• Waste oil vessel, at least 1 liter in size

• Paper towels or cloth

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 105

3 Maintenance
Foreline Pump (MS40+) for 7800/7850/7900

• 10-mm Hex key

• Gloves, chemical resistant, clean, lint free

• Never add pump oil while the pump is on.

WAR N ING
• The fill cap and pump may be dangerously hot. Check that the fill cap and
pump are cool before you touch them.
• Do not touch the oil. The residue from some samples are toxic. Properly
dispose of the oil.
• Wear chemical-resistant gloves, safety glasses (goggles), and a protective
mask.

Only use the pump oil appropriate for your pump. Using a different oil can
C AU T I O N substantially reduce pump life and invalidates the pump warranty.

You can replace the oil in the pump manually, as described in “Replacing the Oil
Manually” on page 106.

Replacing the Oil Manually

1 Shut down the instrument.
2 Be sure to turn off the breaker labeled “FORELINE PUMP” on the rear of the
instrument. (Move the breaker to the O position (down).)
3 Unplug the power cord from the instrument.
Leave the power cord unplugged while performing this procedure.
4 Place the pump on the tray and use the integrated tilt stand to raise the back
end of the pump to aid in drainage.
5 After raising the tilt stand, lock the wheel brakes.

Be sure that the horizontal bar of the tilt stand sits flat on the floor when
C AU T I O N locking the wheels in the tilt position.

106 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Foreline Pump (MS40+) for 7800/7850/7900

Tilt stand in locked Tilt stand in

(stored) position raised position

Lock

Horizontal Bar

Figure 46. Tilt-up Procedure

As the pump is heavy, keep feet clear of the pump while it is elevated.
WAR N ING

If tray is not available raise the pump so that it is higher than the container being
NOTE used to collect the oil. Place something beneath the pump that is capable of
withstanding its weight and will not tip over.

6 Place a container under the hose end of the oil drain kit (see Figure 47).
7 Remove the fill plug from the oil inlet using the Hex key (see Figure 47).
8 Remove the cap of the check valve attached to the oil outlet, and then attach
the metal fitting of the oil drain kit (see Figure 47) to the check valve on the
outlet. Connecting the oil drain kit opens the check valve on the outlet to allow
the fluid to drain.

Oil Fill Plug

Oil Level Gauge

Check Valve

Oil Drain Kit

Check Valve Cap

Waste Oil Vessel

Figure 47. Connecting Oil Drain Kit

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 107

3 Maintenance
Foreline Pump (MS40+) for 7800/7850/7900

Allow the fluid to drain completely.

9 After finishing draining the fluid, detach the oil drain kit from the check valve
and then reattach the cap of the check valve.
10 To return the pump to the untilted position, grasp the upper power unit of the
pump and gently push the pump forward, off the tilt stand. To avoid bumping
the pump, step on the tilt stand as you gently lower the pump. If necessary,
unlock the wheel brakes. Return the tilt stand to the locked (stored) position
(see Figure 46).

Take care when lowering the pump from the tilted position.
C AU T I O N

11 Using the supplied Nozzle cap pour in about 1 liter of the oil (see Figure 48).

Nozzle Cap
Venting Port

Oil Bottle

Figure 48. Pouring the Oil

Use only Agilent recommended oil for the foreline pump.

C AU T I O N

12 Reattach the fill plug using the Hex key.

13 Check for and tighten any loose connections, plugs, and caps.
14 Reconnect the power cord.
15 Move the breaker to the I position (up) to restore power to the foreline pump.

108 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Foreline Pump (MS40+) for 7800/7850/7900

16 Check the oil level during pump operation.

a If it is lower than the MIN line, vacuum off and wait until the equipment
enters shutdown mode, and then add oil until the level is higher than the
MIN line.
b If it is higher than the MAX line, vacuum off and wait until the equipment
enters shutdown mode. Next, follow the steps above to drain the oil until
the level is lower than the MAX line.
c Repeat steps 16-a or 16-b until the oil level is between the MIN and MAX
lines during pump operation.
17 After 30 minutes, inspect the pump for leaks.

The oil may be hot. Avoid contact with the oil.

WAR N ING

18 Dispose of the used oil using the correct laboratory procedures.

If the oil is particularly dirty or contaminated, it may be necessary to flush the oil
NOTE reservoir. To flush the oil reservoir:
• Refit the oil drain plug and pour clean oil into the pump.
• Restart the pump and operate it for 5 to 10 minutes.
• Follow the above steps again to drain the oil.
• Repeat until the oil reservoir is clean.

19 Reset the foreline pump oil clock.

Select Instrument Status from the View menu. The Instrument Status pane
appears. Click the EMF button in the Instrument Status pane, and the elapsed
time indication screen appears. Click the Setting icon on the toolbar to display
the Set Early Maintenance Feedback dialog box. Reset the running time for
foreline pump in this dialog box.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 109

3 Maintenance
Foreline Pump (MS40+) for 7800/7850/7900

Figure 49.

Once the operation time has been reset, it is impossible to restore its original
NOTE value. Reset with care.

110 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Foreline Pump (MS40+) for 7800/7850/7900

Changing the Oil Filter Cartridge

The oil filter captures oil, before it can disperse into the air. Replace the oil filter
once a year.
Perform the following procedure, to replace the oil filter.
1 Put the instrument into Shutdown mode.
2 Be sure to turn off the breaker labeled “FORELINE PUMP” on the rear side of
the instrument. (Move the breaker to the O position (down).)
3 Use a socket wrench to remove
the cap, rotating it O-ring
counter-clockwise. Filter Cartridge
O-ring
4 Pull out the filter cartridge. Cap

Discard the used filters

according to correct laboratory
procedures.
5 Insert the new O-rings into the
cap, and the new oil filter.
6 Insert new filter cartridge and
double check it is in the right position (inserted in the appropriate hole).
7 Replace the cap by hand, ensuring that the threads are correctly aligned, then
begin tightening by hand, rotating clockwise. Use a socket wrench to finish
tightening the cap. Do not over tighten.
8 Turn ON the foreline pump breaker switch, located on the back of the
instrument, and restart the foreline pump

Testing the Foreline Pump

When you restart the pump, check that all hose connections are tight and that the
oil cap is tightly closed if there are any oil spills or leaks.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 111

3 Maintenance
Foreline Pump (NeoDry36E) for 7900

Foreline Pump (NeoDry36E) for 7900

Routine Maintenance
Check the condition of the pump such as the power supply, ultimate pressure
and back pressure etc. regularly and check that the pump is used under normal
operating conditions.
Check that the exhaust hose from the foreline pump is not damaged or clogged,
and that it is securely connected.
Check that the ballast valve is in the open position if the pump has the ballast
valve. The ballast valve should be open at all times. The ballast valve may not be
present, depending on the model.

Filter
Open
Ballast Valve

NEODRY002

Figure 50. Ballast Valve Position

Checking the Oil Level

Check the oil level regularly. The oil level gauge is located at the rear end of the
pump.

112 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

3 Maintenance
Foreline Pump (NeoDry36E) for 7900

Figure 51. Oil Level Gauge Position

During operation, the level may be lower than the lower limit, this is normal and
does not indicate an error. Stop the pump and wait until the level stabilizes, and
then check the actual level.
A service call may be necessary if the oil level is below the lower limit on the level
gauge. Contact Agilent Technologies.

This pump can not repair at on site. It is recommended to replace the pump every
NOTE 4 years.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 113

3 Maintenance
Water Strainer

Water Strainer

A strainer is attached to the fitting connector in order for the cooling water chiller
to provide clean cooling water. Prolonged strainer use results in clogging and
water stains. Remove and inspect the strainer annually, cleaning when
necessary.
To maintaining the water strainer you need the following supplies:
• Drip pan and sponge

Cleaning
1 Turn OFF the cold water source.
Turn OFF the cooling water chiller and close the valve, if present.
2 Remove the water strainer cap.
Place the vessel under the working area as cooling water will spill out.
3 Open the strainer cap and remove the mesh filter.
4 Check the condition of the strainer and clean if necessary.
The strainer is metallic. Clean with tap water or 2% Citranox solution. Replace
the strainer if it is corroded.
5 Refit the strainer.
6 Be sure that the gasket is correctly positioned, before closing the cap.
7 Check for leaks.
Open the valve, if present. Turn the cooling water chiller power switch ON.

114 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
Appendix A. Technical Information 117
Peristaltic Pump and Tubing 117
Spray Chamber 119
ICP Torch 120
Interface 120
ORS 121
Quadrupole 122
Electron Multiplier (EM) 124
APG remote interface 126

Appendix B. Troubleshooting 128

Items to Be Checked in Case of Low Sensitivity 128
Items to Be Checked in Case of Plasma does not Ignite 129

Appendix C. ICP-MS Web Utility 130

Appendix D. Purging the Cell Gas Line 131

Appendix E. Organic Solvent Kit 133

General 133
Replacing the torch 134
Warning Label 136

Appendix F.Inert Sample Introduction Kit Installation Instructions 137

General 137
Mounting 137

Appendix G.Maintaining the Collision/Reaction Cell 141

Opening/Closing the Vacuum Chamber 142
ORS Cell Assembly, Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens 145

Appendix H. Hydrogen Safety Guide 165

Hydrogen (H2) Gas 165
Dangers During the ICP-MS Operation 165
Dangers in the ICP-MS Shutdown or Power Failure 166
Necessary Precautions 166

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 115

4 Appendix

Appendix I. Ammonia Safety Guide 167

Ammonia (NH3) Gas 167
Dangers During the ICP-MS Operation 167
Dangers in the ICP-MS Shutdown or Power Failure 168
Necessary Precautions 168

116 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
Appendix A. Technical Information

Appendix A. Technical Information

Peristaltic Pump and Tubing

The standard peristaltic pump of the Agilent 7800/7850/7900 has three channels
to set tubing for the sample solution, internal standard solution, and the spray
chamber drain.
There are three types of sample uptake tubing:
• Tubing for sample uptake (white/white, 1.02 mm i.d.)
• Tubing (PharMed® ismaprene) for the drain (yellow/blue, 1.52 mm i.d.)
• Tubing for the internal standard (orange-blue, 0.25 mm i.d.)
The colors refer to the peristaltic pump head-stops bonded to the tubing.
These tubing are standard issue. The tubing for sample uptake and internal
standard can be used for almost all reagents including HF. However, there is a
minor contamination problem with Sn; about 100 ppt Sn was measured when
1 % HNO3 was analyzed after being pumped through new tubing. Sn elution can
be reduced to a negligible level by washing with HNO3 or HCl before use.
The lifetime of the tubing for sample uptake and internal standard is about two to
three weeks when 1 % (v/v) HNO3 is pumped; it depends on the acid
concentration analyzed and on the shoe pressure of the peristaltic pump. When
higher concentrations of acid are introduced, the tubing swells and becomes
white in color. However, this change of color does not cause any contamination
or affect the analysis.
PharMed® ismaprene is a good material for use with almost all reagents and has
a lifetime about 10 times longer than silicone. However, there are many
impurities in it, therefore it cannot be used for sample introduction, only for the
spray chamber drain.

Some chemicals attack the sample uptake tube. This might cause leakage in
C AU T I O N the sample introduction and drain lines and corrosion of the sample
introduction system.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 117

4 Appendix
Peristaltic Pump and Tubing

The sample uptake rate at 0.1 rps peristaltic pump speed is about 0.4 mL/min
with 1.02 mm i.d. tubing. The sample uptake rate linearly increases as a function
of the peristaltic pump speed up to 0.5 rps; 2.0 mL/min is the maximum sample
uptake rate. 0.1 rps is recommended as the standard peristaltic pump speed, and
0.5 rps for faster sample exchange and wash out.
When the SPS 4 Autosampler is used, it takes about 25 seconds for the sample
exchange and 15 - 30 seconds for stabilizing the signal. Use 30 seconds on fast
pump followed by 20 - 40 seconds stabilization time when the SPS 4 is used.
The inner diameter of the sample transfer tube (PTFE) is 0.5 mm. A tube smaller
than 0.5 mm i.d. can cause the generation of bubbles in samples. This problem
may occur due to highly pressurized tap water that contains gases (drinking
water samples). It degasses when depressurized. In this case, the sample has to
be degassed prior to introduction.
The orange/blue tubing (0.25 mm i.d.) is used for the internal standard solution.
The sample uptake rate at 0.1 rps is about 40 µL/min. When the internal standard
solution is added to the sample by the peristaltic pump, the concentration of the
internal standard is diluted about 10 times. Therefore, a 1 ppm internal standard
solution in 5 % (v/v) HNO3 is recommended.

The orange/blue tube (0.25 mm i.d.) is very soft and easily stretched. This
NOTE sometimes causes an instability of the sample uptake rate when the peristaltic
pump speed is varied drastically: the tube stretches at higher peristaltic pump
speeds and does not recover to its original length immediately when the
peristaltic pump speed is reduced to 0.1 rps. If the higher pump speed is not
used, it takes about 2 minutes for the sample exchange at 0.1 rps.
When the internal standard is added to a sample by means of the peristaltic
pump, the maximum peristaltic pump speed should be 0.3 rps. When this fast
pump speed is applied in order to reduce sample exchange time, a longer
stabilization time is required. Use 0.3 rps fast pump for 50 sec and 50 sec
stabilization time.

When orange/blue tubing (0.25 mm i.d.) is used, some adsorption can occur on
the walls of the tubing. Some elements such as Au, Ag, Pd and Pt are adsorbed
onto the tubing and it takes a long time to get stable signals. Alkali, alkali-earth,
and transition metals are not adsorbed. This adsorption may occur with the
white/white (1.02 mm i.d.) tubing as well, but the sample uptake rate is much
larger than with the orange/red tubing making the adsorption negligible. In order
to minimize this problem, HNO3 has to be added to the samples and standard
solutions; a concentration of at least 1 % (v/v) HNO3 is required and preferably
5 % (v/v) HNO3.

118 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
Spray Chamber

Self-aspiration is a good way to avoid contamination from the sample uptake

tube and the adsorption problem, when an autosampler is not used and the
sample volume is sufficient. The concentric nebulizer, the crossflow nebulizer
and the micro flow nebulizer will self-aspirate. It must be noted that
self-aspiration may cause the sample uptake rate to vary, when sample viscosity
and sample head volume above the level of the sample aspiration tube change
and it can only be used when the sample matrix is similar to that of the standard
solution.

Spray Chamber

There are several types of spray chambers for ICP-MS. The Agilent
7800/7850/7900 uses the Scott-type double-pass spray chamber. The Agilent
ICP-MS spray chamber is available in the following materials:
• Quartz (QZ)
• PFA
The spray chamber is mounted in an aluminum block and cooled by a Peltier
thermoelectric module. The standard spray chamber temperature is maintained
at 2 °C for aqueous samples, and can go down to -5 °C for organic solvents or
higher vapor pressure samples. When the spray chamber temperature is
unstable, water loading to the plasma is affected, causing signal instability.
Higher spray chamber temperatures increase the oxide ion level as well. A drain
tube is connected to the spray chamber by means of a special cap that allows
easy attachment and detachment.

Quartz
The quartz is made of pure silica and it can be used for acids and organic
solvents, but not for HF or strong alkaline solutions. To reduce memory effects,
soak the quartz spray chamber in a 5 % NH4OH (v/v) solution for 2 hours prior to
use, followed by washing with pure water.

PFA
This PFA spray chamber is the standard spray chamber for the inert sample
introduction kit, and is used when aspirating hydrofluoric acid.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 119

4 Appendix
ICP Torch

ICP Torch

The Agilent ICP-MS employs a Fassel type torch. There are three Ar gas lines:
plasma gas, auxiliary gas, and nebulizer gas. The plasma gas flow is tangentially
introduced into the outer sheath of the torch at about 15 L/min. Its role is to cool
the torch itself and to sustain the plasma. The auxiliary gas is also tangentially
introduced into the middle sheath of the torch at about 1 L/min. Its role is to push
the plasma forward in order to avoid melting the sample injector tip. The
nebulizer gas is introduced into the center of the torch through the injector.
In the case of the Agilent ICP-MS, the standard torch is a one-piece design and is
made of quartz. The inner diameter of the injector is 2.5 mm. For HF solutions, a
platinum (or sapphire) injector is used as the inert introduction system. The
injector is removable and a demountable torch is used.
The optimal nebulizer and makeup gas flows depend on the diameter of the
injector. It is about 1.2 L/min for the φ2.5 mm injector.

Interface

Ions in the plasma are extracted into the vacuum chamber through a sampling
cone and a skimmer cone. The orifice size of the sampling cone is φ1.0 mm and
that of the skimmer cone is φ0.4 mm on 7800/7850 (φ0.45 mm on 7900). There
are two types of material used, nickel (Ni) and platinum (Pt).
The base material of the sampling cone is Cu and the tip of the cone is Ni or Pt.
The skimmer cone is all Ni. Pt has to be used for HF solutions and higher
concentration of acids. The base material is Cu or Ni and the tip of the cones is Pt
for the sampling and skimmer cone.
There are two types of skimmer base: stainless steel and brass. The brass base
can be used for both the Ni and Pt skimmer cones. The stainless steel base is
only used and recommended for the Ni skimmer cone.
When H2SO4 and H3PO4 are analyzed, the Pt interfaces should be used.

When 10% H2SO4 or 1% H3PO4 are analyzed continually, a sampling cone with a
NOTE larger diameter (18 mm) Pt insert (available from Spectron) is recommended.

120 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
ORS

Each interface normally lasts more than one year, although it depends on the
type of samples analyzed and the plasma conditions. If the interface is removed
and cleaned more often, for example when switching between clean and dirty
matrices, the interface lifetime will be reduced due to physical wear.

ORS

The ORS is an octopole ion guide contained within a metal vessel and
pressurized with a gas, most often H2 or He. The ORS is positioned between the
ion lens assembly and the quadrupole mass filter. As ions from the sample enter
this cell, they interact with the gas, resulting in the reduction of spectral
interferences.

Why the octopole ion guide?

First of all, the octopole provides excellent ion transmission compared to other
lower-order multipoles. In addition, the octopole ion guide is driven by a voltage
of fixed amplitude and frequency in order to assure stable signals. The frequency
brings about wiggle-less motion of ion near the flat bottom of the effective
potential well, which is difficult to achieve with lower order multipoles or
low-frequency voltage1). Thus, the kinetic energy that ions acquire from the RF
electrical field is reduced. Therefore, the ORS minimizes the endothermic
reactions that lead to loss of analyte ions, and also lowers the energy of the new
background species produced through reactions or declustering of polyatomic
ions.
1) D. Gerlich, Inhomogeneous RF Fields: A Versatile Tool for the Study of
Processes with Slow Ions, Advances in Chemical Physics Series, Vol.LXXXII,
1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Why H2 and He?

Three gases are available: hydrogen (H2), helium (He) and an optional gas offered
upon request. In most cases, pure H2 or pure He are sufficient for performing the
analysis of most of the elements. Generally, H2 should be used to suppress
plasma based polyatomic ions such as ArO and Ar2; He is preferable to suppress
the species derived from sample matrices, such as ClO, NaAr and ArCl, which
interfere with 51V, 63Cu and 75As. For example, H2 molecules react with ArAr ions,
but do not with Se ions, allowing Se to be detected with low ArAr background.
Unlike other more reactive gases, the ionization potential of H2 (15.5 eV) is much
higher than metals, the loss of analyte ion through charge transfer does not take

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 121

4 Appendix
Quadrupole

place. However, this does not necessarily mean that all types of reaction or
interaction between H2 and the analyte ions is negligible. When the H2 flow rate is
increased, Cu+ and As+ signals begin to decrease, however the loss of those ions
is relatively small compared with the loss caused by other more reactive gases. If
the background level is so high as to need a high flow rate of H2, the use of less
reactive gas such as He can be more effective. For example, He efficiently
dissociates NaAr because of its low bonding energy, while it does not cause a
severe loss of Cu ion.
A2+ + H2 → Ar2H+ + H k=1x10-9cm3/s
Se+ + H2 → Se+ + H2 no reaction
+ +
NaAr + He → Na + Ar + He dissociation
Cu+ + He → Cu+ + He no reaction

Gas Flow Tuning

Flow rates of the cell gases are set in the tuning window of Agilent’s MassHunter
Workstation Software. Due to the ‘MultiTune’ capability of MassHunter
Workstation, cell gases can also be automatically switched during the analysis.

Quadrupole

The quadrupole of the Agilent ICP-MS consists of a pre-filter and a main filter.
The inner surface of the quadrupole rods is hyperbolic giving an ideal electrical
field inside the quadrupole.
Only RF voltage is supplied to the pre-filter, while RF and DC voltage is supplied to
the main filter. The purpose of the pre-filter is to direct ions from the ORS along
the right path into the main filter. RF voltage (V) and DC voltage (U) are supplied
to the main filter (Figure 52). When the highest mass 260 is analyzed, typically
maximum 559 V of DC voltage and maximum 3,338 V of RF voltage are supplied.
In addition, the DC bias voltage (referred to as PB in Figure 52) is supplied to the
quadrupole. This quadrupole bias controls the averaged DC potential in the
central area of the quadrupole where ions travel thereby controlling ion velocity in
the axial direction. Therefore, the pole bias can be used to implement kinetic
energy discrimination by which low energy ions are blocked by the quadrupole
potential while high energy ions are allowed to pass through the quadrupole. This
is the technique used with ORS to remove spectral interferences. Only an Agilent
Technologies engineer should perform quadrupole maintenance.

122 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
Quadrupole

Max. V atM/Z = 260

PB + U
max.+559 V V cos w
max. 3,338 V
PB + U + V cos w t Ground

average voltage

PB - U - V cos w t Ground

max. -559 V max. 3,338 V

Figure 52. Q-pole Mass Filter

U
238U
max.
513 V

Li

max. 3056 V V
Figure 53. Scan Line of Quadrupole Mass Filter

The scan line of a quadrupole is represented in Figure 53. The mass of ions that
are allowed to pass through the quadrupole to the detector is approximately
proportional to U and V, both of which are ramped rapidly along this scan line to
detect ions of multiple masses virtually simultaneously.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 123

4 Appendix
Electron Multiplier (EM)

Electron Multiplier (EM)

The EM used in the Agilent ICP-MS is a discrete dynode type, operated in both
pulse count and analog modes. A brief description of the principle of operation is
described below.
Pulse mode: When an ion enters the EM, the ion hits the first dynode and a
shower of electrons is generated. The electrons hit the next dynode generating
more electrons. This small signal is amplified and a higher pulse signal is
obtained: electrons are multiplied about 106 times. Finally, the pulse generated is
detected by the collector. The pulse width is about 20 nsec. At this moment, the
output signal from the multiplier contains electrical noise and the pulse signal.
After the signal is amplified, a discriminator circuit eliminates the electrical noise.
Then, pulse signals higher than the discriminator voltage are converted to an
ideal pulse shape. This pulse is measured as one ion count (Figure 54).
Analog mode: When the concentration of an element is high, the ions of that
element will not be measured as individual pulses because the interval of ions
entering the EM is often too short to separately measure them. In general, this
phenomenon becomes more critical when the average number of ions entering
the EM per second is greater than several millions. At count rates higher than 1.3
million counts/s (cps) for the 7900 (0.9 Mcps for the 7800/7850), the electrical
current at the collector connected to an intermediate dynode is measured by the
analog mode. The current is converted to log- voltage by the log amp. Then it is
sampled by the A/D converter, and is accumulated by the accumulator. The
accumulated value is then converted to ion counts by the P/A factor (Figure 54).
The EM operates in dual mode, that is, either in pulse or analog mode for each
element (mass) in each sample.
For adjustment of the dual mode, a P/A factor must be set.

124 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
Electron Multiplier (EM)

+ HV
Electron Multipiler (EM)

Ions
- HV

Discrimi-
nator
Counter MassHunter Workstation
Pre-amp

Anti-log Accumu-
Logic lator MassHunter Workstation

Log-amp
7700_0109

Figure 54. Ion Detection System

When data acquisition starts, the CPU board automatically selects the pulse or
analog mode for each mass (element) to be analyzed. The threshold level
between the two modes is about 1.3 Mcps for the 7900 (0.9 Mcps for the
7800/7850).
When the EM mode is set to AUTO in method and the signal exceeds the
threshold, the signal is measured by analog mode only. If the count rate of a
certain mass exceeds 10 Gcps for the 7900 (4 Gcps for the 7800/7850), which
cannot be measured even by analog mode, the detection of this mass will be
skipped automatically to protect the EM. After finishing data acquisition, the data
is transferred to the MassHunter Workstation for data analysis.
The time for EM replacement can be judged by the EM voltage (Analog HV and
Pulse HV). The EM can be used until the Analog HV reaches 3500 V or the Pulse
HV reaches 2000 V, after adjusting the EM voltage. However, it is recommended
to replace EM well in advance.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 125

4 Appendix
APG remote interface

APG remote interface

The following functions are available on the Agilent ICP-MS MassHunter

Workstation APG remote interface.
• Inform the current instrument mode (Standby or Analysis mode)
• Setting the instrument to the Standby mode
• Starting data acquisition

Figure 55. APG Remote Connector

Table 7. Remote Signals

Pin Signal Active

1 Digital ground

2 N/A

3 Start Low

4 Shutdown Low

5 N/A

6 N/A

7 N/A

8 N/A

9 N/A

N/A: Not Applicable

Pin 3, Start: Request to start run. Start the Data Acquisition.

Pin 4, Shutdown:
Receive: When the instrument is in Analysis mode and the signal is
changed to LOW, the instrument enters Standby mode.
Send: When the instrument is in Analysis mode, the shutdown signal is
HIGH.

126 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
APG remote interface

When Agilent 1200 LC or GC7890 is selected.

Receive: When a hardware error occurs, the shutdown signal changes to
LOW which turns off the ICP-MS plasma and switches the
instrument from Analysis mode to Standby mode.
Send: When a hardware error occurs in the ICP-MS, or when the
plasma is turned off via sequencing, the shutdown signal
changes to LOW.
“Send” is defined as an open collector. “Receive” is defined as TTL level.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 127

4 Appendix
Appendix B. Troubleshooting

Appendix B. Troubleshooting

Items to Be Checked in Case of Low Sensitivity

If the sensitivity is low, conduct the troubleshooting described in the following

sections.
If the described procedure does not restore the sensitivity, contact our Customer
Contact Center. When calling the Customer Contact Center, be sure to have the
tuning report at hand.

Items to Be Checked in Standby Mode

• If sample cannot be correctly introduced, check the following three points.
a Check to make sure that the peristaltic pump has been adjusted properly.
Refer to “Sample Uptake Tubing” in this manual.
b Check to make sure that the nebulizer is not clogged. See the “Nebulizer
Test” section in the MassHunter Workstation online Help.
c Check to make sure that there is no leak at the tube connector or sample
line connector.
• Check to make sure that the torch (injector) is not clogged.
• Check to make sure that the diameters and shapes of the holes in the
sampling cone or skimmer cone have not changed. Refer to “Check the
Orifice” in this manual.
• Check the lens. See the “Ion Lens Test” section in the MassHunter Workstation
online Help.

Items to Be Checked in Analysis Mode

• Check to make sure that the torch is positioned correctly.
Adjust the torch vertical/horizontal position
• Check to make sure that the mass axis is adjusted correctly.
Adjust the Resolution/Axis.
• Execute the EM voltage adjustment.
Adjust the EM/discriminator.

128 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
Items to Be Checked in Case of Plasma does not Ignite

• Check to make sure that the lens is responding.

Check to make sure that the signal changes when the lens voltage is varied.
• Check to make sure that sensitivity is acceptable in no gas mode.
If the sensitivity is acceptable in no gas mode and it is too low in He or H2
mode, the problem may be caused by the purity level of the cell gas.
• Set the tuning parameter as they were when the sensitivity was normal; then
re-check the sensitivity.

Items to Be Checked in Case of Plasma does not Ignite

If the plasma does not ignite, check the following items:

• Samples do not collect in the spray chamber.
• Air is not mixed from connection points.
• Incident power and reflection power from the plasma.
See the “Plasma” section in the MassHunter Workstation online Help.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 129

4 Appendix
Appendix C. ICP-MS Web Utility

Appendix C. ICP-MS Web Utility

The ICP-MS Web Utility is an application that allows you to perform configuration
operations such as setting and restoring the IP address for the ICP-MS. To open
the ICP-MS Web Utility:
• Place the ICP-MS in SHUTDOWN mode (if using the Utility to change IP
address).
• Type the current ICP-MS IP address into the browser address bar on a
computer that is on the same LAN segment as the ICP-MS. Preferred browser
is Internet Explorer 8/9/11.
• Refer to the Help pages within the Web Utility for further explanations on use
of the utility.

130 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
Appendix D. Purging the Cell Gas Line

Appendix D. Purging the Cell Gas Line

Cell Gas lines can be purged from the MassHunter Workstation.

Follow the steps below to purge the cell gas lines from MassHunter Workstation.

3rd Cell Gas is available when the optional gas line is installed.
NOTE
If an H2 gas line is not connected, H2-gas-related items are grayed out and
cannot be selected.

Excessive amounts of cell gas raises the pressure in the vacuum chamber and
C AU T I O N the instrument safety feature will put the instrument in to shutdown mode.
When introducing the cell gas, increase the gas flow rate gradually maintaining
a good operating vacuum pressure.

To open the Cell Gas Line Maintenance table, complete the following steps:
1 Click the Collision/Reaction Cell illustration in the Dashboard pane, and then
click Maintenance.

Figure 56. Dashboard pane

2 The Confirmation dialog box appears. Click Yes.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 131

4 Appendix
Appendix D. Purging the Cell Gas Line

3 The Maintenance table is displayed in the bottom of the Dashboard pane.

Figure 57. Maintenance table

The following information is displayed in the Cell Gas Line Maintenance table.
• Output (Column): Sets each cell gas flow rate.
• Open Bypass Valve (Icon button): Click icon, and opens valve. When close the
valve, click icon again.
• H2 Gas Flow Rate: H2 gas flow rate setting. Enter the flow rate value in the text
box.
• He Gas Flow Rate: He gas flow rate setting. Enter the flow rate value in the
text box.
• 3rd Cell Gas Flow Rate: 3rd gas flow rate setting. Enter the flow rate value (%)
in the text box.
• Input (Column): Current value.
The maximum flow rate of each gas is as follows:
• H2 gas: 10 (mL/min)
• He gas: 12 (mL/min)
• 3rd cell gas: 100 (%) [= 10 mL/min]

132 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
Appendix E. Organic Solvent Kit

Appendix E. Organic Solvent Kit

General

When analyzing organic solvents, Oxygen must be added in to the nebulizer gas
line to burn the carbon in the organic solvent. This will avoid depositing the
carbon on to the interface (Sampling cone / Skimmer cone). If the deposition is
allowed to build up the interface cones can clog.
A 1.5 mm (or 1 mm) I.D. torch is used for organic solvent samples to maintain
good plasma conditions. The drain volume when introducing the organic solvent
is smaller than when introducing aqueous solutions and most of the organic
solvent sample is introduced into the torch and it may extinguish the plasma
easily. So, it is necessary to use 1.5 mm I.D. torch to reduce the sample loading
on the plasma.

Set the Option Mass Flow tank Pressure at 10-100 kPa.

C AU T I O N

Use 20 % Oxygen and 80 % Ar gas mixture. There is an increased risk of

WAR N ING explosion or fire if higher concentrations of Oxygen are used.

Be sure to wear solvent resistant gloves and protective glasses when handling
WAR N ING organic solvents.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 133

4 Appendix
Replacing the torch

Replacing the torch

1 Make sure that the ICP-MS is in Standby or Shutdown mode.

2 Replace the torch with the 1.5 mm I.D. torch of the kit.

Make sure that none of the drain lines are leaking (e.g. the Spray Chamber
WAR N ING outlet).
If there is a leak, there is a greater risk of explosion.

Adjustment of clamp tension for Drain tubing

1 Make sure the drain tubing is not damaged. Replace the drain tubing when it is
damaged.
2 Point to the Sample Introduction illustration in the Dashboard pane, and then
click Maintenance.
3 The Sample Introduction Maintenance dialog box appears.
4 Set Nebulizer Pump at 0.3 rps, and set nebulizer gas flow to 1.0 and aspirate
pure water.
5 Gradually loosen the knob applying pressure to the peristaltic pump clamp for
the drain until the peristaltic pump stops drawing up the drain line. Gradually
tighten the knob until the peristaltic pump begins to draw up the drain line
again. Continue to tighten the knob of the drain uptake an additional 2-3 turns.

Drain Tubing
Flow Direction
(Drain Vessel) (Peristaltic Pump)

Air Water Solution

Figure 58.

• When no flow is observed in the drain line, readjust the clamp tension for
drain tubing or replace the drain tubing.
• There is normally liquid and air as shown above. When there is only liquid,
tighten the clamp an additional turn or reduce sample uptake volume by
decreasing the nebulizer gas flow.

134 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
Replacing the torch

Make sure that the drainage is flowing. Check that the tube from the drain
WAR N ING peristaltic pump to the drain bottle is properly connected. You should see a
regular pattern of liquid and air as shown above.

When the spray chamber drain is not pumped properly, excess flammable
WAR N ING solvents in the spray chamber may ignite and explode. Make sure that the
spray chamber drain is being pumped properly during analysis.
If you introduce a sample that has a tendency to solidify, such as photoresist,
make sure that the spray chamber drain is being pumped properly and that the
torch injector is not becoming clogged.

Drain tubing damage depends on the organic solvent type. We strongly

WAR N ING recommended that you replace it daily before introducing organic solvent
samples.

Perform a daily inspection to make sure the drain tubing is not damaged.
WAR N ING Otherwise the risk of explosion increases.

Pump out the solvent in the drain line after analysis. The lifetime of the tubing
WAR N ING is drastically reduced if organic solvent remains in the drain tubing.

When pulling out the drain connector, remove it slowly so that the solvent left
WAR N ING inside the tubing does not scatter.
Pump out the solvent in the sample introduction lines, spray chamber, and
drain line after you finish an analysis. The lifetime of the tubing is drastically
reduced if organic solvent remains in the tubing.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 135

4 Appendix
Warning Label

Warning Label

Put the warning label in the kit on the left side of the body enclosure.
Table 8. Organic solvents having confirmed methods for the Agilent ICP-MS (Nebulizer; Concentric)

*
Organic solvent Dilution factor Sample tubing id Torch injector id Oxygen % in total
(mm) (mm) nebulizer & makeup
gas

iso-propyl alcohol (IPA) direct 0.2 1.5 2%

methyl alcohol (Methanol) direct 0.15 1.0 3%

ethyl alcohol (Ethanol) direct 0.3 1.5 3%

2,2 aminoethoxy ethanol 1:41 % nitric acid 0.5 1.5 None

ethyl acetate 1:1 NMP 0.3 1.5 3%

buthl acetate 1:1 NMP 0.3 1.5 3%

Propylene glycol mono-methyl acetate direct 0.3 1.5 3%

(PGMEA)

N-methy1-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) direct 0.3 1.5 3%

methyl iso- buty ketone (MIBK) direct 0.3 1.5 8%

methy n-amyl ketone direct 0.3 1.5 8%

acetone direct 0.15 1.0 5%

ethyl lactate direct 0.3 1.5 3%

hydroxyl amine 1:41 % nitric acid 0.3 1.5 None

xyluene direct 0.3 1.5 10 %

toluene direct 0.3 1.5 12 %

kerosene direct 0.3 1.5 5%

3-para-diethyl benzene (PDEB) 1:1 NMP 0.3 1.5 5%

* Sample tubing length: 500 to 700 mm

136 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
Appendix F. Inert Sample Introduction Kit Installation Instructions

Appendix F. Inert Sample Introduction Kit

Installation Instructions

General

Please read this document carefully prior to installation.

This document explains the installation of the Inert Sample Introduction Kit.
Improper installation of the kit may cause damage to the parts. Be sure to wear
appropriate gloves during installation.
Table 9. Kit Parts List

Item Q’ty

End Cap and Spray Chamber Assy 1

Drain Tube Assy 1

Connector Tube 1

Injector Assy (With O-ring) 1

Torch 1

The surface of the PFA is slippery. Use the latex laboratory gloves when
C AU T I O N installating or removing of the PFA component,.

Mounting

1 First, switch the instrument to Standby mode and then remove the following
parts from the instrument.
• Connector tube clips and connector tube
• Torch
• Spray chamber and the connected tubes
• Spray chamber chiller (upper and lower parts) and connector

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 137

4 Appendix
Mounting

• Bracket (if change of bracket is necessary, see 2 below)

There is a plastic screw-in locking bolt on the underside of the spray chamber
NOTE chiller which fixes the spray chamber chiller (lower part) to the bracket. Loosen
this locking bolt to move the spray chamber chiller. If the bracket on the Agilent
7900 is fixed on the lower position, the bracket needs to be moved to the upper
position.

Spray Chamber Chiler

(Lower Part)

Plastic Locking Bolt

Bracket
7700_0219

Figure 59.

2 Assemble the parts as shown in the following figures. Please fit the parts
together with care, but firmly.

Continue to use the existing torch shield plate and bonnet.

NOTE

Injector
Bonnet, Torch Shield
Spray Chamber Plate (Reuse existing)

Torch

Connector Tube

Drain Tube
End Cap
7700_0217

Figure 60.

138 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
Mounting

3 When the torch, injector and connector tube are assembled, install in the
instrument.

7700_0218

Figure 61.

4 Install the spray chamber.

On installing the spray chamber, connect to the injector while gently but firmly
C AU T I O N holding the connector tube against the connector tube guide. Be careful as any
pressure applied on the torch could cause breakage.

Figure 62.

5 Connect the chilled water hose and tighten the plastic locking bolt.
6 Connect the plasma gas and auxiliary gas tubing to the torch.

When the DILUTION / OPTION GAS is not used, remove the tubing from the
NOTE instrument.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 139

4 Appendix
Mounting

7 Install the upper part of the spray chamber chiller and connect the makeup
gas tubing and drain tubing. Install the nebulizer and connect the sample
tubing and nebulizer gas tubing.
8 Installation is now complete. Please note the following:

For removal of the inert kit, please simply follow the reverse procedure. PFA parts
NOTE only (not torch parts) can be washed in a solution of 5% nitric acid and 5%
hydrofluoric acid by soaking for 8 hours.

140 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
Appendix G. Maintaining the Collision/Reaction Cell

Appendix G.Maintaining the Collision/Reaction

Cell

This procedure explains the removal, disassembly, and cleaning method for
individual lenses, and the reassembly of the ORS cell used in the Agilent ICP-MS.
It is necessary to open the vacuum chamber to clean the ORS cell. Refer to the
procedure “Opening/Closing the Vacuum Chamber” on page 142 for an
explanation of the correct method for this procedure.
To minimize maintenance time, clean the ORS cell first. While cleaning the cell,
replace the chamber cover and start the pumps. After cleaning, reassemble and
install the ORS cell assembly, clean the Extraction Lens-Omega Lens assembly.

Before opening the vacuum chamber to clean the ORS cell or for other
C AU T I O N purposes, always switch OFF the power to the ICP-MS.

Perform maintenance on the following Collision/Reaction Cell:

• ORS cell assembly (ORS cell lens, Octopole)
• Deflect lens
• Plate bias lens
You will need the following equipment when maintaining the Collision/Reaction
Cell:
• Safety glasses
• Laboratory gloves
• Tweezers
• TORX driver (T8, T10, T20)
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Octopole plate (tool)
• Isopropyl alcohol (IPA)
• Pure water
• Ethanol or acetone (EL grade) for cleaning the tools
• Polishing paper #400, #1200 grit
• Cotton swabs
• Alumina abrasive powder

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 141

4 Appendix
Opening/Closing the Vacuum Chamber

• Glass beaker (large/small)

• Ultrasonic bath
• Circuit tester
• Laboratory tissue
• Plastic tray

Pure water used for cleaning is indicated as water that has been generated using
NOTE the ion-exchange method and a membrane filter, and has an electrical resistance
of at least 18 MΩ cm.

Do not allow the parts in the vacuum chamber to become stained in any way.
C AU T I O N Always use clean laboratory gloves and handle the components in a
contamination free place.
Avoid contaminating or damaging the O-ring and flange surfaces.
Contaminants and damage may cause the vacuum to leak.

Opening/Closing the Vacuum Chamber

The vacuum chamber must be completely sealed to achieve high vacuum

required by the quadrupole. Poor vacuum will affect its performance. This
procedure explains how to break vacuum and how to achieve a good vacuum
after the chamber has been opened. The vacuum chamber must be kept clean by
wearing laboratory gloves while performing maintenance. When you are not
working directly inside the vacuum chamber, keep the cover on.

It is necessary to open the vacuum chamber when removing the ORS cell. It is
NOTE not necessary to open the vacuum chamber when you are removing the
Extraction Lens-Omega Lens assembly.

142 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
Opening/Closing the Vacuum Chamber

Venting and Opening the Vacuum Chamber

1 Check that the instrument has transitioned from Standby mode to Shutdown
mode, and close the MassHunter software. Turn OFF the instrument using the
main switch.
2 Loosen the vacuum chamber vent valve by about 1 rotation.
You will hear air being sucked into the vacuum chamber.
The sound will gradually lessen. Keep the vent valve open until no sound can
be heard.

Vent Valve

7700_0086

Figure 63. Vent Valve

3 When the vacuum chamber has equalized, use an Allen wrench (4mm) to
loosen the bolts. Remove the vacuum chamber lid.
Place the vacuum chamber lid down with the inner surface facing upward to
avoid contamination.
4 Be sure to close the vent valve after removing the vacuum chamber lid.
To avoid leaving the valve open, when pumping down the system afterwards.

When not performing any maintenance inside the vacuum chamber, cover the
NOTE chamber with the lid to prevent contamination.
During longer maintenance periods such as when cleaning the ion lens, close the
lid on the vacuum chamber and pump down the ICP-MS to Standby mode.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 143

4 Appendix
Opening/Closing the Vacuum Chamber

Sealing the Vacuum Chamber and Pumping Down the System

1 Check that the O-ring is clean and that it is attached correctly.

Do not grease the O-ring of the vacuum chamber cover. If you accidentally get
C AU T I O N grease on your gloves while you are working, you can potentially contaminate
the lens and other components.

2 After confirming that all components are positioned correctly inside the
vacuum chamber, place the lid on the vacuum chamber.
3 Check that the lid is placed correctly, and use an Allen wrench (4 mm) to
tighten the bolts temporarily.
4 Confirm that the vent valve on the vacuum chamber is closed.
5 Pump down by turning ON the main switch, waiting until the red light of status
indicator turns off and carrying out one of the following methods.
• Press the vacuum ON/OFF switch until the status indicator begins to blink.
• Re-start MassHunter.
Click the Mainframe illustration in the Dashboard pane, and then click
Vacuum On. After a short delay the pump will being operating and the
pump down will start. (Changing from Shutdown mode to Standby mode)
6 When the status indicator has changed to orange, check the MassHunter
screen to confirm that, the instrument has transitioned to Standby mode.

When the upper cover is opened for a long period of time, or the humidity is high,
NOTE it can take longer for the ICP-MS to reach Standby mode if any components have
been replaced or cleaned.
If the ICP-MS does not reach Standby mode within 5 hours an error will be
generated. After acknowledging the error, change the ICP-MS to Standby mode
again.

7 Use an Allen wrench (4 mm), to further tighten the screws of the vacuum
chamber lid.

144 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
ORS Cell Assembly, Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens

ORS Cell Assembly, Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens

Removing the ORS Cell Assembly

The ORS cell assembly is located inside the vacuum chamber, behind the gate
valve assembly.

Disassemble the ORS cell in an area free of contamination.

C AU T I O N

Turn OFF the power to the instrument before you remove the ORS Cell
WAR N ING assembly from the vacuum chamber. Otherwise, you could expose yourself to
the extreme danger of contact with high voltage electricity.

1 Loosen the vent valve to equalize the pressure in the vacuum chamber and
remove the chamber lid.
Refer to the “Opening/Closing the Vacuum Chamber” on page 142 in this
chapter.
2 Disconnect the cell gas tube.
3 Disconnect the connectors and remove the cell gas tubing.
Disconnect the ORS Cell Connectors (two) from the ORS cell assembly. And
remove the cell gas tube from the vacuum chamber.
4 Disconnect the plate bias wire and deflect lens wire.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 145

4 Appendix
ORS Cell Assembly, Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens

Cell Gas Tube

Heater/Temp Sensor Wire Plate Bias Wire

ORS Cell
Mounting Screw

ORS Cell Connectors Deflect lens Wire

7700_0090

Figure 64. ORS Cell as Refitted

146 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
ORS Cell Assembly, Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens

5 Remove the ORS cell assembly.

Loosen the screw for the ORS cell. Lift the ORS cell assembly at an angle, as
shown in Figure 65.

ORS Cell Mounting Screw

ORS Cell Assembly

7700_0091

Figure 65. Removing the ORS cell assembly

6 Place the ORS cell assembly on a clean surface.

After removing the assembly, return the lid to the vacuum chamber.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 147

4 Appendix
ORS Cell Assembly, Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens

Removing the Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens

The Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens is located in the vacuum chamber, between
the ORS cell assembly and the Q-pole.

Plate Bias

Deflect Lens

Cell Exit Guide

Screws (2)

7700_0428

Figure 66. Location of the Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens (with the ORS Cell Assembly Removed)

Always perform these maintenance in a contamination-free area.

C AU T I O N

148 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
ORS Cell Assembly, Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens

It is necessary to remove the ORS cell assembly before removing the Plate Bias
Lens.
1 Remove the Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens.
Loosen the 2 screws securing the Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens and
remove the Cell Exit Guide, Deflect Lens, Spacer and Plate Bias Lens.

Plate Bias

Spacer

Deflect Lens

Cell Exit

Connector Hole

Screws (2)

7700_0429

Figure 67. Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens

2 Place the removed parts on a clean surface.

Return the lid to the vacuum chamber after removing the lens.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 149

4 Appendix
ORS Cell Assembly, Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens

Disassembling the ORS Cell Assembly

Disassemble the ORS cell assembly in an area free of contamination and while
C AU T I O N wearing clean laboratory gloves and use only clean tools.

When cleaning the ORS cell assembly, layout the dismantled components in the
NOTE order of their original configuration.

1 Loosen the Cell Entrance and Exit Lens assembly screws a quarter turn.
To avoid damage to the Octopole from force applied while dismantling the
Octopole in the next procedure, loosen the Cell Exit Lens assembly screws
and the Cell Entrance Lens assembly screws a quarter turn prior to
disassembly.

Cell Exit Lens Screws (2)

Cell Exit Lens

7700_0430

Figure 68. ORS cell assembly

Only loosen the Cell Entrance and Exit Lens assembly screw a quarter turn.
NOTE Loosening the screws more than that could cause the components to come
apart and make the task more difficult.

2 Remove the 4 screws on the lower block of the ORS cell assembly.
3 Place the ORS cell assembly on a clean surface.
Remove the upper block, and then place the removed block on a clean
surface.

150 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
ORS Cell Assembly, Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens

4 Carefully remove the octopole.

Cell Upper Block

Octopole Shaft 1
Cell Exit Lens
Cell Entrance Lens

Cell Entrance Lens

Screw

Octopole Shaft 2
Cell Focus, Spacer

Cell Lower Block

Cell Entrance Lens
Screw

Groove

Cell Assembly Screws (4)

7700_0093

Figure 69. ORS Cell Assembly Dismantled

The diameter of Octopole shaft 1 differs from Octopole shaft 2.

NOTE

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 151

4 Appendix
ORS Cell Assembly, Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens

5 Remove the Cell Focus, Cell Entrance Lens, and Spacer.

Loosen the Cell Entrance Lens assembly screw to remove the Cell Focus, Cell
Entrance Lens, and spacer from the Octopole assembly.

Do not directly touch the rods of the Octopole. You may accidentally mis-align
C AU T I O N the Octopole.
The Cell Focus, Cell Entrance Lens, Cell Exit Lens and spacer are located on
either side of the Octopole. When removing the Cell Entrance Lens or Cell Exit
Lens, only remove one at a time, leaving the other Lens or Octopole plate
assembled. This will prevent you from potentially mis-assembling the lenses to
the wrong side.

The Cell Focus, Cell Entrance Lens, Cell Exit Lens, and spacer are shaped and
NOTE structured differently.

Cell Exit Lens

Octopole

Cell Entrance Lens

Spacer

Cell Focus

Cell Entrance Lens Screws 7700_0094

Figure 70. Removing the Cell Entrance Lens

152 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
ORS Cell Assembly, Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens

6 Secure the Octopole plate.

Secure the Octopole Plate (included in the mainframe accessory) to the
location from which you removed the Cell Focus and Cell Entrance Lens.

Octopole

Octopole Plate

Cell Entrance Lens Screws 7700_0095

Figure 71. Securing the Octopole Plate

7 Remove the Cell Exit Lens.

Remove the Cell Exit Lens screw to remove the Cell Exit Lens.

Octopole

Cell Exit Lens

Cell Exit Lens Screws

Octopole Plate

7700_0096

Figure 72. Removing the Cell Exit Lens

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 153

4 Appendix
ORS Cell Assembly, Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens

8 Secure the Octopole plate.

Secure the Octopole plate to the location from which you removed the Cell
Exit Lens.

Cell Exit Lens

Octopole Plate

Cell Entrance Lens

Spacer

Cell Focus
7700_0097

Figure 73. The Octopole with the Cell Entrance Lens and Cell Exit Lens Removed

9 The Octopole is now secured by the 2 octopole plates.

Remove the cell focus and spacer from the cell entrance lens.
Place the disassembled ORS cell components on a clean surface.

Cleaning the Octopole

It is necessary to clean the Octopole if there is signal drift, or a longer than normal
period of time is required for the signal to stabilize when switching from
hydrogen to standard mode.
Clean the Octopole after disassembling the ORS cell and attach the Octopole
holding fixtures.
1 With the Octopole holding fixtures attached, ultrasonic for 5 minutes in
Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA). Use IPA only for the Octopole (not for other parts of
the ICP-MS instrument).
2 Rinse with pure water.

Use a large beaker to prevent the rods of the Octopole are contact with the wall of
NOTE the beaker. The Octopole may become misaligned.

3 Ultrasonic for an additional 5 minutes in pure water.

4 Dry.

154 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
ORS Cell Assembly, Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens

Cleaning the ORS Cell Lenses

The parts of the ORS cell that need to be cleaned are the Cell Entrance, Cell
Focus, Exit, Deflect lens and Plate Bias Lens. Remove the O-rings from the Cell
Entrance and Cell Exit Lens when cleaning.
It is possible to clean the lenses separately, but it is more efficient to clean them
together.
There is normally no need to clean the spacers and screws. Be careful not to
touch the spacers and screws with your bare hands.
Perform the following procedure when cleaning the lenses.

Do not clean with organic solvents.

C AU T I O N

1 Using the blue (#400) polishing paper, thoroughly clean the interior and
exterior of the lenses.
Be sure to thoroughly clean the orifices through which the ion beam passes.
Take care not to deform the orifices when polishing the lenses. Any damage
may affect instrument performance.
2 Repeat the cleaning procedure using the yellow (#1200) polishing paper.
3 Use a cotton swab with alumina paste mixed from alumina powder and pure
water to polish the interior and intricate parts of the lenses.
Primarily polish the lens orifices.
4 Rinse with pure water.
5 Ultrasonic the lenses in pure water for 5 minutes.
6 Dry on a clean surface.
Allow the lenses to air dry, do not wipe.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 155

4 Appendix
ORS Cell Assembly, Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens

Do not clean plastic components (spacers) with organic solvents. The plastic
C AU T I O N will be damaged or deformed if it comes in contact with organic solvents.
Completely dry all components. If components are connected to the vacuum
chamber before they have completely dried, it will take an extraordinarily long
time to pump down to Standby mode.
If the printed circuit board has been removed from the Cell’s upper block, pay
attention to the direction when re-attaching it. If it is incorrectly installed, the
bottom connector of the printed circuit board will hit the Cell’s upper block and
cannot be attached properly.

It is not normally necessary to clean the Cell’s upper and lower blocks.
NOTE
However, if these have been touched by bare hands or have oil on them, wipe
clean with alcohol (IPA or ethanol).
Remove the heater, temperature sensor and printed circuit board from the Cell’s
upper block and allow it to dry thoroughly.

Assembling the ORS Cell Assembly

It is easiest to refit the Extraction Lens-Omega Lens assembly and the ORS cell
assembly in the reverse order to which they were dismantled. After all the lenses
are cleaned, begin with the ORS cell assembly.
1 Refit the O-rings that were previously removed from the cell entrance lens and
cell exit lens.
Check the O-rings for damage or degradation, and replace as necessary.

The Cell Focus, Cell Entrance Lens, and Cell Exit Lens are different.
NOTE
The cell entrance lens should be refitted on the longer extruding side of the
octopole. The cell exit lens should be refitted on the shorter side. Take care to
refit the lenses onto the correct sides.

156 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
ORS Cell Assembly, Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens

2 Remove the Octopole plate from the cell exit lens side. Refit the cell exit lens.
Lightly tighten the cell exit lens screws.

Octopole

Cell Exit Lens

Cell Exit Lens Screws

Octopole Plate

7700_0096

Figure 74. Installing the cell exit lens

3 Remove the octopole plate from the cell entrance lens side. Refit the cell
entrance lens, spacer and cell focus. Lightly tighten the cell entrance lens
screws.

Cell Exit Lens

Octopole

Cell Entrance Lens

Spacer

Cell Focus

Cell Entrance Lens Screws 7700_0094

Figure 75. Installing the cell entrance lens

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 157

4 Appendix
ORS Cell Assembly, Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens

The two shafts on the Octopole are of different diameters to prevent the Cell
C AU T I O N Entrance Lens and Cell Exit Lens from being mis-assembled. Pay careful
attention to the direction of the lenses when assembling.
Always remove only one Octopole support plate (located on both sides of the
Octopole assembly) at a time, leaving the other support plate assembled to the
other Cell Entrance Lens / Cell Exit Lens. Removing both at the same time can
lead to confusion when it comes time to refit the instrument.
Do not directly contact the rods of the Octopole. The Octopole may become
misaligned.

4 Set the reassembled octopole into the cell lower block.

Set the Octopole so that the shafts fit the cell lower block. Also check that the
contoured side of the octopole holder faces upward.
Set the cell upper block so that it fits the thin octopole shafts. Check that it is
correctly interlocked.

158 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
ORS Cell Assembly, Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens

5 Fasten the cell block screws on the bottom of the ORS cell assembly. Tighten
the screws evenly.

Cell Upper Block

Cell Entrance Lens Cell Exit Lens

Octopole Assembly

Cell Lower Block

Cell Focus

Cell Assembly Screws (4)

7700_0100

Figure 76. Assembling the ORS cell

6 Now securely fasten the screws on the cell entrance lens and cell exit lens
that were only lightly tightened before.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 159

4 Appendix
ORS Cell Assembly, Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens

Test using the circuit tester

Wipe the end of the tester probes with ethanol.

NOTE

1 Check for electrical continuity.

• Check for insulation between each terminal of the 6 pin connector and the
cell block.

ORS Cell Wire Connector

Cell Focus

Cell Lower Block Ohmmeter 7700_0101

Figure 77. Checking the continuity (Cell Lower Block and Connector Electrodes)

• Also check that the pin terminals are insulated from each other.

ORS Cell Wire Connector

Ohmmeter

7700_0102

Figure 78. Checking the continuity (connector and individual electrodes)

160 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
ORS Cell Assembly, Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens

2 Check the continuity.

• Check for electrical continuity between the cell entrance lens and the
terminal on the far left inside the 6 pins connector.
• Also check for electrical continuity between the cell exit lens and the
terminal on the far right inside the 6 pins connector.

Cell Exit Lens

Cell Exit Lens Contact

Enlarged ORS Cell

Wire Connector

Cell Entrance Lens

Cell Entrance Lens Contact

7700_0103

Figure 79. Checking the electrical connections

Installing the Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens

When refitting lenses in the vacuum chamber, begin with Deflect Lens and Plate
Bias Lens. If you refit the ORS cell assembly first, you will not be able to install
them.
1 Install the plate bias lens to the guide pins. Install the spacers over the guide
pins.
2 Install the deflect lens.
Make sure that the plug holes for the electrical wiring face you.
3 Install the cell exit. Tighten the screws evenly.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 161

4 Appendix
ORS Cell Assembly, Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens

Installing the ORS Cell Assembly

1 Insert the cell focus into the cell focus guide. Place the ORS cell assembly in
the vacuum chamber (Figure 80.)

Cell Focus

ORS Cell Assembly

7900_0104

Figure 80. Installing the ORS cell assembly (7900)

2 Tighten the mounting screw, securing the ORS cell assembly to the vacuum
chamber.
3 Connect the wires.
Insert the wire leading to the plate bias lens and the wire leading to the Deflect
lens into the terminal installation section.
4 Connect the wire connectors.
Connect the heater/sensor and ORS cell connectors to the ORS cell assembly.
5 Connect the tube.
Connect the cell gas tube to the ORS cell assembly.

Before installing the vacuum chamber lid, check the heater cable and
NOTE temperature sensor cable are connected to the terminals on the cell.

162 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
ORS Cell Assembly, Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens

Cell Gas Tube

Heater/Temp Sensor Wire Plate Bias Wire

ORS Cell
Mounting Screw

ORS Cell Connectors Deflect lens Wire

7700_0090

Figure 81. ORS cell as Refitted

6 Pump down the system.

Refer to procedure in this chapter titled “Sealing the Vacuum Chamber and
Pumping Down the System”.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 163

4 Appendix
ORS Cell Assembly, Deflect Lens and Plate Bias Lens

Adjusting the Octopole Matching

After performing maintenance on the ORS cell, it is necessary to match the
impedance between the Octopole and the Octopole RF power source.
1 Click the Collision/Reaction Cell illustration in the Dashboard pane, and then
click Maintenance. The Maintenance (Cell) table appears.

Figure 82. Dashboard pane

2 Click the OctPole Matching icon.

Figure 83. Maintenance (Cell) table

3 Start OctPole Matching adjusting.

Figure 84. Status window

4 The function starts automatically.

164 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
Appendix H. Hydrogen Safety Guide

Appendix H. Hydrogen Safety Guide

Hydrogen (H2) Gas

Some models of the Agilent ICP-MS use Hydrogen (H2) gas. While the Agilent
WAR N ING ICP-MS is designed for safe operation under normal usage, Hydrogen gas has
the following characteristics and extreme care must be taken to safely control
its use.
• Hydrogen is flammable over a wide range of concentrations. At atmospheric
pressure, Hydrogen is combustible at concentrations from 4% to 75%.
• Hydrogen has the highest burning velocity of any gas.
• Hydrogen has a very low ignition energy.
• Hydrogen temperature increases as the gas expands.
• Hydrogen that is allowed to expand rapidly from high pressure can actually
self-ignite.
• Hydrogen burns with a nonluminous flame that is often invisible under
bright light.

Dangers During the ICP-MS Operation

Hydrogen presents a limitless number of dangers during the ICP-MS operation.

WAR N ING These include, but are not limited to:
• Combustion from leaking Hydrogen.
• Combustion due to rapid expansion of Hydrogen from high pressure.
• Accumulation of Hydrogen in the ICP-MS and subsequent combustion.
Hydrogen can accumulate in the ICP-MS in a number of unstipulated or
uncommon ways. All users must be aware of the mechanisms by which
Hydrogen can accumulate. They must also know what precautions to take if
they know or suspect that Hydrogen accumulation has occurred.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 165

4 Appendix
Dangers in the ICP-MS Shutdown or Power Failure

Dangers in the ICP-MS Shutdown or Power Failure

Use deliberate and careful judgment when shutting down the ICP-MS. The
WAR N ING ICP-MS can also be shut down accidentally by an internal or external failure.
Even though the ICP-MS is shut down, Hydrogen still remains in the vacuum
system. As a result, Hydrogen may slowly accumulate in the vacuum pump line
and possibly vent through the foreline pump oil mist filter to the exhaust duct
of the ICP-MS. Make sure the exhaust duct is always operating.

Necessary Precautions

The following are general precautions that should be taken to prevent

WAR N ING combustion of Hydrogen gas. Other precautions may be necessary depending
on the setting and configuration in which you use the system. Pay careful
attention to safety management when using this system.
• Make sure the Hydrogen gas line is without leaks.
• Periodically check equipment for Hydrogen leaks using the appropriate
devices (leak detector, pressure test, etc.).
• Eliminate from your laboratory as many ignition sources as possible (open
flames, devices that can spark, sources of static electricity, etc.).
• Do not vent Hydrogen from a high-pressure chamber directly into the
atmosphere. There is a danger the gas will self-ignite.
• Always turn off the Hydrogen gas at its source whenever you turn off the
ICP-MS.
• Always turn off the Hydrogen gas at its source before opening the vent valve
or otherwise introducing ambient air into the ICP-MS. Hydrogen gas can
concentrate and combust at atmospheric pressure.
• Turn off the Hydrogen gas at its source as soon as a power failure occurs.
Do not resume operation of the ICP-MS before inspecting it for damage or
irregularities.
• The exhaust duct should always be operating. Hydrogen gas released while
the exhaust duct is not operating can result in accumulation of the gas in the
ICP-MS and/or the exhaust duct.
• The safety for external gas line is the customer's responsibility.

166 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

4 Appendix
Appendix I. Ammonia Safety Guide

Appendix I. Ammonia Safety Guide

Ammonia (NH3) Gas

Some models of the Agilent ICP-MS use Ammonia (NH3) gas. While the Agilent
WAR N ING ICP-MS is designed for safe operation under normal usage, Ammonia gas has
the following characteristics and extreme care must be taken to safely control
its use.
• Flammable in the presence of open flames and sparks.
• Explosive (explosion limit 15-28 vol% in the air).
• Contact with chemicals such as mercury, halogen, silver oxide or
hypochlorites can form explosive compounds.
• Irritant and corrosive to skin, eye, respiratory tract and mucous membranes.

Dangers During the ICP-MS Operation

Ammonia presents a limitless number of dangers during the ICP-MS operation.

WAR N ING These include, but are not limited to:
• Combustion/explosion from leaking Ammonia.
• Health hazards from leaking Ammonia.
• Accumulation of Ammonia in the ICP-MS and subsequent
combustion/explosion.
Ammonia can accumulate in the ICP-MS in a number of unstipulated or
uncommon ways. All users must be aware of the mechanisms by which
Ammonia can accumulate and what precautions to take if Ammonia
accumulation has occurred.

7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual 167

4 Appendix
Dangers in the ICP-MS Shutdown or Power Failure

Dangers in the ICP-MS Shutdown or Power Failure

Use deliberate and careful judgment when shutting down the ICP-MS. The
WAR N ING ICP-MS can also be shut down accidentally by an internal or external failure.
Even though the ICP-MS is shut down, Ammonia still remains in the vacuum
system. As a result, Ammonia may slowly accumulate in the vacuum pump line
and possibly vent through the foreline pump oil mist filter to the exhaust duct
of the ICP-MS. Make sure the exhaust duct is always operating.

Necessary Precautions

The following are general precautions that should be taken to prevent dangers
WAR N ING and effects of Ammonia gas. Other precautions may be necessary depending
on the setting and configuration in which you use the system. Pay careful
attention to safety management when using this system.
• Store in cool, well-ventilated area with containers tightly closed.
• Make sure the Ammonia gas line is without leaks.
• Periodically check equipment for Ammonia leaks using the appropriate
devices (leak detector, pressure test, etc.).
• Eliminate from your laboratory as many ignition sources as possible (open
flames, devices that can spark, sources of static electricity, etc.).
• Always turn off the Ammonia gas at its source whenever you turn off the
ICP-MS.
• Always turn off the Ammonia gas at its source before opening the vent valve
or introducing ambient air into the ICP-MS.
• Turn off the Ammonia gas at its source as soon as a power failure occurs.
Do not resume operation of the ICP-MS before inspecting it for damage or
irregularities.
• The exhaust duct should always be operating. Ammonia gas released while
the exhaust duct is not operating can result in accumulation of the gas in the
ICP-MS and/or the exhaust duct.
• The safety for external gas line is the customer's responsibility.

168 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS Hardware Maintenance Manual

In This Book
The Agilent 7800/7850/7900 ICP-MS
Hardware Maintenance Manual provides an
instrument overview, safety precautions and
procedures for maintenance.

www.agilent.com
© Agilent Technologies, Inc. 2022

*G8400-90015*
Part Number: G8400-90015
Printed in USA
August 2022 Document Revision: A.00