A laboratory contacted us for ICP-MS autotune failure and plasma ignition issues after maintenance was performed on an older system. During diagnostics, the RF work coil was found contacting the bonnet, which had caused misalignment in the torch assembly. The torch components, gas settings, RF supply output, RF coil, and related connections were inspected and tested, but the instrument continued to have ignition problems when correctly aligned.
Because the next likely repair path involved RF generator replacement, the customer chose to move forward with installation of a replacement ICP-MS system instead. After installation, the replacement system presented a separate cooling fault: the chiller was producing pressure, but water was not circulating through the instrument.
The RF coil cooling connector was found clogged and replaced, but additional testing showed the water distribution manifold was also blocked. The manifold was replaced, the coolant container, tubing, and instrument cooling lines were flushed, and the system was refilled with distilled water.
After the cooling path was restored, water flow stabilized at the required operating range and the ICP-MS completed autotune successfully. A minor chiller outlet drip and exhaust temperature warning were noted for customer follow-up, but the instrument was returned to functional tuning operation.
