What do I do if there is low sensitivity, even after tuning?
 
Check the shape and internal diameter of the orifice of the cone.
1. Check the introduction system
1.1 How does the sample flow? Are there any leaks in the connections?
　- Have the sample lines sucked in any air and do bubbles move along with the flow or not.
1.2 How does the carrier gas flow? Are there any leaks in the connections?
　- You can check this with the flow volume and the pressure of the gas.
　- On the device operation panel, select the meter (Carrier flow volume, carrier pressure and Ar source pressure). Check the values.
 
<When there are leaks in the carrier gas line>
1.3. The flow appears as defined, but low carrier gas pressure (BP) is observed.
Check if there are any leaks at the connections.

<When there are  blockages in the Nebulizer or carrier gas line>
1.4. The carrier gas flow does not reach the setting level.
Very high carrier gas pressure reaches the level of Ar original pressure.

<When using peripump for sample injection>
1.5. Check the peripump sample tube
- Make sure the fluid passes through.
- Check the mount orientation of the peripump tube.
- Fluid flow is not sufficient because the peripump tube is damaged.
Adjust the press or replace the tube.

2. Blockage or deformation of sampling or skimmer cone.
 Check the shape and internal diameter of the orifice of the cone.

<If the cavity is clogged>
2.1. The orifice could be clogged or could have deposits.
　　- Clean it or replace it with a new one if cleaning does not help
　　
<When the tip of the cone is deformed>
2.2. Replace the sampling or skimmer cone.
　　- If the orifice has any deformation, the ion flow is obstructed and the sensitivity is degraded.
　　- If there is any deformation on a cone, it should not be used. Replace it with a new one.

3. Checking tuning parameters
Load the tuning parameters that operate the instrument correctly and check the sensitivity.

<When sensitivity improves >
This indicates that the parameters were changed. Compare the tuning parameters and re-tune the instrument. 

4. The sensitivity is low in reaction mode (H or He mode) <When sensitivity in the standard mode is high enough>
 The purity of the reaction gas is dropping. Check for any leaks.
　　- Purge the reaction gas line.
　　- In the [Hardware] pane, select [Reaction gas] - [Maintenance]. The Cell Gas Maintenance pane is displayed.
　　- Configure the flow of reaction gas and push [Confirm]. The gas flows. Purging can take from 10 minutes to several hours depending on the length of plumbing used.  )
　　- Check the sensitivity in the tuning pane
　　If the sensitivity keeps rising, continue purging until it stops.

　* If the length of plumbing is considerable, for example when a cylinder is located outside, purging can take longer to complete.