Mass spectrometer and method

Abstract

An ICPMS (200) comprises: a plasma torch (10) that ionizes a sample (S) and a mobile phase (M) of the sample; a housing chamber (25) into which the ionized sample (S) and the ionized mobile phase (M) are introduced; a first vacuum pump (61) for evacuating the housing chamber (25); a sensor (60) that detects a current consumption value (I) of a current flowing through the first vacuum pump (61); and a control device (300) that notifies a user of predetermined information related to a lubricating oil for the first vacuum pump (61) if the current consumption value (I) is greater than or equal to a threshold value (Th).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a mass spectrometer and a method.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-194380 (Patent Document 1) discloses an ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) mass spectrometer. The ICP analyzer of Patent Document 1 includes a sampling chamber and a vacuum pump for evacuating the sampling chamber. This ICP analyzer ionizes a sample by the heat of a plasma, and the ionized sample is introduced into the evacuated sampling chamber. Thereafter, the sample introduced into the sampling chamber is analyzed in a mass spectrometry section.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A lubricating oil is used in the vacuum pump of an ICP mass spectrometer. As the number of times of analyzing a sample by the ICP mass spectrometer increases, the lubricating oil may deteriorate. When the lubricating oil deteriorates, the vacuum pump may not operate properly. Therefore, when the ICP mass spectrometer analyzes a sample with the deteriorated lubricating oil, there may arise a problem that accurate analysis results cannot be obtained.

[0005] This invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for suppressing analysis of a sample in a state where the lubricating oil of a vacuum pump has deteriorated.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The mass spectrometer of this disclosure comprises a plasma ion source, a containment chamber, a vacuum pump, a sensor, and a control device. The plasma ion source ionizes a sample and the mobile phase of the sample. The containment chamber is into which the ionized sample and mobile phase are introduced. The vacuum pump creates a vacuum in the containment chamber. The sensor detects a detected value which is the current consumption value or the power consumption value of the vacuum pump. If the detected value is above a threshold, the control device notifies the user of predetermined information regarding the lubricating oil of the vacuum pump.

[0007] The method disclosed herein comprises ionizing a sample and the mobile phase of the sample; evacuating the containment chamber into which the ionized sample and mobile phase are introduced using a vacuum pump; obtaining a detected value which is the current consumption value or power consumption value of the vacuum pump; and notifying the user of predetermined information if the detected value is greater than or equal to a threshold. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the technology disclosed herein, predetermined information regarding the lubricating oil of a vacuum pump can be made known to the user, thereby prompting the user to change the lubricating oil. Therefore, according to the technology disclosed herein, it is possible to prevent the analysis of a sample when the lubricating oil of the vacuum pump has deteriorated. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of the configuration of the analysis system disclosed herein. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of a control device. [Figure 3] This is a functional block diagram of a control device and other components. [Figure 4] This figure shows an example of the required information. [Figure 5] This is an example of a flowchart of the main processes in a control device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The same or corresponding parts in the drawings will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions will not be repeated. Furthermore, regarding embodiments and modifications, it has been intended from the outset that the configurations described in the embodiments may be appropriately combined, including combinations not mentioned in the specification, to the extent that no inconvenience or contradiction arises.

[0011] [First Embodiment] Figure 1 shows an example of the configuration of the analytical system described herein. In Figure 1, LC-ICPMS (Liquid Chromatograph-Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry) is shown as an example of the analytical system. 1 is This is shown. In this embodiment, the LC-ICPMS1 performs morphological analysis of arsenic (As) in a sample containing arsenic.

[0012] The LC-ICPMS1 comprises a liquid chromatograph (hereinafter also referred to as "LC100"), an ICP mass spectrometer (hereinafter also referred to as "ICPMS200"), a control device 300, an input device 400, a display device 500, and a speaker 600. The ICPMS200 corresponds to the "mass spectrometer" in this disclosure. In this embodiment, an example is described in which the ICPMS200 is connected to the LC100, but it may be connected to other devices.

[0013] First, let's describe the LC100. The LC100 comprises a mobile phase container 111, a liquid delivery pump 112, an injector 113, and a column 114. The mobile phase container 111 contains the mobile phase M of the sample S. In this embodiment, the mobile phase M is a solvent containing phosphoric acid. In this embodiment, the mobile phase M is ammonium phosphate.

[0014] The liquid delivery pump 112 draws the mobile phase M from the mobile phase container 111 and delivers it to the injector 113. The injector 113 injects the sample S introduced by the user into the mobile phase M. The column 114 separates multiple components in the sample S over time. The separated sample S and mobile phase M are then transported to the ICPMS 200.

[0015] Next, the ICPMS200 will be described. The ICPMS200 comprises a plasma torch 10, a sampling unit 20 positioned in front of the plasma torch 10, and a mass spectrometry unit 30 positioned adjacent to the sampling unit 20. The plasma torch 10 corresponds to the "plasma ion source" in this disclosure.

[0016] The plasma torch 10 ionizes the separated sample S and mobile phase M. It includes a sample tube, a plasma gas tube, and a cooling gas tube, although these are not shown in the diagram. The sample S and mobile phase M (hereinafter also referred to as "object") transported from the LC100 are introduced into the plasma torch 10. The plasma gas tube is formed around the outer circumference of the sample tube. The cooling gas tube is also formed around the outer circumference of the plasma gas tube. Although not shown in the diagram, a nebulizing gas supply source is connected to the sample tube to supply nebulizing gas. A plasma gas supply source is connected to the plasma gas tube to supply plasma gas (e.g., argon gas). A cooling gas supply source is connected to the cooling gas tube to supply cooling gas. The object atomized by the nebulizing gas flows through the sample tube. The sampling unit 20 has a housing 21 made of aluminum and copper blocks with through holes. The space inside the housing 21 becomes the containment chamber 25. In the sampling unit 20, the sampling cone 51, skimmer cone 52, and extractor electrode 53 are arranged in order from the plasma torch 10 side.

[0017] Inside the wall of the housing 21, a flow path (not shown) for a cooling solvent through which cooling water circulates is formed, and a cooling solvent supply source 41 and the inlet / outlet of the flow path for the cooling solvent are connected. Thereby, the housing 21 is cooled by the cooling water. Further, an opening 22 is formed in the wall of the housing 21 and is connected to the first vacuum pump 61. Thereby, the accommodation chamber 25 is evacuated to a pressure lower than the atmospheric pressure by the first vacuum pump 61. Therefore, the ionized sample S and the mobile phase M are introduced into the accommodation chamber 25 by being drawn into the accommodation chamber 25. The accommodation chamber 25 has a function of outputting ions supplied from the plasma torch 10 to the mass spectrometry unit 30. The first vacuum pump 61 corresponds to the "vacuum pump" of the present disclosure.

[0018] The sampling cone 51 is a metal body having a disk-shaped body and a conical portion formed at the center of the disk-shaped body. A circular opening 51a is formed at the center of the conical portion. The opening 51a of the sampling cone 51 has a shape that gradually widens in the ion traveling direction.

[0019] The skimmer cone 52 is a metal body having a disk-shaped body and a conical portion formed at the center of the disk-shaped body. A circular opening 52a is formed at the center of the conical portion. The opening 52a of the skimmer cone 52 has a shape that gradually widens in the ion traveling direction.

[0020] The extractor electrode 53 is a metal body having a disk-shaped body and a cylindrical portion 53a formed at the center of the disk-shaped body. A voltage of a predetermined value is applied to the extractor electrode 53 from the power supply device 42. Further, the power supply device 42 supplies power to other parts. The power supply device 42 supplies power to, for example, the first vacuum pump 61 and the like.

[0021] The mass spectrometry unit 30 includes a first chamber 31 and a second chamber 32. The first chamber 31 has a case-shaped housing 31a made of aluminum. Inside the housing 31a, an ion lens unit 33 such as a converging lens is arranged. A second vacuum pump 62 is connected to the first chamber 31. The first chamber 31 is brought into a vacuum state by the second vacuum pump 62.

[0022] The second chamber 32 has a case-shaped housing 32a made of aluminum. Inside the housing 32a, a mass separation unit 34 and a detector 35 are arranged. The mass separation unit 34 is constituted by a quadrupole rod structure or the like. The detector 35 is constituted by an electron multiplier or the like. The detection result at the detector 35 is output to the control device 300. The control device 300 causes the display device 500 to display information corresponding to the detection result. A third vacuum pump 63 is connected to the second chamber 32. The second chamber 32 is brought into a vacuum state by the third vacuum pump 63.

[0023] The first vacuum pump 61, the second vacuum pump 62, and the third vacuum pump 63 may be any pump as long as they can evacuate the corresponding space. The first vacuum pump 61, the second vacuum pump 62, and the third vacuum pump 63 are, for example, rotary vane pumps.

[0024] In such an ICPMS 200, a plasma P is generated by supplying a high-frequency current to the high-frequency induction coil of the plasma torch 10. The sample S is ionized by the heat of the plasma P at 5000 to 6000 degrees. Then, this ion and the plasma P pass through the opening 51a of the sampling cone 51 and are introduced into the housing 21.

[0025] The ions introduced into the housing 21 pass through the opening 52a of the skimmer cone 52 and the inside of the cylindrical portion 53a of the extractor electrode 53 in sequence and are introduced into the housing 31a. Inside the housing 31a, the ion lens unit 33 converges the ions from the sampling unit 20 toward the second chamber 32.

[0026] A voltage obtained by superimposing a DC voltage and a high-frequency voltage is applied to the mass separation unit 34. In the mass separation unit 34, only ions having a mass number (mass m / charge z) corresponding to the applied voltage selectively pass through. Therefore, these selected ions reach the detector 35. Furthermore, the mass number of ions passing through the second chamber 32 depends on the applied voltage. Therefore, by manipulating the voltage, the user can obtain an ion intensity signal for ions having a predetermined mass number at the detector 35.

[0027] The control device 300 controls the LC100 and ICPMS200, etc. The input device 400 receives commands from the user. The input device 400 consists of, for example, a keyboard and a mouse. The display device 500 displays various information under the control of the control device 300. The input device 400 and the display device 500 may be integrated to function as a touch panel. The speaker 600 outputs various sounds under the control of the control device 300.

[0028] [Hardware configuration of control device 300] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the control device 300. Referring to Figure 2, the control device 300 has as its main components a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 160, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 162, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 164, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 166, a communication I / F (Interface) 168, a display I / F 170, an input I / F 172, and a speaker I / F 174. Each component is interconnected by a data bus.

[0029] Communication I / F168 is an interface for communicating with LC100 and ICPMS200. Display I / F170 is an interface for communicating with display device 500. Input I / F172 is an interface for communicating with input device 400. Speaker I / F174 is an interface for communicating with speaker 600.

[0030] ROM162 stores the program executed by CPU160. RAM164 can temporarily store data generated by the execution of the program on CPU160, as well as data input via communication I / F168. RAM164 can function as temporary data memory used as a working area. HDD166 is a non-volatile storage device. A semiconductor storage device such as flash memory may be used instead of HDD166.

[0031] The program stored in ROM162 may be stored on a recording medium and distributed as a program product. Alternatively, the program may be provided by an information provider as a downloadable product program via the internet or other means. The control device 300 reads the program provided on the recording medium or via the internet or other means. The control device 300 stores the read program in a predetermined storage area (for example, ROM162). The CPU 160 can perform various processes by executing the program.

[0032] The recording medium may be a medium that permanently stores programs, such as a DVD-ROM (Digital Versatile-Disk Read Only Memory) or a CD-ROM (compact disc read-only memory). Alternatively, the recording medium may be a non-temporary medium that allows a computer to read programs and other data.

[0033] [Functional block diagram of the control unit] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of the control device 300. The control device 300 includes an acquisition unit 302, a determination unit 304, a control unit 306, and a storage unit 308. The first vacuum pump 61 includes a lubrication target 381 and lubricating oil 382. The lubrication target 381 is driven by power from the power supply unit 42. The lubrication target 381 is the part that is driven in order to realize exhaust processing by the first vacuum pump 61. The lubrication target 381 is also the part that is lubricated by the lubricating oil 382. If the first vacuum pump 61 is, for example, a rotary vane pump, the lubrication target 381 includes the rotor, bearings, and vanes. The lubricating oil is an inexpensive mineral oil or synthetic oil.

[0034] Sensor 60 detects the current value flowing through the first vacuum pump 61 as the current value consumed by the first vacuum pump 61 (hereinafter also referred to as the current consumption value I). Sensor 60 is, for example, an ammeter (current measuring instrument) that detects the current value supplied to the first vacuum pump 61. Sensor 60 outputs the detected current consumption value I to the control device 300. The acquisition unit 302 of the control device 300 acquires the current consumption value I. The acquisition unit 302 outputs the current consumption value I to the judgment unit 304.

[0035] As described above, an ammonium phosphate solution, which serves as the mobile phase M, is introduced into the containment chamber 25 from the LC100 to the ICPMS200. The ammonium phosphate solution generates a gas containing water vapor (hereinafter also referred to as "corrosive gas") by the plasma P of the ICPMS200. As described above, the first vacuum pump 61 exhausts the containment chamber 25, so the corrosive gas is discharged to the outside via the first vacuum pump 61. When the corrosive gas passes through the first vacuum pump 61, the lubricating oil 382 inside the first vacuum pump 61 deteriorates due to this corrosive gas. As the lubricating oil 382 deteriorates, its viscosity increases. As the viscosity of the lubricating oil 382 increases, the rotational resistance of the rotor of the first vacuum pump 61 increases.

[0036] For example, during maintenance of the ICPMS200, when restarting the first vacuum pump 61 after it has been stopped, if the rotational resistance of the rotor of the first vacuum pump 61 has increased, insufficient torque may cause the first vacuum pump 61 to fail to start. Furthermore, during operation of the first vacuum pump 61, self-heating of the first vacuum pump 61 may occur. The 1. The surface temperature of the vacuum pump 61 rises (for example, to nearly 50 degrees Celsius). Therefore, the increase in viscosity of the lubricating oil is reduced and does not affect the vacuuming of the first vacuum pump 61. However, during maintenance of the ICPMS200, if the housing chamber 25 stops while under vacuum and the first vacuum pump 61 cools to room temperature, the viscosity of the lubricating oil 382 increases significantly as the first vacuum pump 61 cools, increasing the rotational resistance of the rotor and potentially causing the aforementioned starting failure.

[0037] Furthermore, the manufacturer of the ICPMS200 recommends replacing the lubricating oil 382 at predetermined intervals (for example, every six months). However, users may not always be able to replace it at the appropriate time. Therefore, the ICPMS200 may be used even if the lubricating oil 382 has deteriorated. In this case, the aforementioned startup failure may occur. Also, the lubricating oil 382 may be replaced even if it has not deteriorated. In this case, the lubricating oil 382 is wasted.

[0038] Furthermore, to reduce this startup failure (degradation of lubricating oil 382), a first configuration is conceivable in which PFPE oil (perfluoropolyether: fombrin), a fluorine-based oil, is used as the lubricating oil 382. A second configuration is also conceivable in which a dry pump that does not use lubricating oil is used as the first vacuum pump 61. However, both this first and second configuration have the problem of increasing the cost of the ICPMS200.

[0039] On the other hand, as the rotational resistance of the rotor of the first vacuum pump 61 increases, the current consumption of the motor of the first vacuum pump 61 increases. In this embodiment, the sensor 60 detects the current consumption value I of the first vacuum pump 61 (the current consumption value of the motor of the first vacuum pump 61), and the acquisition unit 302 acquires the current consumption value I. The determination unit 304 determines whether the current consumption value I is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold Th. The threshold Th is stored in the storage unit 308. The determination unit 304 also outputs the determination result to the control unit 306.

[0040] When the current consumption value I is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold Th, it means that the rotational resistance of the rotor of the first vacuum pump 61 has increased, that is, there is a high possibility that the lubricating oil 382 has deteriorated. In this case, the control unit 306 notifies the user of predetermined information. The predetermined information is information relating to the lubricating oil 382 of the first vacuum pump 61. Therefore, by notifying the user of this predetermined information, the user can be prompted to replace the lubricating oil 382. In addition, the control unit 306 may stop the operation of the first vacuum pump 61 if the current consumption value I is greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold Th. With this configuration, the control device 300 can prevent the first vacuum pump 61 from being operated while the rotational resistance of the rotor of the first vacuum pump 61 is increased, thereby ensuring the safety of the first vacuum pump 61. The control unit 306 may also stop the operation of the LC-ICPMS1 by stopping the operation of the first vacuum pump 61. Furthermore, the control unit 306 may also output a sound from the speaker 600 prompting the user to change the lubricating oil 382.

[0041] Figure 4 shows an example of predetermined information. This predetermined information is displayed in the display area 500A of the display device 500. The predetermined information includes first information 501 and second information 502. The first information 501 indicates that the lubricating oil 382 of the first vacuum pump 61 has deteriorated. In the example in Figure 4, this is the information that shows the words, "The lubricating oil of the vacuum pump has deteriorated." The second information 502 is information that prompts the replacement of the lubricating oil 382 of the first vacuum pump 61. In the example in Figure 4, the second information 502 shows the words, "Please replace the lubricating oil."

[0042] In this way, by displaying the first information 501, the display device 500 can directly make the user aware that "the lubricating oil 382 of the first vacuum pump 61 is deteriorating." Furthermore, by displaying the second information 502, the display device 500 can directly prompt the user to replace the lubricating oil 382 of the first vacuum pump 61. Note that the display device 500 may display either the first information 501 or the second information 502. Also, the display device 500 may display an image different from the information shown in Figure 4 (for example, a character image). In addition, the predetermined information may be information that indirectly makes the user aware of the need to replace the lubricating oil 382.

[0043] [Flowchart of processing in the control unit] Figure 5 is an example of a flowchart of the main processes in the control device 300. In step S2, the control device 300 starts the ionization process of the sample S and mobile phase M using plasma P. Next, in step S4, the control device 300 controls the first vacuum pump 61 to create a vacuum in the containment chamber 25. As a result, the ionized sample S and mobile phase M are introduced into the containment chamber 25.

[0044] Next, in step S5, the control device 300 determines whether the analysis process is complete or not. If the analysis process is complete (YES in step S5), the process in Figure 5 ends. If the analysis process is not complete (NO in step S5), the process proceeds to step S6.

[0045] In step S6, the control device 300 obtains the current consumption value I (corresponding to the current consumption value of the first vacuum pump 61). Next, in step S8, the control device 300 determines whether the current consumption value I is greater than or equal to the threshold Th. If the current consumption value I is less than the threshold Th (NO in step S8), the process returns to step S5. If the current consumption value I is less than the threshold Th, it means that the lubricating oil 382 has not deteriorated. Also, if the current consumption value I is greater than or equal to the threshold Th (YES in step S8), in step S10, the control device 300 stops driving the first vacuum pump 61. Next, in step S12, the control device 300 notifies predetermined information (see Figure 4).

[0046] As described above, the ICPMS200 of this embodiment has the following premises. The sample S and the mobile phase M are ionized by the plasma torch 10. Also, when the mobile phase M (ammonium phosphate) is ionized, corrosive gas is generated. When the first vacuum pump 61 creates a vacuum in the containment chamber 25, the gas in the containment chamber 25 is discharged to the outside, and the corrosive gas contained in the gas passes through the first vacuum pump 61. When the corrosive gas passes through the first vacuum pump 61, the corrosive gas reacts with the lubricating oil 382, ​​causing the lubricating oil 382 to deteriorate (the viscosity of the lubricating oil 382 increases). The increase in the viscosity of the lubricating oil 382 increases the rotational resistance of the rotor of the first vacuum pump 61. The increase in the rotational resistance of the rotor of the first vacuum pump 61 increases the current consumption value of the first vacuum pump 61 (the current consumption value detected by the sensor 60). Under these conditions, the ICPMS200 notifies predetermined information when the current consumption value detected by the sensor 60 exceeds a threshold. Therefore, the ICPMS200 can notify predetermined information regarding the lubricating oil 382 at an appropriate time.

[0047] [Differentiation] (1) In this embodiment, the mobile phase was described as ammonium phosphate. However, the mobile phase may be other substances. For example, the mobile phase may be other substances containing phosphoric acid. Alternatively, the mobile phase may be a substance containing either sulfonic acid or dimethyl sulfoxide.

[0048] (2) In this embodiment, the LC-ICPMS1 was described in a configuration that performs morphological analysis of arsenic, that is, in a configuration where the sample S is a substance containing arsenic. However, the LC-ICPMS1 may also be configured to perform morphological analysis of other substances.

[0049] (3) In this embodiment, a configuration in which the detected value is the current consumption value I has been described. However, the detected value may be other values. The detected value may be, for example, the power consumption value of the first vacuum pump 61 (for example, the power value supplied to the first vacuum pump 61). In such a configuration, the sensor 60 is a power sensor that detects the power value supplied to the first vacuum pump 61.

[0050] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the control device 300 was configured to acquire the current value detected by the sensor 60 as the current consumption value I of the first vacuum pump 61. However, the control device 300 may also acquire the value obtained by performing a predetermined calculation on the current value detected by the sensor 60 as the current consumption value I. Also, if the sensor 60 is a power sensor, the control device 300 may acquire the value obtained by performing a predetermined calculation on the power value detected by the power sensor as the current consumption value I. Furthermore, the control device 300 may acquire other parameters without using the current value detected by the sensor 60 or the power value detected by the power sensor, and acquire the current consumption value or power consumption value by performing a predetermined calculation on these other parameters. Even if an LC-ICPMS1 employing such a configuration is adopted, it will have the same effects as the above-described embodiment.

[0051] [Aspect] Those skilled in the art will understand that the above-described exemplary embodiments are specific examples of the following embodiments.

[0052] (Article 1) A mass spectrometer according to one embodiment comprises a plasma ion source for ionizing a sample and the mobile phase of the sample, a containment chamber into which the ionized sample and mobile phase are introduced, a vacuum pump for creating a vacuum in the containment chamber, and a control device. The control device acquires a detected value which is the current consumption value or the power consumption value of the vacuum pump, and when the detected value is greater than or equal to a threshold, it notifies the user of predetermined information regarding the lubricating oil of the vacuum pump.

[0053] According to the mass spectrometer described in paragraph 1, predetermined information regarding the lubricating oil of the vacuum pump can be notified to the user at an appropriate time. Therefore, the mass spectrometer can prevent the analysis of a sample in a state where the lubricating oil of the vacuum pump has deteriorated.

[0054] (Article 2) In the mass spectrometer described in Article 1, the control device stops the operation of the vacuum pump when the detected value is equal to or greater than a threshold.

[0055] According to the mass spectrometer described in paragraph 2, the safety of the vacuum pump can be ensured. (Clause 3) In the mass spectrometer referred to in paragraph 1 or 2, the specified information includes information indicating that the lubricating oil of the vacuum pump is degraded.

[0056] According to the mass spectrometer described in paragraph 3, it is possible to directly inform the user that the lubricating oil in the vacuum pump has deteriorated.

[0057] (Article 4) In any one of the mass spectrometers described in Articles 1 to 3, the specified information includes information prompting the replacement of the lubricating oil in the vacuum pump.

[0058] Section 4 According to the mass spectrometer, it is possible to directly prompt the user to change the lubricating oil in the vacuum pump.

[0059] (Item 5) In the mass spectrometer specified in any one of items 1 to 4, the mobile phase contains one of phosphoric acid, sulfonic acid, or dimethyl sulfoxide.

[0060] According to the mass spectrometer described in Section 5, even when the mobile phase contains any of phosphoric acid, sulfonic acid, or dimethyl sulfoxide, it is possible to suppress the analysis of the sample in a state where the lubricating oil of the vacuum pump has deteriorated.

[0061] (Item 6) In the mass spectrometer specified in any one of items 1 to 5, the sample contains arsenic.

[0062] According to the mass spectrometer described in paragraph 6, even if the sample contains arsenic, it is possible to suppress the analysis of the sample while the lubricating oil of the vacuum pump has deteriorated.

[0063] (Clause 7) A method according to one embodiment comprises ionizing a sample and the mobile phase of the sample, evacuating the containment chamber into which the ionized sample and mobile phase are introduced using a vacuum pump, obtaining a detected value which is the current consumption value or the power consumption value of the vacuum pump, and notifying the user of predetermined information when the detected value is equal to or greater than a threshold.

[0064] According to the method in paragraph 7, predetermined information regarding the lubricating oil of the vacuum pump can be notified to the user at an appropriate time. Therefore, the mass spectrometer can prevent the analysis of a sample in a state where the lubricating oil of the vacuum pump has deteriorated.

[0065] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is indicated by the claims rather than the foregoing description, and all modifications within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended. [Explanation of symbols]

[0066] 10 Plasma torch, 20 Sampling unit, 21 Housing, 22 Opening, 25 Storage chamber, 30 Mass spectrometry unit, 31 First chamber, 32 Second chamber, 33 Ion lens unit, 34 Mass separation unit, 35 Detector, 41 Cooling solvent supply source, 42 Power supply unit, 51 Sampling cone, 51a Opening, 52 Skimmer cone, 53 Extractor electrode, 60 Sensor, 61 First vacuum pump, 62 Second vacuum pump, 63 Third vacuum pump, 111 Container, 112 Liquid transfer pump, 113 Injector, 114 Column, 162 ROM, 164 RAM, 300 Control unit, 302 Acquisition unit, 304 Judgment unit, 306 Control unit, 308 Storage unit, 381 Lubrication target, 382 Lubricating oil, 400 Input device, 500 Display device, 500A Display area, 501 1st information, 502 2nd information.

Claims

1. A plasma ion source for ionizing the sample and the mobile phase used in the liquid chromatography of the sample, A containment chamber into which the ionized sample and the mobile phase are introduced, A vacuum pump for creating a vacuum in the aforementioned containment chamber, A control device is provided, The control device is A detected value is obtained which is the current consumption value or the power consumption value of the vacuum pump. A mass spectrometer that notifies the user of predetermined information regarding the lubricating oil of the vacuum pump when the detected value is above a threshold.

2. The mass spectrometer according to claim 1, wherein the control device stops the operation of the vacuum pump when the detected value is equal to or greater than the threshold value.

3. The mass spectrometer according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined information includes information indicating that the lubricating oil of the vacuum pump is deteriorating.

4. The mass spectrometer according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined information includes information that prompts the replacement of the lubricating oil of the vacuum pump.

5. The mass spectrometer according to claim 1, wherein the mobile phase comprises any one of phosphoric acid, sulfonic acid, and dimethyl sulfoxide.

6. The mass spectrometer according to claim 1, wherein the sample contains arsenic.

7. Ionizing the sample and the mobile phase used in the liquid chromatography of the sample, The containment chamber into which the ionized sample and the mobile phase are introduced is evacuated using a vacuum pump, To obtain a detected value which is the current consumption value or the power consumption value of the vacuum pump, A method comprising notifying a user of predetermined information when the detected value is equal to or greater than a threshold.

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