The LC/MS includes a leak sensor assembly to detect leaks from the stream selection valve, manual injection valve, LC inlet, and calibrant delivery system (CDS) valves.
The leak sensor assembly comprises:
The drip tray collects leaks from the stream selection valve, manual injection valve, and LC inlet. Any liquid that falls into the drip tray drips down into the catch tray.
The catch tray collects and holds any leaks from the calibrant delivery system (CDS) valves and any liquid that drips down from the drip tray.
There are two thermal conductivity sensors, one inside the catch tray and one outside the catch tray. Signals from the two sensors are continuously compared. If the sensor inside the lower tray gets wet, its signal changes. If the signals from the two sensors do not match, it is interpreted as a leak.
If the leak sensor detects a leak, it will turn off the LC pumps and indicate an error for both the LC and MS. It will also stop any method or sequence that is currently running. A message indicating a leak is written to the message line but it is typically overwritten by subsequent related messages. The message is also written to the current logbook where it can be viewed.