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Thermo Fisher Scientific

Spray Chamber Flooding on iCAP 7000 and iCAP PRO Due to Drain Pump or Tubing Issues

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Provides troubleshooting steps to resolve spray chamber flooding on iCAP 7000 Series and iCAP PRO instruments by addressing drain pump performance, tubing condition, and proper waste line setup to ensure consistent drainage and stable operation.

Issue

Spray chamber fills with liquid during operation, which may cause unstable plasma, poor nebulization, or sample uptake issues.

Environment

  • iCAP 7000 Series
  • iCAP PRO
  • Spray chamber
  • Drain peristaltic pump
  • Drain tubing (capillary tubing)

Resolution

  1. Verify that the drain tubing outlet (to the waste vessel) is not submerged in liquid. Ensure the tubing end is above the liquid level.
  2. Trim approximately 2–5 cm from the end of the drain tubing to remove potential blockages or deformation.
  3. Check the drain peristaltic pump tubing for proper tension and flow. Adjust tension as needed to ensure consistent drainage.
  4. If drainage is still insufficient, replace the drain peristaltic pump tubing.
  5. Inspect the capillary tubing between the spray chamber and the drain pump for blockage or wear. Replace if necessary.
  6. If the issue persists, replace the capillary tubing from the drain pump to the waste vessel.