Vacuum System
A heated inlet and vacuum chamber assembly provides the lowest background possible thus minimizing any effects due to the AERO VAC DISCOVERY itself. The vacuum system is composed of a high compression ratio turbo/drag pump backed with a dry roughing pump to ensure no hydrocarbon contamination or oil disposal issues. The vacuum system is monitored via a cold cathode gauge in the high vacuum region and a Convectron gauge in the sampling line. The cold cathode provides an indication of the pressure in the high vacuum chamber and also acts to protect the mass spectrometer's filaments in the case of an overpressure condition. The Convectron ensures proper flow in the sampling line.
The system components and materials are all high vacuum compatible such that any out-gassing of components is minimized. Metal seals are used in place of elastomers to provide the ultimate in low background performance.
All components are easily accessible for routine maintenance or servicing. This is the only way to insure the "day-in-day-out" operation to the standards expected of the DISCOVERY.
