586001_Questions-responses.docx

Question 1: Does the end user actually want a direct interface probe or do they just want the capability for the future? We do not have a direct probe but we do have the ability to mimic a direct probe without having to put what could be a dirty sample (relatively speaking) inside the mass spec.

The device should draw a sample of the gas volume from the chamber for analysis

Question 2: There is no mention of any autosampler. Can you please tell me if an autosampler should be included? And, if so, just liquid? Or just headspace? Or liquid, headspace, SPME?

The device will have to auto sample or sample on command. It will read a sample for the gas species inside the chamber and provide a % concentration of various gas chambers in the chamber.

Question 3: The RFQ states: - “MS is capable of both direct MS and high resolution GC_MS applications (purpose for experimental flexibility)”.

By direct MS, does this means that the instrument will be capable of introducing samples into the MS without going through the Gas Chromatograph (ie. Direct probes)? When it states high resolution, is this referring to a High Resolution Accurate Mass instrument or will this be a nominal mass instrument?

Yes, it will need to bypass the GC for direct MS and provide High Resolution Accurate Mass measurement

Question 4: The RFQ states – “High vacuum Isolation valve at the MS source prior to the direct gas-sampling interface (quick system adjustments without system venting).”

Does this refer to the ability to introduce samples to the MS without the GC interface? If so, what types of samples will be directly introduced?

Yes, gas samples drawn from a vacuum chamber.

Question 5: The RFQ states – “- Real-time capacitance manometer pressure monitoring and data logging of sample to 0.001 torr decimal places (pressure logging and post-run compensation)”.

Can you clarify the requirement?

Device will be able to read system pressure with an accuracy of +/-0.001 Torr. It will also be able to log pressure data.