1118   Error: Vacuum pressure (IF) time out. Vacuum too high to open the gate valve.

The gate valve cannot be opened because the vacuum pressure (IF/BK) is not lower than the limit within the prescribed time (When the instrument is changing from Standby mode to Analysis Mode).

Check the vacuum pressure (IF/BK) for the following possible issues.

• A drop of water was introduced into the vacuum chamber.
• The diameter of the hole in the sampling cone is too big.
• The seal of the sampling cone is incomplete (Defective gasket).
• The plasma is too far from the sampling cone.
• The power of the foreline pump is not connected or the breaker is OFF.
• The foreline pump oil level is low or the oil is dirty.
• The vacuum tubing has failed (the tubing is off, or a leak is caused by an incomplete seal such as a pin hole or a defective O-ring).
• There is a fault in the Pirani gauge (IF/BK) or the Connection PCA.