A new data system is requested for a JEOL HX110HF double-focusing mass spectrometer, which is the only mass spectrometer in the Chemistry Department at N.C. State University. During the 1989- 1990 fiscal year, 1096 samples were analyzed in 2045 hours with this instrument. Approximately another 2000 hours were required to process and print the mass spectra, archive data files to magnetic tape, and restore data files to the disk drive for further data processing. During the last year, this instrument was equipped with a continuous-flow fast atom bombardment (FAB) interface and microbore HPLC system for liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). In addition to the continued use of this mass spectrometer for routine service and research analyses of all types, LC/MS will be used by six major research groups and four minor users in seven departments within the University. Our experience over the last year has demonstrated that the slow data processing speed of the existing system limits the instrument and operator time available for data acquisition. Because 5 sec. computer reset time is required between scans, LC/MS chromatographic resolution is severely limited. The new data system will increase the sample throughput and productivity of the laboratory and permit the full performance of the LC/MS system to be realized.
