What are the typical costs of running the MS-200?
The daily running costs of the MS-200 are very low compared to a GC/MS. The only true consumable (other than electricity) is the tube of the peristaltic pump that is used to maintain the intermediate pressure step of 1 mbar (between the outer and the inner membrane). This tube is 35cm long and lasts between 80 and 100 operating hours. The cost of the tubing is ~ £10 per metre ($15). In normal use the outer membrane (~1cm² in area) does not degrade with time. However, should it need to be replaced because of accrual of dirt in a dusty environment, the PDMS material is approximately £50 ($75) for 100 cm². Kore recommends that the electron multiplier detector be replaced approximately every two years (depending upon frequency of use, naturally), and this requires sending the MS-200 back to the factory. The total cost is ~ £2800 (~$4200), including regeneration of the vacuum system.
