Agilent Technologies Triple Quadrupole LC/MS - Adjusting or Replacing the Nebulizer Needle

5 Maintenance
Adjusting or replacing the nebulizer needle
111 Agilent Triple Quadrupole LC/MS System User Guide
Adjusting or replacing the nebulizer needle
Schedule
Perform this procedure if there is increased LC back pressure, off-axis spraying,
dripping from the nebulizer, or when the reference nebulizer needle is not
spraying.
Equipment List
• Nebulizer Adjustment Fixture
• Clean, powder-free nitrile gloves
• T6 Torx driver
• 1/4-inch x 5/16-inch open-end wrench (Quantity: 2)
• G1960-67470 Nebulizer Adjustment Kit
Steps
1 Put on clean, powder-free nitrile gloves.
2 Determine the nebulizer holder type by consulting the user guide for your
model.
3 Install the nebulizer in the Nebulizer Adjustment Fixture.
4 Loosen the locknut next to the zero-dead-volume (ZDV) union.
5 Remove the union from the nebulizer needle holder.
6 Remove the union lock nut from the nebulizer.
7 Loosen the fastener (locknut, 1.5-mm hex screw, or T6 Torx screw) that
secures the needle holder in place.
8 Loosen the needle holder and pull it out of the nebulizer body. Dispose of the
used needle properly.
9 For more thorough cleaning, sonicate the nebulizer body. Pour isopropanol or
methanol through the inside of the shaft.
10 Thread the new needle holder into the nebulizer body.
11 Carefully remove the new needle from the shipping tube and adhesive strip.
Identify the sharp end of the needle.
12 Carefully slide the sharp end of the needle through the ferrule until 1 cm of the
needle remains at the ferrule.