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17
5. MAINTENANCE
5.1 CLEANING MODE
Cleaning mode can be used for routine cleaning of the
detector to prevent any buildup of sample materials inside the
drift tube and optics. A dirty drift tube and optics can cause
excess baseline noise.
To put the detector into Cleaning mode, select
Operation/Mode/Cleaning and press Enter. In Cleaning
mode, the heaters, gas flow, and laser are on. Temperature
is set to 110
o
C, Gas Flow is set to 2.0L/min, and Gain is set
t
o 1. The detector should be run with 100% water or other
suitable solvent at 1.0mL/min for at least one hour to clean
the detector. The detector will remain in Cleaning mode until
the detector is switched to another mode.
5.2 NEBULIZER CLEANING PROCEDURE
The nebulizer can become blocked over time with sample
and mobile phase materials. A dirty or blocked nebulizer can
cause increased baseline noise and decreased sensitivity.
The following procedure can be used to clean the nebulizer.
Materials Needed:
•
Open-end wrench, 1/4" x 5/16"
•
HPLC-grade water
•
HPLC-grade 50:50 methanol:water solution
•
Sonication bath
1. Power off the unit from the back panel and disconnect
the power cord.
2. Remove the front door by gently pulling it towards you
from the handle and set aside.
3. Disconnect the stainless steel liquid inlet line from the
nebulizer using the 1/4” wrench.
4. Disconnect the quick-connect gas tubing from the back
of the front panel. Push in, then pull out to remove the
tubing.
5. Remove the nebulizer from the drift tube by turning it
firmly counterclockwise.
6. Remove the orange wear band from the nebulizer and
set aside.
7. Disconnect the gas inlet (with gas tubing attached) from
the nebulizer using the 5/16” wrench and set aside.
8. Place the nebulizer in a beaker filled with 50:50
methanol:water solution.
9. Sonicate the nebulizer in an ultrasonic bath for 10
minutes.
Do NOT sonicate the wear band or nebulizer gas inlet.
10. If the nebulizer is still completely blocked, connect a
high-pressure air line to the nebulizer inlet to help
remove the blockage.
11. If the nebulizer is permanently blocked or cannot be
cleaned, the nebulizer should be replaced.
12. Replace the nebulizer wear band and nebulizer gas inlet.
13. Replace the nebulizer back into the unit by aligning the
grooves and turning clockwise until the nebulizer locks
firmly into place.
14. Replace the liquid and gas inlet lines to the nebulizer.
15. Replace the front door.
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