Chapter 4: Maintenance
Clean the Nebulizer
58 CyTOF XT User Guide
Cleaning Method for Manual Clog Removal: Hot DIW
NOTE This method should be utilized to remove stubborn clogs when the daily cleaning
method is unsuccessful.
Materials
Table 4. Materials for nebulizer cleaning (Hot DIW)
Nebulizer-to-aspirator tubing:
3/16-inch OD, 1/8-inch ID
1/8-inch OD, 1/16-inch ID
Procedure
IMPORTANT Do not sonicate the nebulizer or put pressure on the fragile nebulizer tip.
1 Fill a small beaker halfway with DIW.
2 Boil the DIW.
3 Using a heat-resistant glove or mitt, carefully transfer the beaker to a lab bench.
4 Connect a vacuum aspirator (suitable for liquid waste disposal) to the nebulizer using
the appropriate tubing.
• If the clog is near the nebulizer tip, connect the tip to the aspirator using 3/16inch
outside diameter (OD), 1/8-inch inside diameter (ID) tubing.
• If the clog is near the sample inlet, connect the sample inlet to the aspirator using
1/8-inch OD x 1/16-inch ID tubing.
5 Submerge the open end of the nebulizer (tip or sample inlet) and side arm fitting
(nebulizer gas inlet) of the nebulizer in the hot DIW.
6 Draw DIW through the nebulizer until the clog is removed.
WARNING Hot surface hazard. The nebulizer may be very hot. Carefully
remove the nebulizer from the beaker using a heat-resistant glove or mitt.
7 (Optional) Visually inspect the nebulizer using a light microscope to verify that the clog
has been removed.
8 Check the nebulizer spray.
a Reassemble the nebulizer: Connect the nebulizer gas line and the nebulizer line to
the nebulizer assembly.
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