23
Maintaining the API Source Interface
Cleaning the Ion Transfer Tube
108 TSQ Altis, Quantis, and Fortis Hardware Manual Thermo Scientific
Cleaning the Ion Transfer Tube
1. For extreme contamination, follow these steps. Otherwise, start with step 2.
a. Overnight, sonicate the component in a 10% solution of Liquinox in water.
b. Rinse the component with water, and then for 2 minutes force a strong stream of
water through the orifice.
c. For 30 minutes, sonicate the component in water.
2. For 30 minutes, sonicate the component in a 50:50 solution of methanol/water that
contains 20% formic acid.
3. Rinse the component thoroughly with water.
4. For 15 minutes, sonicate the component in deionized water.
5. Rinse the component with methanol.
6. For 15 minutes, sonicate the component in methanol.
7. Dry the component thoroughly with nitrogen gas.
Replace the ion transfer tube if the bore becomes corroded or blocked.
Cleaning the Ion Sweep Cone
1. Soak lint-free tissues or chamois-tipped swabs in a 50:50 solution of methanol/water, and
then clean both sides of the ion sweep cone.
2. For 10 minutes, sonicate the component in either a 50:50 solution of methanol/water or
a 1% solution of Liquinox in water.
3. Rinse the component thoroughly with water.
4. Sonicate the component in water for 10 minutes.
5. Sonicate the component in methanol for 10 minutes.
6. Rinse the component with methanol.
IMPORTANT Always use UHPLC/MS-grade methanol and water.
CAUTION When you reinstall the ion transfer tube into the heater block, take these
precautions:
• Put on a new pair of lint- and powder-free gloves.
• Verify that everything is properly aligned to prevent stripping the threads on the
ion transfer tube.
• Rotate—do not bend—the ion transfer tube upon insertion.
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