Waters GCT Premier - Inserting the DCI Probe into the Insertion Lock

8-4 The Direct Chemical Ionization (DCI) Probe
To load sample into the DCI probe:
1. Push the DCI tip onto the end of the DCI probe.
2. Dissolve the sample in a volatile GC-grade solvent such as methanol to a
concentration of 1 ng/µL.
Tip: If necessary, to increase the amount of sample introduced via the
tip, use a correspondingly stronger solution. It is common to run samples
of between 1 ng and 1 µg.
3. Deposit 1 µL (1 ng of sample) on the end of the DCI probe tip using a
syringe.
Tip: The droplet stays at the tip due to surface tension.
4. Wait for the solvent to evaporate.
5. Insert the probe into the source.
See also: Inserting the DCI probe into the insertion lock on page 8-4.
Inserting the DCI probe into the insertion lock
To insert the loaded probe into the ion source:
1. Ensure that the instrument is pumped-down (evacuated) and is ready
for use.
See also: Chapter A, Starting-up and Shutting-down the Instrument.
2. Ensure that the probe insertion lock valve is closed.
Warning: To avoid contamination from samples, wear
chemical-resistant, powder-free gloves at all times when
handling the probe.
Caution: The wire filament at the end of the DCI probe tip is
fragile. Be careful not to damage the tip when handling it.
Caution: Damage to the instrument might occur if the probe insertion
lock is operated with the probe incorrectly positioned.