Cone - Thermo Scientific LTQ Series Hardware Manual

Cleaning the API Ion Transfer Tube, Spray Cone, and Ion Sweep Cone
Thermo Scientific
4. Rinse the components thoroughly with water.
5. Sonicate the components in water for 10 minutes.
6. Sonicate the components in methanol for 10 minutes.
7. Rinse the components with methanol.
8. Dry the components with nitrogen gas to make sure that the solvent evaporates.
9. Using a magnification device, inspect the components for any residual lint or particulates.
Note Inspect the orifices to confirm that no lint or particulates are present in the bore
of the orifices. Use tweezers or a similar tool to remove the lint or particulate.

To reinstall the S-lens and exit lens
1. Slide the S-lens into the ion source interface cage and align the thumbscrews with the
screw holes (Figure 57
2. Align the exit lens lead pin with the lead pin socket on the S-lens, and firmly press it until
it snaps into place.
3. Hand-tighten the thumbscrews.
Buffer salts or high concentrations of sample can block the bore of the ion transfer tube and
must be cleaned. If the pressure in the ion transfer tube–skimmer region (as measured by the
Convectron gauge) drops considerably below 1 Torr, you should suspect a blocked ion
transfer tube.
Note You do not have to vent the system to remove the ion transfer tube.
To clean the ion transfer tube, spray cone, and ion sweep cone, follow these procedures:
1. To check the Convectron gauge pressure
2. To remove the ion transfer tube
3. To clean the ion transfer tube
4. To clean the spray cone and O-ring
5. To clean the ion sweep cone
6. To reinstall the ion source
For Field Service use only
O-ring, Vespel™, 0.325 in. ID
Ion transfer tube
on page 84).
interface, on page 91
5
Maintenance
Ion Source Interface Maintenance
Part number
97055-20442
See page 133.
LTQ Series Hardware Manual 85