Figure 61. Ion Transfer Tube Removal Tool - Thermo Scientific LTQ Series Hardware Manual

5
Maintenance
Ion Source Interface Maintenance
88 LTQ Series Hardware Manual
5. Remove the ion transfer tube as follows:
a. Align the flat edges (hook) of the ion transfer tube removal tool with the flat edges on
the exposed tip of the ion transfer tube
counterclockwise.
The MS Accessory Kit contains this custom tool.
b. When the tube is free of the spray cone, use the hook on the tool to pull it straight
out of the ion source interface.

Figure 61. Ion transfer tube removal tool

This is the
hook end of
the custom
removal tool.
 To clean the ion transfer tube
IMPORTANT Always use LC/MS-grade methanol and LC/MS-grade water (see
Table 7 on page 55).
1. Soak the ion transfer tube in a 50:50 solution of methanol/water for 10 minutes to
remove contaminants.
2. Sonicate the component in water for 10 minutes.
3. Dry the component with nitrogen gas to make sure that all the solvent evaporates.
4. Reinstall the ion transfer tube into the heater block, as follows:
a. Using the custom removal tool, rotate the ion transfer tube clockwise as you insert it.
b. Continue turning the tube until it is fingertight.
(Figure 61), and then turn the tool
Spray cone
(of the ion
transfer tube)
Thermo Scientific