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• Oil-free argon gas or Oil-free nitrogen gas
• Wash bottle containing HPLC-grade (or better) 1:1 methanol/water
• Large beaker
To clean the sample cone and cone gas nozzle:
Warning:
To avoid injury when working with formic acid, which is extremely corrosive and toxic,
take extreme care handling it, and use a fume hood and suitable protective equipment.
Notice:
To avoid damaging the sampling cone, which is fragile, do not place it on its
tip. Always place it on its flanged base.
1. If the sample cone contains debris, place a drop of formic acid on its orifice.
2. Immerse the sample cone and cone gas nozzle in separate glass vessels containing 1:1
methanol/water.
Note:
The handle on earlier versions of the cone gas nozzle assembly is removable,
although the cone gas nozzle can be cleaned without detaching the handle.
Tip:
If the components are obviously contaminated, use 45:45:10 methanol/water/formic
acid.
3. Place the vessels in the ultrasonic bath for 30 minutes.
Note:
If you used formic acid in the cleaning solution, proceed to step 4. If not, go to step
5.
4. If you used formic acid in the cleaning solution, do as follows:
a. Rinse the components by immersing them in separate glass vessels containing
water, and then placing the vessels in the ultrasonic bath for 20 minutes.
b. Remove any residual water from the components by immersing them in separate
glass vessels containing methanol, and then placing the vessels in the ultrasonic
bath for 10 minutes.
Notice:
resistant, powder-free gloves.
5. Carefully remove the components from the vessels and blow dry them with inert, oil-free
gas.
6. Inspect each component for persisting contamination. If contamination is present, do as
follows:
a. Use the wash bottle containing 1:1 methanol/water to rinse the component over the
large beaker.
b. Blow dry the component with inert, oil-free gas.
To avoid recontaminating the components, wear clean, chemical-
March 17, 2021, 715005046 Ver. 03
Page 70
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