Thermo Scientific iCAP 6000 Series Maintenance Manual page 39

iCAP Customer Training Manual
Force isopropyl alcohol backwards through the nozzle in an attempt to float the
particle out through the larger gas and liquid input tubes. Use a squeeze bottle or
plastic dropper with a tip that will form a good seal over the nebuliser nozzle. After
the particle has been removed, remove the alcohol through the input tubes using
compressed gas, or drain onto lint-free tissue. A variation of this procedure involves
the use of a solvent that is known to dissolve the particle (this variation works best if
you know which passage the particle is in and your nebuliser is a type C or K with a
recessed capillary. In this procedure, inject a slug of 1/4" to 1/2" of solvent into the
shell through the nozzle or the gas input tube and close off the nozzle with a
fingertip. Apply pressurised gas to the passage that does not contain the particle.
Pressurised solvent will force its way out the other channel in the direction of
increasing diameter, hopefully carrying the particle along with it).
If the particle still remains and you believe that it might be a shred of PTFE tape
from the gas line, immerse the nebuliser nozzle in hot water and apply gentle gas
pressure to the side arm. The hot water "relaxes" the polymer and allows it to be
forced out of the nozzle.
8.6.3 Solid deposit in sample capillary
Note: This step assumes that a passage still exists through the
contaminating material (i.e. the tip is not entirely clogged).
Try to deduce the chemical nature of the deposit from the type of samples that are
being analysed and select the solvent most likely to dissolve it. Inject the solvent
into the nozzle with a plastic dropper or squeeze bottle until the affected area is
filled. Expel the solvent with compressed gas. Refill and expel the solvent
repeatedly. Examine the nebuliser under magnification. If the material is gone, rinse
the nebuliser with isopropyl alcohol and dry thoroughly
Immerse the nozzle in a rinse solution. Warm the solution for stubborn deposits.
Follow with a rinse of pure solvent, then isopropyl alcohol and dry thoroughly.
If the deposit remains after prolonged soaking, apply pressurised gas at the
appropriate input(s) to help force the deposit away.
8.6.4 Organic matter
Immerse the nozzle of your nebuliser in a hot cleaning solution of chromic and
sulphuric acids at 100ºC
Caution: This solution is corrosive, use suitable precautions
Allow the solution to rinse into the passages of the nebuliser until the affected area
is filled. Expel and replace the solution at intervals until the deposit is gone or until
the chromium reduction (green colour) ceases. Rinse the nebuliser thoroughly with
water, then with isopropyl alcohol and dry completely.
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