LC/MS and the Cone Wash
LC/MS Considerations ____________________________________________________________________
LC/MS Considerations
This section discusses the considerations to be taken into account when
choosing solvents and additives. It also provides guidance on how to
optimize LC/MS analyses to produce high quality data using the MSQ.
Flow Rates
In general, the column in use determines the flow rate. Each column has an
optimum flow rate. The guidelines in Table 3-1 apply.
Table 3-1. LC columns and flow rates
Column ID
Flow Rate
4.6 mm
1.0 mL/min
3.9 mm
0.5 mL/min
2.1 mm
0.2 mL/min
1.0 mm
40-50 µL/min
Capillary <10
µL/min
The different ionization modes require different flow rates and column IDs.
The following guidelines apply when using the MSQ:
Electrospray can operate at all the flow rates described in Table 3-1.
Therefore, the full range of column IDs can be used without splitting the
flow.
•
•
APCI cannot operate at flow rates below 0.2 mL/min; therefore, suitable
column IDs are 2.1 mm, 3.9 mm, and 4.6 mm.
3-2
___________________________ MSQ Hardware Manual ____________________________
