PlasmaQuant MS Series
Mass
Spectrometer
143
Remove the lenses from the instrument by following the procedure outlined in this
manual in section 8.7.4. and using the correct tool where applicable. The following
lenses can be cleaned using this method:
Extraction lenses #1, #2 and #3
Entrance lens
Entrance plate
The four segments of the ion mirror
Exit lens (unlikely to ever require cleaning)
Corner lens (unlikely to ever require cleaning however, after removing the fittings
from the corner lens it can be cleaned using this method)
Remove the four segments of the mirror from the frame before cleaning.
Clean the lens surface using a fine grade sandpaper such as grade 800. Once the entire
surface has been scrubbed rinse the lenses. Ultrasonically clean for 10 minutes in a
mixture of caustic detergent and water. Mix detergent according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Rinse with distilled de-ionized water. Submerse in fresh distilled de-ionized water and
ultrasonically clean for 10 minutes.
Allow to dry thoroughly before reinstalling it into the interface assembly. Do not use
compressed air to aid the drying process as it often contains oil vapor and the oil will
contaminate the lens surface. Do not place the components in an oven to aid the
drying process as this may contaminate the clean surface.
Only clean the quadrupole if it is contaminated and if the instrument performance is
poor and does not meet specification after cleaning the cones and ion optics. Cleaning
the quadrupole is not part of the routine preventative maintenance program.
This cleaning method is not recommended for the fringe filter assembly because it will
damage the fine threads. A problematic fringe filter assembly should be replaced.
Do not remove the rods from the insulators. The insulator material used for the
quadrupole and fringe rods is MACOR®*. MACOR® is a relatively porous material, do
not use alcohol to clean this assembly.
* MACOR® is the trademark for a machinable glass-ceramic developed and sold by Corning Inc. It is a white
material that looks somewhat like porcelain. MACOR® is a good thermal insulator, and is stable up to
temperatures of 1000 °C, with very little thermal expansion or outgassing. It can be machined into any
shape using standard metalworking bits and tools.
Do not sonicate the assembly.
Cleaning instructions:
1.
Remove the quadrupole from the mass analyzer assembly as per section 8.7.3,
page 150 and remove the straps.
2.
Submerse the assembly in the caustic detergent solution in a large container. Try
not to let the detergent dry on the surface of the rods. Use the copper pad to
clean the surface of the rods.
Cleaning the lenses
Cleaning the quadrupole
assembly