Sample
Introduction
PlasmaQuant MS Series
30
4.5.2
Removing and Replacing the Nebulizer
1.
Disconnect the sample capillary from the nebulizer.
2.
Remove the nebulizer from the spray chamber end cap.
3.
Disconnect the nebulizer gas tubing from the nebulizer.
4.
Before refitting the nebulizer end cap, inspect the condition of the nebulizer and
end cap O-rings. Replace if necessary.
NOTICE
To ease the fit of the nebulizer into the end cap, and the end cap into the spray
chamber, wet all mating surfaces with de-ionized water first. When applying to
much force those components may break.
5.
Re-optimize the plasma parameters and ion optics settings after replacing the
nebulizer.
4.5.3
Cleaning the Concentric Nebulizer
Replace any nebulizer, which has a broken or chipped tip. There are two recommended
and approved methods for cleaning a nebulizer:
1.
First pump rinse solution through the system.
2.
If this does not clear the blockage, remove the nebulizer as instructed in section
3.
Soak the nebulizer overnight in 10% nitric acid (HNO
3
) or concentrated aqua regia
(1:3 solution of hydrochloric acid (HCl) and HNO
3
).
NOTE
Verify that no air is trapped in the central capillary and that the nebulizer is
completely submerged in the acid.
4.
Thoroughly rinse the nebulizer in de-ionized water and re-install.
NOTICE
Do not place concentric glass nebulizers in ultrasonic baths, as the central capillary
may be damaged.
Rinse the nebulizer by using the nebulizer cleaning tool. This tool can be ordered
optionally from Analytik Jena (Part #: 418-13-410-420 ELUO - cleaning kit for
nebulizer).
1.
Remove the nebulizer as instructed in section 4.5.2, page 30 and continue.
2.
Unscrew the nebulizer holder from the syringe and fill the syringe with cleaning
solution (water or methanol). Pull the syringe plunger out to the first red O-ring.
Method 1 – Cleaning
through a Soaking
Procedure:
Method 2 – Cleaning
Using the Nebulizer
Cleaning Tool: