Micromass Quattro Ultima, User Manual

Page: 183 / 227

The Source
Overview
The Z-spray source is a robust assembly requiring little maintenance. The source
consists of three basic parts:
•
The probe adjustment flange.
•
The glass tube.
•
The source flange assembly.
The probe adjustment flange and the glass tube can be readily removed, without
venting the instrument, to gain access to the source block and sample cone. This
allows the following operations to be performed:
•
Removing the cone gas nozzle and sample cone.
•
Fitting or removing the APcI discharge pin.
•
Fitting or removing the exhaust liner and cleanable baffle.
•
Fitting or removing the nanoflow electrospray interface.
•
Enabling or disabling the purge gas.
Cleaning of the sample cone and cone gas nozzle may be achieved by removing them
from the source. This may also be done without venting the instrument, by closing the
isolation valve located on the ion block. Less frequently it may be necessary to clean
the ion block and the hexapole lens, in which case the instrument must be vented. This
should only be done when the problem is not rectified by cleaning the sample cone
and cone gas nozzle, or when charging effects are apparent.
Charging is evidenced by a noticeable progressive drop in signal intensity, often
resulting in a complete loss of signal. Switching the instrument out of and back
into operate causes the beam momentarily to return.
The hexapole transfer lens should not require frequent cleaning. If it is suspected that
the lens does need cleaning it may be withdrawn from the front of the instrument after
removing the ion block support.
Warning: Cleaning the various parts of the source requires the use of
solvents and chemicals which may be flammable and hazardous to
health. The user should take all necessary precautions.
Maintenance and Fault Finding
Page 183
Quattro Ultima
User's Guide