Note:
If the
IonSpray Voltage
is too high, then a corona discharge can occur. A corona
discharge is visible as a blue glow at the tip of the probe. It results in decreased sensitivity
and stability of the signal.
Flow Rate and Ion Source Temperature
The sample introduction flow rate and the sample solvent composition affect the optimal
TurboIonSpray probe temperature. A higher flow rate or a higher aqueous content requires a
higher optimal temperature.
The TurboIonSpray probe is often used with sample flow rates of 5 µL/min to 1,000 µL/min. The
heat is used to increase the rate of evaporation which improves ionization efficiency, resulting
in increased sensitivity. Extremely low flow rates of high organic solvent usually do not require
increased temperatures. Refer to the section:
Source Parameters and Voltages
.
Set Up the System
1. Configure the LC pump to deliver the mobile phase at the required flow rate. Refer to the
section:
Source Parameters and Voltages
.
2. Connect the grounding union on the ion source to an LC pump, through an injector
equipped with a 5 µL loop, or to an autosampler.
3. If an autosampler is being used, then configure the autosampler to perform multiple
injections.
Prepare the System
1. Open the control software.
2. On the Navigation bar, under
Tune and Calibrate
mode, double-click
Manual Tuning
.
3. Open a previously optimized method or create a method based on the compounds.
4. If the ion source has been allowed to cool, then do the following.
a. Set the ion source temperature to
450
.
b. Let the ion source warm up for 30 minutes.
The 30-minute warm-up stage prevents solvent vapors from condensing in the cold probe.
5. Start the solvent flow and sample injection.
Ion Source Optimization
System User Guide
RUO-IDV-05-6475-C
SCIEX 3200 Systems
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