Cirrus SP101013.111 – 10 October 2012
MKS Instruments UK Ltd., Spectra Products
49
6. Replace the analyser into your vacuum housing and again check for shorts or grounding to the
outer vacuum housing.
You are now ready to pump down and continue the operation of your quadrupole.
8.7 Ion Source cleaning
Sometimes it is possible to clean the ion source without removing it from the analyser. For the user
who has the necessary equipment available including a means to suitably dry the analyser, it is usually
worth trying this method before removing or replacing the ion source.
However, it is likely only to be successful where the source is contaminated with loose or alcohol
soluble deposits.
Below is a list of the tools and equipment you will require. We recommend that you assemble the
following items before you start. Remember that the instrument is supplied with a tool kit that
contained some of the things you will need.
Small jeweller’s screwdriver (2mm)
Pair of tweezers
Small pair of smooth jawed needle nosed pliers
Pair of clean cotton gloves
Clean bench on which to work
Ohmmeter
Clean container in which to put small parts
Ultra-sonic bath
Measuring cylinder
Iso-propyl-alcohol
Some method of holding the analyser securely in an upright position (a small bench vice is ideal).
Remove the analyser from the vacuum chamber and place it on the bench in an upright position (the
use of a small bench vice is recommended), remove the filaments as described in Section 8.6.1 .
Insert the analyser into the measuring cylinder so that the knife edge side of the flange rests on the lip
of the cylinder. Note the level which the ion source comes to on the measuring cylinder before
removing the analyser and filling the measuring cylinder with sufficient iso-propyl-alcohol to cover the
ion source.
Note: the measuring cylinder should be of a diameter and length to accommodate the analyser.
Put the measuring cylinder into the ultra-sonic bath for 10 to 15 minutes.
Remove the analyser and allow any excess alcohol to drain off. Keep the analyser inverted
(feedthrough upper most) until it is dry. Do not let any alcohol run down the analyser into the flange
assembly, as this will seriously damage the multiplier.
