Thermo Finnigan LCQ Deca XP Plus, Hardware Manual

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User Maintenance
API Source Maintenance ______________________________________________________
4-6
____________________ LCQ Deca XP Plus Hardware Manual ________________
4.3 API Source Maintenance
The API source requires a minimum of maintenance. Periodically, you need
to clean the components of the API source to remove salts or other
contaminants. The frequency of cleaning the API source depends on the types
and amounts of samples and solvents that are introduced into the system.
Maintenance procedures are provided below to do the following:
•
Flush the sample transfer line, sample tube, and API probe
•
Flush the spray shield and the bore of the ion transfer capillary
•
Clear a blocked ion transfer capillary
• Maintain the APCI probe assembly, including replacing the APCI sample
tube
• Maintain the ESI probe assembly, including replacing the ESI sample
tube
•
Maintain the API stack, including replacing the ion transfer capillary
Flushing the Sample Transfer Line, Sample
Tube, and API Probe
You should flush the sample transfer line, sample tube, and API probe at the
end of each working day (or more often if you suspect they are contaminated)
by flowing a 50:50 methanol/distilled water solution from the LC through the
API source.
This manual provides maintenance procedures for the APCI probe and the
ESI probe. For maintenance procedures for the NSI source, refer to the
LCQ Series Nanospray Ion Source Operator’s Manual.
CAUTION. AVOID EXPOSURE TO POTENTIALLY HARMFUL
MATERIALS. Always wear protective gloves and safety glasses when you
use solvents or corrosives. Also, contain waste streams and use proper
ventilation. Refer to your supplier’s Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)
for procedures that describe how to handle a particular solvent.