Waters Xevo TQ MS, Operator And Maintenance Manual, Page: 79 / 184

Cleaning the sampling cone assembly 4-31
To clean the sample cone and cone gas nozzle
1. If the sample cone contains debris, place a drop of formic acid on its
aperture.
2. Immerse the sample cone, cone gas nozzle, and cone gas nozzle handle in
separate glass vessels containing 1:1 methanol/water.
Tip:
If the components are obviously contaminated, use 45:45:10
methanol/water/formic acid.
3. Place the vessels in the ultrasonic bath for 30 minutes.
4. If you used formic acid in the cleaning solution, do as follows:
a. Rinse the components by immersing them in separate glass vessels
containing water and then placing the vessels in the ultrasonic bath
for 20 minutes.
b. Remove any residual water from the extraction cone by immersing
it in a glass vessel containing methanol and then placing the vessel
in the ultrasonic bath for 10 minutes.
5. Carefully remove the components from the vessels, and blow-dry them
with inert, oil-free gas.
Warning:
The sample cone and cone gas nozzle can be
contaminated with biohazardous and/or toxic materials. Always
wear chemical-resistant, powder-free gloves while performing
this procedure.
Warning:
Formic acid is extremely corrosive and toxic. Work
with extreme care, use a fume hood and suitable protective
equipment.
Caution:
The sample cone is fragile. Never place it on its tip; always
place it on its flanged base.
Caution:
To avoid recontaminating the components, wear clean,
chemical-resistant, powder-free gloves for the rest of this
procedure.