MS Detector Maintenance
Frequency of Cleaning
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_______________________ Finnigan LTQ Hardware Manual _______________________
4.2 Frequency of Cleaning
The frequency of cleaning the components of the MS detector depends on the
types and amounts of samples and solvents that are introduced into the
instrument. In general, for a given sample and ionization technique, the closer
a MS detector component is to the source of the ions, the more rapidly it
becomes dirty.
•
The sample tube, API probe, ion transfer capillary bore, and ion sweep
cone of the API source should be cleaned at the end of each operating day
to remove any residual salts from buffered mobile phases or other
contamination that might have accumulated during normal operation.
Refer to the topics Flushing the Sample Transfer Line, Sample Tube,
and API Probe on page 3-7 and Flushing the Ion Sweep Cone and Ion
Transfer Capillary on page 3-9.
•
The tube lens and skimmer of the Q00 ion guide become dirty at a slower
rate than the API probe, ion sweep cone, and ion transfer capillary. The
Q00 quadrupole and lens L0 require cleaning less often than the tube lens
and skimmer. Refer to the topic Cleaning the Q00 Ion Guide on
page 4-22.
•
The Q0 quadrupole, Q1 octapole, and lenses of the Q0 and Q1 ion guides
become dirty at a rate significantly slower than the API source and Q00
ion guide. Refer to the topic Cleaning the Q0 and Q1 Ion Guides on
page 4-28.
•
The quadrupoles of the mass analyzer require cleaning very rarely (if
ever). Refer to the topic Mass Analyzer Maintenance on page 4-38.
•
Clean the electron multiplier and conversion dynode whenever you
remove the top cover plate of the vacuum manifold by blowing them with
a clean, dry gas. Refer to the topic Cleaning the Ion Detection System
on page 4-36.
When the performance of your system decreases significantly due to
contamination, clean the components of the MS detector in the following
order:
•
Clean the API probe, ion sweep cone (if it is installed), spray cone, and
ion transfer capillary
•
Clean the tube lens and skimmer
•
Clean the quadrupole and lens of the Q00 ion guide
•
Clean the quadrupole and lens of the Q0 ion guide and the octapole and
lens of the Q1 ion guide
•
Clean the mass analyzer
