The ion sweep cone is a metal cone that covers the ion transfer tube. It channels the sweep gas toward the entrance of the ion transfer tube, acts as a physical barrier that protects the entrance of the ion transfer tube, and increases source robustness. The net result is a significant increase in the number of samples that you can analyze without losing signal intensity. The ion sweep cone improves ruggedness when analyzing complex matrices, such as plasma or nonvolatile salt buffers.

Figure Ion sweep cone removed from API source interface

IMPORTANT

Remove the ion sweep cone before you install an optional FAIMS interface or before you perform NSI experiments.

TIP

Keep the ion transfer tube entrance as clean as possible to reduce the need for frequent maintenance.