You do not have to vent the MS to remove the ion transfer tube. It is secured by a quarter-turn pin and requires a custom tool for the removal or installation. The tool is provided in the accessory kit.

The following figure shows the ion transfer tube removal tool. The flat end is used to loosen or tighten the ion transfer tube, while the hooked end is used to pull and remove ion transfer tube.

Figure Ion transfer tube removal tool
12
No.DescriptionNo.Description

1

Hooked end

2

Flat end

The following figure shows the hooked end of the removal tool on the tip of ion transfer tube during the removal process.

Figure Ion transfer tube removal tool hooked on the loosened ion transfer tube

CAUTION

  • Do not lift the release lever located at the top of the API source interface, doing so will vent the MS.
  • Do not touch the exposed entrance of the ion transfer tube to avoid contamination.

CAUTION

Hot surface

Allow the ion transfer tube to cool to room temperature before you remove it.

Prerequisites

  1. Wear personal protective equipment (PPE) such as a lab coat, safety glasses, and chemical resistant gloves.
  2. Remove the API Source
  3. Remove the Ion Sweep Cone

Procedure

  1. Use the flat end of the removal tool and align it with the exposed tip of the ion transfer tube.
  2. Rotate the ion transfer tube by a 1/4 turn in the counterclockwise direction to loosen it.
  3. Use the hooked end of the removal tool to latch onto the loosened ion transfer tube, then pull the ion transfer tube out of the spray cone.