Before you can clean the ion transfer tube and the ion sweep cone, you must first remove them from the API source interface. See Remove the ion sweep cone and Remove the ion transfer tube.
IMPORTANT
Always use UHPLC/MS grade methanol and water.
To clean the ion sweep cone and the transfer tube after you remove them from the API source interface
Procedure
- For extreme contamination, follow these steps. Otherwise, start with step 2.
- Overnight, sonicate the component in a 10% solution of Liquinox in water.
- Rinse the component with water, and then for 2 minutes force a strong stream of water through the orifice.
- For 30 minutes, sonicate the component in water.
- For 30 minutes, sonicate the component in a 50:50 solution of methanol/water that contains 20% formic acid.
- Rinse the component thoroughly with water.
- For 15 minutes, sonicate the component in deionized water.
- Rinse the component with methanol.
- For 15 minutes, sonicate the component in methanol.
- Dry the component thoroughly with nitrogen gas.
- Replace the ion transfer tube if the bore becomes corroded or blocked.
CAUTION
When you reinstall the ion transfer tube into the heater block, take these precautions:
- Put on a new pair of lint-free and powder-free gloves.
- Verify that everything is properly aligned to prevent stripping the threads on the ion transfer tube.
- Rotate—do not bend—the ion transfer tube upon insertion. Rotating the ion transfer tube helps push the vent prevent ball out of the way.