After you remove the ion transfer tube to clean it or replace it or to access other components of the API source interface, follow these instructions to reinstall it.
Procedure
- Make sure that the API source interface is cooled to room temperature.
- Insert the tube at a 0 degree angle into the API source interface, while rotating the tube to gently push the vent prevent ball out of the way.
NOTE
As you insert the tube, you feel a slight resistance from the vent prevent ball. After you push the vent prevent ball out of the way, the system vacuum draws the tube further into the API source housing.
- Depending on the ion transfer tube type, do one of the following:
- For an ion transfer tube that has a quarter-turn pin behind its cone face, align the tube’s pin with the slot in the API source interface. Then, use the flat end of the 1/4 turn ion transfer tube removal tool to turn the tube clockwise by a quarter turn.
- For an ion transfer tube that has a threaded fitting behind its cone face, align the ion transfer tube removal tool with the flat edges of the ion transfer tube’s nose cone, and then rotate the tube clockwise until you completely tighten the nose cone to the spray cone.