How to clean the cone on a Waters Mass Spectrometer - WKB10984

OBJECTIVE or GOAL

Clean the sample cone and cone gas nozzle when the following conditions apply:

• The sample cone and cone gas nozzle are visibly fouled/dirty.
• You have dismissed LC and sample-related causes for decreased signal intensity.
• Consider cleaning the sample cone and cone gas nozzle on a routine basis depending on MS usage.

Follow the maintenance procedures in the relevant MS Operator's Overview and Maintenance Guide for safety precautions and materials required.

ENVIRONMENT

• All Waters ESI (electrospray) Mass Spectrometers

PROCEDURE

1. Remove the sample cone assembly following the procedure in the relevant MS Operator's Overview and Maintenance Guide.
2. Remove the o-ring (and the PEEK handle if present) from the sample cone.
3. Place the cone and sample cone nozzle on their flat base in a clean glass beaker/vessel (never on the tip as it can damage the cone) containing 1:1 methanol:water.
4. If the components are visibly contaminated, use 45:45:10 methanol/water/formic acid.
5. Place the beaker/vessel in an ultrasonic bath for 30 minutes.
6. If using formic acid in the cleaning solution, rinse with water and place in a glass beaker with 100% water.
7. Place the beaker/vessel in an ultrasonic bath for 20 minutes.
8. Remove any residual water from components by putting them in a glass beaker/vessel with 100% methanol.
9. Place the beaker/vessel in an ultrasonic bath for 10 minutes.
10. Carefully remove the components from the glass beaker and blow dry them with inert, oil-free gas.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION