Replacing the ion block source heater

Replace the ion block source heater if it fails to heat the ion block when the instrument is pumped-down (evacuated).

Required materials

• Chemical-resistant, powder-free gloves
• Needle-nose pliers
• Combined 2.5-mm hex wrench and cone extraction tool
• New ion block source heater assembly

To replace the ion block source heater:

Warning: To avoid personal contamination with biologically hazardous, toxic, and corrosive materials, wear chemical-resistant, powder-free gloves when performing this procedure.

1. Remove the ion block assembly from the instrument (see Removing the ion block assembly from the source assembly).

2. Ensure that the isolation valve is closed.

3. Use the combined 2.5-mm hex wrench and cone extraction tool to loosen the two captive screws securing the ion block cover plate.

4. Remove the ion block cover plate.
5. Use the combined 2.5-mm hex wrench and cone extraction tool to loosen the captive PEEK terminal block securing screw.

 Notice: To avoid damaging the heater cartridge assembly wires, do not bend or twist them when removing the assembly and ceramic heater mounting block from the ion block.

6. Carefully remove the PEEK terminal block and ceramic heater mounting block, complete with heater cartridge assembly, from the ion block.

Tip: You can invert the ion block assembly to facilitate this process.

7. Use the combined 2.5-mm hex wrench and cone extraction tool to loosen the two screws securing the heater wires to the PEEK terminal block.
8. Disconnect the heater cartridge wires from the PEEK terminal block.
9. Use the needle-nose pliers to gently grasp the heat-shrink tubing on the heater cartridge assembly and slide the assembly out of the ceramic heater mounting block.

10. Dispose of the heater cartridge assembly.

 Notice: To avoid damaging the heater cartridge assembly wires, do not bend or twist them when removing the assembly and ceramic heater mounting block from the ion block.

11. Use the needle-nose pliers to gently grasp the heat-shrink tubing on the new heater cartridge assembly and slide the assembly into the ceramic heater mounting block.
12. Use the needle-nose pliers to position the heater cartridge’s wiring ring tags fully under their securing screws.
13. Use the combined 2.5-mm hex wrench and cone extraction tool to tighten the two wiresecuring screws.
14. Fit the PEEK terminal block and ceramic heater mounting block, complete with heater cartridge assembly, to the ion block.
15. Use the combined 2.5-mm hex wrench and cone extraction tool to tighten the captive PEEK terminal block securing screw.
16. Fit the ion block cover plate to the ion block assembly, and then use the combined 2.5-mm hex wrench and cone extraction tool to tighten the two captive screws securing the ion block cover plate.
17. Fit the ion block assembly to the instrument (see Fitting the ion block assembly to the source assembly).