Installing the Ion Transfer Capillary in Agilent 6000 Series LC/MS Systems

Answer

This Information Applies To: All Agilent 6000 Series LC/MS Systems without a gate valve for ion capillary installation/removal. 

Issue:

Installing the Ion Transfer Capillary after cleaning or replacement. For instructions for installing an ion capillary on LC/MS instruments with a gate valve installed, click here

Steps to follow:

Tips: The following figures show an LC/MS with an Agilent Jet Stream (AJS) source installed. The process of capillary installation is the same for LC/MS instruments equipped with the standard electrospray ion source installed.

1. Put on clean powder-free nitrile gloves.

   Caution: Handling Ion Source components or the Ion Transfer Capillary without gloves can cause contamination. Use clean powder-free nitrile gloves during this procedure

2. Lubricate the ion capillary entrance end with LC/MS-grade isopropanol (IPA) (Figure 1).

   
   
   Figure 1: Arrow illustrating the correct end of the resistive capillary to apply IPA
   
   

3. Check the correct orientation of the capillary before inserting it into the instrument. The black band on resistive capillaries is positioned toward the front (spray chamber side) of the instrument.

4. Carefully insert the capillary straight into the desolvation assembly. Do not turn or twist the capillary when you install it or you can damage the metal plating.

   Caution: Vertical or horizontal pressure on the capillary during installation can break the capillary.

5. When 2 to 3 cm of the capillary remains extended from the desolvation assembly, the capillary rests against the rear contract spring, which slightly restricts further insertion of the capillary. Slightly increase the insertion force to push the capillary through the rear contact spring to fully insert the capillary (Figure 2). Continue to apply gentle pressure until approximately 1 cm of capillary remains extended from the desolvation assembly.

   
   
   Figure 2: Video showing the correct procedure for inserting the ion capillary into the desolvation assembly of the LC/MS

6. Install the contact ring and end plate (Figure 3).

   
   
   Figure 3: Installing the contact ring and end plate onto the desolvation assembly
   
   

7. Wet the end of the ion capillary with LC/MS-grade IPA, then install the capillary cap onto the end of the capillary. Screw on the spray shield (Figure 4).

   Caution: Do not spray IPA directly into the ion capillary entrance. Use a small amount of IPA applied from the side.

    

   
   
   Figure 4: Installing the capillary cap and spray shield.
   
   

8. Close the source and pump down the system. When the system reaches normal operating vacuum readings, bring the source back up to your method temperature and gas flow setpoints.

9. Wait a minimum of 2 hours before using the instrument for analysis to let the heated zones in the instruments fully equilibrate.