User guide
DuoSpray™ Ion Source User Reference
AB SCIEX TripleTOF
®
5600/5600+ Instruments
98 of 116
System User Guide
D5033331 A
6. Remove the electrode tube from the retaining nut.
7. Clean the electrode tube with a 50:50 methanol:water solution, by running the
solution through the electrode tube or by soaking the tube in an ultrasonic bath.
Replace the Electrode
1. Insert the electrode tube into the retaining nut and then into the PEEK union fitting.
Make sure that the electrode tube is inserted as far into the PEEK union fitting as it
will go. If there is a gap between the electrode tube and its seat inside the union
fitting, a dead sample volume may occur.
2. Align the electrode tube with the narrow opening in the sprayer tube, and then insert
the PEEK union fitting and attached electrode tube into the probe. Be careful not to
bend the electrode tube.
3. Make sure that the spring is still inside the probe and then tighten the electrode
adjustment nut.
4. Insert the probe into the tower, taking care not to allow the tip of the probe to touch
any part of the ion source housing.
5. Push down the bronze retaining ring to engage its thread with the thread on the ion
source housing and then tighten the ring.
6. Insert the sample tubing into the sample tubing nut, insert the sample tubing nut into
the fitting at the top of the probe, and then tighten the sample tubing nut until it is
finger-tight.
7. Install the ion source on the mass spectrometer. Refer to Install the Ion Source on
page 88.
8. Adjust the electrode tip to specification. Refer to Adjust the Electrode Tip Extension
on page 98.
Adjust the Electrode Tip Extension
The electrode tip extension should be adjusted for best performance. The optimal setting is
compound-dependent. The distance that the electrode tip extends affects the shape of the spray
cone, and the cone shape affects mass spectrometer sensitivity.
• Adjust the black electrode adjustment nut on the top of the probe to extend or retract
the electrode tip. The electrode tip should extend between 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm from
the end of the probe as shown in Figure 7-5.
WARNING! Toxic Chemical Hazard: Make sure that the electrode tip extends past
the end of the probe, to prevent the escape of hazardous vapor from the ion
source.