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Droplets forming on ESI Probe tip
Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2023 12:55 pm
by KWoody
During analysis, we are observing droplets of liquid forming on the tip of our ESI probe.
Is this related to the desolvation temperature or gas flow? How can we avoid this droplet formation.
Re: Droplets forming on ESI Probe tip
Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2023 1:48 pm
by mathieu_stability
Hi
Liquid droplets on the tip of the probe will be due to insufficient gas flow to produce a spray, or an excessive liquid flow (blocked splitter ?).
Droplets on the windows of the spray chamber will be due to insufficient gas temperature causing condensation.
Re: Droplets forming on ESI Probe tip
Posted: Fri Jun 30, 2023 9:06 pm
by bcd_GCLCMSMS
This could be caused by:
too much mobile phase flow or
insufficient nebulizer gas flow/pressure (whichever setting you have)
insufficient desolvation gas flow/temperature
(I have never observed liquid droplets on the observation window - maybe insufficient desolvation gas flow/temperature or a poorly performing source waste/vacuum flow system)
Mass spectrometer manufacturers usually provide guidance table on settings for various mobile phase flow rates and compositions. (It is important to pay attention to the minimum values for your mobile phase flow rate.)