Chromatography Forum

Hi;
I use API 4000 mass spektrometer. How can i do cleaning of electrode of it.
Thanks for help.

If you mean the electrode in the probe:

I have cleaned mine by unscrewing the black adjustment knob and removing the peak connector that the electrode is mounted in, sliding the capillary out of the probe. You can then use a tissue with solvent to wipe down the outside of the capillary to clean the outside. I have also used a syringe adapter to put onto a Luer type syringe and screw into the fitting to push solvent through the capillary to flush it out.

Use a magnifier and inspect the exit end of the capillary to see if it has been eroded, if it is no longer smooth but pitted then most likely it should be replaced.

As for the Corona electrode used for APCI I just clean it with a tissue and solvent or dilute Formic Acid solution to remove any buffer that has accumulated on the tip.

I am trying to get a full mass spectrum of my target species for publication so I am being pretty particular about getting the full spectrum at the apex of the TIC. When I run the background subtraction off the shoulders I can get my unwanted species out but I am still grabbing some of my target species MS enough that it alters the spectrum quite a bit so the M/Z intensities are all wrong.

@james_ball thank you for your help.
I tried your way, it really worked.
I removed the blockage with syringe by trying different solvents.