Chromatography Forum

Hello,

I am a new user of API3000. I would like to know how to remove and clean the curtain plate and the skimmer.
Secondary, i would like to know how to change the electron multiplier.

If anyone can help me... If you have a procedure or if you can explain me...

Thank you

Pierre

Hello,

Anybody know how to do it? Please help me...

Thank a lot

Pierre

I am not exactly sure if the 3000 has the same parts as the 3200, but for the 3200 I clean the skimmer with a Kemwipe and methanol, and use plenty of Kemwipes instead of rewetting the same one. For the Curtain plate usually 1-5% formic acid solution will work, but I have at times used Barkeepers Friend when I had really bad buildup on it that I couldn't seem to remove, then sonicating with clean solvent and trying before re installation.

If your vacuum increases and you lose sensitivity, the skimmer may be clogged. For that I use a syringe cleaning wire, the one from a 10ul autosampler one will fit just right. Be sure to put a piece of tape on it though so that it will not be sucked into the instrument if the vacuum is still on and it slips from your fingers.

The front end can be disassembled and the skimmer (the orifice cone) can be removed. The last time I did so was about a year ago and if i remember correctly I had to work from the curtain plate side as well as swinging the interface open and working from the back side of the curtain plate.

You CAN unblock the orifice (or the skimmer) with a wire as stated, but repeatedly doing so with a wire may increase the diameter of the skimmer opening and you will therefore reduce the working vacuum the instrument is able to attain, which is generally not a good idea.

You may be able to clean sufficiently from the curtain plate side and by swinging the interface open on its hinge and cleaning from the back (may as well wipe down Q0 while you are in there) without taking everything apart but the best way (avoids cleaning solvent build up in inaccessible spots and missing spots that may have contamination) is to take it apart, sonicate the skimmer in solvent/formic acid, and then methanol. Clean/wipe down all surfaces with kimwipes maybe with methanol and a wee bit of formic acid and finally with only methanol. I believe there are some "rubber" o-rings that can usually be washed and reused a few times before they require replacement.
you'll need to put new aluminum washers for the skimmer/orifice, and have a torque screw driver to screw it down to spec.

Not a complicated job but you do have to know what you are doing and have or make some spare aluminum washers.
Oh, and there is an electrical connection in there you have to be careful with, I think it is for the ring voltage.

Good luck

Alp

Welcome to API3000! To remove and clean the curtain plate and skimmer, follow these steps:

Curtain Plate and Skimmer Cleaning:
a. Turn off the API3000 and disconnect the power source.
b. Open the instrument access panel to locate the curtain plate and skimmer.
c. Carefully remove the curtain plate and skimmer components.
d. Clean them using a mild solvent or as recommended in the API3000 manual.
e. Allow the components to dry thoroughly before reinstallation.

Electron Multiplier Replacement:
a. Again, ensure the instrument is powered off and disconnected.
b. Locate the electron multiplier within the instrument.
c. Follow the API3000 manual for specific instructions on removing and replacing the electron multiplier.
d. Handle the electron multiplier with care to avoid damage.
e. After replacement, close the instrument access panel and reconnect the power source.

Remember to consult the API3000 manual for any model-specific details. If you encounter any challenges or need further clarification, feel free to ask. Good luck with your maintenance!