Source Cleaning Method?

[EnvironLab]

I pretty much follow the Agilent source cleaning method for 5973 EI sources - Water/abrasive powder slurry, qtips, and solvent sonications (minus the meoh). I've heard of several others or slight variations there of. Any others out there?

[Schmitty]

I used the green abrasive paper only, followed by methanol/acetone/DCM sonication.

[tima]

I have used their methods with great success so maybe you just a few tips. Make sure the surfaces you clean are shinny like a mirror and pay particular attention to the inside surfaces of the source (i.e. the repeller and the ion chamber get especially dirty). I don't use the green paper and if I do I rub some of it against itself to lower it's abrasiveness. So maybe you can share with me what are the deciding factors (tune parameters) for ion source cleaning?

[EnvironLab]

I've heard some say that the green abrasive paper works fine for them and others who have said it's too course of a grit. I have only used it a few times on really dirty parts and that was followed by the alumina slurry scrub. I was just curious to see what other methods were being used which might save time or increase effectiveness. In general, when I see the sensitivity drop, I figure the source is getting dirty.

[leadazide]

One thing I have experienced is that when making the AluminumOxid slurry using glycerol instead of water makes it easier cleaning the aluminumoxid off the parts later..

[EnvironLab]

Have not tried the glycerol before. Had a guy from Agilent tell me he used to just run the parts under a tap to remove all of the aluminum oxide.

[mtorrey]

Our Agilent service engineer uses this stuff called "barkeepers friend." Can be had from most grocery stores:

http://www.barkeepersfriend.com/

But I still use the conventional aluminum oxide and green paper method.

Mike

[EnvironLab]

Interesting. Barkeepers also looks to be a bit cheaper. I could probably use the Alzheimer's bib as well considering the way I eat.

[gcguy]

I use standard automotive chrome cleaner for mine. It smells nice and can be used on the open bench. I rinse well afterwards and have never had any problems with residues.

GCguy

[sllimbri]

I used to use the powder and green paper method until I discovered that metal polish works best. It really polishes the metal as opposed to scratching it. A smooth polished surface is easier to clean than a scratched surface where dirt can accumulate.

[EnvironLab]

I may give these polishes a try. Anyone ever use finer grit sandpaper?

[Ron]

If you use one of the metal polishes be sure to sonicate is methanol afterwards. The polishes usually contain waxes that should be removed before reinstalling.