LTQ 1 Maintenance

From Mswiki

The RCADIA stage is a part eating monster. Therefore be sure to use parts as sparingly as possible. Here is a scenario:

Jammed Sleeves

Let's say you are trying to push your column through a sleeve and it does not go through. This does not mean that this particular sleeve is useless. Take another piece of FS (one with no packing material inside) and try to push it in and out of the sleeve. If this does not work then the sleeve has been "pinched" closed due to overtightening. Simply take out the sleeve and cut the damaged area of with the razor blade. Then proceed to re-fit the sleeve into the micro-finger tight peek (also called a ferrule).

Clogged Unions

Just because a union is clogged does not mean it is rendered useless. Take the union and tap against the counter top. If that doesn't work take some FS and poke it through until the debris is gone.

Frayed FS

Due to the heavy usage of this machine the FS can become frayed which can cause clogs and ultimately leaks. Before attaching your samples to a particular line, make sure that the FS is not frayed. Poke the FS through the union and cut it just below the frayed area and proceed to re-assemble the union.