Helios: Removing, Cleaning and Reinstalling the Vacuum Cones

STEPS 1-9

→ Step 01:
Open the instrument front access door.

→ Step 02:
The cone removal tool has two ends. One end is used to remove the Sampler Cone, and the other to remove the Skimmer-Reducer Assembly.

→ Step 03:
The Sampler Cone has four holes on the face. Insert the cone removal tool into the two smooth (nonthreaded) holes. Rotate the cone removal tool clockwise and pull towards you to release the Sampler Cone from the vacuum interface. Remove the Sampler Cone from the tool and set aside.

*NOTE: You may need to use isopropanol to lubricate.

→ Step 04:
Insert the other end of the cone removal tool into the two holes on the Skimmer-Reducer Assembly. Turn the tool counterclockwise to release the cones from the vacuum interface.

Remove the Skimmer-Reducer Assembly from the tool.

→ Step 05:
Stack the cones as follows: First stack the bottom adapter, then the Sampler Cone, followed by the top adapter. The Skimmer-Reducer Assembly rests on top with the screws facing up. Fill the container with 10% Citranox® and sonicate for 15 minutes. Place the stack in the cone cleaning container one part at a time. Sonicate for 15 minutes.

→ Step 06:
Pour off the Citranox and fill the container with DIW. Replace the stack in the container one part at a time. Sonicate for an additional 15 minutes.

Rinse cones with DIW two times.

→ Step 07:
Rinse the cones with isopropanol. Dry with a blow dryer.

→ Step 08:
Place the Skimmer-Reducer Assembly on the side of the cone removal tool with two magnets. Coat the threads of the Skimmer-Reducer Assembly with graphite using a No. 2 pencil. Place the cone removal tool flush into the interface and begin to turn clockwise. Continue to turn clockwise until the Skimmer-Reducer Assembly is firmly seated in the interface. Detach the cone removal tool.

→ Step 09:
Place the other side of the cone removal tool in the smooth (nonthreaded) holes of the Sampler Cone. (You may need to lubricate the O-ring with isopropanol.) Place the cone flush into the interface and begin to turn counterclockwise while applying gentle pressure. Remove the cone removal tool. Press the cone to make sure it is firmly seated.

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