Plasmion SICRIT® Interface TX2/3 - Installation Manual

Significance of the topic

The SICRIT® Interface TX2/3 enables seamless integration of a soft plasma‐based ionization technology (SICRIT®) with a broad range of Thermo Fisher LC-MS platforms. By replacing the standard API ion source housing and transfer capillary, the interface allows direct gas-phase ionization as well as straightforward coupling with chromatographic modules (GC, SPME). This advance supports analytical laboratories and R&D groups in expanding their capabilities for sensitive, low-fragmentation analysis of volatile and labile compounds.

Objectives and overview

This document provides a practical, step-by-step procedure for installing, commissioning and maintaining the SICRIT® Interface TX2/3 on Thermo Fisher LTQ, LTQ Velos, Orbitrap Elite and Exactive Series instruments. Key goals include:

• Removal of the native Ion Max API source and transfer capillary.
• Installation of the SICRIT® inlet capillary, interlock fitting and safety cap.
• Adjustment of software parameters in Tune Plus for optimal SICRIT® operation.
• Guidance on routine maintenance and cleaning to ensure reproducible performance.

Methodology and instrumentation

The installation workflow is divided into distinct phases:

1. Preparation: Placing the mass spectrometer in standby, cooling the spray cone, and wearing appropriate protective gear.
2. Removal of conventional components: Unlocking and extracting the standard API housing and transfer capillary using manufacturer tools, preserving sealing elements.
3. Installation of SICRIT® parts: Mounting the tailor-made inlet capillary (TX2 or TX3 geometry) with correct graphite seal placement, attaching the SICRIT® ion source via a locking mechanism, fitting the interlock adaptor and clipping on the safety cap.
4. Software configuration: Setting sheath and auxiliary gas flows to zero (unless used for GC/SPME), applying 0 kV spray voltage, and selecting a capillary temperature between 150 °C and 250 °C in Thermo Tune Plus.
5. Maintenance: Periodic inspection of pre-vacuum pressure, removal and ultrasonic cleaning of the inlet capillary in 50:50 methanol:water, and replacement of worn seals.

Used instrumentation

• Thermo Fisher LC-MS platforms: LTQ, LTQ Velos, Orbitrap Elite, Exactive Series.
• SICRIT® TX2/3 Interface kit: interlock fitting, inlet capillary, safety cap.
• SICRIT® Ion source and HV power supply.
• Standard laboratory tools: 13 mm open-end wrench, ultrasonic bath.

Main results and discussion

Successful installation of the SICRIT® Interface yields:

• Leak-tight connection verified by pre-vacuum readings below 2 mbar in the Tune Plus status window.
• Automatic recognition of the SICRIT® ion source by the mass spectrometer as a standard API source via the interlock fitting.
• Stable ionization performance without auxiliary or sheath gas flows, preserving analyte integrity.
• Repeatable assembly and removal facilitated by clear locking indicators and standardized capillary geometries (TX2 vs. TX3).

Benefits and practical applications

The SICRIT® Interface TX2/3 offers multiple advantages for analytical laboratories:

• Soft, cold plasma ionization reduces fragmentation and preserves molecular ions.
• Direct coupling to LC, as well as modular adaptation for GC or SPME, expands analytical versatility.
• Minimal hardware modification of existing Thermo MS instruments.
• Rapid changeover between conventional ESI/APCI and SICRIT® operation.
• Enhanced detection of volatiles, semivolatiles and thermally labile compounds.

Future trends and potential applications

Emerging directions for SICRIT® interface technology include:

• Integration with automated sample‐preparation systems and high-throughput screening platforms.
• Development of advanced capillary materials or coatings to further lower clogging rates and extend maintenance intervals.
• Implementing real-time monitoring of vacuum and plasma parameters via IoT-enabled sensors.
• Coupling with ion mobility spectrometry or novel separation modules for multidimensional analysis.
• AI-driven optimization of ionization conditions to maximize sensitivity and selectivity.

Conclusion

The SICRIT® Interface TX2/3 provides a robust, user-friendly solution for retrofitting Thermo Fisher LC-MS instruments with plasma-based soft ionization. Clear installation steps, safety features and straightforward software settings ensure reliable operation and easy maintenance. By enabling gentle ionization and modular chromatographic coupling, this interface broadens the analytical reach of existing MS platforms while maintaining high throughput and reproducibility.

Reference

Plasmion GmbH. Installation Manual SICRIT® Interface TX2/3 for Thermo Fisher LTQ, LTQ Velos, Orbitrap Elite and Exactive Series, Version 0.2, January 2020