Waters iKey User Manual
[ CARE AND USE MANUAL ]
iKey Separation Device
CONTENTS
I. INTRODUCTION
II. iKEY FEATURES
a. Analytical iKey
b. Accessory iKeys
c. iKey Component Description
III. CONNECTING THE iKEY TO THE
ionKEY SOURCE
IV. iKEY USAGE
a. Sample Preparation
b. Mobile Phases
c. pH Range
d. Pressure
e. Temperature
V. REMOVING THE iKEY FROM THE
ionKEY/MS SYSTEM
VI. CARING FOR THE iKEY
a. Cleaning and Regeneration
b. Storage
c. Good Practices
I. INTRODUCTION
The Waters iKey™ Separation Device is a high-pressure,
microfluidic device that provides UPLC® separations with
the ionKey/MS™ System. The iKey eliminates manual fitting
connections and minimizes the potential for manual variability
and extra-column dispersion.
The iKey contains a ceramic substrate produced using a modified,
co-fired ceramic manufacturing process which contains an
analytical separation channel packed with stationary phase, an
electrospray emitter, a column heater, and an integrated memory
device. The integrated memory maintains the number of injections,
maximum backpressure, and number of sample sets run. A circuit
in the iKey senses and controls temperature as well.
The iKey is manufactured to exacting specifications, providing
outstanding peak symmetry for maximum sensitivity and
accurate quantitation. Each iKey is individually tested to
ensure that it passes stringent quality control requirements.
Compared to conventional chromatographic systems, successful
day-to-day performance of the ionKey/MS System requires
certain considerations. This document provides several essential
recommendations for the successful use of the iKey. The iKey
is the only analytical consumable device compatible with
ionKey/MS System.
VII. TROUBLESHOOTING iKEY PERFORMANCE
VIII. ORDERING INFORMATION
[ CARE AND USE MANUAL ]
II. iKEY FEATURES
a. Analytical iKey
This iKey has a 150 µm x 50 mm or 150 μm x 100 mm analytical separation channel available with a variety of packing materials.
An electrospray emitter is located at the end of the channel. A sheath is provided to protect the iKey and its emitter from damage
during handling.
Left side of the iKey
Electrospray connection contact Electronic connections Fluidic ports (4)
Electrospray
emitter tip
Right side of the iKey
Fluidic path diagram
Emitter connection port
NanoFlow gas port
Notes label
Flow channel to emitter (50 mm shown, 100 mm iKey also available)
Identification label
Orientation rib
Injection inlet port
Auxiliary port (inactive)
Infusion port (inactive)
Outlet port (inactive)
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[ CARE AND USE MANUAL ]
b. Accessory iKeys
Flow Injection iKey: This iKey has no packing material. It enables one to inject a sample from the sample manager directly to the emitter
on the iKey without any chromatographic separation. Flow path is identical to the 50 mm Analytical iKey.
Infusion iKey: This iKey enables calibrant infusion from the ionKey/MS fluidics. Additionally, it can also be used to divert flow to waste
for solvent changeovers and idle flow conditions, when liquid flow into the source is not desired.
Flow channel to emitter Flow channel to waste
Injection inlet port
Auxiliary port (inactive)
Outlet port to waste
Infusion port
Diagnostic iKey: This iKey has no flow channels. It provides a seal at the inlet fitting of the ionKey™ source for testing the fluidic integrity
of the system.
c. iKey Component Description
Component Description
Auxiliary fluidic port Used for alternative system arrangements.
Infusion port Connects to the MS fluidics.
Electronic connections Electronic connections for the heater and EEPROM device.
Electrospray connection contact Electrospray potential is applied to the iKey emitter through a conductive pad.
Electrospray emitter tip The emitter is housed within the iKey. Electrospray occurs when liquid within the emitter is charged
by a high-voltage connection.
Identification label Identifies the specifications for the iKey.
Injection inlet port Receives the injections and mobile phase flow from the system.
NanoFlow gas inlet Connects to a supply of nitrogen from the mass spectrometer. The gas pressure is set in the mass
spectrometer’s tune window.
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[ CARE AND USE MANUAL ]
III. CONNECTING THE iKEY TO THE ionKEY SOURCE
These procedures outline the steps necessary to connect your iKey into the ionKey source. Connecting your iKey properly is essential
for operation.
To insert the iKey in the ionKey source:
1. Ensure the lever is vertical, and the unlock
indicator is in the 12 o’clock position.
2. Remove the iKey from the protective sheath.
Unlock indicator in 12 o’clock position
Lever in vertical position
3. Insert the iKey fully in the ionKey
source’s docking port with sufficient
force until it reaches a hard stop and
the base of the iKey handle is nearly
flush with the face plate on the source.
The green STATUS LED on the source
will flash indicating that the iKey is
inserted but not clamped.
4. Rotate the lever counterclockwise
180 degrees until the lock indicator
is in the 12 o’clock position. Doing so
locks the iKey in place and engages the
fluid, gas, and electronic connections.
Once clamped, the high-voltage
electrospray ionization (ESI) is
connected for electrospray, and
pressurization and temperature
control are active.
STOP F LOW
STATU S PRESSURE
iKey
Lock indicator in 12 o’clock position
Lever in vertical position
iKey
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