Separated thermal ionization mass spectrometer sample application device

Abstract

The invention discloses a separated thermal ionization mass spectrometer sample application device, and belongs to the technical field of thermal ionization mass spectrometers, the separated thermal ionization mass spectrometer sample application device comprises a filament heating module, the filament heating module comprises a host shell, the host shell is provided with a plurality of heating stations, and the heating stations are connected in parallel or in series; each heating station comprises a single-band lamp wire band frame and a double-band lamp wire band frame which are connected in parallel; a single-way control switch for controlling each heating station is further installed on the main machine shell, a selection knob and a mode selection switch are further installed on the main machine shell, and the selection knob is provided with channels communicated with the multiple heating stations respectively. The positive electrode of the mode selection switch is connected with one of the single-way control switches or connected with the multiple heating stations, and the negative electrode of the mode selection switch is connected with the selection knob or one of the heating stations. The lamp band frame is small in size, light in weight, low in cost and convenient to operate, and the requirement for simultaneous use of a double-band lamp band frame and a single-band lamp band frame can be met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the technical field of thermal ionization mass spectrometers, and more particularly, relates to a spotting device for a separated thermal ionization mass spectrometer. Background Art

[0002] A spotting device is a sample pretreatment device used for isotope abundance analysis by a thermal ionization mass spectrometer, mainly composed of a spotting machine main body and an electric control system. The specific process is as follows: First, insert the sample holder into the spotting machine, and drop the liquid sample to be measured onto the metal strip surface of the sample holder. Then, supply power to the spotting machine through the electric control system to dry and fix the sample on the metal strip surface. After the sample loading is completed, pull out the sample holder, install it on the turntable in the thermal ionization mass spectrometer, and then transfer it into the instrument for analysis. Among them, according to different requirements such as application scenarios, experimental purposes, and measurement accuracies, the sample holder is divided into a double-strip type and a single-strip type.

[0003] Currently, the global thermal ionization mass spectrometer manufacturers are mainly two overseas companies, Thermo Fisher Scientific and AMETEK. When selling the instrument itself, these two companies also provide a set of self-made spotting devices as accessories for selection. The spotting device is respectively designed with a heating station for a set of double-strip and a set of single-strip sample holders, which can be selected through a switching switch. And each set of heating stations is designed with 5 sample holder installation positions, and each installation position can also be controlled by a switch to achieve individual or simultaneous heating. However, the size of this spotting device is about 35 cm × 25 cm × 25 cm (length × width × height), and the weight is about 5 kg, which is particularly cramped for use scenarios with limited internal space such as glove boxes, and it is very inconvenient for maintenance. Secondly, the weight is relatively large, which is not convenient for the handling and transfer of the device. This spotting device mostly adopts integral assembly and processing, and the current selling price is about more than one hundred thousand yuan. Once it is damaged, it is not convenient to replace and disassemble and repair its individual parts inside the glove box, so the whole machine needs to be scrapped, with a relatively high cost. Moreover, its set usage objects are mainly for the analysis of conventional and non-radioactive samples such as geology and environment, and the use environment is mainly the open external scene, without considering the anti-corrosion and anti-radiation of the whole machine, so it is not convenient to use in special scenarios with strong corrosion, strong radiation, and inconvenient power supply.

[0004] The self-made spotting devices reported in China only have a heating station for a double-tape sample holder. When heating a single-tape filament ribbon holder is required, the double-tape filament ribbon holder needs to be removed first, and then the single-tape filament ribbon holder is inserted into the socket board of the double-tape filament ribbon holder. Then, the entire spotting machine body is rotated 90 degrees before sample loading. Otherwise, the loaded liquid sample will slide vertically. Secondly, this design cannot achieve simultaneous heating of the double-tape and single-tape filament ribbon holders. Thirdly, each heating station cannot be independently controlled to start and stop, which leads to a reduction in sample preparation efficiency, and the anti-corrosion, anti-radiation performance, and electrical control system of the spotting machine body have not been fully considered either.

[0005] In addition, whether it is an imported or domestic spotting device, its electrical control system can only load a fixed current, and the current loading time also needs to be recorded with the help of an external timing device (such as a stopwatch). It cannot perform current control with stepped temperature rise, let alone achieve automatic control of stable-rate current loading. If one wants to achieve a steady current loading at a certain rate, one can only increase the current manually through a knob while observing the current loading time. This will lead to differences in the sample preparation effects of different batches. For a thermal ionization mass spectrometer, the spotting process is a very important sample preparation step, and different sample preparation effects will directly affect the precision and accuracy of the measurement results. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a spotting device for a separated thermal ionization mass spectrometer. This spotting device is not only small in size, light in weight, low in cost, convenient to operate, easy to maintain, repair, and disassemble, but also can meet the requirements of simultaneous use of double-tape and single-tape filament ribbon holders.

[0007] To achieve the purpose of the present invention, the technical solution adopted is: a spotting device for a separated thermal ionization mass spectrometer, including a filament heating module. The filament heating module includes a main machine housing. A plurality of heating stations are installed on the main machine housing. The plurality of heating stations are connected in parallel or in series, and each heating station includes a single-tape filament ribbon holder and a double-tape filament ribbon holder connected in parallel. A single-channel control switch for controlling each heating station is also installed on the main machine housing. A selection knob and a mode selection switch are also installed on the main machine housing. The selection knob has passages respectively communicating with the plurality of heating stations. The positive pole of the mode selection switch is connected to one of the single-channel control switches or respectively connected to the plurality of heating stations. The negative pole of the mode selection switch is connected to the selection knob or one of the heating stations.

[0008] Furthermore, two support plates are also installed on the main machine housing. The two support plates are respectively installed on the top and the side of the main machine housing. A plurality of single-tape filament ribbon holders are installed on the same support plate, and a plurality of double-tape filament ribbon holders are installed on the other support plate.

[0009] Further, the main body housing further has a groove corresponding to the support plate, and the groove wall has a stepped surface, and the support plate is fixed on the stepped surface.

[0010] Further, a sealing ring is pressed between the support plate and the stepped surface.

[0011] Further, the support plate is made of polyether ether ketone resin.

[0012] Further, the main body housing further has a corrosion-resistant plug connected to the mode selection switch.

[0013] Further, the main body housing is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0014] Further, the terminal posts of the single-tape light ribbon holder and the double-tape light ribbon holder are made of gold-plated copper.

[0015] Further, it further includes a current control module, which includes a power supply housing, a control module, a current adjustment knob, a display screen and function buttons, and the current adjustment knob, the display screen and the function buttons are all installed on the power supply housing, the control module is installed inside the power supply housing, and the current adjustment knob, the display screen and the function buttons are all connected to the control module; an output connector for connecting to the filament heating module is further installed on the power supply housing, and the output connector is connected to the control module.

[0016] Further, the current control module further has a power supply plug and a power switch 203, and the power supply plug is connected to the control module through the power switch 203.

[0017] The beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0018] 1) The present invention can satisfy the simultaneous use of the double-tape light ribbon holder and the single-tape light ribbon holder, with high sample preparation efficiency. Compared with imported spotting devices, it has a small volume, light weight, and simple assembly, and can reduce the consumption of consumables and the cost of replacement and maintenance; at the same time, since the filament heating module and the current control module are separately arranged, it is convenient to disassemble, transfer and operate.

[0019] 2) All components of the filament heating module in the present invention are made of corrosion-resistant materials, and the contact surface between the support plate and the main body housing is sealed, improving the corrosion resistance of the whole machine.

[0020] 3) In the present invention, a variety of current modes such as fixed current, stepped current and equal-rate current increase can be controlled by the current electronic control module, and each mode can be automatically controlled, expanding the applicable range of sample preparation, maintaining the consistency of sample preparation, and improving the precision and accuracy of test results.

[0021] 4) The present invention is applicable to conventional external open use environments, use scenarios with limited internal space such as glove boxes, as well as some special scenarios with strong corrosiveness, radiation, and inconvenient power supply. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description thereof, are used to explain the principles of the present invention. The drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification.

[0023] Figure 1 is a structural diagram of the spotting device of the split thermal ionization mass spectrometer provided by the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 is a structural diagram of the filament heating module;

[0025] Figure 3 is a partial enlarged view of the installation position of the support plate;

[0026] Figure 4 is a circuit diagram of the filament heating module;

[0027] Figure 5 is a structural diagram of the current control module.

[0028] Reference numerals in the drawings and corresponding component names:

[0029] 1. Filament heating module; 2. Current control module;

[0030] 101. Double-ribbon lamp ribbon holder; 102. Terminal; 103. Single-ribbon lamp ribbon holder; 104. Single-way control switch; 105. Support plate; 106. Mainframe housing; 107. Mode selection switch; 108. Selection knob; 109. Groove; 110. Corrosion-resistant plug;

[0031] 201. Power supply housing; 202. Display screen; 203. Power switch; 204. Adjustment knob; 205. Function button; 206. Output connector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0032] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the drawings and embodiments. It can be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the relevant content and are not intended to limit the present invention. Additionally, it should be noted that for the sake of description, only parts related to the present invention are shown in the drawings.

[0033] It should be noted that, without conflict, the embodiments in the present invention and the features in the embodiments may be combined with each other. The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings and embodiments.

[0034] A spotting device for a separated thermal ionization mass spectrometer provided by the present invention includes a filament heating module 1, as Figures 1 to 4 shown. The filament heating module 1 includes a main body housing 106. The main body socket is made of a corrosion-resistant insulating material. A plurality of single-ribbon lamp ribbon holders 103 and a plurality of double-ribbon lamp ribbon holders 101 are installed on the main body housing 106. Both the single-ribbon lamp ribbon holders 103 and the double-ribbon lamp ribbon holders 101 are used for heating and evaporating the sample to dryness. The number of single-ribbon lamp ribbon holders 103 is equal to that of the double-ribbon lamp ribbon holders 101. One single-ribbon lamp ribbon holder 103 and one double-ribbon lamp ribbon holder 101 are connected in parallel through a wire to form a heating station. Moreover, the plurality of double-ribbon lamp ribbon holders 101 can be selectively connected in parallel or in series, and the plurality of single-ribbon lamp ribbon holders 103 can also be selectively connected in parallel or in series, so that the plurality of heating stations can be connected in parallel or in series.

[0035] A single-channel control switch 104 for controlling each heating station is further installed on the main body housing 106. That is, the number of single-channel control switches 104 is equal to the number of single-ribbon lamp ribbon holders 103, and the plurality of single-channel control switches 104 are respectively installed at the positive poles of the single-ribbon lamp ribbon holders 103 or the positive poles of the double-ribbon lamp ribbon holders 101, so that the plurality of single-channel control switches 104 can respectively control the start / stop of the corresponding heating stations, and the single-ribbon lamp ribbon holders 103 and the double-ribbon lamp ribbon holders 101 in the corresponding heating stations can be turned on for heating or turned off.

[0036] A selection knob 108 is further installed on the main body housing 106. The selection knob 108 is used to select a certain station for individual heating operation. Therefore, when designing the selection knob 108, the selection knob 108 has a negative pole and a plurality of positive poles. The plurality of positive poles of the selection knob 108 are respectively connected to the single-ribbon lamp ribbon holders 103 or the double-ribbon lamp ribbon holders 101 in the plurality of heating stations through wires. A mode selection switch 107 is further installed on the main body housing 106. The mode selection switch 107 is a double-pole double-throw switch. The common terminal of the mode selection switch 107 is connected to the positive and negative poles of the power supply. In one connection mode of the mode selection switch 107, the positive pole is connected to the left end of the first single-channel control switch, and the negative pole is connected to the right end of the last single-channel control switch, which is used to realize the simultaneous operation of a plurality of filament heating stations. In another connection mode of the mode selection switch 107, the positive pole is connected to the selection terminal of the selection knob 108, and the negative pole is connected to the common terminal of the selection knob 108, which is used to realize the selection heating of the filament heating stations.

[0037] When it is necessary to operate in the multi-channel mode, the positive electrode of the mode selection switch 107 is connected to one of the single-channel control switches 104, and the negative electrode of the mode selection switch 107 is connected to the negative electrode of the single-ribbon lamp ribbon holder 103 or the double-ribbon lamp ribbon holder 101 in one of the heating stations. At this time, the single-ribbon lamp ribbon holders 103 and the double-ribbon lamp ribbon holders 101 in each heating station are controlled by their corresponding single-channel control switches 104. When it is necessary to operate in the single-channel mode, the positive electrode of the mode selection switch 107 is respectively connected to the single-ribbon lamp ribbon holders 103 or the double-ribbon lamp ribbon holders 101 in multiple heating stations, and the negative electrode of the mode selection switch 107 is connected to the negative electrode of the selection knob 108. By rotating the selection knob 108, the single-ribbon lamp ribbon holders 103 and the double-ribbon lamp ribbon holders 101 in the enabled heating station are selected.

[0038] In the present invention, in order to ensure the installation of multiple single-ribbon lamp ribbon holders 103 and multiple double-ribbon lamp ribbon holders 101, the main body housing 106 is integrally processed from polytetrafluoroethylene or other anti-corrosion materials, and the main body housing 106 is of a long strip structure. Specifically, the main body housing 106 is in a stepped shape, and the size of the main body housing 106 is approximately 30 cm × 10 cm × 7 cm (length × width × height), and the weight is approximately 1 kg, which is convenient for moving in a narrow working space and for putting into or taking out of the glove box. Grooves 109 are opened on the top surface and the inner side surface of the main body housing 106. The grooves 109 extend along the length direction of the main body housing 106, and the groove walls of the grooves 109 have stepped surfaces. The drop between the stepped surfaces and the surface of the main body housing 106 is small, and a support plate 105 is installed on the stepped surfaces. The support plate 105 is integrally processed from polyetheretherketone material. When the support plate 105 is installed, the surface of the support plate 105 can be higher than the surface of the main body housing 106, or the surface of the support plate 105 can be slightly lower than the surface of the main body housing 106. In order to ensure the sealing performance of the main body housing 106, a sealing ring is also pressed between the support plate 105 and the stepped surface. The sealing ring is a fluororubber ring, and the support plate 105 is fixed on the stepped surface by fastening screws made of polytetrafluoroethylene material.

[0039] In the present invention, multiple single-tape lamp ribbon holders 103 are jointly installed on a support plate 105, and multiple double-tape lamp ribbon holders 101 are jointly installed on another support plate 105. Moreover, the multiple single-tape lamp ribbon holders 103 and the multiple double-tape lamp ribbon holders 101 are evenly spaced along the length direction of the support plate 105. Specifically, the multiple double-tape lamp ribbon holders 101 can be jointly installed on the support plate 105 located on the top surface of the main machine housing 106, and the multiple single-tape lamp ribbon holders 103 can be jointly installed on the support plate 105 located on the inner side surface of the main machine housing 106. At this time, the single-channel control switches 104 and the selection knobs 108 corresponding to each heating station can be installed on the stepped surface of the main machine housing 106, and the mode selection switch 107 is installed at one end of the top surface of the main machine housing 106; in the present invention, the terminal posts 102 on the single-tape lamp ribbon holders 103 and the double-tape lamp ribbon holders 101 are all installed on the support plate 105, and the terminal posts 102 on the single-tape lamp ribbon holders 103 and the double-tape lamp ribbon holders 101 are all made of gold-plated copper material.

[0040] In the present invention, by jointly installing multiple single-tape lamp ribbon holders 103 on one support plate 105 and jointly installing multiple double-tape lamp ribbon holders 101 on another support plate 105, a modular design is achieved, enabling quick replacement in case of damage in the later stage, reducing the maintenance cost and the maintenance difficulty.

[0041] In the present invention, a corrosion-resistant plug 110 is also embedded in the main machine housing 106, and the corrosion-resistant plug 110 is connected to the mode selection switch 107 through a wire. In the present invention, the gaps of the main machine housing 106 are all sealed with a sealing glue to isolate the inside of the main machine housing 106 from the outside of the main machine housing 106; at the same time, in order to ensure the stability of the connection between each component, the wires inside the main machine housing 106 are all connected by a combination of crimping and welding. The filament heating module 1 in the present invention can cope with a complex working environment.

[0042] The spotting device of the separated thermal ionization mass spectrometer provided by the present invention further includes a current control module 2, such as Figure 5As shown, the current control module 2 is used to provide a stable current output to the filament heating module 1, so that the filaments on the single-band lamp ribbon holder 103 and the double-band lamp ribbon holder 101 heat up to evaporate and fix the sample coated on the filament surface. The current control module 2 includes a power supply housing 201, a control module, a current adjustment knob 204, a display screen 202, and function buttons 205. The control module is installed inside the power supply housing 201, and the current adjustment knob 204, the display screen 202, and the function buttons 205 are all embedded on the power supply housing 201. The output ends of the current adjustment knob 204 and the function buttons 205 are electrically connected to the output end of the control module, and the input end of the display screen 202 is electrically connected to the output end of the control module. At the same time, an output connector 206 is also installed on the power supply housing 201. The output end of the control module is connected to the output connector 206, and the output connector 206 and the corrosion-resistant plug 110 in the filament heating module 1 can be connected by a corrosion-resistant cable. Thus, when the present invention is in use, only the filament heating module 1 needs to be placed in a complex working environment, while the current control module 2 can be placed in a working scenario with a mild environment to ensure the stability of current control and extend the service life.

[0043] Through the combined cooperation of the control module, the current adjustment knob 204, the display screen 202, and the function buttons 205, the current control module 2 has the following functions: First, a fixed heating current and heating time can be set, and it can be automatically cut off after the time is reached; Second, the gradient increase of the current and the heating time of each gradient current can be set, and it will be automatically cut off after reaching the final current; Third, the starting current, the final current, and the current increase rate can also be set. After it is turned on, it can be automatically controlled and will be automatically cut off after reaching the final current.

[0044] The current control module 2 also has a power supply plug and a power switch 203. The output end of the power supply plug is electrically connected to the power switch 203, and the output end of the power switch 203 is electrically connected to the control module. The power supply plug is used to connect to an external power supply, and the power switch 203 is used to control the connection and disconnection between the power supply plug and the control module, thereby controlling the power supply to the control module, the current adjustment knob 204, the display screen 202, and the function buttons 205.

[0045] In the present invention, the single - path mode and the multi - path mode of the filament heating module 1 are two sets of independent circuits, which are switched by the mode selection switch 107. In the multi - path mode, the positive pole of the mode selection switch 107 is connected to one of the single - path control switches 104, and the negative pole of the mode selection switch 107 is connected to the negative pole of the single - strip lamp ribbon holder 103 or the double - strip lamp ribbon holder 101 in one of the heating stations. At this time, the filaments of each heating station are connected in parallel with the single - path control switch 104, and the heating stations are connected in series. When each single - path control switch 104 is toggled to the "on" position, the filaments are connected in series to the circuit to allow current to pass through. When the single - path control switch 104 is toggled to the "off" position, the filament circuit is disconnected, and this heating station is bypassed through a short - circuit. In the single - path mode, the positive pole of the mode selection switch 107 is respectively connected to the single - strip lamp ribbon holder 103 or the double - strip lamp ribbon holder 101 in multiple heating stations, and the negative pole of the mode selection switch 107 is connected to the negative pole of the selection knob 108. At this time, one end of each heating station is connected to the same output point, and multiple heating stations are connected in parallel. The other ends of multiple heating stations are selectively connected through the knob switch.

[0046] The spotting device of the separated thermal ionization mass spectrometer provided by the present invention can supply power for heating the single - strip filament, can also supply power for heating the double - strip filament, and can also supply power for heating the single - strip filament and the double - strip filament simultaneously; when it is necessary to supply power for heating the single - strip filament and the double - strip filament simultaneously, only the heating current needs to be adjusted to twice the single - group evaporation - drying current.

[0047] Those skilled in the art should understand that the above - mentioned embodiments are only for clearly explaining the present invention, rather than limiting the scope of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other changes or variations can be made on the basis of the above disclosure, and these changes or variations are still within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sampling device for a separated thermal ionization mass spectrometer, characterized in that It includes a filament heating module (1). The filament heating module (1) includes a main body housing (106). Multiple heating stations are installed on the main body housing (106). The multiple heating stations are connected in parallel or in series. And each heating station includes a single - strip lamp ribbon holder (103) and a double - strip lamp ribbon holder (101) which are connected in parallel. A single - way control switch (104) for controlling each heating station is also installed on the main body housing (106). And a selection knob (108) and a mode selection switch (107) are also installed on the main body housing (106). The selection knob (108) has passages respectively communicating with the multiple heating stations. The positive pole of the mode selection switch (107) is connected to one of the single - way control switches (104) or respectively connected to the multiple heating stations. The negative pole of the mode selection switch (107) is connected to the selection knob (108) or one of the heating stations.

2. The spotting device for a separated thermal ionization mass spectrometer according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two support plates (105) are also installed on the main body housing (106). The two support plates (105) are respectively installed on the top of the main body housing (106) and on the side of the main body housing (106). And multiple single - strip lamp ribbon holders (103) are installed on the same support plate (105), and multiple double - strip lamp ribbon holders (101) are installed on the other support plate (105).

3. The spotting device for a separated thermal ionization mass spectrometer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The main body housing (106) also has grooves (109) corresponding to the support plates (105). And the groove walls of the grooves (109) have stepped surfaces, and the support plates (105) are fixed on the stepped surfaces.

4. The spotting device for a separated thermal ionization mass spectrometer according to claim 3, wherein, A sealing ring is pressed between the support plate (105) and the stepped surface.

5. The spotting device for a separated thermal ionization mass spectrometer according to claim 2, characterized in that, The support plate (105) is made of polyether ether ketone resin.

6. The spotting device of the separated thermal ionization mass spectrometer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body housing (106) also has a corrosion - resistant plug (110) connected to the mode selection switch (107).

7. The spotting device of the separated thermal ionization mass spectrometer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body housing (106) is made of polytetrafluoroethylene.

8. The spotting device for a separated thermal ionization mass spectrometer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The terminal posts (102) of the single - strip lamp ribbon holder (103) and the double - strip lamp ribbon holder (101) are made of gold - plated copper.

9. The spotting device for a separated thermal ionization mass spectrometer according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, It also includes a current control module (2). The current control module (2) includes a power supply housing (201), a control module, a current adjustment knob (204), a display screen (202) and function buttons (205). And the current adjustment knob (204), the display screen (202) and the function buttons (205) are all installed on the power supply housing (201). The control module is installed inside the power supply housing (201). The current adjustment knob (204), the display screen (202) and the function buttons (205) are all connected to the control module. An output connector (206) for connecting to the filament heating module (1) is also installed on the power supply housing (201). And the output connector (206) is connected to the control module.

10. The spotting device for a separated thermal ionization mass spectrometer according to claim 9, characterized in that, The current control module (2) also has a power supply plug and a power switch (203). And the power supply plug is connected to the control module through the power switch (203).

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