GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer) and GC-O-MS rapid switching device

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of flavor analysis, aims to solve the problems that in the prior art, GC-O-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer) smelling and GC-MS quantitative analysis processes cannot be quickly switched, the quantitative analysis error is large and the workload of personnel is increased, and provides a GC-MS and GC-O-MS quick switching device which comprises a four-way valve, a left upper connector, a left lower connector, a right upper connector and a right lower connector are evenly formed in the four-way valve in the circumferential direction and communicate with one another. The right upper interface is fixedly connected with a smelling end chromatographic column, the right lower interface is fixedly connected with a gas path end, the left upper interface is detachably connected with a chromatographic column end, the left lower interface is detachably connected with a mass spectrum end, and the chromatographic column end is detachably connected with the mass spectrum end. The device has the beneficial effects that the GC-O-MS sniffing process and the GC-MS quantitative analysis process can be quickly switched, the quantitative analysis error is small, the accuracy is improved, the detection efficiency is improved, the operation process is simplified, the time is saved, and the workload of personnel is reduced.

Description

A fast switching device between GC-MS and GC-O-MS Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of flavor analysis technology, and more specifically, to a device for rapid switching between GC-MS and GC-O-MS. Background Technology

[0002] The use of olfactometers has significantly improved the efficiency and accuracy of baijiu flavor analysis. With the help of olfactometers, sensory analysts can accurately identify subtle differences between different flavor components, which is of vital importance for the refined tasting of baijiu. At the same time, the separation function of gas chromatography ensures the independent detection of each flavor component, effectively avoiding mutual interference between components. With the assistance of olfactometers, sensory analysts can focus more on the characteristics of individual flavor components, thereby making more accurate assessments. The qualitative analysis of mass spectrometry further enhances the reliability of the analytical results, providing solid scientific support for baijiu quality control. However, during the use of olfactometers, the olfactometer mode and the quantitative analysis mode of GC-O-MS olfactometer are frequently switched, which consumes a lot of time and affects the accuracy of the analysis.

[0003] Currently, the olfactometer uses a four-way valve to split the flow, sending one portion to the mass spectrometer for analysis and the other portion for sensory personnel to smell. However, this technical solution has the following drawbacks: First, installing the olfactometer and using the four-way valve for splitting in GC-MS quantitative analysis mode requires adjustments to the original analytical conditions, leading to increased quantitative analysis errors and affecting the accuracy of the results. Second, after each olfactometer test, sensory analysts need to disassemble and reinstall the chromatographic column end on the four-way valve to the mass spectrometer. Each installation requires cutting the chromatographic column end, which causes retention time shifts and requires re-determining the retention time. This process not only significantly increases the workload of the experimental personnel but also significantly reduces work efficiency, making it difficult to meet the rapid and accurate detection requirements for baijiu flavor analysis. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a rapid switching device between GC-MS and GC-O-MS to solve the problems in the prior art where the GC-O-MS olfaction process and the GC-MS quantitative analysis process cannot be switched quickly, the quantitative analysis error is large, and the workload of personnel is increased.

[0005] The embodiments of this utility model are implemented as follows:

[0006] This utility model embodiment provides a fast switching device for GC-MS and GC-O-MS, which includes a four-way valve;

[0007] The four-way valve is provided with an upper left interface, a lower left interface, an upper right interface and a lower right interface in the circumferential direction. The upper left interface, the lower left interface, the upper right interface and the lower right interface are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the four-way valve and are interconnected inside the four-way valve.

[0008] The upper right interface is fixedly connected to the olfactory end chromatographic column, the lower right interface is fixedly connected to the gas path end, the upper left interface is detachably connected to the chromatographic column end, and the lower left interface is detachably connected to the mass spectrometer end. The chromatographic column end and the mass spectrometer end are detachably connected to each other.

[0009] During detection, firstly, the chromatographic column end, the mass spectrometer end, the olfaction end chromatographic column, and the gas path end are respectively connected to the upper left interface, the lower left interface, the upper right interface, and the lower right interface. The olfaction end chromatographic column and the gas path end are fixedly connected to the four-way valve, while the chromatographic column end and the mass spectrometer end are detachably connected to the four-way valve. During GC-O-MS olfaction, the olfaction instrument is connected to the olfaction end chromatographic column. The chromatographic column end injects the aroma of baijiu (Chinese liquor) into the four-way valve, and the gas path end injects helium into the four-way valve. The two gases mix inside the four-way valve, and a portion enters the olfaction end chromatographic column and is smelled through the olfaction instrument. This allows sensory analysts to accurately identify subtle differences between different flavor components. After olfaction, if GC-MS quantitative analysis is required, the chromatographic column end and the mass spectrometer end are detached from the four-way valve, and then the chromatographic column end and the mass spectrometer end are reconnected for quantitative analysis.

[0010] This embodiment discloses a rapid switching device for GC-MS and GC-O-MS. By changing the connection between the chromatographic column end, the mass spectrometer end, and the four-way valve to a detachable connection, the chromatographic column end and the mass spectrometer end can be directly connected to each other. During olfaction, the chromatographic column end and the mass spectrometer end are connected to the four-way valve. When olfaction is not required, the chromatographic column end and the mass spectrometer end can be detached and reconnected to perform quantitative analysis. Thus, this rapid switching device for GC-MS and GC-O-MS has the beneficial effects of rapid switching between GC-O-MS olfaction and GC-MS quantitative analysis processes, small quantitative analysis error, improved accuracy, improved detection efficiency, simplified operation process, saving time and reducing personnel workload.

[0011] Optionally: the lower left interface has a connecting sleeve, the outer wall of the connecting sleeve has external threads, and the end of the connecting sleeve near the four-way valve is fixedly connected to the four-way valve in the circumferential direction and communicates with the upper left interface, the upper right interface and the lower right interface in the four-way valve.

[0012] With this configuration, the aforementioned connecting sleeve facilitates the connection of the mass spectrometer end to the connecting sleeve, while also allowing for easy disassembly of the mass spectrometer end and connection to the chromatographic column end, enabling rapid switching between GC-MS and GC-O-MS.

[0013] Optionally: The end of the chromatographic column near the upper left interface has a first hollow nut, which is detachably and tightly connected inside the upper left interface;

[0014] The mass spectrometer end near the lower left interface has a second hollow nut, and the external thread of the connecting sleeve is connected to a two-way connector. The end of the two-way connector away from the connecting sleeve is detachably fixed to the second hollow nut.

[0015] With this setup, after the olfactometer smells the mixed gas in the chromatographic column at the olfactometer end, the first hollow nut and the two-way connector are removed from the four-way valve, and then the first hollow nut is threaded onto the two-way connector, connecting the chromatographic column end and the mass spectrometer end. When olfactometer smelling is not required, there is no need to cut the chromatographic column end or remove the vacuum from the mass spectrometer end, thus avoiding retention time drift, changes in quantitative analysis conditions, and wasted vacuuming time, and accelerating the conversion between olfactometer smelling and quantitative analysis processes.

[0016] Optionally: the olfactograph column has a third hollow nut at the end near the upper right interface, the third hollow nut being detachably and tightly connected inside the upper right interface, and an olfactograph is connected at the end of the olfactograph column away from the four-way valve.

[0017] With this configuration, when smelling, the third hollow nut is connected inside the upper right interface, which facilitates the introduction of the mixed gas into the smeller by the chromatographic column at the smelling end, making it easier for staff to accurately identify the subtle differences between different flavor components through the smeller.

[0018] Optionally: The end of the gas passage near the lower right interface has a fourth hollow nut, which is detachably and tightly connected inside the lower right interface.

[0019] With this configuration, the fourth hollow nut is connected inside the lower right interface, which facilitates the injection of helium into the four-way valve from the gas path end. This allows the helium to mix with the alcohol vapor introduced into the chromatographic column inside the four-way valve, making it easier for sensory analysts to perform olfactory tests and quantitative analysis.

[0020] Optionally, the surface of the four-way valve is provided with a number of screws, and the number of screws are detachably connected to the four-way valve.

[0021] With this configuration, several of the aforementioned screws can fix the four-way valve to the working platform, making it easier for the four-way valve to be away from the ground and facilitating the switching between olfactory mode and quantitative analysis mode.

[0022] Optionally, the first hollow nut, the second hollow nut, the third hollow nut, and the fourth hollow nut all have a plastic sealing gasket at the end near the four-way valve.

[0023] With this configuration, when the first hollow nut, the second hollow nut, the third hollow nut, and the fourth hollow nut are threaded into the upper left interface, the lower left interface, the upper right interface, and the lower right interface, respectively, the plastic sealing gasket is compressed and deformed to achieve a seal at the connection and prevent gas leakage.

[0024] In summary, the GC-MS and GC-O-MS rapid switching device disclosed in this utility model has the beneficial effects of enabling rapid switching between GC-O-MS olfaction and GC-MS quantitative analysis processes, minimizing quantitative analysis errors, improving accuracy, increasing detection efficiency, simplifying operation procedures, saving time, and reducing personnel workload. Attached Figure Description

[0025] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a fast switching device between GC-MS and GC-O-MS according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the four-way valve in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the connection structure between the chromatographic column end and the mass spectrometer end in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0029] Icons: 1-Four-way valve, 2-Upper left port, 3-Lower left port, 4-Upper right port, 5-Lower right port, 6-Smell end chromatographic column, 7-Gas path end, 8-Chromatographic column end, 9-Mass spectrometer end, 10-Connecting sleeve, 11-External thread, 12-First hollow nut, 13-Second hollow nut, 14-Two-way connector, 15-Third hollow nut, 16-Fourth hollow nut, 17-Screw. Detailed Implementation

[0030] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0031] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] Example

[0033] Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, this embodiment proposes a fast switching device for GC-MS and GC-O-MS, including a four-way valve 1;

[0034] The four-way valve 1 has an upper left interface 2, a lower left interface 3, an upper right interface 4, and a lower right interface 5 in its circumferential direction. The upper left interface 2, the lower left interface 3, the upper right interface 4, and the lower right interface 5 are evenly distributed in the circumferential direction of the four-way valve 1 and are interconnected inside the four-way valve 1.

[0035] The upper right interface 4 is fixedly connected to the olfactory end chromatographic column 6, the lower right interface 5 is fixedly connected to the gas path end 7, the upper left interface 2 is detachably connected to the chromatographic column end 8, and the lower left interface 3 is detachably connected to the mass spectrometer end 9. The chromatographic column end 8 and the mass spectrometer end 9 are detachably connected to each other.

[0036] During the detection process, firstly, the chromatographic column end 8, mass spectrometer end 9, olfactory end chromatographic column 6, and gas path end 7 are connected to the upper left interface 2, lower left interface 3, upper right interface 4, and lower right interface 5, respectively. The olfactory end chromatographic column 6 and gas path end 7 are fixedly connected to the four-way valve 1, while the chromatographic column end 8 and mass spectrometer end 9 are detachably connected to the four-way valve 1. During GC-O-MS olfactory analysis, the olfactory instrument is connected to the olfactory end chromatographic column 6. The chromatographic column end 8 injects the aroma of baijiu (Chinese liquor) into the four-way valve 1, and the gas path end 7 injects helium into the four-way valve 1. The two gases mix inside the four-way valve 1, and a portion enters the olfactory end chromatographic column 6 and is smelled through the olfactory instrument. This allows sensory analysts to accurately identify subtle differences between different flavor components. After olfactory analysis, if GC-MS quantitative analysis is required, the chromatographic column end 8 and mass spectrometer end 9 are detached from the four-way valve 1, and then the chromatographic column end 8 and mass spectrometer end 9 are reconnected to each other for quantitative analysis.

[0037] This embodiment discloses a rapid switching device for GC-MS and GC-O-MS. By changing the connection between the chromatographic column end 8 and the mass spectrometer end 9 and the four-way valve 1 to a detachable connection, the chromatographic column end 8 and the mass spectrometer end 9 can be directly connected to each other. During olfaction, the chromatographic column end 8 and the mass spectrometer end 9 are connected to the four-way valve 1. When olfaction is not required, the chromatographic column end 8 and the mass spectrometer end 9 can be detached and reconnected to perform quantitative analysis. Thus, this rapid switching device for GC-MS and GC-O-MS has the beneficial effects of rapid switching between GC-O-MS olfaction and GC-MS quantitative analysis, small quantitative analysis error, improved accuracy, improved detection efficiency, simplified operation process, saving time and reducing personnel workload.

[0038] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, the lower left interface 3 has a connecting sleeve 10. The outer wall of the connecting sleeve 10 has external threads 11. The end of the connecting sleeve 10 near the four-way valve 1 is fixedly connected to the four-way valve 1 in the circumferential direction and communicates with the upper left interface 2, the upper right interface 4, and the lower right interface 5 inside the four-way valve 1. The setting of the connecting sleeve 10 facilitates the connection of the mass spectrometer end 9 to the connecting sleeve 10, and also facilitates the connection of the mass spectrometer end 9 to the chromatographic column end 8 after disassembly, so as to realize the rapid switching between GC-MS and GC-O-MS.

[0039] The end of the chromatographic column 8 near the upper left interface 2 has a first hollow nut 12, which is detachably and tightly connected to the inside of the upper left interface 2.

[0040] The mass spectrometer end 9 has a second hollow nut 13 at the lower left interface 3. The external thread of the connecting sleeve 10 is connected to a two-way connector 14. The end of the two-way connector 14 away from the connecting sleeve 10 is detachably fixed to the second hollow nut 13. After the olfactometer smells the mixed gas in the chromatographic column 6 at the olfactometer end, the first hollow nut 12 and the two-way connector 14 are removed from the four-way valve 1. Then, the first hollow nut 12 is threaded onto the two-way connector 14, so that the chromatographic column end 8 and the mass spectrometer end 9 are connected to each other. When olfactometer is not needed, there is no need to cut the chromatographic column end 8 and the mass spectrometer end 9 does not need to be devastated, thereby avoiding the drift of retention time, the change of quantitative analysis conditions and the waste of vacuuming time, and speeding up the conversion between olfactometer and quantitative analysis processes.

[0041] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, the end of the olfaction column 6 near the upper right interface 4 has a third hollow nut 15. The third hollow nut 15 is detachably and tightly connected inside the upper right interface 4. The end of the olfaction column 6 away from the four-way valve 1 is connected to an olfactometer (not shown in the figure). When smelling, the third hollow nut 15 is connected inside the upper right interface 4, which facilitates the olfaction column 6 to introduce the mixed gas into the olfactometer, making it easier for the staff to accurately identify the subtle differences between different flavor components through the olfactometer.

[0042] The gas path end 7 has a fourth hollow nut 16 near the lower right interface 5. The fourth hollow nut 16 is detachably and tightly connected to the inside of the lower right interface 5. The connection of the fourth hollow nut 16 to the inside of the lower right interface 5 facilitates the injection of helium gas from the gas path end 7 into the four-way valve 1. This allows the helium gas to mix with the alcohol gas introduced into the chromatographic column end 8 inside the four-way valve 1, which is convenient for sensory analysts to perform olfactory tests and quantitative analysis.

[0043] The surface of the four-way valve 1 is provided with several screws 17, which are detachably connected to the four-way valve 1. The screws 17 can fix the four-way valve 1 on the working platform, so that the four-way valve 1 is away from the ground and facilitates switching between olfactory mode and quantitative analysis mode.

[0044] The first hollow nut 12, the second hollow nut 13, the third hollow nut 15, and the fourth hollow nut 16 all have a plastic sealing gasket (not shown in the figure) at the end near the four-way valve 1. When the first hollow nut 12, the second hollow nut 13, the third hollow nut 15, and the fourth hollow nut 16 are threaded into the interior of the upper left interface 2, the lower left interface 3, the upper right interface 4, and the lower right interface 5, respectively, the plastic sealing gasket is squeezed and deformed to achieve a seal at the connection and prevent gas leakage.

[0045] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, in this embodiment, GC-O-MS represents the precise identification of subtle differences between different flavor components by sensory analysts using a olfactometer on the olfactometer end of the chromatographic column 6. Sensory analysts can focus more on the characteristics of individual flavor components and thus make more accurate assessments. GC-MS represents the quantitative analysis between the chromatographic column end 8 and the mass spectrometer end 9. The quantitative analysis by mass spectrometry can further enhance the reliability of the GC-O-MS olfactometer analysis results, providing solid scientific support for the quality control of baijiu.

[0046] Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 3, in this embodiment, the four-way valve 1 is made of stainless steel to avoid rusting, corrosion or oxidation, thereby ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the analysis.

[0047] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, in this embodiment, the two-way connector 14 uses an Agilent connector, which has the advantages of improving work efficiency, improving the accuracy and reliability of analysis results, reducing sample waste, saving analysis time, and being applicable to a variety of fields.

[0048] Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 3, in this embodiment, if quantitative analysis is required without the need for olfaction, the Agilent two-way connector 14 on the four-way valve 1 can be directly disassembled. Subsequently, the hollow columns of the chromatographic column end 8 and the mass spectrometer end 9 can be directly connected through the Agilent two-way connector 14. There is no need to cut the chromatographic column end 8 or remove the vacuum from the mass spectrometer end 9, thereby avoiding retention time drift, changes in quantitative analysis conditions, and wasted vacuuming time.

[0049] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A fast switching device for GC-MS and GC-O-MS, characterized in that: The system includes a four-way valve (1); the four-way valve (1) has an upper left interface (2), a lower left interface (3), an upper right interface (4), and a lower right interface (5) on its circumference. The upper left interface (2), the lower left interface (3), the upper right interface (4), and the lower right interface (5) are evenly distributed on the circumference of the four-way valve (1) and are interconnected inside the four-way valve (1); the upper right interface (4) is fixedly connected to an olfactory end chromatographic column (6), the lower right interface (5) is fixedly connected to a gas path end (7), the upper left interface (2) is detachably connected to a chromatographic column end (8), the lower left interface (3) is detachably connected to a mass spectrometer end (9), and the chromatographic column end (8) and the mass spectrometer end (9) are detachably connected to each other.

2. The fast switching device between GC-MS and GC-O-MS according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower left interface (3) has a connecting sleeve (10), the outer wall of the connecting sleeve (10) has an external thread (11), and the end of the connecting sleeve (10) near the four-way valve (1) is fixedly connected to the four-way valve (1) in the circumferential direction and communicates with the upper left interface (2), the upper right interface (4) and the lower right interface (5) in the four-way valve (1).

3. The fast switching device between GC-MS and GC-O-MS according to claim 2, characterized in that: The end of the chromatographic column (8) near the upper left interface (2) has a first hollow nut (12), which is detachably and tightly connected to the inside of the upper left interface (2); the end of the mass spectrometer (9) near the lower left interface (3) has a second hollow nut (13), and the external thread of the connecting sleeve (10) is connected to a two-way connector (14), the end of the two-way connector (14) away from the connecting sleeve (10) is detachably and fixedly connected to the second hollow nut (13).

4. The fast switching device between GC-MS and GC-O-MS according to claim 1, characterized in that: The olfactory end chromatographic column (6) has a third hollow nut (15) at one end near the upper right interface (4). The third hollow nut (15) is detachably and tightly connected to the inside of the upper right interface (4). The olfactory end chromatographic column (6) away from the four-way valve (1) is connected to an olfactory instrument.

5. The fast switching device between GC-MS and GC-O-MS according to claim 1, characterized in that: The gas passage end (7) has a fourth hollow nut (16) at one end near the lower right interface (5), and the fourth hollow nut (16) is detachably and tightly connected to the inside of the lower right interface (5).

6. The fast switching device between GC-MS and GC-O-MS according to claim 1, characterized in that: The surface of the four-way valve (1) is provided with a plurality of screws (17), and the plurality of screws (17) are detachably connected to the four-way valve (1).

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