Automatic control device for on-line sample injection system of mass spectrometer
The automated control of the mass spectrometer sample introduction system by using a PLC programming control device solves the problems of labor-intensive and error-prone manual operation, achieves accuracy and consistency in sample introduction, and improves the repeatability and efficiency of the mass spectrometer's analytical results.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- SICHUAN ZIPU TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-17
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-29
Smart Images

Figure CN224304675U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of mass spectrometry technology, and more specifically, to an automatic control device for an online sample introduction system of a mass spectrometer. Background Technology
[0002] During the operation of a mass spectrometer, precise control of the sample introduction system is crucial for the accuracy of the analytical results. Currently, the sample introduction system uses a shut-off valve at the sampling point, which requires manual operation.
[0003] During sampling, the operator needs to close one valve first, wait five minutes, and then close the other valve to leave a portion of the sample in the pipeline.
[0004] This manual operation method has many drawbacks. On the one hand, it consumes a lot of manpower and requires a dedicated person to be in charge of this operation.
[0005] On the other hand, manual operation is prone to errors, such as forgetting to close the valve, closing the valve prematurely or late, which can affect the accuracy of sample retention and ultimately interfere with the analysis results of the mass spectrometer. Utility Model Content
[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an automatic control device for an online sample introduction system of a mass spectrometer, which can control the opening and closing of pneumatic valves according to preset logic and time sequence. It has precise time sequence control logic, simulates and optimizes the manual operation process, and ensures the consistency and accuracy of each sampling process.
[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:
[0008] This application provides an automatic control device for an online sample injection system of a mass spectrometer, which includes an injection component, a first injection pneumatic valve, a sample retention component connected to the injection component, a second injection pneumatic valve, and a sample storage component connected to the injection component. Both the first and second injection pneumatic valves are electrically connected to a PLC programming control device.
[0009] This device uses a PLC programming control unit to electrically connect and control the first and second sample injection pneumatic valves, thereby achieving automated control of sample flow between the injection component, retention component, and storage component. The retention component and injection component are connected to form a sample injection and retention path and form a cycle, ensuring that the device is filled with sufficient sample for subsequent testing. The overall sample flow direction is controlled by switching the on / off state of the pneumatic valves in different operating modes. The first and second sample injection pneumatic valves realize the automated control of the mass spectrometer's online sample injection system, reducing manual intervention and improving the efficiency and accuracy of sample injection. It can automatically complete the injection and retention operations according to the set program, ensuring the consistency and reliability of sample processing.
[0010] Furthermore, the aforementioned sample injection assembly includes a first copper tube, a first manual valve, and a second pneumatic valve. The output end of the first copper tube is connected to the first manual valve. One end of the first pneumatic valve is connected to the end of the first manual valve furthest from the first copper tube, and the other end is connected to the second pneumatic valve. In the sample injection assembly, the first copper tube serves as the sample input channel, and its output end is connected to the first manual valve for manual control of sample flow. One end of the first pneumatic valve is connected to the first manual valve, and the other end is connected to the second pneumatic valve. The opening and closing of the first pneumatic valve controls whether the sample enters the subsequent second pneumatic valve. The second pneumatic valve is a three-way valve, which can perform operations such as sample splitting. The combination of the manual valve and the pneumatic valve allows for both manual adjustment when needed and automated control via the pneumatic valve, increasing the flexibility and controllability of the sample injection assembly. The clearly defined pipe connections and valve settings ensure a clear flow path for the sample within the sample injection assembly, facilitating precise control of the injection process.
[0011] Furthermore, the aforementioned pneumatic valve No. 2 is equipped with a knob, which is used to control the flow rate of the sample. The pneumatic valve No. 2 plays the role of flow rate control.
[0012] Furthermore, the aforementioned sample retention assembly includes a second copper tube, a second manual valve, and a third manual valve. The output end of the second copper tube is connected to the second manual valve. One end of the second pneumatic injection valve is connected to the end of the second manual valve furthest from the second copper tube, and the other end of the second pneumatic injection valve is connected to the third manual valve via a connecting pipe. In the sample retention assembly, the second copper tube also serves as the sample input channel, and its output end is connected to the second manual valve for manual control of sample flow. The third manual valve controls the further flow direction of the sample, thereby realizing the sample retention function. It allows for sample retention during injection, facilitating subsequent sample review, comparison, and other operations. The combination of the manual and pneumatic valves enables both manual intervention and automatic control of the sample retention process, meeting different experimental needs.
[0013] Furthermore, the aforementioned third manual valve is connected to the second pneumatic valve, and a fourth manual valve is provided between the third manual valve and the second pneumatic valve. The third manual valve is used to control the flow direction of the sample, the second pneumatic valve is used to adjust the flow rate of the sample in this section of the pipeline, and the fourth manual valve is used for sample flow. Specifically, the connection between the third manual valve and the second pneumatic valve allows for precise control of the sample flow rate, ensuring that the sample enters the mass spectrometer at an appropriate flow rate, thereby ensuring the detection accuracy and stability of the mass spectrometer and avoiding the impact of excessively fast or slow flow rates on the detection results.
[0014] Furthermore, the aforementioned third manual valve is a three-way valve, which is also connected to a back-pull pipe. In addition to being connected to the second injection pneumatic valve and the fourth manual valve, the third manual valve is also connected to a back-pull pipe. Through the back-pull pipe, the pipeline in the sample retention component can be back-pushed when needed to prevent sample residue. It can also be used to remove impurities from the sample, effectively avoiding sample residue in the pipeline, preventing cross-contamination, and ensuring the accuracy of sample detection.
[0015] Furthermore, the aforementioned sample storage assembly includes a sample storage tank and a crossbar. The second pneumatic valve is a three-way valve, connected to the sample storage tank. The crossbar contains a cavity for sample flow and is connected to the bottom of the sample storage tank. The second pneumatic valve, also a three-way valve, is connected to the sample storage tank and controls whether the sample enters the tank. The sample storage tank is used for temporary sample storage. The crossbar contains a cavity for sample flow and is connected to the bottom of the tank, allowing the sample to flow and exit through this cavity. The sample storage tank provides storage space for the sample, facilitating continuous sample injection or batch processing when needed. The crossbar connects to the bottom of the sample storage tank, enabling the sample to flow smoothly from the tank and be output to the next detection device for sample transport.
[0016] Furthermore, the top of the aforementioned sample storage container is connected to a No. 1 pneumatic valve, which is used to discharge residual samples from the sample storage container. It uses the principle of negative pressure to empty the sample storage container and prevent residual samples from causing cross-contamination and affecting experimental data.
[0017] Furthermore, the output end of the aforementioned crossbar is connected to a No. 3 pneumatic valve, which is used to control the output of the sample in the crossbar.
[0018] Furthermore, the side wall of the aforementioned crossbar is connected to a No. 4 pneumatic valve, which is used to discharge the residual sample in the crossbar to prevent cross-contamination between samples and to prevent deviations in experimental data.
[0019] Furthermore, the aforementioned sample storage assembly also includes a sample discharge pipe, which is connected to pneumatic valve No. 1 and pneumatic valve No. 4 respectively. The sample discharge pipe discharges the residual samples in the sample storage tank and the crossbar.
[0020] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments of this utility model have at least the following advantages or beneficial effects:
[0021] 1. By setting the pneumatic valve for sample injection and using an automatic control program, the valve opening and closing are strictly controlled according to the preset logic and time sequence, avoiding the uncertainty caused by human operation. This ensures that the amount and state of the sample remaining in the pipeline are highly consistent each time a sample is taken, thereby significantly improving the accuracy of sampling.
[0022] 2. Because the automatic sample introduction system can precisely control the sampling process, it reduces the deviation of analytical results caused by sampling errors, which greatly improves the repeatability and accuracy of mass spectrometer analysis results, providing more reliable data support for decision-making in scientific research and production.
[0023] 3. The automated control program can quickly and accurately execute valve closing operations, avoiding the waiting and hesitation time required for manual operation and greatly shortening the sampling time. This time saving is particularly significant in large-scale sample analysis tasks, significantly improving the efficiency of the mass spectrometer and accelerating the analysis process. Attached Figure Description
[0024] 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.
[0025] Figure 1 This is a first-view structural diagram of the device in an embodiment of the present utility model;
[0026] Figure 2 This is a second-view structural diagram of the device in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] Icons: 1-Pneumatic valve No. 1; 2-Pneumatic valve No. 3; 3-Horizontal bar; 4-Pneumatic valve No. 4; 5-First sample injection pneumatic valve; 6-First manual valve; 7-First copper tube; 8-Second manual valve; 9-Second copper tube; 10-Second sample injection pneumatic valve; 11-Through tube; 12-Backflow tube; 13-Third manual valve; 14-Fourth manual valve; 15-Pneumatic valve No. 2; 16-Sample storage tank. Detailed Implementation
[0028] 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.
[0029] 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.
[0030] Example 1
[0031] Please refer to Figure 1-2 , Figure 1 The diagram shown is a first-view structural schematic of the device in this embodiment; Figure 2 The diagram shown is a second-view structural schematic of the device in this embodiment.
[0032] like Figure 1-2 As shown, this embodiment provides an automatic control device for an online sample injection system of a mass spectrometer, which includes an injection component, a first injection pneumatic valve 5, a sample retention component connected to the injection component, a second injection pneumatic valve 10, and a sample storage component connected to the injection component. Both the first injection pneumatic valve 5 and the second injection pneumatic valve 10 are electrically connected to a PLC programming control device.
[0033] like Figure 1-2 As shown in the embodiment of this utility model, the above-mentioned sample injection assembly includes a first copper tube 7, a first manual valve 6 and a second pneumatic valve 15. The output end of the first copper tube 7 is connected to the first manual valve 6. One end of the first sample injection pneumatic valve 5 is connected to the end of the first manual valve 6 away from the first copper tube 7, and the other end of the first sample injection pneumatic valve 5 is connected to the second pneumatic valve 15.
[0034] In this embodiment, the first copper tube 7 serves as the sample input channel, and its output end is connected to the first manual valve 6 for manual control of sample flow. One end of the first pneumatic injection valve 5 is connected to the first manual valve 6, and the other end is connected to the second pneumatic valve 15. The opening and closing of the first pneumatic injection valve 5 controls whether the sample enters the subsequent second pneumatic valve 15. The second pneumatic valve 15 has a three-way structure, enabling sample diversion and other operations. The combination of the manual and pneumatic valves allows for both manual adjustment when needed and automated control via the pneumatic valves, increasing the flexibility and controllability of the injection assembly. The clearly defined pipe connections and valve settings ensure a clear flow path for the sample within the injection assembly, facilitating precise control of the injection process.
[0035] In this embodiment, a knob is provided on the second pneumatic valve 15. The knob is used to control the flow rate of the sample, and the second pneumatic valve 15 plays the role of flow rate control.
[0036] like Figure 1-2 As shown, in an embodiment of this utility model, the above-mentioned sample retention assembly includes a second copper tube 9, a second manual valve 8, and a third manual valve 13. The output end of the second copper tube 9 is connected to the second manual valve 8. One end of the second sample injection pneumatic valve 10 is connected to the end of the second manual valve 8 away from the second copper tube 9. The other end of the second sample injection pneumatic valve 10 is connected to the third manual valve 13 through a through pipe 11.
[0037] In this embodiment, the second copper tube 9 also serves as the sample input channel, with its output end connected to the second manual valve 8 for manual control of sample flow. The third manual valve 13 controls the further flow direction of the sample, thereby achieving a sample retention function. This allows for sample retention during sample injection, facilitating subsequent sample review and comparison. The combination of the manual and pneumatic valves enables both manual intervention and automatic control of the sample retention process, meeting diverse experimental needs.
[0038] like Figure 1-2 As shown, in an embodiment of this utility model, the third manual valve 13 is connected to the second pneumatic valve 15, and a fourth manual valve 14 is provided between the third manual valve 13 and the second pneumatic valve 15.
[0039] In this embodiment, the third manual valve 13 is used to control the flow direction of the sample, the second pneumatic valve 15 is used to adjust the flow rate of the sample in this section of the pipeline, and the fourth manual valve 14 is used for sample flow. Specifically, it is the connection between the third manual valve 13 and the second pneumatic valve 15. The setting of the second pneumatic valve 15 can accurately control the flow rate of the sample, so that the sample enters the mass spectrometer at a suitable flow rate, ensuring the detection accuracy and stability of the mass spectrometer, and avoiding the impact of the detection results due to the flow rate being too fast or too slow.
[0040] like Figure 1-2As shown, in an embodiment of this utility model, the third manual valve 13 is a three-way structure, and the third manual valve 13 is also connected to a back-pull pipe 12.
[0041] In this embodiment, the third manual valve 13 is a three-way structure. In addition to being connected to the second sample injection pneumatic valve 10 and the fourth manual valve 14, it is also connected to the back-pull pipe 12. The back-pull pipe 12 can be used to back-pull the pipeline in the sample retention component when needed to prevent sample residue. It can also be used to remove impurities from the sample, effectively avoiding sample residue in the pipeline, preventing cross-contamination, and ensuring the accuracy of sample detection.
[0042] like Figure 1-2 As shown in the embodiment of this utility model, the sample storage component includes a sample storage tank 16 and a crossbar 3. The second pneumatic valve 15 has a three-way structure. The sample storage tank 16 is connected to the second pneumatic valve 15. The crossbar 3 is provided with a cavity for sample flow. The crossbar 3 is connected to the bottom of the sample storage tank 16.
[0043] In this embodiment, the second pneumatic valve 15 is a three-way valve connected to the sample storage tank 16. It controls whether the sample enters the sample storage tank 16 and the flow rate of the sample entering the tank. The sample storage tank 16 is used for temporary sample storage. A cavity for sample flow is provided within the crossbar 3, which is connected to the bottom of the sample storage tank 16. The sample can flow and exit through the cavity of the crossbar 3. The sample storage tank 16 provides storage space for the sample, facilitating continuous sample injection or batch processing when needed. The crossbar 3 is connected to the bottom of the sample storage tank 16, allowing the sample to flow smoothly out of the tank and exit to the next detection device for sample transport.
[0044] like Figure 1-2 As shown, in an embodiment of this utility model, the top of the above-mentioned sample storage tank 16 is connected to a pneumatic valve 1.
[0045] In this embodiment, the No. 1 pneumatic valve 1 is used to discharge the residual sample in the sample storage tank 16. It uses the principle of negative pressure to empty the sample storage tank 16, preventing the residual sample from causing cross-contamination and affecting the experimental data.
[0046] like Figure 1-2 As shown, in an embodiment of this utility model, the output end of the above-mentioned horizontal bar 3 is connected to a third pneumatic valve 2, which is used to control the output of the sample in the horizontal bar 3.
[0047] like Figure 1-2 As shown in the embodiment of this utility model, the side wall of the above-mentioned crossbar 3 is connected to a fourth pneumatic valve 4. The fourth pneumatic valve 4 is used to discharge the residual sample in the crossbar 3 to prevent cross-contamination between samples and to prevent deviations in experimental data.
[0048] like Figure 1-2 As shown in the embodiment of this utility model, the above-mentioned sample storage component also includes a sample discharge pipe, which is connected to the first pneumatic valve 1 and the fourth pneumatic valve 4 respectively. The sample discharge pipe discharges the residual samples in the sample storage tank 16 and the crossbar 3 in a unified manner.
[0049] In use, the first injection pneumatic valve 5 and the second injection pneumatic valve 10 are initialized and tested first. The parameters of the controller are set, and the communication connection with other parts of the mass spectrometer is established. Then, the automatic control program is started. The start command is input through the control terminal, and the automatic control program starts running. According to the preset logic of the program, a closing command is sent to the second injection pneumatic valve 10 to close it, and the first injection pneumatic valve 5 is opened to start the injection. At the same time, the program starts the internal timer and starts timing for 5 minutes. When the timer reaches 5 minutes, the program automatically sends a closing command to the first injection pneumatic valve 5 to close it. At this time, the sample for mass spectrometer analysis is left in the pipeline. The sample enters the sample storage tank 16 through the second pneumatic valve 15, flows from the sample storage tank 16 into the crossbar 3, and is then controlled by the third pneumatic valve 2 to allow the sample to flow out of the crossbar 3 and into the next detection device.
[0050] When not in use, open pneumatic valve 1 to discharge the residual sample in the sample storage tank 16 through the discharge tube using negative pressure. Open pneumatic valve 4 to discharge the residual sample in the crossbar 3 through the discharge tube, keeping the device clean and preventing residual samples from interfering with the next set of experiments.
[0051] Example 2
[0052] Based on Example 1, Example 2 provides an automatic control device for an online sample introduction system of a mass spectrometer, which includes three sample storage tanks 16. Each of the three sample storage tanks 16 is individually equipped with a first pneumatic valve 1. The three sample storage tanks 16 are connected by a crossbar 3, and each of the three sample storage tanks 16 is connected to a second pneumatic valve 15 at the end away from the first pneumatic valve 1. The second pneumatic valve 15 is connected to a fourth manual valve 14, and the fourth manual valve 14 is connected to a third manual valve 13. The three third manual valves 13 are connected by a back-pull pipe 12.
[0053] If the first injection pneumatic valve 5 or the second injection pneumatic valve 10 malfunctions and cannot be used, the sample can be injected manually by directly injecting the sample into any of the third manual valves 13 to prevent the automatic injection from malfunctioning and affecting the detection process.
[0054] The above are merely preferred embodiments of this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Various modifications and variations can be made to this utility model by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. An automatic control device for an online sample introduction system for a mass spectrometer, characterized in that, include: The sample injection assembly is equipped with a first sample injection pneumatic valve; the sample injection assembly includes a first copper tube, a first manual valve and a second pneumatic valve, the output end of the first copper tube is connected to the first manual valve, one end of the first sample injection pneumatic valve is connected to the end of the first manual valve away from the first copper tube, and the other end of the first sample injection pneumatic valve is connected to the second pneumatic valve. A sample retention component is connected to the sample injection component. The sample retention component is equipped with a second sample injection pneumatic valve. The sample retention component includes a second copper tube, a second manual valve, and a third manual valve. The output end of the second copper tube is connected to the second manual valve. One end of the second sample injection pneumatic valve is connected to the end of the second manual valve away from the second copper tube. The other end of the second sample injection pneumatic valve is connected to the third manual valve through a connecting pipe. A sample storage component, which is connected to the sample injection component; Both the first and second sample injection pneumatic valves are electrically connected to a PLC programming control device.
2. The automatic control device for an online sample introduction system for a mass spectrometer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third manual valve is connected to the second pneumatic valve, and a fourth manual valve is provided between the third manual valve and the second pneumatic valve.
3. The automatic control device for an online sample introduction system for a mass spectrometer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third manual valve is a three-way valve, and it is also connected to a back-pull pipe.
4. The automatic control device for an online sample introduction system for a mass spectrometer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sample storage assembly includes a sample storage tank and a crossbar. The second pneumatic valve is a three-way valve. The sample storage tank is connected to the second pneumatic valve. The crossbar has a cavity for sample flow and is connected to the bottom of the sample storage tank.
5. The automatic control device for an online sample introduction system for a mass spectrometer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The top of the sample storage tank is connected to a pneumatic valve.
6. The automatic control device for an online sample introduction system for a mass spectrometer according to claim 4, characterized in that, The output end of the crossbar is connected to pneumatic valve number three.
7. The automatic control device for an online sample introduction system for a mass spectrometer according to claim 5, characterized in that, The side wall of the crossbar is connected to a pneumatic valve No.
4.
8. The automatic control device for an online sample introduction system for a mass spectrometer according to claim 7, characterized in that, The sample storage assembly also includes a sample discharge tube, which is connected to the first pneumatic valve and the fourth pneumatic valve respectively.