Nebulizer exit
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MICROMASS UK LTD
- Filing Date
- 2024-07-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-03
Smart Images
Figure 2026525740000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] (Cross - reference to related applications) This application claims the priority and benefit of UK Patent Application No. 2310637.0 filed on July 11, 2023, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0002] The present invention relates to a nebulizer outlet, and more particularly to a nebulizer outlet for an ion source that can support an internal capillary for supplying a liquid atomized by a gas supplied through the nebulizer outlet.
Background Art
[0003] A nebulizer generates a spray of droplets from which ions can be obtained and can be used in ionization techniques such as electrospray ionization (ESI).
[0004] Such a nebulizer typically comprises a removable liquid capillary coaxially disposed within a surrounding gas conduit. In this configuration, the liquid supplied therethrough the liquid capillary is atomized by the flow of gas supplied through the gas conduit.
[0005] The positioning of the liquid capillary and the resulting geometry of the nebulizer outlet can have a significant impact on the characteristics of the atomized spray of droplets and, accordingly, on the ion signal detected for the ions obtained from the spray of droplets. To control this, the position of the liquid capillary within the nebulizer outlet can be optimized during the experiment by using an analytical instrument to detect ions and adjusting the position of the liquid capillary until the desired ion signal is achieved.
[0006] To mitigate potential variations in the radial positioning of the capillaries, the nebulizer outlet may be provided with a conduit to support the liquid capillaries and a separate gas channel to supply the atomizing gas. However, providing the necessary structure to separate the channel from the liquid capillary conduit may affect the gas flow characteristics in a way that negatively impacts the nebulizer's spray characteristics. [Overview of the project]
[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a nebulizer outlet is provided, and the nebulizer outlet is The exterior walls and A liquid capillary support conduit is positioned radially inward of the outer wall to confine the liquid capillaries radially inside, A radial support structure that connects a liquid capillary support conduit to the outer wall radially, such that one or more gas channels are provided radially between the outer wall and the liquid capillary support conduit, The radial support structure comprises a first annular channel surrounding the liquid capillary support conduit at a first position axially upstream of the radial support structure, and a second annular channel surrounding the liquid capillary support conduit at a second position axially downstream of the radial support structure, wherein one or more gas channels connect the first annular channel and the second annular channel.
[0008] The liquid capillary support conduit can control the radial position occupied by the liquid capillary within the nebulizer outlet when the liquid capillary is inserted into the liquid capillary support conduit. The first annular channel and the second annular channel, and one or more gas channels interconnecting them, allow the atomizing gas to pass downstream of the nebulizer outlet on the radially outer side of the liquid capillary support conduit. Thus, the atomizing gas can pass from the upstream end to the downstream end of the nebulizer outlet, atomizing the liquid supplied through the liquid capillary in the support conduit.
[0009] Each of the first and second annular channels completely encloses the outer circumference of the liquid capillary support conduit. This allows the atomizing gas to be distributed over the entire circumference of the liquid capillary support conduit at the points where the atomizing gas enters one or more gas channels and at the points where the atomizing gas exits one or more gas channels. This enables high uniformity of the gas flow around the capillary and provides relatively consistent and efficient atomization by reducing or canceling turbulence within the gas flow. Furthermore, by providing the first and second annular channels on both axial sides of the radial support structure, the nebulizer outlet can be constructed with less material compared to a case where the radial support structure extends over the entire distance along the liquid capillary support conduit.
[0010] Since the first and second annular channels are annular, there is a 360-degree free space surrounding the liquid capillary support conduit in these regions (i.e., there are no radial connections between the outer wall and the liquid capillary support conduit within these regions). However, since the radial support structure provides one or more gas channels, radial connections between the liquid capillary support conduit and the outer wall exist within the region where the radial support structure is located.
[0011] The radial support structure may comprise one or more radial supports, each radial support extending radially (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nebulizer outlet) and radially connecting the liquid capillary support conduit to its outer wall.
[0012] The radial support structure may comprise a plurality of radial supports connected to the outer wall of a liquid capillary support conduit, the plurality of radial supports being spaced circumferentially around the liquid capillary support conduit, and defining the gas channel between them.
[0013] Therefore, the radial support structure may comprise radial supports that are circumferentially (directionally) separated around the longitudinal axis of the nebulizer outlet.
[0014] Each gas channel may be located between pairs of radial supports. For example, there may be three radial supports separated circumferentially from one another to provide three gas channels. Other numbers of radial supports and gas channels may be provided. For example, there may be 2 to 10 gas channels and / or radial supports. However, it is recognized that it is ideal to provide a single gas channel that completely surrounds the liquid capillary support conduit. Therefore, generally, a small number of gas channels are desired, in which case the gas channels may have a relatively large cross-sectional area in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nebulizer outlet.
[0015] One or more gas channels may extend in a linear path from a first annular channel to a second annular channel, and may extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the nebulizer outlet.
[0016] Each gas channel may have an arc-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the nebulizer outlet.
[0017] The gas channels may be equally sized and each may have the same cross-sectional shape. The gas channels (and radial supports) may be equidistant from the liquid capillary support conduit.
[0018] The second annular channel may extend downstream from the radial support structure to the downstream end of the liquid capillary support conduit.
[0019] Providing an annular channel at the downstream end of a liquid capillary support conduit can enable a substantially uniform gas flow around the liquid capillary supported by the conduit. In other words, the annular channel allows the circumferentially segmented gas flow from the gas channel through the radial support structure to be redistributed and remixed before reaching the end of the liquid capillary.
[0020] A liquid capillary support conduit can support a liquid capillary extending from the inlet opening to the outlet opening of the nebulizer outlet. In other words, the downstream end of the liquid capillary may be located at the outlet opening of the nebulizer outlet or downstream of the nebulizer outlet. Alternatively, the downstream end of a liquid capillary supported by a liquid capillary support conduit may be held upstream of the outlet opening of the nebulizer outlet, so that the liquid supplied from the liquid capillary merges with the gas inside the nebulizer outlet, resulting in a atomized spray being released from the outlet opening.
[0021] The first and second annular channels may have an outer circumference larger than the outer circumference of the outlet opening, thereby allowing the nebulizer outlet to accommodate liquid capillary support conduits within the first and second annular channels. However, the second annular channel may be tapered radially inward toward the outlet opening, thereby allowing for a smooth transition of diameter toward the outlet opening and resulting in relatively small turbulence in the gas flow.
[0022] The downstream end of the liquid capillary support conduit may be located upstream of the outlet opening of the nebulizer outlet, thereby allowing the gas to flow closer to the capillaries at the downstream end. The outer circumference of the liquid capillary support conduit may be tapered radially inward in the downstream direction, close to the downstream end of the liquid capillary support conduit. This can avoid turbulence by avoiding abrupt changes in the direction of gas flow at the downstream end of the liquid capillary support conduit. For example, a second annular channel may be tapered radially inward toward the outlet opening while maintaining a substantially constant separation between the liquid capillary support conduit and its outer wall.
[0023] For example, the region that is inside the outer wall of the nebulizer outlet and close to the outlet opening can be tapered radially outward in the downstream direction toward the outlet opening, thereby providing an outlet that flares outward, for example, in the shape of a frustum of a cone. The region that is tapered radially outward toward the outlet opening is preferably immediately adjacent to the outlet opening and is provided between the outlet opening and the second annular channel. An outlet that is tapered (e.g., conical) outwardly provides higher consistency in the characteristics of the atomized spray during use (when the capillary can be removed and reinserted) and / or between nebulizer outlets, compared to an outlet with a constant cross-sectional shape, than would be provided by one intended to be manufactured with the same specifications. It has been found that an outlet that is tapered (flared) radially outward is advantageous for atomization.
[0024] The outer diameter of the outer wall can decrease in the upstream portion of the nebulizer outlet, thereby enabling the upstream portion of the nebulizer outlet to be inserted into a tube for supplying gas to the nebulizer outlet. Thus, the downstream portion of the nebulizer outlet has a larger diameter, and the downstream end of the tube can abut against the portion with a larger diameter when the nebulizer outlet is inserted into the tube. The upstream portion of the nebulizer outlet can then be fixed to the tube, for example, by welding.
[0025] The second annular channel can extend into the upstream portion of the nebulizer outlet where the outer diameter of the outer wall is reduced, whereby the outer diameter of the outer wall around the first annular channel is smaller than the outer diameter of the outer wall around the second annular channel.
[0026] During use, the atomizing gas can be provided through the inlet opening of the nebulizer outlet (where the capillary can also be inserted).
[0027] The first annular channel can have a length of at least 5 mm along the longitudinal axis of the nebulizer outlet.
[0028] The second annular channel can have a length of at least 5 mm along the longitudinal axis of the nebulizer outlet.
[0029] The first annular channel may have a length of 0.2 mm to 50 mm along the longitudinal axis of the nebulizer outlet, and / or the second annular channel may have a length of 0.2 mm to 50 mm along the longitudinal axis of the nebulizer outlet.
[0030] For example, the first annular channel and / or the second annular channel may have a length of at least 0.2 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 20 mm, or at least 25 mm along the longitudinal axis of the nebulizer outlet.
[0031] The nebulizer outlet may include a funnel portion having a tapered wall for guiding the liquid capillary into the liquid capillary support conduit when the liquid capillary is inserted through the inlet opening of the nebulizer outlet.
[0032] The funnel portion can enable the inlet opening at the upstream end of the nebulizer outlet to have a diameter larger than that of the liquid capillary support conduit, whereby the liquid capillary can be more easily inserted through the (larger) inlet opening, but can be guided into the liquid capillary support conduit by the funnel portion. The funnel portion may be tapered inward in the downstream direction (e.g., at a substantially constant rate), thereby providing a smooth surface for guiding the liquid capillary and avoiding the capillary being caught during insertion. For example, the funnel portion may enclose a frustum or dome-shaped region. The funnel portion may be joined to the outer wall at the upstream end of the funnel portion. The funnel portion may be joined to the liquid capillary support conduit at the downstream end of the funnel portion (e.g., whereby the liquid capillary support conduit is joined to the outer wall via the funnel portion).
[0033] The funnel portion may include one or more gas flow openings through the tapered wall of the funnel portion for supplying the gas passing through the funnel portion into the first annular channel.
[0034] The funnel portion also has an opening for the liquid capillary to pass through and enter the liquid capillary support conduit, and the opening is preferably on the central axis of the funnel portion.
[0035] One or more gas flow openings are sized so that liquid capillaries cannot pass through them. Preferably, each of the one or more gas flow openings has a width or diameter smaller than the width or diameter of the liquid capillaries, thereby preventing the capillaries from passing through the gas flow openings. Multiple separate gas flow openings (e.g., slots) may extend through the walls of the funnel portion and may be spaced circumferentially (directionally) around the longitudinal axis. One or more gas flow openings may be spaced equally apart around the longitudinal axis and may be positioned in a manner that provides rotational symmetry around the longitudinal axis.
[0036] The first annular channel may extend between one or more gas flow openings in the funnel portion and one or more gas channels provided by the radial support structure. For example, the first annular channel may be bounded by the wall of the funnel portion, the upstream end and outer wall of the radial support structure, and the outer surface of the capillary support conduit.
[0037] A different number of gas flow openings in the funnel portion may be provided for the number of gas channels (one or more) provided by the radial support structure; for example, there may be more gas flow openings than gas channels.
[0038] By providing a first annular channel between one or more gas flow openings and one or more gas channels, it becomes possible to redistribute the circumferentially segmented gas flow passing through the gas flow openings in the funnel portion, thereby allowing the gas flow to efficiently enter through one or more gas channels within the radial support structure. This also avoids the need to align the gas flow openings with the gas channels, thereby providing more design flexibility to the nebulizer outlet.
[0039] The applicant believes that the arrangement of the funnel portion and the first annular channel is novel and inventive.
[0040] Therefore, according to a second aspect of the present invention, a nebulizer outlet is provided, and the nebulizer outlet is The exterior walls and A liquid capillary support conduit within the outer wall for radially enclosing the liquid capillary inside, A radial support structure that connects a liquid capillary support conduit to the outer wall radially, such that one or more gas channels are provided radially between the outer wall and the liquid capillary support conduit, A first annular channel surrounds the liquid capillary support conduit at a location upstream of the radial support structure, The device comprises a funnel portion located upstream of a first annular channel and having a tapered wall for guiding a liquid capillary into a liquid capillary support conduit, wherein the funnel portion has one or more gas flow openings in its wall, and supplies gas passing through the one or more gas flow openings to the first annular channel region.
[0041] A nebulizer outlet according to a second aspect of the present invention may have any other features of the nebulizer outlet described herein.
[0042] For example, the nebulizer outlet may have any of the features described with respect to the first aspect of the present invention, except that it may or may not have a second annular channel.
[0043] The radial support structure may comprise a plurality of radial supports connecting liquid capillary support conduits to the outer wall, and one or more gas channels may be a plurality of gas channels, each provided between the radial supports.
[0044] A different number of gas channels may exist for each gas flow opening, and / or At least some of the gas flow openings in the funnel portion may be positioned circumferentially such that they are not axially aligned with any of the gas channels.
[0045] The first annular channel may have a length of at least 5 mm along the longitudinal axis of the nebulizer outlet.
[0046] The first annular channel may have a length of 0.2 mm to 50 mm along the longitudinal axis of the nebulizer outlet.
[0047] For example, the first annular channel may have a length of at least 0.2 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 20 mm, or at least 25 mm along the longitudinal axis of the nebulizer outlet.
[0048] The liquid capillary support conduit can be connected to the outer wall via the funnel portion.
[0049] Connecting the liquid capillary support conduit to the outer wall via the funnel portion can provide additional support to the liquid capillary support conduit in order to maintain its position together with the radial support structure.
[0050] Furthermore, the applicant found that the funnel portion can provide sufficient radial support to avoid the need for radial support toward the downstream end of the liquid capillary support conduit in order to maintain the position of the liquid capillary. This allows for high uniformity of gas flow around the downstream end of the liquid capillary support conduit, and the applicant believes that the nebulizer outlet itself having this geometric shape is novel and inventive.
[0051] Therefore, according to a third aspect of the present invention, a nebulizer outlet is provided, and the nebulizer outlet is The exterior walls and A liquid capillary support conduit within the outer wall for radially enclosing the liquid capillary inside, A funnel portion for guiding a liquid capillary into a liquid capillary support conduit, wherein the liquid capillary support conduit is joined to the outer wall via the funnel portion, The invention comprises an annular channel between a liquid capillary support conduit and its outer wall, the annular channel extending at a distance of at least 5 mm upstream from the downstream end of the liquid capillary support conduit.
[0052] A nebulizer outlet according to a third aspect of the present invention may have any other features of the nebulizer outlet described herein.
[0053] For example, an annular channel surrounds the entire circumference of the liquid capillary support conduit; that is, the annular channel is a 360-degree free space surrounding the liquid capillary support conduit.
[0054] The annular channel may extend upstream from the downstream end of the liquid capillary support conduit for at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 20 mm, or at least 25 mm.
[0055] The annular channel may extend upstream from the downstream end of the liquid capillary support conduit for at least one-third of the axial length of the liquid capillary support conduit, for at least half of the axial length of the liquid capillary support conduit, or for at least two-thirds of the axial length of the liquid capillary support conduit.
[0056] The nebulizer outlet may have any of the features described in relation to the first or second aspect of the present invention, except that it may or may not have a radial support structure and / or the first annular channel region upstream of the radial support structure. If a radial support structure is provided, it may be provided upstream of the annular channel (in the third aspect of the present invention) and at a distance of more than 5 mm from the downstream end of the liquid capillary support conduit. However, it is preferable that no such radial support structure is provided, and no other radial support is provided, and the liquid capillary support conduit may be joined to the outer wall only by the funnel portion.
[0057] Therefore, the annular channel may extend downstream from the funnel portion to the downstream end of the liquid capillary support conduit, and / or The liquid capillary support conduit can only be joined to the outer wall by the funnel portion.
[0058] Features described herein with respect to the first and / or second annular channel may also be applied to annular channels of a third embodiment of the present invention, as appropriate.
[0059] For example, the funnel portion may have one or more gas flow openings through the wall of the funnel portion for supplying gas passing through the funnel portion into the annular channel.
[0060] The annular channel may have an outer circumference larger than the outer circumference of the outlet opening of the nebulizer outlet, thereby allowing the nebulizer outlet to accommodate the liquid capillary support conduit within the annular channel. However, the annular channel may be tapered radially inward as a function of its position toward the outlet opening, thereby allowing for a smooth transition of the outer diameter toward the outlet opening and resulting in relatively small turbulence in the gas flow.
[0061] The outer circumference of the outer wall around the upstream portion of the annular channel may be smaller than the outer circumference of the outer wall around the downstream portion of the annular channel. The outer circumference of the upstream portion of the annular channel may be smaller than the outer circumference of the downstream portion of the annular channel to accommodate the reduction in the outer circumference of the outer wall. The outer circumference of the liquid capillary support conduit may be smaller than that of the downstream portion of the annular channel in the upstream portion of the annular channel, for example, to provide a substantially constant separation between the liquid capillary support conduit and the outer walls of the first and second annular channels.
[0062] In any aspect of the present invention, the liquid capillary support conduit may comprise an elongated structure of a tube having an annular cross-section, for example, in the shape of a cylinder.
[0063] The liquid capillary support conduit may have a length of at least 5 mm, such as at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm, at least 20 mm, or at least 25 mm, along the axial direction of the nebulizer outlet.
[0064] The inner diameter of the liquid capillary support conduit may decrease in the downstream direction.
[0065] For example, the inner diameter of the liquid capillary support conduit may decrease in a stepped manner downstream (e.g., downstream of the funnel portion). In this regard, the inner diameter of the liquid capillary support conduit is preferably approximately the same as the outer diameter of the liquid capillary. However, any manufacturing defect at the nebulizer outlet that unintentionally limits the cross-sectional size of the inner diameter of the liquid capillary support conduit may prevent the liquid capillary from passing through the inner diameter. For example, if the nebulizer outlet is manufactured using additive manufacturing (as discussed below), small clumps of material may accidentally form inside the conduit. To address this, a minimum inner diameter of the liquid capillary support conduit may be ensured only at the downstream end of the conduit to reduce the likelihood that any such defect will be problematic when inserting the liquid capillary. The conduit may have a substantially constant inner diameter over the upstream portion of its length and transition to a smaller, substantially constant inner diameter over the downstream portion of its length.
[0066] The liquid capillary support conduit may have a linear channel passing through it, coaxial with the inlet and outlet openings of the nebulizer outlet. This can provide a linear path for guiding the liquid capillary to the radial center of the outlet opening.
[0067] However, alternatively, the liquid capillary support conduit may have a curved channel through it.
[0068] The curved channel has a curved central axis that extends along the length of the channel. The curved channel is configured such that, when a liquid capillary is inserted through it, the liquid capillary is supported by the wall of the curved channel at a contact point located opposite the liquid capillary, so as to confine the liquid capillary radially.
[0069] The applicant recognized that a liquid capillary support conduit having a channel that is curved to some extent along its length still allows liquid capillaries to pass through the conduit, but the curvature can fix the radial position of the capillaries by bringing the opposite side of the capillaries into contact with the conduit wall. This technique has been found to provide precise radial positioning of liquid capillaries within a nebulizer outlet and may be more accurate than the positioning achieved by attempting to position a straight liquid capillary support conduit at a desired radial position. For example, a straight channel may require a cross-sectional size sufficient to ensure that liquid capillaries pass through it (and may be manufactured larger than the diameter of the liquid capillaries to accommodate manufacturing tolerances). In contrast, the liquid capillaries may have fewer radial degrees of freedom in a conduit with a curved channel when the curved inner wall of the conduit is in contact with the opposite side of the liquid capillaries.
[0070] The applicant believes that providing a conduit having a curved channel to radially confine the location of liquid capillaries in the manner disclosed herein is novel and inventive.
[0071] Therefore, according to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a nebulizer outlet is provided, and the nebulizer outlet is It comprises a liquid capillary support conduit having a curved central axis through which a channel passes.
[0072] The channel of the liquid capillary support conduit is configured to confine the liquid capillary radially within itself by supporting it at the contact points on both sides of the liquid capillary.
[0073] A nebulizer outlet according to a fourth aspect of the present invention may have any other features of the nebulizer outlet described herein.
[0074] For example, the nebulizer outlet may have an outer wall, and the liquid capillary support conduit may be arranged radially within the outer wall, thereby providing one or more gas channels radially between the outer wall and the liquid capillary support conduit.
[0075] The nebulizer outlet may include a radial support structure that radially connects the liquid capillary support conduit to its outer wall. One or more gas channels may pass between the radial supports of the radial support structure. The nebulizer outlet may include one or more annular channels that surround the liquid capillary support conduit at positions along its length.
[0076] A curved channel may provide two, three, or more contact points between the liquid capillary and the liquid capillary support conduit when the liquid capillary is inserted into the curved channel. The channel may have one or more turning points in its curvature. For example, there may be a single turning point where the channel then curves again back to itself (e.g., there may be three contact points with the liquid capillary), or there may be multiple turning points where the channel curves in one direction and then in another.
[0077] The channel may be curved along its entire length, or only a portion of the channel may be curved. For example, the channel may be configured to have curved portions positioned between straight portions. The straight portions may be at the ends of the liquid capillary support conduit and may be coaxial with the inlet and outlet openings of the nebulizer outlet.
[0078] A channel may have a substantially constant diameter along its entire length, or at least a portion of the channel may have a substantially constant diameter. A channel may be curved while maintaining a substantially constant diameter, thereby the channel having a curved portion having at least a substantially constant diameter.
[0079] The nebulizer outlet may comprise an inlet opening and an outlet opening, with a liquid capillary support conduit extending between the openings. The channel may be curved such that the liquid capillary can extend from the inlet opening to the outlet opening through the curved channel without bending. Thus, a straight liquid capillary may be kept substantially straight and radially confined by the curved channel. Alternatively, the degree of curvature of the channel may be such that there is no straight path extending through the curved channel from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. In this regard, the (initially straight) capillary may bend when inserted along the curved channel.
[0080] The central axis passing through the outlet opening may be coaxial with the inlet opening.
[0081] Alternatively, the central axis passing through the outlet opening may be offset radially and / or at an angle to the central axis from the central axis passing through the inlet opening. For example, in embodiments in which a curved channel bends a liquid capillary, the central axis passing through the outlet opening may be angled with respect to the central axis passing through the inlet opening, such that the longitudinal axis of the downstream end portion of the curved capillary remains coaxial with the central axis of the outlet opening.
[0082] This can allow for a uniform gas flow around the capillary at the outlet opening.
[0083] The entire nebulizer outlet described herein may be a single, integrated component.
[0084] Therefore, in this case, the outer wall and the liquid capillary support conduit are integrally connected to each other.
[0085] The applicant found that the additive manufacturing process can confine the capillaries radially inside by utilizing radial fins to limit the position of the liquid capillaries, and that it may be applicable to other nebulizer outlet geometric shapes that are considered novel and inventive in themselves.
[0086] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a nebulizer outlet is provided, and the nebulizer outlet is An outer wall having an entrance opening and an exit opening that are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction, It comprises a plurality of fins extending radially inward from the outer wall for confining liquid capillaries, provided through an inlet opening at a position concentric with the outlet opening, Multiple fins provide gas channel regions that are circumferentially separated around the inside of the outer wall, The entire nebulizer outlet is a single, integrated component.
[0087] Providing the nebulizer outlet described herein as a single, monolithic component (instead of being an assembly of separately manufactured components) avoids manufacturing tolerances that would allow movement between relative parts of the nebulizer outlet and allows for geometric consistency throughout the life of the nebulizer outlet. In particular, having a liquid capillary support conduit integrated with the outer wall provides consistent radial positioning of the liquid capillaries within the support conduit relative to the outlet opening through the outer wall, thereby providing consistent spray characteristics of the liquid ejected from the conduit and atomized by the gas flow.
[0088] Due to manufacturing considerations, nebulizer outlets provided as a single component may typically have a uniform geometric shape substantially along their entire length, and the channel may be manufactured, for example, by drilling techniques. However, the applicant has recognized that additive manufacturing techniques are suitable for providing a nebulizer outlet as a single, integrated component having an internal geometric shape that varies along its length. For example, varying the geometric shape along the length of the nebulizer outlet can provide features described herein, such as curved channels, non-annular channels between annular channels, and portions of the nebulizer outlet that are tapered inward or outward.
[0089] An alternative configuration for providing a nebulizer outlet with a geometric shape that changes along its length may involve providing a separately manufactured distal tapered portion at the tip of the nebulizer outlet, the tip of which can fill a larger opening of the nebulizer outlet, used to provide tooling access during manufacturing. However, this may result in the manufacturing / assembly tolerances referenced above, affecting the consistency of positioning the capillary relative to the outlet opening. Furthermore, providing the nebulizer outlet as a single component allows for providing any seal / weld further upstream between the nebulizer outlet and the upstream assembly, compared to when the tapered portion is provided at the tip of the nebulizer outlet to connect, and a weld close to the tip may result in undesirable discharges when a high voltage is applied to this area for electrospray.
[0090] Accordingly, the present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a nebulizer outlet, which includes providing the nebulizer outlet described herein using an additive manufacturing process.
[0091] For example, additive manufacturing processes may include selective laser melting (SLM), stereolithography (SLA), or electron beam additive manufacturing processes.
[0092] The method may include manufacturing a nebulizer outlet solely by an additive manufacturing process, or one or more other processes may be used following, for example, an additive manufacturing process. For example, the method may further include inserting a tool through a liquid capillary support conduit to remove any undesirable material protruding radially inward into the channel, such as small lumps of material accidentally provided during the additive manufacturing process.
[0093] The additive manufacturing process may involve laying down a powder material and applying energy to solidify it. This may be repeated until the nebulizer outlet is constructed in its final form. The nebulizer outlet features described herein may help remove excess powder material that did not solidify during the additive manufacturing process. For example, forming an annular (optionally, tapered) channel around a geometrically shaped portion allows for the efficient removal of excess material from the inside of the nebulizer outlet.
[0094] Therefore, this manufacturing method may include providing a gas flow through the nebulizer outlet to remove the powder material used to form the nebulizer outlet.
[0095] The present invention also provides a nebulizer system comprising a nebulizer outlet as described herein and a liquid capillary for providing a liquid to be atomized.
[0096] Capillaries can be made of, for example, ceramic, glass (for example, the capillary may be drawn glass capillary), or metal (for example, steel).
[0097] The capillary tube may be configured to be insertable into and removable from the liquid capillary support conduit.
[0098] The present invention also provides an ion source comprising a nebulizer system as described herein.
[0099] The ion source may include an electrospray ionization (ESI) source, a desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) source, a desorption electron flow focusing ionization (DEFFI) source, an impactor ion source, or an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) source.
[0100] The present invention also provides a method for atomizing a liquid, and the method is To provide the nebulizer system described herein, To provide a liquid capillary tube in the nebulizer outlet, Supplying liquid from the downstream end of the liquid capillary, The invention includes supplying gas through a nebulizer outlet to atomize a liquid, thereby providing an atomized spray.
[0101] The capillaries may be provided within a liquid capillary support conduit such that the liquid capillaries are radially confined inward.
[0102] The capillary can be inserted into the liquid capillary support conduit through the inlet or outlet opening of the nebulizer outlet.
[0103] During use, the downstream end of the liquid capillary tube may protrude outward downstream of the outlet opening, or it may be located within the nebulizer outlet upstream of the outlet opening. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0104] Various embodiments are described below, merely as examples, with reference to the attached drawings. [Figure 1] A schematic perspective view of a nebulizer system according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 2] A schematic perspective view of the nebulizer outlet according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. [Figure 3A] A schematic cross-sectional view of a nebulizer outlet according to one embodiment is shown, in which the nebulizer outlet has a first annular channel and a second annular channel located axially upstream and downstream from a radial support structure that supports a liquid capillary support conduit. [Figure 3B] A schematic cross-sectional view of a nebulizer outlet according to one embodiment is shown, in which the nebulizer outlet has a first annular channel and a second annular channel located axially upstream and downstream from a radial support structure that supports a liquid capillary support conduit. [Figure 4A]A schematic cross-sectional view of a nebulizer outlet according to another embodiment is shown, in which a single continuous axial channel surrounds the liquid capillary support conduit within the nebulizer outlet. [Figure 4B] A schematic cross-sectional view of a nebulizer outlet according to another embodiment is shown, in which a single continuous axial channel surrounds the liquid capillary support conduit within the nebulizer outlet. [Figure 4C] A schematic cross-sectional view of a nebulizer outlet according to another embodiment is shown, in which a single continuous axial channel surrounds the liquid capillary support conduit within the nebulizer outlet. [Figure 5A] A schematic cross-sectional view of a nebulizer outlet according to one embodiment is shown, in which the liquid capillary support conduit at the nebulizer outlet has a curved channel inside. [Figure 5B] A schematic cross-sectional view of a nebulizer outlet according to one embodiment is shown, in which the liquid capillary support conduit at the nebulizer outlet has a curved channel inside. [Figure 6A] A schematic cross-sectional view of a nebulizer outlet according to another embodiment is shown, in which radial support fins are provided to confine liquid capillaries radially. [Figure 6B] A schematic cross-sectional view of a nebulizer outlet according to another embodiment is shown, in which radial support fins are provided to confine liquid capillaries radially. [Figure 6C] A schematic cross-sectional view of a nebulizer outlet according to another embodiment is shown, in which radial support fins are provided to confine liquid capillaries radially. [Figure 7A] Figures 6A to 6C show schematic front (outlet end) views of the nebulizer outlet with the capillary tube inserted inside. [Figure 7B] Figures 6A to 6C show schematic diagrams of the rear (inlet) side of the nebulizer outlet. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0105] Figure 1 shows a nebulizer system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The nebulizer system 100 is for an ion source, such as an electrospray ionization (ESI) ion source. The nebulizer system 100 comprises a housing assembly 102 for mounting to an analytical instrument such as a mass and / or ion mobility spectrometer. The nebulizer system 100 further includes a probe assembly 104, which is shown inserted into the housing assembly 102 in Figure 1.
[0106] The probe assembly 104 comprises a capillary tube 106 for delivering the liquid to be atomized (e.g., an analyte sample), a mounting fitting 108 configured to attach the probe assembly 104 to a housing assembly 102, and a fluid conduit 110 for supplying the liquid to the capillary tube 106 when in use. The capillary tube 106 may be formed from a conductive material such as metal (e.g., steel). Alternatively, the capillary tube may be formed from an electrically insulating material such as glass and may optionally have a conductive coating. A voltage may be supplied to the capillary tube 106 (e.g., via components of the housing assembly 102) to charge the liquid, thereby causing the nebulizer system 100 to release a spray of charged droplets. The probe assembly 104 may be based on the probe assembly described in UK Patent No. 2520389(A) (Micromass UK Limited), the entire content of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0107] The housing assembly 102 includes a conduit 112 that surrounds the capillary 106 when the probe assembly 104 is inserted into the housing assembly 102. The nebulizer outlet 114 may be provided as a device that can be attached to the conduit 112, which forms part of the housing assembly 102. For example, the nebulizer outlet 114 may be welded (e.g., laser welded) to the conduit 114 of the housing assembly 102. Alternatively, however, the nebulizer outlet 114 may be attached to the probe assembly 104 in a different manner and / or form part of it. The nebulizer outlet 114 can receive the liquid capillary 106 inside and supply gas from the conduit 112. When in use, the nebulizer outlet 114 is configured to output an atomizing gas stream to atomize the liquid and output it from the outlet end of the capillary 106, thereby forming droplets. The outlet end of the capillary tube 106 may be located inside the nebulizer outlet 114, or the capillary tube may extend through the nebulizer outlet 114 and protrude from the nebulizer outlet 114, thereby positioning the outlet end of the capillary tube 106 outside the nebulizer outlet 114. The probe assembly 104 can control the position of the outlet end of the capillary tube 106 relative to the nebulizer outlet 114 by controlling the length of the capillary tube 106 extending inside the housing assembly 102 (thereby controlling the distance by which the outlet end of the capillary tube 106 protrudes from or retracts into the nebulizer outlet 114).
[0108] To atomize the liquid using the nebulizer system 100, a probe assembly 104 is inserted into the housing assembly 102, thereby receiving the capillary tube 106 within the nebulizer outlet 114 and surrounding it with a conduit 112. The liquid is supplied from the fluid line 110 to the inlet end of the capillary tube 106 and output from the outlet end of the capillary tube 106. The gas is supplied to the nebulizer outlet 114 via the conduit 112 and output from the nebulizer outlet 114 as an atomizing gas stream that atomizes the liquid, which is then output from the outlet end of the capillary tube 106, thereby forming droplets.
[0109] Figure 2 shows a nebulizer outlet 114 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The nebulizer outlet 114 may be a single, integrated component, thereby being a single continuous component without separately manufactured components that are later assembled together. The nebulizer outlet 114 may be formed using an additive manufacturing process such as selective laser melting (SLM), stereolithography (SLA), or electron beam additive manufacturing.
[0110] The nebulizer outlet 114 comprises a shank 202 for insertion into the conduit 112 of the nebulizer system 100. The shank 202 may have one or more mounting structures for positioning the nebulizer outlet at a specific location within the conduit 112 and / or for attaching the nebulizer outlet 114 to the conduit 112 (releasable or nonleasable). The outer surface of the shank 202 may have a plurality of notches 204 as mounting structures. The notches 104 can engage with corresponding projections on the inner surface of the conduit 112 and / or can provide recesses for providing adhesive or welds. Alternatively, the shank 202 may not be provided with any mounting structures, or may be provided with one or more additional or alternative mounting structures such as projections or threads. The notch 104 or other markings on the outside of the nebulizer outlet 114 may optionally be used as a visual indicator of the internal geometric shape of the nebulizer outlet 114, for example, different nebulizer outlets with different internal geometric shapes may be available.
[0111] Figure 3A shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of the nebulizer outlet 114. The cross-section shown in Figure 3A is along plane A shown in Figure 3B. In Figure 3A, the nebulizer outlet 114 is shown connected to the conduit 112 with the capillary 106 inserted inside. The nebulizer outlet 114 comprises an outer wall 304 having an inlet opening 306 and an outlet opening 308 inside. The nebulizer outlet 114 has a downstream axis direction 310 from the inlet opening 106 to the outlet opening 308 and an upstream axis direction 312 from the outlet opening 308 to the inlet opening 306. The nebulizer outlet 114 includes a liquid capillary support conduit 314 within the outer wall 304. The liquid capillary support conduit 314 can radially confine the capillary extending inside along the upstream axis direction and the downstream axis direction. The liquid capillary support conduit 314 has an elongated structure with an annular cross-section, and the nebulizer outlet 114 has a funnel portion 316 upstream of the liquid capillary support conduit 314, the funnel portion 316 being positioned so that it can guide the capillary 106 into the liquid capillary support conduit 314 when the capillary 106 is inserted through the inlet opening 306. The funnel portion 316 has side walls that are tapered radially inward from the inlet opening 306 downstream 310 to the liquid capillary support conduit 314. The funnel portion 316 may enclose a frustoconical region (as shown in Figure 3A), or may have any other preferred tapered geometric shape, such as curved side walls enclosing a frustoconical region of a curved dome. The upstream end of the funnel portion 316 is located adjacent to the outer wall 304, and the downstream end of the funnel portion 316 is located adjacent to the elongated portion 314 of the liquid capillary support conduit 314, thereby providing a continuous channel through which the liquid capillary support conduit 314 is radially supported within the outer wall 304 via the funnel portion 316, and which enters the liquid capillary support conduit (for example, having a common central axis passing through the funnel portion 316 and the liquid capillary support conduit 314).
[0112] The liquid capillary support conduit 314 has an inner diameter substantially the same as (but slightly larger than) the diameter of the capillary 106. At least a portion of the liquid capillary support conduit 314 may have an inner diameter intended to be as small as possible while still allowing the capillary 106 to pass through. However, the larger the proportion of the liquid capillary support conduit 314 that has the minimum diameter, the more likely it is that a manufacturing defect (e.g., a small lump of material extending within the channel of the liquid capillary support conduit) will cause the diameter to decrease accidentally at some point along its length, blocking the passage of the capillary 106. Therefore, as shown in Figure 3A, the inner diameter of the liquid capillary support conduit 314 may decrease at position 317 along its length (e.g., in a stepped manner), reducing the proportion that has the minimum diameter (e.g., a portion of the downstream end of the support conduit 314).
[0113] The nebulizer outlet 114 comprises a radial support structure 318 having a plurality of radial supports 318a to c (best shown in Figure 3B), each of which extends radially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the liquid capillary support conduit 314 and radially connects the elongated portion 314a of the liquid capillary support conduit 314 to the outer wall 304.
[0114] As shown in Figure 3B, the radial support structure 318 comprises three radial supports 318a-c, which are circumferentially spaced around a longitudinal axis to define three arcuate gas channels 320 between them, and which are radially located between the liquid capillary support conduit 314 and the outer wall 304. However, any other suitable number of one or more radial supports 318a-c and arcuate gas channels 320 may be provided. For example, there may be a single radial support and a single arcuate gas channel 320 having ends on both sides of the radial support, or any number of multiple radial supports and arcuate gas channels 320 may be provided, such as 2 to 10 radial supports and / or arcuate gas channels 320.
[0115] The liquid capillary support conduit 314 extends upstream 312 and downstream 310 beyond the radial supports 318a-c, and the nebulizer outlet 114 further comprises a first annular channel 322 and a second annular channel 324. The first annular channel 322 surrounds the liquid capillary support conduit 314 at a first position upstream of the radial supports 318a-c, and the second annular channel 324 surrounds the liquid capillary support conduit 314 at a second position downstream of the radial supports 318a-c. The first annular channel 322 extends downstream from the funnel portion 316 to the upstream end of the arcuate channel 320. The second annular channel extends downstream from the downstream end of the arcuate channel 320 to the downstream end of the liquid capillary support conduit 314a. The first annular channel 322 and the second annular channel 324, by being annular, completely surround (360 degrees around) the liquid capillary support conduit 314.
[0116] Providing annular channels 322 and 344 upstream and downstream of the radial support structure 318 allows the atomizing gas to be distributed over the entire circumference of the liquid capillary support conduit 314 at the points where the atomizing gas enters one or more gas channels 320 and at the points where the atomizing gas exits one or more gas channels 320. This enables high uniformity of the gas flow around the capillary 106 and provides relatively consistent and efficient atomization by reducing or canceling turbulence in the gas flow before the gas flow merges with the liquid supplied from the capillary 106 and atomizes. Furthermore, by providing the first annular channel 322 and the second annular channel 344 axially on both sides of the radial support structure 318, the nebulizer outlet 114 can require less material to construct compared to when the radial support structure 318 extends over the entire distance along the liquid capillary support conduit 314, and the available space within the nebulizer outlet 114 for the gas flow can be more fully utilized.
[0117] The funnel portion 316 is provided with gas flow openings 326 through the side walls of the funnel portion 316. Any number of one or more gas flow openings 326 may be provided, and there may be a different number of gas flow openings 326 relative to the number of arcuate gas channels 320. For example, there may be more gas flow openings 326 than the number of arcuate gas channels 320 (e.g., twice or more). The gas flow openings 326 allow gas received from the conduit 112 through the inlet opening to be supplied to the first annular channel 322 and distributed to the gas channels 320. The gas flow openings 326 may be in the form of elongated slots. The slots are preferably arranged such that their longitudinal axis extends substantially downstream 310, but may extend radially outward from the liquid capillary support conduit 314 (as shown in Figure 4C). Alternatively or additionally, the slots may have a width smaller than the outer diameter of the capillary 106 (smaller than the inner diameter of the liquid capillary support conduit 314). These features allow the gas to flow relatively freely through the walls of the funnel portion 316 into the first annular channel 322, while still facilitating the smooth guidance of the capillary 106 into the liquid capillary support conduit 314.
[0118] During use, gas is supplied to the funnel portion 316 via the conduit 112 through the inlet opening 306. The gas passes through the gas flow opening 326 into the first annular channel 322 and through the arcuate channel 320 from the first annular channel 322 to the second annular channel. The gas is supplied from the second annular channel 324 to the outlet opening 308 to atomize the liquid supplied from the downstream end 106a of the capillary 106. Figure 3A shows the capillary 106 protruding from the outlet opening 308. However, the downstream end 106a of the capillary 106 may instead be located within the nebulizer outlet 114 at a point downstream of the liquid capillary support conduit 314, thereby mixing the gas with the liquid within the nebulizer outlet 114 between the outlet opening 308 and the downstream end 106a of the capillary 106.
[0119] The second annular channel 324 is tapered radially inward in the downstream direction 310 toward the outlet opening 308. The outer circumference of the liquid capillary support conduit 314 may also be tapered radially inward in the downstream direction 310 toward the downstream end 3144 of the liquid capillary support conduit 314, thereby providing a smooth transition of the gas flow toward the outlet opening 308 (to avoid turbulence in the gas flow).
[0120] If the nebulizer outlet is manufactured using additive manufacturing (e.g., selective laser melting (SLM) process), tapering the downstream end of the second annular channel 324 radially inward also allows excess material (e.g., powder that does not melt to form the nebulizer outlet 114) to flow more easily downstream 310 from the nebulizer outlet 114. The first annular channel 322 and the second annular channel 324 may also provide efficient removal of excess material between the liquid capillary support conduit 314 and the outer wall 304.
[0121] The distal end portion 328 of the nebulizer outlet 114 adjacent to the outlet opening 308 is tapered radially outward toward the downstream direction 310 toward the outlet opening 308, and may provide a frustoconical outlet. An outwardly tapered (e.g., conical) outlet may provide greater consistency in atomization spray characteristics between uses (when the capillary tube 106 can be removed and reinserted) and / or between nebulizer outlets compared to an outlet with a constant cross-sectional shape than those intended to be manufactured to the same specifications.
[0122] The first annular channel 322 extends into the shank 202 of the nebulizer outlet where the outer wall 304 has a reduced outer diameter in a downstream axial position where the outer wall 304 has a larger outer diameter around the second annular channel 324. The outer diameter of the liquid capillary support conduit 314 is also reduced in the shank 202, providing substantially the same separation between the liquid capillary support conduit 314 and the outer wall 304 of the first annular channel 322 and the second annular channel 324, allowing for a smooth transition of flow between them.
[0123] Figures 4A to 4C show cross-sectional views of a nebulizer outlet 114 according to another embodiment of the present invention, in which the liquid capillary support conduit 314 is supported only at its upstream end.
[0124] Figure 4B shows a cross-sectional view along plane B shown in Figure 4A, where the downstream direction is oriented inward on the page.
[0125] Figure 4C shows a cross-sectional view along plane C shown in Figure 4A, where the upstream direction is oriented inward on the page.
[0126] This embodiment of the nebulizer outlet 114 may have any of the features described above with reference to Figures 3A to 3B, except that the radial support structure is omitted in this embodiment. The same reference numerals used in Figures 4A to 4C represent the same components as described above.
[0127] The liquid capillary support conduit 314 is supported within the outer wall 304 only by the funnel portion 314b, with the annular channel 425 extending from the funnel portion 314b to the downstream end of the liquid capillary support conduit 314c. Allowing the annular channel 425 to extend unobstructed from the funnel portion 316 to the downstream end 314a of the liquid capillary support conduit enables a uniform axial gas flow without requiring substantially any change in direction, thereby reducing or canceling turbulence before the gas flows further downstream to the outlet opening 308.
[0128] Figures 5A and 5B show cross-sectional views of the nebulizer outlet 114 according to another embodiment of the present invention.
[0129] Figure 5A shows the entire length of the nebulizer outlet 114, including the capillary tube 106 inserted through the nebulizer outlet 114. Figure 5B shows the geometric shape at the downstream end of the nebulizer outlet 114.
[0130] The nebulizer outlet 114 may have any of the features described above with reference to other embodiments of the nebulizer outlet 114, and the same reference numerals represent the same components.
[0131] However, the nebulizer outlet 114 differs from the embodiments shown in Figures 3A-3B and 4A-4C in that the central longitudinal axis 502 of the channel of the liquid capillary support conduit 314 is curved, thereby supporting the capillary 106 within the liquid capillary support conduit 314 by contact points 404 between the capillary 106 and the liquid capillary support conduit 314 on both sides of the capillary 106. One or more turning points 403 in the curvature of the channel within the liquid capillary support conduit 314 may be provided along its length, and two or more contact points 404 may be present between the capillary 106 and the liquid capillary support conduit 314.
[0132] In Figure 5A, the capillary 106 is shown bent as it extends through the liquid capillary support conduit, but in other embodiments, the bend in the channel may be less pronounced, allowing the capillary 106 to remain substantially straight as it extends through the curved channel, but still be supported at the contact point 404.
[0133] Figure 5B shows that the distal end portion 328 of the nebulizer outlet 114 may be angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the nebulizer outlet so as to provide a capillary tube 106 that is bent away from the longitudinal axis, with substantially constant separation between the outer wall 304 and the capillary tube 106 within the distal end portion 328. For example, the capillary tube may extend through the distal end portion 328 in a manner that provides perfect circular symmetry, thereby providing a uniform gas flow around the capillary tube to atomize the liquid supplied from the downstream end 106a of the capillary tube 106.
[0134] The nebulizer outlet 114 according to any of the embodiments shown in Figures 3A-3B, 4A-4C, and 5A-5B is preferably a single, integrated component. Therefore, the (at least) outer wall and liquid capillary support conduit are preferably integrally connected to one another. The nebulizer outlet 114 can be manufactured as a single, integrated component using additive manufacturing techniques. Conventional manufacturing techniques (e.g.) such as milling, turning, and joining techniques may require the assembly of multiple parts. However, an undesirable effect of multi-part assembly is the cumulative tolerances due to the manufacturing and assembly processes. Additive manufacturing processes such as SLM can enable the formation of sub-millimeter-sized components as a single part, which eliminates the accumulation of multi-part tolerances.
[0135] Figures 6A to 6C show cross-sectional views of a nebulizer outlet 114 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The nebulizer outlet 114 in Figures 6A to 6C is a single, integrated component. As is best seen in Figure 6A, the nebulizer outlet 114 comprises an outer wall and a plurality of fins 606 extending radially inward from the outer wall 604. Although Figure 6A shows three fins 606, any number of fins circumferentially spaced around the inside of the outer wall 604 may be provided. Between them, the fins 606 provide a gas channel region 608 circumferentially spaced around the inside of the outer wall 604. The fins 606 can guide liquid capillaries along an inner channel region 610 extending axially, surrounded by the fins 606 and the gas channel region 608.
[0136] Figure 6B shows a cross-section along plane A shown in Figure 6A. Figure 6B shows a cross-section along plane B shown in Figure 6A when the nebulizer outlet 114 is inserted into the conduit 112 and the capillary 106 is inserted into the nebulizer outlet 114.
[0137] As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the nebulizer outlet comprises an inlet opening 612 and an outlet opening 614 in the outer wall 604, which are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction.
[0138] The fins 606 are positioned within the outer wall 604 for containing liquid capillaries, provided through the inlet opening 612 at a position concentric (radially centered) with the outlet opening 614.
[0139] The nebulizer outlet 114 includes a funnel portion 616 for guiding liquid capillaries into the radially confined portion of the fins 606. An intermediate opening 618 is provided at the downstream end of the funnel portion 616. Atomized gas can be supplied to the gas channel region 608 through the funnel portion 616. The gas channel region 608 may extend radially outward from the downstream end of the funnel portion 616. The gas channel region 608 may be tapered radially inward toward the outlet opening 614. The fins 606 may extend into the tapered region of the nebulizer outlet 114, in which one or more of the gas channel regions 608 are tapered radially inward toward the outlet opening 614.
[0140] Figure 7A shows the nebulizer outlet 114 from the front (outlet) end, with the capillary tube 106 inserted inside. Figure 7B shows the nebulizer outlet 114 from the rear (inlet) end.
[0141] As shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the inlet opening 612 and outlet opening 614 are coaxial with the position of the liquid capillary 106 radially confined by the fin 606. The fin 606 extends radially inward beyond the radial boundary of the outlet opening 614 and the intermediate opening 618, radially confining the capillary 106 coaxially with the inlet opening 614.
[0142] The nebulizer outlet 114 in any of the embodiments described herein may form part of an ion source, such as an electrospray ionization (ESI) ion source. The nebulizer outlet 114 may also form part of another type of ion source utilizing the nebulizer, such as a desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) ion source, desorption electron flow focusing ionization (DEFFI), impactor ion source, or atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) ion source nebulizer.
[0143] The ion source may form part of an analytical instrument such as a mass and / or ion mobility spectrometer, may be connectable to it, and / or used together with it. The ions produced by the ion source can be analyzed by the analytical instrument to determine one or more of the ion's properties, such as its mass, mass-to-charge ratio, and ion mobility.
[0144] As described herein, during use, the nebulizer outlet 114 can generate a droplet spray by atomizing the flow of liquid released from the liquid capillary 106, thereby releasing a spray of atomized droplets. By radially confining the position of the liquid capillary 106 within the nebulizer outlet 114 and providing a relatively consistent and uniform atomized gas flow around the liquid capillary 106, the characteristics of the droplet spray can be more reliably controlled, resulting in a reliable and consistent ion signal regarding the ions obtained from the droplets.
[0145] While the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications in form and detail can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described in the appended claims.
Claims
1. This is the nebulizer exit. The exterior walls and A liquid capillary support conduit is provided, which is located radially inward of the outer wall and is used to confine liquid capillaries radially inside; A radial support structure is provided such that one or more gas channels are provided radially between the outer wall and the liquid capillary support conduit, and the liquid capillary support conduit is connected radially to the outer wall, A nebulizer outlet comprising: a first annular channel surrounding the liquid capillary support conduit at a first position axially upstream of the radial support structure; and a second annular channel surrounding the liquid capillary support conduit at a second position axially downstream of the radial support structure, wherein one or more gas channels connect the first annular channel and the second annular channel.
2. The nebulizer outlet according to claim 1, wherein the radial support structure comprises a plurality of radial supports connecting the liquid capillary support conduit to the outer wall, and the plurality of radial supports are spaced circumferentially around the liquid capillary support conduit to define the gas channel between them.
3. The nebulizer outlet according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second annular channel extends downstream from the radial support structure to the downstream end of the liquid capillary support conduit.
4. The nebulizer outlet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first annular channel has a length of at least 5 mm along the longitudinal axis of the nebulizer outlet.
5. The nebulizer outlet according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second annular channel has a length of at least 5 mm along the longitudinal axis of the nebulizer outlet.
6. The nebulizer outlet according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a funnel portion having a tapered wall for guiding the liquid capillary into the liquid capillary support conduit when the liquid capillary is inserted through the inlet opening of the nebulizer outlet.
7. The nebulizer outlet according to claim 6, wherein the funnel portion comprises one or more gas flow openings through the tapered wall of the funnel portion for supplying gas passing through the funnel portion into the first annular channel.
8. This is the nebulizer exit. The exterior walls and A liquid capillary support conduit within the outer wall for radially enclosing the liquid capillary inside, A radial support structure is provided such that one or more gas channels are provided radially between the outer wall and the liquid capillary support conduit, and the liquid capillary support conduit is connected radially to the outer wall, A first annular channel surrounding the liquid capillary support conduit at a position upstream of the radial support structure, A nebulizer outlet comprising: a funnel portion located upstream of the first annular channel and having a tapered wall for guiding a liquid capillary into the liquid capillary support conduit, wherein the funnel portion has one or more gas flow openings in its wall, and supplies gas passing through the one or more gas flow openings to the first annular channel region.
9. The nebulizer outlet according to claim 8, wherein the radial support structure comprises a plurality of radial supports connecting the liquid capillary support conduit to the outer wall, and the one or more gas channels are a plurality of gas channels each provided between the radial supports.
10. There are different numbers of gas channels for the number of gas flow openings, and / or The nebulizer outlet according to claim 7, 8, or 9, wherein at least some of the gas flow openings of the funnel portion are positioned circumferentially so as not to be axially aligned with any of the gas channels.
11. The nebulizer outlet according to claim 8, 9, or 10, wherein the first annular channel has a length of at least 5 mm along the longitudinal axis of the nebulizer outlet.
12. The nebulizer outlet according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the liquid capillary support conduit is connected to the outer wall via the funnel portion.
13. Nebulizer exit The exterior walls and A liquid capillary support conduit within the outer wall for radially enclosing the liquid capillary inside, A funnel portion for guiding a liquid capillary into the liquid capillary support conduit, wherein the liquid capillary support conduit is joined to the outer wall via the funnel portion, A nebulizer outlet comprising an annular channel between the liquid capillary support conduit and the outer wall, the annular channel extending at least 5 mm upstream from the downstream end of the liquid capillary support conduit.
14. The annular channel extends downstream from the funnel portion to the downstream end of the liquid capillary support conduit, and / or The nebulizer outlet according to claim 13, wherein the liquid capillary support conduit is joined to the outer wall only by the funnel portion.
15. The nebulizer outlet according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the funnel portion comprises one or more gas flow openings through the wall of the funnel portion for supplying gas passing through the funnel portion into the annular channel.
16. The nebulizer outlet according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the inner diameter of the liquid capillary support conduit decreases in the downstream direction.
17. The nebulizer outlet according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the liquid capillary support conduit has a curved channel through which it passes.
18. This is the nebulizer exit. A liquid capillary support conduit comprising a liquid capillary support conduit having a curved central axis and a channel through which it passes, wherein the conduit comprises a liquid capillary support conduit.
19. The nebulizer outlet according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the entire nebulizer outlet is a single, integrated component.
20. This is the nebulizer exit. An outer wall having an entrance opening and an exit opening that are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction, The system comprises a plurality of fins extending radially inward from the outer wall for trapping liquid capillaries, provided through the inlet opening at a position concentric with the outlet opening, The plurality of fins provide gas channel regions that are circumferentially separated around the inside of the outer wall between them, The nebulizer outlet is a single, integrated component.
21. A method for manufacturing a nebulizer outlet, comprising using an additive manufacturing process to provide a nebulizer outlet according to any one of claims 1 to 20.
22. A nebulizer system comprising a nebulizer outlet according to any one of claims 1 to 20, and a liquid capillary tube for providing a liquid to be atomized.
23. An ion source comprising the nebulizer system described in claim 22.
24. A method for atomizing a liquid, To provide the nebulizer system described in claim 22, To provide the liquid capillary tube in the nebulizer outlet, To supply liquid from the downstream end of the liquid capillary tube, A method comprising supplying gas through the nebulizer outlet to atomize the liquid, thereby providing an atomized spray.