Detection system and steam storage module
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2026514300
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-09-05
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-03
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-30
Smart Images
Figure 2026532603000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a detection system and a vapor storage module for the detection system, more specifically to a detection system including a removable vapor storage module, and still more specifically to a vapor storage module including an absorbing material that prevents diffusion of vapor to a detection device, and a method for maintaining a vapor generator of a detection system. These methods and devices may find particular application in spectrometers, for example, ion mobility spectrometers and mass spectrometers.
Background Art
[0002] In ion mobility spectrometers and other detection systems that sample vapors, it may be useful to provide calibrants, dopants, or other vapors to the spectrometer. A calibrant may be manually added to the detection system, for example, using an external source of vaporized calibrant. However, this requires that an external vapor source be transported for calibration purposes, and interferes with automatic calibration cycles initiated by the detection system, which may make the detection system inconvenient when intended for use by users who may not have technical expertise.
[0003] In some cases, a detection system may include an internal source of vapor such as a calibrant and a system for delivering the calibrant to a detector. However, this presents challenges with respect to maintenance because the entire detection system must be taken out of service to maintain the unit, and may need to be provided to a remote location for maintenance by those having relevant technical expertise, for example.
[0004] In some examples, calibrant sample can leak from an internal source of vapor within the detection device and interfere with the operation of the detection device.
Summary of Invention
[0005] Embodiments of this disclosure relate to a detection system, a removable steam storage module and steam generator for the detection system, and, in addition, a method for maintaining the steam generator of the detection system.
[0006] Detectors, such as ion mobility spectrometers or mass spectrometers, may be configured to accept calibrant vapor (or, optionally, a dopant) for calibrating the detector. Such detectors may also include a vapor source, such as a calibrant source, within the detector itself, which may be provided as needed to perform automatic calibration in response to, for example, user prompts, set time intervals, or changing environmental conditions.
[0007] In such a system, it is desirable to prevent leakage of such steam from the steam source within the detector, as such leakage can interfere with the normal operation of the detector. The detector may include an absorbent configured to absorb steam leaking from the steam source in order to prevent unwanted steam from passing from the steam source to the detector.
[0008] The calibrant used in such a system may include volatile calibrant samples with high vapor pressure, such as isoflurane. This presents a problem because including such samples is more difficult, as the high vapor pressure leads to increased diffusion of vapor from the vapor source to the detector. Furthermore, this can present problems with the absorbent in the detector, as increased vapor leakage may necessitate maintenance of the detector to replace the absorbent, and increased evaporation of the calibrant from the vapor / calibrant source may lead to the vapor source becoming depleted more rapidly.
[0009] Embodiments of the present disclosure aim to address such problems by providing a removable steam storage module that allows maintenance of the module to be performed while the detection system may be used continuously, by replacing the removed steam storage module with a new module or a previously maintained module. In addition, the present disclosure aims to address problems related to the leakage of high-vapor-pressure calibrant from the steam storage unit to the connected detection device.
[0010] The aspects of this disclosure are described in the independent claims, and optional features are described in the dependent claims. The aspects of this disclosure may be provided in relation to one another, and features of one aspect may be applicable to other aspects.
[0011] In one embodiment, a detection system is provided, the detection system comprising a detection device and a steam storage module configured to store steam for delivery to the detection device, wherein the steam storage module comprises a steam chamber configured to store a steam source for delivery to the detection device, a flow path comprising an inlet configured to receive a carrier gas flow from the detection device and an outlet configured to provide an outlet flow to the detection device, the flow path being separated from the steam chamber by a valve configured to control the passage of steam from the steam source to the flow path, and an absorbent fluidly connected to the flow path configured to prevent the diffusion of steam in the flow path to the detection device, and the steam chamber A steam storage module comprises a housing including a steamer, a flow path, and an absorbent, the housing having a first interface section having a first connector at the inlet of the flow path and a second connector at the outlet of the flow path, the housing being detachably connected to a detection device, the detection device having a second interface section configured to connect to the first interface section of the steam storage module, the first interface section and the second interface section being configured such that the first connector is aligned with the flow outlet of the detection device to provide a sealed connection, and the second connector is aligned with the steam inlet of the detection device to provide a sealed connection.
[0012] A detection system comprising a removable steam storage module according to this disclosure may have the advantage that the module may be removed for maintenance and replaced with a new module or a previously maintained module. The steam storage module includes not only a steam storage section that can be refilled during maintenance, but also an absorbent material to prevent steam leakage from the steam storage module, and advantageously, the absorbent material may be renewed or replaced (for example, by treating the absorbent material to remove previously absorbed material). In this way, the steam storage module may be replaced only for a short period when the detection system is unavailable. In contrast, without a removable steam storage module as described herein, the entire detection system may need to be sent for maintenance and may be unavailable for the entire period. This may be particularly advantageous when the detection system is used in a remote location, for example, when the detection system comprises a portable or handheld detection system and on-site maintenance at the location of use of the detection system is difficult.
[0013] As described, the steam storage module is detachably connected to the detection device. The connection between the steam storage module and the detection device may be provided in any suitable manner so as to allow the steam storage module to provide steam from the steam chamber to the steam inlet of the detection device via an outlet along the flow path when connected. The system is also configured so that the entire steam storage module can be separated from the detection device, for example, so that the steam storage module can be replaced with a different steam storage module, so that the steam storage module can be sent separately from the detection device for maintenance.
[0014] The detection device includes a second interface portion configured to connect to a first interface portion of the steam storage module in order to align the steam storage module with the detection device. The configurations of the first and second interface portions may correspond to guide and hold the first and second interface portions in the correct position (for example, to provide a morph-fit connection between the steam storage module and the detection device).
[0015] The first interface and the second interface may each include one or more locking elements configured to hold a steam storage module connected to a detection device, wherein the locking elements are releaseable to remove the steam storage module. The locking elements may include, for example, one or more clips or screws configured to hold the steam storage module in a connection position with the detection device. In some embodiments, the steam storage module is configured to remain attached to the detection device by friction, for example, interference fit.
[0016] The first and second interface sections may be configured such that the steam storage module and the detection device can be connected in only one direction. In this way, incorrect connection between the steam storage module and the detection device can be avoided. Alternatively, the first and second interface sections may be configured to connect the steam storage module to the detection device in two different directions. For example, the steam storage module may be symmetrical with respect to the flow path from inlet to outlet, for example, the inlet and outlet are equivalent when the steam storage module is not connected to the detection device, and the first and second interface sections are configured to allow the steam storage module to be connected to the detection device in either of the two equivalent directions.
[0017] The second interface of the detection device may include a recess in the outer wall of the detection device, where the recess is configured to receive a steam storage module. The second interface may include one or more guide elements, such as a raised portion or groove, configured to guide the steam storage module to a connection position, and one or more such guide elements may cooperate with one or more corresponding guide elements of the first interface. Similarly, the first interface of the steam storage module may include one or more guide elements configured to align the steam storage module to connect to the detection device, for example, by cooperating with one or more corresponding guide elements of the detection device.
[0018] The steam storage module comprises a housing that includes a steam chamber, a flow path, and an absorbent. As understood, the steam chamber, the flow path, and the absorbent are contained within the housing in the sense that they are held in place relative to each other by the housing (but nevertheless partially extending outside the housing). In embodiments, the housing may completely enclose the steam chamber, the flow path, and the absorbent such that the only inlets to the interior of the housing are provided by the inlets and outlets of the flow path.
[0019] The housing includes a first interface section configured to connect to a second interface section of the detection device. The first interface section includes a first connector at the inlet of the flow path and a second connector at the outlet of the flow path. The first and second connectors may include any connectors suitable for providing sealed connections to the flow outlet and steam inlet of the detection device. For example, the first and / or second connectors may include a plug portion of a plug-and-socket connection, for example, a tubular projection extending from the housing of the steam storage module for connection to the detection device. In this case, the detection device at the flow outlet or steam inlet may include a corresponding socket portion of the plug-and-socket connection, configured to receive the plug portion from the steam storage module. Both the first and second connectors may include a plug portion, or both may include a socket portion, and the plug portion and the socket portion are configured to connect to the corresponding plug portion or socket portion of the detection device. Alternatively, the first and second connectors do not have to be equivalent; for example, the first connector may have a plug connection and the second connector may have a socket connection, or vice versa (thereby appropriately restricting the orientation in which the steam storage modules may be connected). Similarly, the second interface of the detection device may include a third connector at the flow outlet configured to provide a sealed connection to the first connector of the steam storage module, and a fourth connector at the steam inlet configured to provide a sealed connection to the second connector of the steam storage module.
[0020] The first interface section and the second interface section of the steam storage module may each include a first electrical connection section and a second electrical connection section, respectively, which are configured to couple when the steam storage module is connected to the detection device in order to provide electronic communication between the steam storage module and the detection device. For example, the electrical connection section may facilitate electronic communication between the steam storage module and a controller configured to control the operation of the detection system.
[0021] The detection device may include any suitable analyzer for detecting the substance of interest. The detection device may include at least one of the following: an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS), a differential mobility spectrometer (DMS), a mass spectrometer (MS), a chromatograph (e.g., a gas chromatograph system), and an optical spectrometer (e.g., an infrared spectrometer or a Raman spectrometer). In embodiments, the detection device may include an ion mobility spectrometer, a mass spectrometer, or a combination of IMS-MS. The IMS may include a positive IMS and / or a negative mode IMS. In embodiments, the detection device includes both a positive mode IMS and a negative mode IMS. In some embodiments, a single IMS may be switchable between positive and negative modes and may be configured to switch quickly between positive and negative modes to analyze a single sample in both modes. The detection device preferably includes an ion mobility spectrometer (IMS).
[0022] The detection device may be portable, for example, a handheld detector, and may include a portable power supply that can be held by the detector. The portable power supply may include a battery, fuel cell, capacitor, or any other portable power source suitable for supplying power to the detector. The detection device may be appropriately configured to draw the airflow to be tested into the detection device from the surrounding environment in which the detection device is located. For example, the detection device may be configured to detect a substance of interest in the air of the surrounding environment in which the detector operates (rather than drawing in a flow sampled from another device such as a chromatography device, or a pre-collected sample). For example, the detection device may include a housing configured to include a detection system, and the detection device may be configured to draw in the airflow to be tested from the surrounding environment air outside the housing.
[0023] The vapor inlet of the detector may be configured to supply vapor from the flow path to the detector for calibration. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the vapor supplied to the detector is calibrant. If the detector comprises an ion detector, e.g., an ion mobility spectrometer, a mass spectrometer, or a combination thereof, the vapor inlet of the detector may be appropriately configured to supply vapor received from the flow path to the ionization region of the detector. For example, in an ion mobility spectrometer, the vapor inlet of the detector may be appropriately configured to supply vapor received from the flow path to the reaction region of the ion mobility spectrometer for ionization. As is understood, generally, an ion mobility spectrometer may comprise a reaction region where a sample is ionized, and a drift region separating the reaction region from a detector (e.g., a Faraday plate or, in an IMS-MS system, a mass spectrometer), where the spectrometer is configured to characterize ions based on the time of flight of ions from a gate (or, in some examples, an ion trap) separating the reaction region from the drift region to the detector. The drift gas flow is supplied in the opposite direction to the direction of ion movement in the drift region, and as a result, the ions move against the drift gas flow.
[0024] Steam from the steam inlet of the detector may be supplied directly to the ionization region of the detector, or indirectly to the ionization region, for example, to an inlet where a sample is supplied to the ionization region by the detector, for example, an inlet configured to receive a stream of air to be tested, which is drawn into the ionization region during normal operation. In this way, the calibrant can be ionized and analyzed by the detector for calibration purposes. Preferably, steam from the steam inlet of the detector may be supplied directly to the ionization region of the detector. As understood, the operation of the detector for ionizing and analyzing steam from a steam chamber may be appropriately synchronized with the operation of valves in a steam storage module and one or more flow-supplying units to provide a stream of steam (e.g., calibrant) from the steam chamber through a flow path to the steam inlet and the detector (e.g., the ionization region as described).
[0025] The detection system may appropriately include a flow supply unit configured to provide a carrier gas flow to the inlet of a flow path, passing through a valve and through the outlet of the flow path toward the steam inlet, so that when the valve is opened, steam leaving the steam source is transported by the carrier gas through the steam inlet to the detection device. As understood, the detection system may be controlled to synchronize the operation of the flow supply unit with the opening of the valve in order to provide a steam flow from the steam chamber along the flow path to the outlet and to the steam inlet of the detection device. Alternatively, the operation of the flow supply unit and the opening of the valve may be synchronized with the operation of the detection device, for example, to perform calibration of the detection device using calibrant from the steam chamber. The flow supply unit may be appropriately positioned in the detection device so that the flow through the flow path of the steam storage module is provided by positive pressure at the flow outlet of the detection device and / or negative pressure at the steam inlet of the detection device in order to carry the flow from the inlet to the outlet of the flow path.
[0026] Generally, a flow provider as referred to herein may be provided by any suitable device, such as a pump, a fan, or any other suitable device that provides airflow through the system. The flow provider may comprise a single flow provider device or a combination of multiple flow provider devices; for example, the flow provider may comprise one or more pumps or fans.
[0027] If the detection device provides a carrier gas flow from the flow outlet to carry the flow along the flow path from the inlet to the outlet and to the vapor inlet, the gas source used to provide the carrier gas flow may originate from any suitable source. For example, in some cases, the detection device is configured to provide a carrier gas flow from a gas source within the detection device, for example, the carrier gas may include a portion of the gas that circulates within the detection device during normal operation (for example, in the case of an ion mobility spectrometer, a portion of the drift gas, which circulates through the flow path from the detection device toward the flow outlet to the vapor inlet). If the carrier gas includes a portion of the drift gas, the vapor flow from the vapor inlet is preferably supplied directly to the ionization region. Alternatively or additionally, the carrier gas may be drawn in from the ambient environment in which the detection system operates, in which case the gas is appropriately purified before entering the flow path, for example, through one or more filters, molecular sieves, or similar means, so that a clean gas flow enters the flow path and carries vapor from the vapor chamber to the vapor inlet. If the carrier gas includes air drawn in from outside the detection device, the vapor flow from the vapor inlet is preferably passed to an inlet of the detection device configured to receive the airflow sampled during normal operation, and then sampled by the detection device toward the ionization region.
[0028] The valve of the steam chamber may comprise any suitable valve. In an embodiment, the valve is a solenoid valve. For example, suitably the valve may be a solenoid valve comprising a biasing seal configured to maintain the valve in a closed configuration when the solenoid valve is not powered. In this way, leakage of steam from the steam chamber may be prevented without requiring the valve to be powered. This can be particularly advantageous in the case of a portable detection device having a portable power supply such as a battery, since the power consumed by the valve can be limited to the short period when the valve is opened. The biasing seal may comprise any suitable biasing seal arrangement, for example the valve may comprise a spring or other biasing member configured to hold the valve in a closed position, and the solenoid is operable to act against the biasing member to open the valve.
[0029] The valve may comprise a shaft and one or more radial seals and / or face seals configured to prevent steam from exiting the steam chamber when the valve is closed. The shaft suitably comprises an elongate element and may have any suitable cross-section, for example the shaft may comprise a substantially cylindrical shaft. The shaft may extend through the flow channel to seal an inlet opening of the steam chamber that separates the steam chamber from the flow channel. Accordingly, the valve may be provided with one or more radial seals and / or face seals as an environmental seal to prevent gas and steam inside the flow channel from leaking to the environment (or the detection device) and to prevent external gas or steam from leaking into the flow channel through the shaft. The one or more radial seals and / or face seals may comprise any suitable material, for example the one or more radial seals and / or face seals may comprise a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) seal.
[0030] In an embodiment, the valve comprises one or more radial seals surrounding a shaft, the shaft comprises a neck portion, in which neck portion the cross-section (e.g., diameter) of the shaft is reduced relative to the portion of the shaft that contacts the radial seal when the valve is closed, such that when the valve is opened, the neck portion is aligned with the one or more radial seals so as to allow steam to pass through the valve towards the flow path.
[0031] The valve suitably comprises an enclosure having a passage or bore through which the shaft can move axially to open and close the valve. As will be appreciated, the enclosure may be formed by the material providing the structure of the steam storage module, for example, a housing. Accordingly, the shaft may move axially within a passage or bore through the housing, and the shaft may pass through the flow path towards a steam storage chamber (e.g., an opening connecting the flow path to the steam chamber). The shaft is preferably formed from a material harder than the material from which the enclosure or housing is formed, for example, the shaft is made of steel, for example stainless steel, and the enclosure is made of plastic, for example PEEK. In this way, scratches on the shaft that could cause seal defects may be avoided. Particularly in the context of high-sensitivity trace detection systems, when using highly volatile calibrants, avoiding leakage of steam from the steam chamber in this manner is important.
[0032] The valve shaft may have a first end at which a solenoid functions to move the shaft axially (i.e., along an axis parallel to the length of the shaft), and a second end that enters the inlet or opening of the steam chamber to seal the steam chamber (separate the steam chamber from the flow path).
[0033] The second end may be provided with a flange, which extends radially from around the second end of the shaft within the steam chamber to provide, for example, an upper surface of the flange facing the upper inner wall of the steam chamber. The valve may be configured such that when the valve is closed (for example, by the operation of a biasing seal, which is configured such that a biasing member pulls the flange toward the upper inner wall of the steam chamber), the flange forms a face seal against the upper inner wall of the steam chamber. The face seal may be positioned between the flange and the upper wall of the steam chamber to provide a seal to prevent steam from leaving the steam chamber. Also, if the flange is provided at the second end of the shaft within the steam chamber, the flange may function to facilitate the addition of steam to the flow path in the headspace of the steam chamber. For example, when the valve is opened, the flange of the shaft is pushed toward the steam chamber to provide a gap between the upper surface of the flange and the face seal / upper wall of the steam chamber. Next, the gap between the upper surface of the flange and the face seal / upper wall may be filled with steam from the headspace of the steam chamber so that when the valve is closed (i.e., when the flange is moved toward the face seal / upper wall of the steam chamber), the flange draws the steam in the gap toward the outlet and flow path of the steam chamber. Thus, in addition to providing a face seal to prevent leakage from the steam chamber, the flange of the shaft may also facilitate the more reliable addition of steam from the steam chamber to the flow path.
[0034] The steam from the steam chamber may have sufficient vapor pressure to diffuse from the steam chamber into the flow path through the valve simply by opening the valve. Nevertheless, it will be understood that in some embodiments the steam chamber may be provided with means for increasing the pressure of the steam within the steam chamber to encourage the steam to flow from the steam chamber into the flow path when the valve is opened. For example, the steam chamber may be provided with a heater. Preferably, the steam storage module is configured such that the steam from the steam chamber passes from the steam chamber into the flow path by diffusion at ambient temperature, solely by the vapor pressure of the steam in the steam chamber, without, for example, active heating of the steam chamber. As previously stated, in some embodiments the valve structure may facilitate the addition of steam in the headspace of the steam chamber to the flow path.
[0035] In a preferred embodiment, the valve consists of a single valve configured, when closed, to prevent steam from passing from the steam chamber into the flow path to both the inlet and outlet, and when opened, to allow steam from the steam chamber to be transported to the outlet by a carrier gas flow. Thus, the single valve may be configured to close only one opening between the steam chamber and the flow path.
[0036] As can be understood, the steam chamber of the steam storage module may be provided with any suitable container that is impermeable to the steam contained within the steam chamber. Preferably, valves may provide the sole inlet and outlet for steam to and from the steam chamber, for example, the valves may appropriately provide the sole path for fluid flow between the steam chamber and the flow path. In some embodiments, the steam chamber may be provided with a sealable port separate from the valve, which may be used to provide a steam source, such as calibrant material, to enter or exit the steam chamber, for example, during maintenance, rather than being configured to fluidly communicate with the flow path and detection device.
[0037] The steam source within the steam chamber may be provided in any suitable manner. For example, the steam source may include a liquid that provides vapor pressure in the headspace of the steam chamber so that steam is supplied to the flow path when the valve is opened. The steam chamber may appropriately include an absorbent containing a liquid that is supplied to the detection device in the form of steam, for example, an absorbent immersed in the liquid, for example, the liquid containing a calibrant or dopant, preferably a calibrant. Thus, the steam chamber may contain a calibrant or dopant in the liquid phase, the liquid being fixed by absorption, but the steam evaporating from the liquid may fill the headspace of the steam chamber as a result of the liquid's inherent vapor pressure. It will be understood that the headspace is appropriately positioned adjacent to the valve so as to allow steam in the headspace to pass through the valve when the valve is opened.
[0038] Therefore, the steam storage module may include a calibrant sample stored in the steam chamber. The calibrant sample, having a vapor pressure of at least 35 kPa at 25°C, may be liquid at ambient temperature and pressure. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the calibrant sample contains or is substantially composed of isoflurane. As described herein, the detection system and the steam storage module are particularly advantageous when highly volatile materials such as isoflurane are used in the steam chamber.
[0039] The flow path may extend within the housing, adjacent to the outer wall of the steam chamber, from the inlet to the outlet. The flow path may extend substantially parallel to one or more walls of the steam chamber, e.g., the outer wall (e.g., parallel to at least two or at least three walls of the steam chamber). With respect to the maximum internal dimension D of the steam chamber (e.g., the length from a valve to the end of the chamber opposite the valve), the flow path between the inlet and outlet may remain within a distance D from the steam chamber, e.g., 1 / 2D (i.e., half of the maximum internal dimension D of the steam chamber). For example, the flow path may at least partially surround the steam chamber. Such an arrangement allows for a compact steam storage module that includes both the steam chamber and an absorbent material arranged to absorb steam present in the flow path. A more compact steam absorption module can have the advantage of saving space in the detection system, which may be important for portable or handheld detectors, and also provides a smaller, removable module, increasing storage efficiency for removable steam storage modules awaiting maintenance, or for serviced modules stored for use when steam storage modules are replaced in an active detection system. Therefore, the steam chamber may occupy at least 10% of the internal volume of the steam storage module housing, which may be made possible by a favorable arrangement of the flow paths around the steam chamber. For example, the steam chamber may occupy at least 20%, e.g., at least 30%, e.g., at least 35% of the internal volume of the steam storage module housing. The steam chamber may occupy from 10% to 60%, e.g., from 20% to 40% of the internal volume of the steam storage module housing.
[0040] The steam chamber may have a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. A valve may be located at the first end of the steam chamber. The inlet of the flow path may extend from the inlet toward the valve, and the outlet of the flow path may extend from the valve toward the outlet, where the inlet and outlet are located at the second end of the steam chamber. The inlet and / or outlet of the flow path may extend adjacent to and / or parallel to the side wall of the steam chamber that extends between the first and second ends of the steam chamber.
[0041] The absorbent material may be positioned in any suitable manner to absorb the vapor present in the flow path in order to prevent the diffusion of vapor into the flow path to the detection device. When a valve is closed and flow through the flow path is stopped (for example, when stored vapor, e.g., calibrant, is no longer needed), it is desirable to avoid leakage of vapor from the vapor storage module to the detection device by diffusion, which could interfere with the operation of the detection device. As understood, the flow path and the vapor absorbent material are configured such that, when a carrier gas flow is present to transport vapor through the flow path, the vapor can pass through the absorbent material and through the flow path without significant absorption of vapor; that is, the vapor can be delivered from the vapor chamber through the flow path to the detection device via the vapor inlet of the detection device. However, when no carrier gas flow is provided through the flow path, the absorbent material is configured to absorb the vapor present in the flow path in order to prevent the diffusion of vapor into the detection device through the vapor inlet or flow outlet. In this way, the absorbent material can prevent unnecessary leakage of vapor from the vapor chamber to the detection device.
[0042] The flow path may appropriately include conduits having one or more walls configured to contain gas and vapor flows within the conduits in order to guide the flow along the flow path. Thus, the conduit may include enclosed passages for guiding and containing, for example, flow moving along the flow path along a predetermined flow route.
[0043] The flow path may include a conduit having a vapor permeable wall, and the vapor absorber is configured to absorb vapor from the flow path through the vapor permeable wall. The absorber may be configured to absorb vapor in the flow path downstream of the valve, and optionally upstream of the valve. For example, the inlet of the flow path may include a first absorber configured to absorb vapor present in the inlet to prevent diffusion of vapor in the inlet to the inlet of the flow path, and the outlet of the flow path may include a second absorber configured to absorb vapor present in the outlet to prevent diffusion of vapor in the outlet to the outlet of the flow path. Preferably, the inlet and outlet may each include a conduit having a vapor permeable wall to allow the first and second absorbers to absorb vapor from the flow path through the vapor permeable wall. The first and second absorbers may be the same or different, but preferably they may contain the same material.
[0044] The absorbent material may contain any suitable material to absorb vapor and prevent its release into the flow path. The absorbent material may include, for example, a porous absorbent material. In the embodiment, the absorbent material (e.g., a first vapor absorbent and / or a second vapor absorbent) may contain carbon, for example activated carbon (e.g., charcoal / activated charcoal), or a molecular sieve material, for example zeolite.
[0045] The absorbent material may be arranged with the flow path in any way that allows vapor to pass from the flow path to the absorbent material when there is no carrier gas flow through the flow path. The flow path may extend through the vapor absorbent material, and as a result, the vapor absorbent material surrounds the flow path. For example, the flow path may comprise a bore formed through a block of vapor absorbent material, and as a result, the vapor permeable wall of the flow path allows the absorbent material to absorb vapor present in the flow path. Alternatively, the flow path may comprise a channel formed on the surface of a vapor impermeable material, and the open side of the channel comprises a vapor permeable wall, such as a vapor permeable film, separating the channel from the vapor absorbent material.
[0046] The detection system may include a controller configured to control the operation of a detection device and a steam storage module. For example, the controller may be configured to control the operation of the detection device for ionizing and analyzing steam from a steam chamber, which may be synchronized with the control of the operation of a valve and one or more flow dispensers of the steam storage module to provide a flow of steam (e.g., calibrant) from the steam chamber through a flow path to the steam inlet and the detection device (e.g., an ionization region as described). In this way, the controller may be configured to control the operation of the valve, one or more flow dispensers and the detection device (e.g., the operation of the detection device for ionizing and analyzing steam) for analyzing the steam provided from the steam chamber. Preferably, the steam from the steam chamber is calibrant, and the controller is configured to calibrate the detection device in response to performing an analysis of the calibrant provided from the steam chamber to the detection device. Accordingly, the controller may be configured to operate the detection system in calibration mode, in which the controller is configured to (i) open a valve to release the calibrant vapor into the flow path while operating one or more flow supply units to provide a carrier gas flow through the flow path to deliver the calibrant vapor to the vapor inlet of the detection device, (ii) operate the detection device to analyze the calibrant vapor, and (iii) calibrate the detection device based on the analysis of the calibrant vapor. Preferably, the detection device may include an IMS, in which step (ii) may include operating an ionizer to ionize the calibrant vapor and acquiring ion mobility spectrometer data based on the ionized calibrant. Step (iii) may include adjusting one or more detection parameters of the detection device, for example, in an IMS, this may include adjusting the detection window (a range of drift time considered to represent the material under consideration) to shift or adjust the width of the detection window.
[0047] The calibration mode may be activated, for example, in response to user input, the expiration of a set period, detection of changes in environmental conditions such as temperature, pressure, or humidity, or changes in the operating parameters of the detection device. The controller may be configured to monitor the analysis of the calibrant or the normal operation of the detection device in order to evaluate the status of the steam storage module, for example, to determine whether there is a small amount of calibrant remaining, or to determine if the absorbent is saturated and the detection device may need to be replaced or maintained if the calibrant is detected outside of calibration mode. The controller may be configured to provide a notification to the user when the steam storage module needs to be replaced or maintained, and this notification may be given in response to the evaluation of the status of the steam storage module determined by the detection device, or after a set period has passed since the steam storage module was connected to the detection device.
[0048] The controllers described herein may be adequately provided by any suitable control logic, such as analog control circuits and / or digital processors, examples of which include field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), or software loaded onto a programmable processor. Aspects of the disclosure may be recorded on a non-temporary computer-readable medium, comprising a computer program product, which may be operable to program a processor to perform one or more of the methods described herein.
[0049] A further embodiment provides a steam storage module, as defined herein, configured to store steam for delivery to a detection device. The steam storage module may also comprise a flow path separated from the steam chamber by a valve configured to control the passage of steam from the steam source to the flow path, having a flow path having an inlet configured to receive a carrier gas flow from the detection device and an outlet configured to provide an outlet flow to the detection device, and an absorbent fluidly connected to the flow path configured to prevent diffusion of steam in the flow path to the detection device, and a housing comprising the steam chamber, the flow path and the absorbent, having a first interface section having a first connector at the inlet of the flow path and a second connector at the outlet of the flow path, wherein the steam storage module is detachably connectable to the detection device by the first interface section, and the first interface section is configured to connect to a second interface section of the detection device to align the first connector with the flow outlet of the detection device to provide a sealed connection, and align the second connector with the steam inlet of the detection device to provide a sealed connection.
[0050] As described, when a vapor source such as a calibrant with high vapor pressure is used, this can lead to problems with vapor leakage from the vapor storage to the detection device. Leakage can be minimized by the arrangements described herein, in particular by limiting the system to one with a single fluid transfer point between the vapor chamber and the detection device, controlled by a valve. Such arrangements are particularly advantageous in the context of using a highly volatile vapor source (e.g., a calibrant such as isoflurane) because the points where leakage from the vapor chamber may occur are minimized, and the high vapor pressure of the vapor source allows for effective diffusion of vapor from the vapor chamber, so that flow through the vapor chamber (as may occur if multiple inlets / openings are present in the vapor chamber) is not necessary to obtain sufficient vapor release from the vapor chamber.
[0051] Accordingly, a further embodiment provides a steam generator for delivering steam to a detection device, the steam generator comprising: a steam chamber configured to store a steam source for delivery to a detection device; a flow path comprising an inlet configured to receive a carrier gas flow and an outlet configured to provide an outlet flow to a detection device, the flow path connected to the steam chamber by a single valve positioned between the inlet and the outlet, configured to prevent the passage of steam from the steam chamber to both the inlet and the outlet when the valve is closed, and to allow steam from the steam chamber to be transported to the outlet by the carrier gas flow when the valve is opened; and an absorbent fluidly communicating with the flow path, configured to prevent the diffusion of steam in the flow path to the inlet or outlet and the detection device.
[0052] The steam generator may include a flow supply unit configured to provide a carrier gas flow to the inlet of a flow path, passing through a valve and toward the steam inlet through the outlet of the flow path. When the valve is open, steam leaving the steam source is transported by the carrier gas through the outlet of the flow path to a detection device, and when the valve is closed, the flow supply unit can provide a carrier gas flow from the inlet of the flow path toward the outlet of the flow path, passing through the closed valve.
[0053] The steam chamber, the flow path, and the absorbent may be substantially as defined previously herein. The steam generator may also include a steam storage module as defined previously herein, for example, a removable steam storage module. The steam generator may also form part of a detection system as defined previously herein, for example, configured to deliver steam from the steam chamber to a detection device as defined previously, for example, an ion mobility spectrometer.
[0054] A further embodiment provides a method for maintaining a steam generator of a detection system configured to supply a calibrant or dopant to a detection device, the method comprising: removing a steam storage module connected to the detection device; and connecting a replacement steam storage module to the detection device, the steam storage module comprising: a steam chamber configured to store a calibrant source or dopant source; and a steam absorbent configured to absorb steam released from the steam chamber in order to prevent the diffusion of steam from the steam storage module to the detection device, the replacement steam storage module containing an increased amount of calibrant or dopant and / or a steam absorbent with an increased capacity to absorb steam compared to the steam storage module removed from the detection device.
[0055] The method may further include maintaining the steam storage module removed from the detection device by refilling the steam chamber with a calibrant or dopant, and / or treating or replacing the steam absorbent to improve the steam absorbent's ability to absorb steam.
[0056] As should be understood, the detection system, detection device, and / or steam storage module may be as previously defined herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0057] Herein, examples of the present disclosure are described for illustrative purposes only with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a detection system comprising a steam storage module and a detection device. [Figure 2] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of the detection system shown in Figure 1, where the steam storage module is connected to the detection device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a valve that separates the steam chamber from the flow path, and the valve is in a closed configuration. [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the valve shown in Figure 3 when the valve is in the open position. [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the valve shown in Figure 4, illustrating the steam flow. [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of an alternative valve for separating the steam chamber from the flow path, and the valve is in a closed configuration. [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the valve shown in Figure 6, illustrating the steam flow.
[0058] In drawings, similar reference numbers are used to indicate similar elements. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0059] This disclosure relates to a detection system, a removable steam storage module, and further to a steam generator for the detection system.
[0060] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a detection system 100 comprising a steam storage module 102 and a detection device 202. The steam storage module 102 comprises a steam chamber 104 containing a steam source 105 which may contain an absorbent material immersed in a liquid such as a calibrant liquid. The steam source 105 in the steam chamber 104 is configured to provide steam in the headspace between the steam source 105 and a valve 110 configured to seal the steam chamber 104 to prevent steam from leaving the steam chamber 104. The valve 110 is configured to control the passage of steam from the steam source 105 out of the steam chamber 104 toward the flow path 106.
[0061] The flow path 106 extends from the inlet 107, through the valve 110, toward the outlet 108. The steam chamber 104 has a first end with the valve 110 and a second end opposite to the first end. The flow path 106 extends from the inlet 107 toward the valve 110, adjacent to the side wall of the steam chamber 104, and from the valve 110, adjacent to the side wall of the steam chamber toward the outlet 108. Thus, the flow path 106 forms a U shape, where the inlet 107 and outlet 108 are located on a common surface of the housing of the steam storage module 102, which has a first interface section (e.g., connectors 122, 124) that connects to a detection device, and the flow path 106 extends around the steam chamber 104, passing through the valve 110 at the first end of the steam chamber away from the common surface. For example, the flow path 106 forms three sides of a rectangle, where the steam chamber 104 is surrounded by the flow path 106 on three sides.
[0062] The flow path comprises an inlet section 112 extending from an inlet 107 toward a valve 110, and an outlet section 116 extending from the valve 110 toward an outlet 108. The inlet section 112 of the flow path 106 includes a first absorbent 114 (which may contain carbon, such as activated carbon / charcoal). The first absorbent 114 is fluidically connected to the inlet section 112 so as to allow vapor present in the flow path 106 to pass through the vapor permeable wall of the inlet section 112 toward the first absorbent 114. Similarly, the outlet section 116 of the flow path 106 includes a second absorbent 118 (which may also contain carbon, such as activated carbon / charcoal). The second absorbent 116 is fluidly connected to the outlet section 116 so as to allow vapor present in the flow path 106 to pass through the vapor permeable wall of the outlet section 116 toward the second absorbent 118. The first absorbent 114 / second absorbent 118 is configured to prevent leakage of steam present in the flow path 104 to the inlet 107 or outlet 108 when flow is not provided through the flow path 106 (for example, when delivery of steam from the steam source 105 to the detection device 202 is not required). The flow direction is shown in Figure 1, but this is for illustrative purposes only, and it will be understood that flow from the inlet 107 to the outlet 108 is provided only when the steam storage module 102 is connected to the detection device 202, for example, as shown in Figure 2.
[0063] The first interface of the steam storage module 102 includes a first connector 124 at the inlet 107 of the flow path 106 and a second connector 122 at the outlet 108. The first connector 124 / second connector 122 may have plug portions protruding from the housing of the steam storage module 102. Thus, the first connector 124 and the second connector 122 may have plug portions protruding from the housing of the steam storage module 102 that connect to corresponding socket portions in the third connector 224 and fourth connector 222 of the detection device. Figure 1 shows the plug portions in the interface of the steam storage module 102, but it will be understood that the plug portions may be provided in the detection device 202, and the first connector and the second connector may have corresponding socket portions.
[0064] As shown in Figure 1, the steam storage module 102 is removed from the detection device 202. As shown in Figure 2, the steam storage module 102 may be connected to the detection device 202 via a first connector 124, a second connector 122, a third connector 224, and a fourth connector 224, such that the inlet 107 of the flow path 106 is connected to the flow outlet 207 of the detection device 202, and the outlet 108 of the flow path 106 is connected to the steam inlet 208 of the detection device 202. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the steam storage module 102 is fitted into the recess of the interface section of the detection device 202 in order to align the flow outlet 207 with respect to the inlet 107 and the steam inlet 208 with respect to the outlet 108 (in order to align the corresponding plug-socket connectors).
[0065] In Figures 1 and 2, only the interface portion of the detection device 202 is shown. However, it will be understood that the steam inlet 208 of the detection device may be configured to provide steam from the steam storage module 102 to the detection device, as described elsewhere in this specification.
[0066] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment of the valve 110. Figure 3 shows a flow path 106 through which the valve separates the flow path 106 from the internal volume of the steam chamber 104. The valve includes a shaft 300 (not shown) actuated by a solenoid to move the valve downward toward the steam chamber 104. The steam chamber 104 includes a steam source 315 and a headspace 314 between the steam source 315 and the valve.
[0067] The valve includes an environmental seal 304 which may have one or more radial seals surrounding the shaft 300 to prevent leakage of steam or gas through the shaft into or out of the flow path 106. Additionally, one or more radial seals 306 are provided around the shaft 300 to prevent the passage of steam from the steam chamber 104 through the shaft 300 towards the flow path 106. The shaft 300 includes a neck portion 302 having a region where the diameter of the shaft 300 is smaller than the diameter of the rest of the shaft 300.
[0068] Furthermore, the shaft 300 in Figure 3 includes a flange portion 316 extending radially outward from the lower end of the shaft 300 within the steam chamber 104. The face seal 308 provides a seal between the upper surface 318 of the flange portion 316 and the upper inner wall 310 of the steam chamber 104 to prevent steam from passing through the shaft 300 from the headspace 314 of the steam chamber 104 toward the flow path 106. The valve is equipped with a biasing seal, where a biasing member such as a spring is configured to pull the shaft 300 outward from the steam chamber 104, thereby maintaining the seal between the upper surface 318 of the flange portion 316 and the face seal 308.
[0069] As shown in Figure 3, the shaft 300 may move along its longitudinal axis through a passage or bore in the material of the housing 330. The material from which the housing surrounding the shaft is formed should not be harder than the material from which the shaft 300 is made. For example, the shaft may be made of steel (e.g., stainless steel), and the housing 330 surrounding the shaft 300 may be made of a plastic such as PEEK. This combination has been found to avoid defects that form on the shaft, which would cause leaks from the steam chamber 104 through the shaft 300 into the flow path.
[0070] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the valve shown in Figure 3 when the valve is open. The solenoid functions on the shaft 300 to move the shaft 300 downward toward the headspace 314 of the steam chamber 104. This aligns the neck portion 302 with the radial seal 306, allowing steam to pass from the headspace 314 to the flow path 106. In addition, the flange portion 316 at the end of the shaft 300 moves into the steam chamber 104 to separate the seal between the upper surface 318 of the flange portion 316 and the face seal 308. When the solenoid is not powered, it will be understood that the biasing member of the biasing seal pulls the shaft 300 to the closed position shown in Figure 3, maintaining the seal in the steam chamber 104 in the absence of power supplied to the valve.
[0071] The flange portion 316 may also function to facilitate the addition of steam in the headspace 314 of the steam chamber 104 to the flow path 106. For example, when the valve is opened, the flange portion 316 of the shaft 300 is pushed toward the steam chamber 104 to provide a gap in the headspace 314 between the upper surface 318 of the flange portion and the face seal 308 / upper wall 310 of the steam chamber. The headspace 314 between the upper surface 318 of the flange portion and the face seal 308 / upper wall 310 may then be filled with steam from the headspace 314 and the steam source 315 so that when the valve is closed (i.e., when the flange portion 316 is moved toward the face seal 308 / upper wall 310 of the steam chamber), the flange portion 316 draws the steam in the gap toward the outlet of the steam chamber 104 and the flow path 106 (for example, by moving from the configuration shown in Figure 4 to the configuration shown in Figure 3). Therefore, the flange portion of the shaft may also facilitate the more reliable addition of steam from the steam chamber 104 to the flow path 106.
[0072] Figure 5 shows the open valve shown in Figure 4, and further illustrates the steam flow 342 toward the flow path 106 in the headspace 314 of the steam chamber 104 when the valve is opened. The carrier gas flow 340 then passes through the flow path 106, and in the steam / carrier gas flow 344, the steam is transported from the steam chamber 104 along the flow path 106 toward the outlet 108.
[0073] Figure 6 shows an alternative valve configuration corresponding to the configurations shown in Figures 3 to 5, except that the valve comprises a shaft 400 without a flange portion as shown in Figures 3 to 5. The shaft 400 comprises a straight shaft that engages with an environmental radial seal 304 to prevent leaks from passing through the shaft 400 and out of or into the flow path 106. In the closed configuration shown in Figure 6, the shaft 400 also engages with the radial seal 306 to prevent steam from passing from the steam chamber 104 through the shaft 400 and into the flow path 106.
[0074] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the valve shown in Figure 6 when the valve is opened. The shaft 400 moves away from the steam chamber 104 so as to separate from the radial seal 306. This allows the steam flow 342 from the headspace 314 of the steam chamber to flow into the flow path 106. As described in relation to Figure 5, the carrier gas flow 340 then passes through the flow path 106, and in the steam / carrier gas flow 344, the steam is transported from the steam chamber 104 along the flow path 106 towards the outlet 108.
[0075] Both the radial seal 306 and the face seal 308 are shown in Figures 3 to 5, but it will be understood that in some examples, only the radial seal 306 or only the face seal 308 may be used. Although a single seal is referred to, it will also be understood that each seal may comprise one or more sealing members. Each seal may comprise a PTFE seal.
[0076] Although embodiments of this disclosure are described as having a specific application in an ion mobility spectrometer, the apparatus and methods described may also be applied in other analytical systems where it is necessary to provide a vapor, such as a calibrant, to a detection device. As understood, the vapor may contain a substance in its gas phase at a temperature below the vapor's critical point.
[0077] Generally, the features of the apparatus described herein may also be provided as features of the method, and vice versa.
[0078] Furthermore, it should be understood that certain combinations of the various features described and defined in any aspect of the present invention may be independently implemented and / or supplied and / or used. Other examples and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the context of this disclosure.
Claims
1. A detection system, Detection device and A steam storage module configured to store steam for delivery to the detection device, It has, The steam storage module is A steam chamber configured to store a steam source for delivery to the detection device, A flow path comprising an inlet configured to receive a carrier gas flow from the detection device and an outlet configured to provide an outlet flow to the detection device, wherein the flow path is separated from the steam chamber by a valve configured to control the passage of steam from the steam source to the flow path, An absorbent material fluidly connected to the flow path is configured to prevent the diffusion of vapor in the flow path to the detection device, A housing comprising the steam chamber, the flow path, and the absorbent material, the housing further comprising a first interface section having a first connector at the inlet of the flow path and a second connector at the outlet of the flow path, Equipped with, The steam storage module is detachably connected to the detection device, The detection device is A second interface unit configured to connect to the first interface unit of the steam storage module, Equipped with, The first interface unit and the second interface unit are, The first connector is aligned with the flow outlet of the detection device to provide a sealed connection, and the second connector is aligned with the steam inlet of the detection device to provide a sealed connection. A detection system characterized by the following:
2. The flow path extends from the inlet to the outlet within the housing, adjacent to the outer wall of the steam chamber. The detection system according to claim 1.
3. The steam inlet of the detection device is configured to supply steam from the flow path to the detection device in order to calibrate the detection device. The detection system according to claim 1 or 2.
4. The detection device is Ion detection devices, such as ion mobility spectrometers, mass spectrometers, or combinations thereof, Equipped with, The steam inlet of the detection device is configured to supply the steam received from the flow path to the ionization region of the detection device. The detection system according to claim 3.
5. A flow supply unit configured to provide a carrier gas flow to the inlet of the flow path, passing through the valve and through the outlet of the flow path toward the steam inlet, It has, When the valve is opened, the steam leaving the steam source is transported by the carrier gas through the steam inlet to the detection device. The detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
6. The detection device is configured to provide the carrier gas flow from a gas source within the detection device or from the surrounding environment in which the detection system operates. The detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
7. The valve is a solenoid valve, For example, a solenoid valve is A biasing seal configured to maintain the solenoid valve in a closed configuration when the solenoid valve is not supplied with power, Equipped with, The detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
8. The aforementioned valve is The shaft and One or more radial seals and / or face seals configured to prevent steam from leaving the steam chamber when the valve is closed, Equipped with, The detection system according to claim 7.
9. The aforementioned valve is One or more radial seals surrounding the shaft, Equipped with, The aforementioned shaft is Neck area, Equipped with, The diameter of the shaft is reduced such that the valve opens when the neck portion is aligned with one or more radial seals. The detection system according to claim 8.
10. The one or more radial seals and / or face seals are PTFE seals. The detection system according to claim 8 or 9.
11. The aforementioned valve is An enclosure having a passage through which the shaft can move in the axial direction so as to open and close, Equipped with, The shaft is formed from a material harder than the material on which the enclosure is formed. For example, the shaft is made of steel, such as stainless steel. The enclosure is made from plastic, for example, PEEK. The detection system according to any one of claims 8 to 10.
12. The aforementioned shaft is The solenoid has a first end that functions to move the shaft in the axial direction, A second end that enters the inlet to the steam chamber to seal the steam chamber, Equipped with, The second end is, A flange portion extending radially from the periphery of the second end, Equipped with, Optionally, the flange portion forms a face seal against the inner wall of the steam chamber when the valve is closed. The detection system according to any one of claims 8 to 11.
13. The aforementioned flow path is Conduit having a vapor permeable wall, Equipped with, The vapor absorbent is configured to absorb vapor through the vapor permeable wall. The detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 12.
14. The flow path extends through the vapor absorbent so that the vapor absorbent surrounds the flow path. or The aforementioned flow path is Channels formed on the surface of a vapor-impermeable material, Equipped with, The open side of the channel has a vapor permeable wall, for example, a vapor permeable film, that separates the channel from the vapor absorbent. Equipped with, The detection system according to claim 13.
15. Calibrant samples stored in the aforementioned steam chamber, It has, The aforementioned calibrant sample has a vapor pressure of at least 35 kPa at 25°C, For example, the calibrant sample contains isoflurane or is substantially composed of isoflurane. The detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 14.
16. The first vapor absorber and / or the second vapor absorber are Carbon, for example, activated carbon, including, The detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 15.
17. The valve consists of a single valve, The valve is configured to prevent steam from passing from the steam chamber into the flow path to both the inlet and the outlet when closed, The valve is configured such that, when opened, it allows steam from the steam chamber to be transported to the outlet by the carrier gas flow. The detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 16.
18. A steam storage module configured to store steam for delivery to a detection device, The steam storage module is A steam chamber configured to store a steam source for delivery to the detection device, A flow path comprising an inlet configured to receive a carrier gas flow from the detection device and an outlet configured to provide an outlet flow to the detection device, wherein the flow path is separated from the steam chamber by a valve configured to control the passage of steam from the steam source to the flow path, An absorbent material fluidly connected to the flow path is configured to prevent the diffusion of vapor in the flow path to the detection device, A housing comprising the steam chamber, the flow path, and the absorbent material, the housing further comprising a first interface section having a first connector at the inlet of the flow path and a second connector at the outlet of the flow path, It has, The steam storage module is detachably connected to the detection device by the first interface unit, The first interface unit is configured to connect to the second interface unit of the detection device in order to align the first connector with respect to the flow outlet of the detection device to provide a sealed connection, and to align the second connector with respect to the steam inlet of the detection device to provide a sealed connection. A steam storage module characterized by the following features.
19. The steam storage module is as further defined in any one of claims 7 to 17. The steam storage module according to claim 18.
20. The steam chamber occupies at least 20% of the internal volume of the enclosure of the steam storage module. For example, the steam chamber occupies 20% to 40% of the internal volume of the steam storage module. A steam storage module according to claim 18 or 19, or a detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 17.
21. A steam generator for delivering steam to a detection device, The steam generator is, A steam chamber configured to store a steam source for delivery to the detection device, A flow path comprising an inlet configured to receive a carrier gas flow and an outlet configured to provide an outlet flow to the detection device, the flow path being connected to the steam chamber by a single valve positioned between the inlet and the outlet, configured to prevent the passage of steam from the steam chamber to both the inlet and the outlet of the flow path when the valve is closed, and to allow steam from the steam chamber to be transported to the outlet by the carrier gas flow when the valve is opened, An absorbent material fluidly connected to the flow path is configured to prevent the diffusion of vapor in the flow path to the inlet or outlet and the detection device, Having, A steam generator characterized by the following features.
22. A flow supply unit configured to provide a carrier gas flow to the inlet of the flow path, passing through the valve and through the outlet of the flow path toward the steam inlet, It has, When the valve is opened, the steam leaving the steam source is transported by the carrier gas through the outlet of the flow path to the detection device. When the valve is closed, the flow supply unit can provide a carrier gas flow from the inlet of the flow path, through the closed valve, and toward the outlet of the flow path. The steam generator according to claim 21.
23. The steam generator is a removable steam storage module or detection system as further defined in any one of claims 2 to 16. Having, The steam generator according to claim 21 or 22.
24. A method for maintaining a vapor generator of a detection system configured to supply a calibrant or dopant to a detection device, The aforementioned method, Removing the steam storage module connected to the detection device, Connecting the replacement steam storage module to the detection device, Includes, The steam storage module is A vapor chamber configured to store a calibrant source or dopant source, To prevent the diffusion of steam from the steam storage module to the detection device, a steam absorbent is provided, configured to absorb steam released from the steam chamber. Equipped with, Compared to the steam storage module removed from the detection device, the replacement steam storage module is Including an increased amount of calibrant or dopant, and / or, Includes a steam absorbent with increased steam absorption capacity, A method characterized by the following:
25. Refilling the aforementioned steam chamber with calibrant or dopant, and / or, To improve the steam absorption capacity of the steam absorbent, the steam storage module removed from the detection device is maintained by processing or replacing the steam absorbent. including, The method according to claim 24.
26. The detection system and / or the steam storage module are as defined in any one of claims 1 to 23. The method according to claim 24 or 25.