Branched Gas Analysis Flow for Direct MS and Trap GC/MS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas analysis methods require separate measurements for direct mode TG-MS and trap mode TG-GC/MS, and involve complex control for switching between modes, which is not applicable to modern capillary column gas chromatographs and leaves room for improvement in flow path switching during thermal analysis.
Innovation Solution
A gas analysis device with a branching section that continuously branches the target gas into one path for mass spectrometry and another for trapping, using a 10-port valve controlled by a controller to manage the flow paths, allowing simultaneous direct and trap mode analysis without complex control, and switching to gas chromatography after thermal analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate measurements are used for direct mode TG-MS and trap mode TG-GC/MS, then measurement flexibility is maintained, but device complexity and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines both direct mode TG-MS and trap mode TG-GC/MS measurement capabilities into a single integrated system. The gas analysis device includes both a mass spectrometer for direct analysis and a gas chromatograph with trap section for trapped gas analysis, allowing both measurement modes to be performed without reconfiguring connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas analysis device is designed with multi-functional capability to perform both direct mode mass spectrometry and trap mode gas chromatography-mass spectrometry using the same thermal analysis device connection. The system can switch between measurement modes without requiring separate device connections, making the system universal for multiple analysis types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flow path switching is performed during thermal analysis, then measurement mode can be changed, but measurement continuity and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The trap section continuously traps gas during thermal analysis in preparation for subsequent GC/MS analysis. This preliminary trapping action ensures that when GC/MS analysis is initiated, the gas is already prepared and ready for analysis, eliminating the need for flow path switching during the thermal analysis itself and maintaining measurement continuity.
3Ease of manufacture
If packed column gas chromatograph is used, then trap mode measurement is possible, but applicability to modern capillary column gas chromatographs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The gas analysis device is designed to be compatible with both packed column and capillary column gas chromatographs. The trap section and flow path design are universal enough to work with different gas chromatograph types, allowing the system to adapt to modern capillary column technology while maintaining trap mode measurement capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables continuous and accurate gas analysis in both direct and trap modes with simplified control, preventing discontinuous gas supply to the mass spectrometer and maintaining capillary column stability for immediate transition to GC/MS, improving measurement accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a mass spectrometer that carries out mass spectrometry of one branched target gas
Implementation Method 2
a trap section that holds the other branched target gas
Implementation Method 3
a gas chromatograph that analyzes the other branched target gas
Data Source
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AI summary
A gas analysis device and a gas analysis method capable of performing measurement in a direct mode and a trap mode without carrying out a complicated control. The gas analysis device 100 according to the present disclosure includes a branching section 20 that branches a target gas, a mass spectrometer 80 that carries out mass spectrometry of one branched target gases, a trap section 60 that holds the other branched target gases, a gas chromatograph 70 that analyzes the other branched target gas held by the trap section, and a controller 50 that controls the flow path of the one branched target gas and the other branched target gas. The branching section 20 is controlled so that, while the thermal analysis is being carried out by the thermal analysis device, the branching section 20 continuously branches the supplied target gas and discharges one branched target gas and the other branched target gas, and when the thermal analysis has been completed, the other branched target gas held by the trap section 60 is supplied to the gas chromatograph 70.