Bubble Removal from Liquid Flow into Mass Spectrometer Source

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pumping mechanisms for mass spectrometry, such as rapidly reciprocating pumps, generate unstable fluid flows due to cavitation bubbles, which disrupt the ion generation process and are not suitable for delivering liquid samples to an ion source effectively.

Innovation Solution

The system includes an inlet conduit, a return conduit, and an outlet conduit configured to divert bubbles from the liquid sample, with the return conduit transporting a significant portion of the liquid sample back to the sample source, thereby preventing bubbles from reaching the ion source chamber, and utilizing a pump like a fast reciprocating or diaphragm pump to stabilize the flow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If rapidly reciprocating pumps are used to deliver liquid sample, then cost is reduced and efficiency is improved, but signal stability deteriorates due to cavitation bubbles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow delivery efficiencyVSAvoidsignal stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the liquid flow into two separate paths: a first path that removes bubbles from the liquid sample, and a second path that delivers the bubble-free liquid to the ion source. This segmentation allows the reciprocating pump to operate efficiently while the bubble removal path ensures signal stability by preventing cavitation bubbles from reaching the ionization chamber.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A bubble removal mechanism acts as an intermediary between the reciprocating pump and the ion source. This intermediary component captures and removes cavitation bubbles generated by the pump before the liquid reaches the ionization chamber, thereby maintaining signal stability without compromising the efficiency benefits of using a reciprocating pump.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If syringe pumps are used to deliver liquid sample, then signal stability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal stabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system combines a reciprocating pump with a bubble removal mechanism to achieve the signal stability of syringe pumps while maintaining the cost advantages of reciprocating pumps. The merging of these two components creates a hybrid system that captures the essential benefit of each: the efficiency and low cost of reciprocating pumps plus the signal stability of bubble-free delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the harmful cavitation bubbles from the liquid flow using a dedicated bubble removal path, allowing the use of inexpensive reciprocating pumps while achieving signal stability previously only available from expensive syringe pumps. This extraction of the problematic element enables cost reduction without sacrificing performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Stability of the object's composition

If pressure accumulators and dampeners are added to mitigate flow pulses, then flow stability is improved, but cavitation bubbles are still generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow stabilityVSAvoidcavitation bubble formation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of merely mitigating the effects of pump oscillations with pressure accumulators, the system converts the harmful cavitation bubbles into a separable entity that can be removed. By giving the bubbles a separate removal path, the system transforms the harmful byproduct of reciprocating pump operation into a manageable component that can be eliminated before reaching the ion source.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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

This configuration significantly improves the stability of the liquid sample flow to the ion source, enabling the use of previously unsuitable pumps and achieving a stable ion signal comparable to high-end syringe pumps, reducing costs and enhancing mass spectrometry performance.

Implementation Method 1

the alternating compression/tension cycles can be mitigated with pressure accumulators and dampeners

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

when the tensile stress caused by a retracting membrane overcomes the tensile strength of the liquid, pressure within the liquid drops below its saturated vapor pressure such that bubbles are generated as the liquid changes into its gas phase

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCavitation: Cavitation

Implementation Method 3

bubbles contained within the liquid sample in the inlet conduit are preferentially diverted to the return conduit relative to the outlet conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP3030895B1Bubble removal from liquid flow into a mass spectrometer source

Publication Date: 2020.12.16 DH TECH DEVMENT PTE

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Figure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

Methods and systems for delivering a liquid sample to an ion source are provided herein. In various aspects, the methods and systems can improve the stability of a flow of liquid sample delivered to an ion source. In accordance with various aspects, the methods and systems can remove bubbles (e.g., cavitation bubbles or otherwise) present in the liquid sample prior to its injection into an ionization chamber.