Bubble-Segmented Transport Liquid for Precise Sample Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample introduction systems for mass spectrometry face challenges in achieving high-throughput analysis due to limitations in the performance of acoustic droplet ejection (ADE) devices and open port interfaces (OPI), which affect sensitivity, reproducibility, and throughput.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of bubbles into the transport liquid flow within the OPI, controlled by specific flow rates and pressures, ensures precise sample separation and isolation, allowing for efficient sample handling and improved peak detection in mass spectrometry systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If bubbles are introduced into the transport liquid flow at high frequency, then sample separation precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Bubbles are introduced as an intermediary element to separate samples in the transport liquid flow. The bubbles act as physical barriers that segment the continuous liquid flow into discrete portions, each containing a sample, thereby achieving precise sample separation without complex mechanical valves or pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses gas bubbles introduced into the liquid transport flow to achieve sample separation. By controlling bubble generation frequency and size, the system creates a pneumatic-hydraulic segmentation mechanism that simplifies the overall device architecture while maintaining high separation precision.
2Productivity
If transport liquid flow rate is increased to improve throughput, then productivity increases, but sample isolation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic bubble generation at controlled frequencies to segment the transport liquid flow. This periodic action creates regular intervals for sample isolation, allowing the system to maintain high throughput while ensuring each sample is properly isolated by bubbles generated at optimized frequencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system optimizes sample isolation by adjusting parameters including bubble generation frequency, transport liquid flow rate, and bubble size. By dynamically changing these parameters, the system achieves both high throughput and precise sample isolation without the trade-off present in conventional systems.
3Measurement precision
If bubble generation frequency is increased to improve sample separation, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble generation process operates continuously at an optimized frequency that maintains constant sample separation without interruption. This continuous operation ensures high peak resolution while minimizing idle time between samples, thereby reducing overall time loss compared to intermittent or manually controlled bubble generation.
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 method enhances peak resolution and throughput by reducing peak width, leading to improved analytical performance and higher efficiency in sample analysis.
Implementation Method 1
aspirating the transport liquid from the OPI via a transfer conduit at a first pressure, so as to introduce a plurality of first bubbles into the transport fluid, wherein the plurality of first bubbles are introduced from the atmosphere and into the transfer conduit
Implementation Method 2
aspirating the transport liquid from the OPI via a transfer conduit at a first pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A method of evacuating a liquid sample from an open port interface (OPI) via a pressure drop includes applying the pressure drop to a transport liquid. This application generates a plurality of bubbles in the transport liquid during evacuation of the transport liquid from the OPI via a transfer conduit. The liquid sample is separated from a subsequent liquid sample by at least one of the generated bubbles.