Chromatographic Mass Analysis Device Parallel Stream Scheduling
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Solution Overview
Problem
In liquid chromatographic mass spectrometry, there is a need to optimize the operation timing of multiple streams and data collection to improve sample processing efficiency and reduce non-operation time of the mass spectrometer, while ensuring that data collection periods do not overlap between streams.
Innovation Solution
A chromatographic mass analysis device with a control unit that divides the analysis time into pre-collection, collection, and post-collection phases, allowing for parallel operation of these phases and determining non-overlapping data collection times to enhance the mass spectrometer's operation rate and throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single mass spectrometer is used with one-to-one correspondence to liquid chromatograph, then the system is simple to operate, but the mass spectrometer is in non-operation state for most of the time, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the liquid chromatography into multiple independent streams (first stream, second stream, etc.), each with its own pump, autosampler, and column. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple samples while sharing a single mass spectrometer, thereby increasing the operation rate without significantly increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A single mass spectrometer is designed to serve multiple streams through valve switching. The mass spectrometer performs universal detection functions for samples from different streams, maximizing its utilization while maintaining relatively simple operation through centralized control.
2Productivity
If multiple streams are introduced to maximize mass spectrometer data collection, then productivity improves, but it becomes difficult to appropriately set operation start timing and data collection timing, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit pre-calculates and determines the optimal operation start timing for each stream and the corresponding data collection timing before analysis begins. By performing this scheduling action in advance, the system coordinates multiple streams to maximize mass spectrometer utilization while avoiding timing conflicts, thus improving throughput without requiring complex real-time control.
3Measurement precision
If data collection is performed during component elution process, then measurement precision is maintained, but the mass spectrometer operates at low efficiency since data collection is only a small portion of the total analysis time
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing multiple streams operating in parallel, the mass spectrometer continuously receives samples from different streams at different stages of their elution processes. This ensures continuous data collection and maintains measurement precision while maximizing the mass spectrometer's operational efficiency, as it is actively analyzing samples throughout the entire analysis period rather than having idle time between sequential runs.
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 approach allows for an appropriate analysis schedule that increases the operation rate and throughput of the mass spectrometer by ensuring efficient data collection timing and reducing non-operation periods, thereby improving overall sample processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a mass analysis unit for ionizing and analyzing the sample introduced from the switching unit
Implementation Method 2
a liquid chromatogram unit including a pump, an autosampler and a column
Data Source
AI summary
In the present invention, an analysis schedule is pre-created such that streams of a plurality of liquid chromatograms can operate in parallel and a mass spectrometer can collect data at the timing of each component elution. A control unit controls so as to: divide the time required to analyze each sample in a plurality of liquid chromatogram systems into pre-collection time, time during collection, and post-collection time; search and allocate time positions in which the time during collection in the liquid chromatogram units do not overlap; determine start times for the plurality of liquid chromatogram units to thereby create an analysis schedule; and thereafter perform analysis. The control unit further stores parameter sets for varying component elution times, adjusts analysis parameters so as to make data collection timings appropriate for creating an analysis schedule, and changes the component elution times.