Combined Analyzer Flow Path Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combined analyzers, such as TA-MS and TA-GCMS devices, face challenges in maintaining the identity of components of gases generated from thermal analyzers, particularly when switching between mass spectrometry and gas chromatograph mass spectrometry analyses, leading to inconsistent results due to the loss of time information and insufficient separation.
Innovation Solution
A combined analyzer system with a thermal analyzer, a trap, a gas chromatograph, and a mass spectrometer, featuring multiple flow paths and a controller that allows for sequential operation in two modes: one for direct mass spectrometry and another for chromatographic separation, ensuring that the gas is trapped and then separated, maintaining component identity across analyses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the gas generated from the thermal analyzer is directly introduced into the mass spectrometer, then the time relation between mass change/differential heat information and mass spectrum information is maintained, but the components of the gas cannot be separated when peaks with same m/z overlap
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow path is segmented into multiple branches: one path directs gas directly to the mass spectrometer for time-correlated analysis, while another path directs gas through the gas chromatograph column for separation. This segmentation allows both direct mass spectrometry and chromatographic separation to be performed on the same gas sample simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between maintaining time relation information and achieving component separation accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the gas generated from the thermal analyzer is passed through the gas chromatograph column for separation, then components with same m/z can be separated, but the time information as to heating in the thermal analyzer is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The gas flow path is segmented into multiple branches: one path directs gas directly to the mass spectrometer for time-correlated analysis, while another path directs gas through the gas chromatograph column for separation. This segmentation allows both direct mass spectrometry and chromatographic separation to be performed on the same gas sample simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between maintaining time relation information and achieving component separation accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the same sample is analyzed sequentially by the TA-MS device first and then the TA-GCMS device, then both mass spectrometry and gas chromatograph mass spectrometry results can be obtained, but identity of components of the generated gas cannot be kept due to distribution within the sample
Solution Approach 1:
The mass spectrometer and gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer systems are merged into a single combined analyzer with a common thermal analyzer and shared mass spectrometer. The gas flow path branches allow both analysis modes to operate simultaneously on the same gas sample, ensuring component identity consistency while providing both mass spectrometry and gas chromatograph mass spectrometry capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
A flow path branching system with valves acts as an intermediary between the thermal analyzer and the analysis instruments. This intermediary directs the same gas sample to either the direct mass spectrometry path or the gas chromatograph path, ensuring that both analyses are performed on identical gas components while enabling versatile analysis capabilities.
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 enables simultaneous and sequential analysis of mass spectrometry and gas chromatograph mass spectrometry results while ensuring the identity of gas components, allowing for precise identification and separation of sample components.
Implementation Method 1
a trap, a gas chromatograph
Implementation Method 2
a column included in the gas chromatograph
Data Source
AI summary
A combined analyzer includes a thermal analyzer, a trap, a gas chromatograph, a mass spectrometer, a first flow path to which a gas generated in the thermal analyzer is supplied, a second flow path that branches from the first flow path and is connected to the mass spectrometer, a third flow path that branches from the first flow path and is connected to the trap, a fourth flow path that connects the trap and a column included in the gas chromatograph, and a fifth flow path that connects the column and the mass spectrometer.