Desorption Electrospray Ionization for Solid Hydrocarbon Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for analyzing petroleum samples are limited by the need for extensive sample preparation and cannot provide compositional information about solid samples or spatial variations within a matrix, leading to loss of valuable data during extraction and analysis.
Innovation Solution
The method employs desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry to directly analyze hydrocarbon samples, including those in solid matrices, using a solvent with a non-polar and polar compound mixture, allowing for minimal sample preparation and spatial profiling of composition without the need for reduced pressure environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional extraction and chromatographic separation methods are used to analyze petroleum samples, then compositional information can be obtained, but extensive sample preparation is required and spatial variations within the matrix are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary compositional information directly from the solid matrix surface using desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, eliminating the need for extensive extraction and chromatographic separation procedures while preserving spatial variation data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary solvent system that facilitates direct desorption of hydrocarbon compounds from the solid matrix surface into the gas phase for mass spectrometric analysis, bridging the gap between solid sample and gas-phase detection without requiring complex liquid-liquid extraction and chromatography
2Quantity of substance
If solid matrix samples are extracted using conventional methods, then hydrocarbon compounds can be analyzed, but spatial variations and valuable data are lost during extraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality analysis by examining the surface of the solid matrix at specific locations using desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, preserving spatial variation information while obtaining compositional data from different regions of the sample
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary desorption of hydrocarbon compounds directly from the solid matrix surface before any extraction or separation steps, capturing spatially-resolved compositional information that would otherwise be lost during conventional extraction procedures
3Reliability
If reduced pressure environments are used for mass spectrometry analysis, then ionization can be achieved, but the analysis becomes more complex and requires specialized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical vacuum system with an electrospray ionization source that operates at atmospheric pressure, using electrical fields to generate ions directly from the solvent-containing analyte without requiring reduced pressure environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter from vacuum to atmospheric pressure by using electrospray ionization, allowing mass spectrometric analysis to be performed under ambient conditions while maintaining reliable ionization through electrical field application
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 enables efficient characterization of hydrocarbon samples with minimal sample preparation, preserving spatial variations and providing detailed compositional information, including for solid samples, under ambient conditions, similar to conventional methods but with reduced fragmentation and increased sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
capturing droplets desorbed from the surface at an inlet conduit for a mass spectrometer
Implementation Method 2
generating at least one mass spectrum based on the one or more compounds from the hydrocarbon sample
Data Source
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AI summary
A method is provided for analysis and/or profiling of petroleum samples. The method allows for compositional analysis of samples using desorption electrospray ionization for generating ions for detection by mass spectroscopy. Desorption electrospray ionization can be used to generate ions for detection from a liquid or solid petroleum (or other hydrocarbon) sample by dropping a solvent typically comprising toluene and acetonitrile onto a sample surface. For solid samples, the technique can also be used to identify changes in composition of a petroleum sample relative to a dimension of the solid sample.