Gas Inlet System for ICP-MS with Single Flow Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current gas inlet systems for ICP-MS instruments require separate mass flow controllers for each collision gas, leading to high costs and long gas flush times due to the large dead volume of mass flow controllers, making it inefficient to switch between different collision gases.
Innovation Solution
A gas inlet system with a single gas flow controller that uses a combination of gas inlet and control lines with adjustable flow restrictions and valves to regulate gas flow, allowing for rapid switching between collision gases without the need for multiple mass flow controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate mass flow controllers are used for each collision gas, then gas flow control precision is maintained, but device cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple gas flow control functions into a single mass flow controller by using electronic flow control signals that can independently regulate multiple gas lines (He, H2, CO2) simultaneously. This merging approach eliminates the need for separate physical flow controllers for each gas type, reducing device cost while maintaining precise flow control through electronic regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The single mass flow controller is designed with multi-functionality to handle different collision gases (He, H2, CO2) through a unified control system. The controller receives electronic flow control signals and distributes appropriate flow rates to multiple gas lines, making one device perform the function of multiple separate controllers, thereby reducing overall system cost.
2Device complexity
If a single mass flow controller is used for multiple collision gases, then device cost is reduced, but gas switching time increases due to large dead volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow control function from the main gas pathway by using a separate control line that branches from the gas line downstream of the flow controller. This control line allows electronic flow control signals to regulate gas flow without requiring the main controller to be directly in the gas path, thereby reducing dead volume and enabling faster gas switching while maintaining cost efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control line as an intermediary between the mass flow controller and the collision cell. This control line carries electronic flow control signals and allows rapid gas composition changes by providing a separate regulation pathway that minimizes dead volume impact on switching speed, while the main controller continues to provide cost-effective single-point flow management.
3Measurement precision
If mass flow controllers are positioned close to the analyser, then flow control precision is improved, but gas flush time increases due to dead volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the flow control regulation function from the main gas line by creating a separate control line that branches downstream from the flow controller. This allows the flow controller to be positioned optimally for precision control while the control line provides a low dead-volume pathway for rapid gas switching, effectively separating the precision control function from the rapid switching function.
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 solution reduces costs by eliminating the need for separate mass flow controllers, minimizes switching time, and maintains high precision in gas flow control, ensuring efficient operation of ICP-MS instruments by allowing a wide range of gas flow rates and reducing the risk of contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a flow restriction (4) arranged on the gas inlet line (2)
Implementation Method 2
The collision cell is typically under vacuum, e.g. using a vacuum pump
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a gas inlet system for providing gas into an analytical apparatus, comprising at least a first and a second flow restriction that are arranged on a gas inlet line, a gas flow control line connected to the gas inlet line, a gas flow controller on the gas control line, and valves for controlling gas flow in the gas inlet line and the gas control line. Also provided is a method of controlling gas flow into an analytical apparatus.