ICP-MS Calibration for Metal Microparticle Sizing Without Standards
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for analyzing metal fine particles in liquid or gas using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry face challenges due to the difficulty in preparing standard metal fine particles with known particle diameters, leading to inaccurate measurements of particle diameter, number, and concentration.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a standard solution introduction apparatus with a syringe pump and nebulizer that supplies a standard solution at a low flow rate of 3 μL/min or less directly to the torch section, allowing for the calculation of particle diameter and concentration without the need for standard metal fine particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If standard metal fine particles with known particle diameters are used for calibration, then measurement accuracy of particle diameter can be improved, but preparation difficulty and time consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for actual standard metal fine particles with a computational model. Instead of physically preparing and measuring standard particles, the system calculates expected signal intensities based on theoretical particle diameters and compares these calculated values with measured sample signals to determine particle size distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical preparation and physical measurement of standard particles with a computational approach. The system uses mathematical models to calculate signal intensities for various particle diameters and employs algorithmic processing to match measured signals with calculated values, eliminating the need for physical standard particle preparation.
2Reliability
If standard metal fine particles are prepared and stored for calibration, then measurement reliability improves, but device complexity and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential calibration function from the physical standard particles themselves. Instead of relying on stored standard particles, the system extracts the calibration information through computational calculations of expected signals for various particle diameters, separating the calibration function from the need for physical standard materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a computational copy of the calibration function that replaces physical standards. The system calculates theoretical signal intensities for various particle diameters using mathematical models, effectively copying the calibration information in digital form rather than requiring physical standard particles to be prepared and stored.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional ICP-MS methods are used for metal fine particle analysis, then general applicability is maintained, but specific measurement accuracy for particle diameter decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter used for analysis from direct physical measurement of standard particles to computational signal intensity comparison. By transforming the calibration approach from physical to computational, the system maintains broad applicability to different metal elements while achieving superior particle diameter measurement accuracy through mathematical modeling and signal matching.
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
Enables accurate measurement of particle diameter, number, and concentration of metal fine particles in samples, facilitating efficient analysis without the need for standard metal fine particles.
Implementation Method 1
atoms of a metal element contained in the sample solution are ionized
Implementation Method 2
a torch section for ionizing a sample by forming a plasma
Implementation Method 3
a mass analysis section for separating ions
Implementation Method 4
a detection section for detecting the separated ions... detected as pulse counts
Data Source
AI summary
A method for analyzing a sample containing metal fine particles with an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. The method enables analysis of the sample without the need of standard metal fine particles. Specifically, the present invention relates to a method for analyzing metal fine particles in liquid by use of an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. In the method, the analysis apparatus is provided with a standard solution introduction apparatus including a standard solution storage unit for storing a standard solution containing a specific element in a known concentration, a syringe pump for suctioning and discharging the standard solution, and a solution introduction unit having a standard solution nebulizer and a standard solution spray chamber that are supplied with the standard solution, the standard solution is directly supplied to the standard solution nebulizer at a flow rate of 3 μL/min or less.