Ion Source Probe Cooling for Mass Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional desolvation techniques using elevated temperatures in mass spectrometers can cause overheating of the ion source probe, leading to instability in ion sampling and reduced performance, especially during extended runs or with low flow rate sample sources.
Innovation Solution
A cooling mechanism is introduced to maintain the ion source probe at a stable temperature by delivering a cooling fluid through a conduit surrounding the sample conduit, which can be configured to adjust the cooling rate and composition, ensuring the probe remains below 60°C and preventing overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If elevated temperatures are used in the ionization chamber for desolvation, then sampling efficiency is improved, but the ion source probe overheats causing instability in ion sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two distinct thermal zones: the ionization chamber is heated to high temperatures for desolvation, while the ion source probe is actively cooled to maintain stability. This spatial segmentation of temperature control allows each component to operate at its optimal temperature without interfering with the other.
Solution Approach 2:
A cooling fluid acts as an intermediary substance that absorbs excess heat from the ion source probe. The cooling fluid circulates through channels in the probe, transferring thermal energy from the probe to the surrounding environment, thereby maintaining the probe temperature within stable operating limits while allowing the ionization chamber to remain hot.
2Reliability
If the ion source probe is cooled to prevent overheating, then ion sampling stability is improved, but desolvation efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal control system is segmented into two independent zones: the ionization chamber maintains high temperature for efficient desolvation, while the ion source probe is actively cooled for stable ion sampling. This allows both functions to operate at their respective optimal temperatures simultaneously without compromising either desolvation efficiency or sampling stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the system are assigned different thermal properties: the ionization chamber is designed to be hot for desolvation, while the ion source probe is designed to be cool for stability. The cooling channels are strategically positioned in the probe to ensure localized cooling where needed, while leaving the ionization chamber hot for efficient sample processing.
3Temperature
If cooling fluid is delivered through a conduit surrounding the sample conduit, then probe temperature control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is merged with the existing probe structure by incorporating cooling channels directly into the probe body or surrounding housing. This integration allows the cooling fluid to be delivered efficiently to the probe without requiring separate, complex cooling apparatus, thereby achieving good temperature control while minimizing additional device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system utilizes hydraulic principles by circulating a cooling fluid through conduits surrounding the sample conduit. The fluid flow carries away heat from the probe through convection and conduction, providing effective temperature control. The hydraulic design allows for simple pump-and-tube implementation without complex mechanical cooling components.
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 enhances the consistency and efficiency of ion formation, allows for higher ionization chamber temperatures for improved desolvation, and supports the use of lower flow rate sample sources, stabilizing the ion signal and increasing sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
the outlet of the cooling conduit can be configured to deliver the cooling fluid onto a surface of the sample conduit within the sheath for removing heat therefrom, e.g., by way of evaporation of the cooling liquid upon contact with said sample conduit
Implementation Method 2
desolvation techniques often utilize a flow of heated gas to intersect the plume or spray of droplets generated by a sample probe within the sampling chamber... the heated gas helping to move the droplets toward the orifice of the mass spectrometer and evaporate the droplets to generate ions
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for delivering a sample to a mass spectrometer are provided. In one aspect, the systems and methods can provide efficient cooling of an ion source probe to prevent overheating and the resulting degradation in ion sampling. In some aspects, such cooling can result in improved consistency and/or efficiency of ion formation. Moreover, ion source cooling in accordance with various aspects of the present teachings can allow for the use of higher temperatures in the ionization chamber (thereby improving desolvation) and/or can enable the use of lower flow rate sample sources than with conventional techniques.